Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,135
High-end/Boutique
$150
$501+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Introducing the Apogee Ensemble FireWire Audio Interface, the heart and soul of your Mac-based studio setup. This multi-channel audio interface enables seamless recording of multiple instruments directly into your computer. With its 4 mic/line inputs, insert loops, and 4 TRS line inputs, it's built to handle all your recording needs. Experience superior audio quality with the Ensemble's top-notch analog-to-digital-to-analog conversion technology.
Key Features:
- FireWire audio interface for Mac-based recording
- 4 mic/line inputs with insert loops
- 4 TRS line inputs
- 8 line outputs
- High-quality analog-to-digital-to-analog conversion technology
Product specs
| Brand | Apogee |
| Model | Ensemble Firewire Audio Interface |
| Finish | Silver |
| Year | 2000s |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Audio Interfaces |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Bus-Powered | No |
| Compatibility | macOS |
| Computer Connectivity | Firewire |
| 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 | 8 |
| Number of Channels | 36 |
| Number of Digital Inputs | 10 |
| Number of Digital Outputs | 10 |
| Number of Headphone Outputs | 2 |
| Number of MIDI Inputs | 0 |
| Number of MIDI Outputs | 0 |
| Number of Mic Preamps | 4 |
| Sample Rate | 192 khz |
FAQs
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Is the Apogee Ensemble FireWire compatible with modern Mac computers?
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Yes, the Apogee Ensemble FireWire is compatible with modern Mac computers, including those with Apple Silicon (M1/M2) running macOS 11 Big Sur or macOS 12 Monterey, through Apple's FireWire CoreAudio driver.
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What are the main connectivity options for the Apogee Ensemble FireWire?
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The Apogee Ensemble FireWire offers FireWire connectivity and supports ADAT/Optical and S/PDIF digital input/output formats, making it ideal for integrating with Mac-based recording systems.
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How many mic preamps does the Apogee Ensemble FireWire have?
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The Apogee Ensemble FireWire features four high-quality mic preamps, providing ample inputs for professional recording setups.
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What is the sample rate capability of the Apogee Ensemble FireWire?
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The Apogee Ensemble FireWire supports sample rates up to 192 kHz, ensuring high-resolution audio recording and playback.
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Does the Apogee Ensemble FireWire offer bus power?
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No, the Apogee Ensemble FireWire is not bus-powered and requires an external power source to operate.
Videos
Apogee Support
Support Bench: Ensemble Firewire Hardware Reset
Support Bench: Ensemble Firewire Hardware Reset
Apogee Support
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional sound quality with clear, crisp audio
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Very stable on both older and newer Macs, even with adapters
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Easy to expand using ADAT for additional interfaces
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Low latency mixer functionality for minimal monitoring delay
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Optical out feature enhances mixing/monitoring tasks
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High-quality preamps and converters that rival more expensive units
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Sleek design enhances studio aesthetics
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Easy integration with Mac platforms, acting like an internal sound piece
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Praised for its durability and reliability over time
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Responsive and helpful customer support from Apogee
CONS
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Official software support only up to Mac OS 10.10, problematic on newer versions
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No built-in MIDI I/O, limiting connectivity options
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Some users report difficulties in figuring out the Maestro matrix routing
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Occasionally behaves unpredictably, with reports of sudden volume increases or white noise bursts
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Primarily designed for Mac users, limiting its compatibility with Windows-based systems
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Apogee Ensemble FireWire Audio Interface.
Software and compatibility
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Apogee Ensemble FireWire support is deprecated in modern macOS, requiring complex adapter chains for functionality, but even these may not ensure full compatibility.
Source
Features and functionality
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The Ensemble’s ADAT outputs can be used to extend its lifespan by connecting to a modern device with optical inputs, maintaining its high-quality conversion.
Source -
The CS4272 converters used in the Ensemble FireWire are still popular in entry-level interfaces, indicating they hold up well in audio quality.
Source
Comparisons
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RME Fireface interfaces are noted for their long-term reliability and continued driver support, making them a recommended alternative for those transitioning from FireWire.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Some users employ a Symphony Desktop to utilize the Ensemble’s converters via optical connection, circumventing software incompatibility issues on newer Macs.
Source
User experience
Build quality
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Apogee interfaces are known for having issues with their power buttons, which may require repairs or workarounds like keeping the device powered on continuously.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Configuring the Ensemble for ADAT use requires a FireWire to Thunderbolt adapter and possibly an older Mac for initial setup with the Maestro software.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 8 Reviews and 29 Ratings
lots of bandwidth, but too buggy for the price
I don't know if I got a bad one or what, but this thing likes to make you aware of its existence. Most of the time it behaves, but sometimes it will go MAX VOLUME for no reason. It also was throwing loud bursts of white noise into the audio stream. I tried to get Apogee to fix it or exchange it, but no luck. It's a piece of hardware, and it's always acted up. I keep it on all the time, like most gear, but it needs to be shut off and rebooted every once in a while.
essential requirement for real acurate recording quality
High-end digital converter manufacturers Apogee are Apple's audio partner of choice, and their latest Firewire interface is aimed squarely at Mac users with a taste for quality.
297
6 years later and you can get one for 140 bucks now. Works flawlessly with the current Macs
213
Apogee Ensemble
Apogee Ensemble Firewire 4 preamps. very stable, software that host it is very simple.
114
Artist usage
Add artist
A Beatport article from May 2008 shows a snapshot of Deadmau5's technical rider. This is taken from his performance at the Beatport stage at Movement 2008. The third item on the top row, right below the MacBook Pro, is the Apogee Ensemble audio interface. The original article can be found here.
Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day owns an Apogee Ensemble FireWire Audio Interface, as verified by a listing on Reverb.
Afrojack uses the Apogee Ensemble Audio Interface. It can be seen on his desk in the studio.
The Apogee Ensemble is seen in a YouTube video of Diplo's studio.
Steve Aoki's audio interface of choice, the Apogee Ensemble can be spotted in videos of Aoki's studio setup.
the Apogee Ensemble is listed on this page
From an archived interview with Justice from eMusician.com: "...[Also in the duo's bare-bones setup is an Apogee Ensemble interface and, for monitors, Altec iPod speakers and a Bose radio alarm clock.]"
The Apogee Ensemble Audio Interface sits at the top of a rack in Deorro's studio gear setup.
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A photo of Fedde's studio reveals he uses the Apogee Ensemble Audio Interface.
The Apogee Ensemble can be seen in the rack on Bonobo's desk in 0:09 of this deconstruction video from MTV.
Album Usage
The Apogee Ensemble FireWire Audio Interface has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Apogee Ensemble FireWire Audio Interface, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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