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Description

For dedicated musicians and sound engineers, the Apogee Element 88 is a high-performance audio interface that promises to take your sound recording to a new level. With its best-in-class Apogee A/D conversion, the Element 88 ensures minimal noise interference and maximum signal quality, promising extraordinary clarity in every track you record.

Whether you're capturing dynamic vocals, powerful drums, or delicate strings, the Element 88's premium mic preamps, featuring Apogee's Advanced Stepped Gain Architecture™, will capture every detail of the performance. This dynamic analog circuit optimizes across a gain range of 0-75dB, offering superior bandwidth and low distortion.

The Element 88's superior D/A converter allows for more definition in every track and virtual instrument. This clarity gives you the precision to achieve the perfect balance when mixing your music. The high-end will sound crisp and clear, and the low end will be tight and well defined.

What's more, the Element 88 boasts its own built-in clock source, ensuring synchronization of the AD/DA process. This is like having a personal conductor for your digital audio system, guaranteeing a harmonious blend of your tracks.

With Thunderbolt connectivity and an ultra-low latency performance (1.41 ms round-trip), the Element 88 offers both power and speed. Apogee's custom driver utilizes Direct Memory Access technology, allowing you to run more plugins and monitor through your DAW at a low buffer setting.

Key Features:

  • Best-in-class Apogee A/D and D/A conversion
  • Advanced Stepped Gain Architecture™ mic preamps
  • Built-in clock source for AD/DA synchronization
  • Thunderbolt connectivity with ultra-low latency (1.41 ms round-trip)
  • Allows for more plugins and monitoring through DAW at a low buffer setting

Product specs

Brand Apogee
Model Element 88 Thunderbolt Audio Interface
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Audio Interfaces
Bit Depth 24-bit
Bus-Powered No
Compatibility iOS, macOS
Computer Connectivity Thunderbolt
Digital Input Format ADAT/Optical, S/PIDF
Digital Output Format ADAT/Optical, S/PIDF
Electronics Analog, Digital, Solid State
Format 19-inch Rackmount
Number of Analog Inputs 8
Number of Analog Outputs 6
Number of Channels 30
Number of Digital Inputs 8
Number of Digital Outputs 8
Number of Headphone Outputs 2
Number of MIDI Inputs 0
Number of MIDI Outputs 0
Number of Mic Preamps 8
Sample Rate 192 khz
Simultaneous I/O 16 x 14

FAQs

What type of connectivity does the Apogee Element 88 offer?

The Apogee Element 88 connects to your computer via Thunderbolt, providing fast and reliable data transfer suitable for professional studio environments.

How many mic preamps does the Apogee Element 88 have?

The Apogee Element 88 is equipped with eight high-quality mic preamps, ideal for recording multiple instruments or a full band setup.

Is the Apogee Element 88 compatible with Windows?

The Apogee Element 88 is compatible with iOS and macOS systems, but it does not support Windows platforms.

What is the maximum sample rate supported by the Apogee Element 88?

The Apogee Element 88 supports a maximum sample rate of 192 kHz, allowing for high-resolution audio recording and playback.

Does the Apogee Element 88 have MIDI connectivity?

No, the Apogee Element 88 does not include MIDI inputs or outputs, focusing instead on audio connectivity and high-quality sound conversion.

Apogee Electronics

Apogee Electronics

Apogee Element Series - Thunderbolt Audio Recording Interfaces

Video thumbnail for Apogee Element Series - Thunderbolt Audio Recording Interfaces by Apogee Electronics

Apogee Element Series - Thunderbolt Audio Recording Interfaces

Apogee Electronics

Apogee Electronics

Video thumbnail for Buy Apogee Element 88, Get Apogee Control FREE by Apogee Electronics

Buy Apogee Element 88, Get Apogee Control FREE

Apogee Electronics

Apogee Electronics

Video thumbnail for Element 88 | Product Overview by Apogee Electronics

Element 88 | Product Overview

Apogee Electronics

Apogee Electronics

Reviews

PROS

  • Compact design ideal for mobile sessions

  • Pristine audio quality enhances recordings

  • Excellent Logic Pro integration for streamlined workflow

  • Provides 8 additional transparent pre-amps for expanded recording capabilities

  • Software controls eliminate the need for physical buttons/knobs, simplifying setup

  • Noticeable improvement in gain and presence over competitor models (e.g., Presonus Firepod)

  • High-end detail and full low-end in preamps surpass expectations

  • Playback audio quality described as more detailed and 3D compared to competitors (e.g., Scarlett 2i2, Focusrite Saffire Pro 40)

  • iPhone control capability adds convenience to adjustments

  • Direct monitoring feature in Logic Pro for real-time feedback

CONS

  • Apple exclusivity limits compatibility with non-Mac systems

  • Requires additional purchases for newer Macs (Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter and cable)

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Apogee Element 88.

Features and functionality

  • The Apogee Element 88 lacks channel inserts, complicating integration with outboard gear during tracking without using complex routing and experiencing minimal latency.

    Source
  • Lacking onboard hardware controls, the Element 88 relies entirely on software for preamp gain adjustments, complicating integration with other interfaces like the UAD Apollo Twin.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Apogee Control software allows recalling preamp levels and settings, aiding in maintaining consistent setups across sessions.

    Source
  • The Apogee Element 88 doesn't support Thunderbolt passthrough with UAD Satellite DSP units, requiring separate connections to the computer.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users prefer the outboard gear workflow despite the minor latency, citing improved speed and satisfaction with the final vocal sound.

    Source
  • Some owners find the lack of hardware controls on the Element 88 limiting when attempting to integrate with other interfaces for monitoring purposes.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users often desire an outboard vocal chain using Apogee preamps, EQ, and compressors like 1176 and LA2A styles, but must navigate routing challenges.

    Source
  • Users often consider pairing the Element 88 with UAD Satellite for enhanced plugin capabilities without replacing their current interface.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Apogee Element 88 preamps are praised for their neutral, uncolored sound compared to the more colored tonality of Neve or API style preamps.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Apogee Element Series

soundonsound.com

The Apogee Element 88 impresses with its high-quality audio akin to the pricier Ensemble, offering software-only control that suits modern workflows. Its rugged build and flexibility for additional interfaces make it an excellent choice for Mac users. However, the lack of MIDI I/O and surround sound support might deter some, and the absence of included Thunderbolt cables is a minor inconvenience. Overall, it's a sleek, great-sounding option for those who prefer virtual knobs over physical ones.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Simon Carcamo S uses Apogee Element 88

Simon Carcamo S

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Simon Carcamo S uses the Apogee Element 88 audio interface for recording tracks with Jardín Mojado, as demonstrated in the "Todo se Devuelve" video by Jardín Mojado on YouTube.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Apogee Element 88, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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