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Description

The Symphony I/O 2x6 empowers all that is Apogee, from legendary quality, to ultra-low latency and maximum performance. Apogee Symphony I/O is a modular multi-channel audio interface featuring premium AD/DA conversion and world-class microphone preamps. Designed to deliver professional sound quality for audio recording, mixing and mastering on a Mac, Symphony I/O is the ultimate music production centerpiece for any modern studio.

Legendary Sound Quality

Symphony I/O is the culmination of 25 years of Apogee's award-winning design experience. Using the most advanced components available, Apogee engineers created an extremely efficient circuit and power design resulting in a significant improvement in audio clarity and transparency over any previous Apogee product.

Input and Output FlexibilityThe Symphony I/O 2x6 features 2 balanced inputs, 6 balanced outputs, as well as stereo AES I/O and 8x8 optical I/O. Plenty of I/O to handle any environment from home to professional studios. The Symphony I/O 2x6 is also extremely versatile with multiple connectivity options to fit your needs.

Complete Compatibility

Connect Symphony I/O to any Apple workstation; MacBook, iMac or Mac Pro via USB, Pro Tools HD, Symphony PCI or Thunderbolt. Symphony I/O is simple to set up and easy to use.

Apogee Electronics

Apogee Electronics

Apogee Symphony I/O with Dave Tozer

Video thumbnail for Apogee Symphony I/O with Dave Tozer by Apogee Electronics

Apogee Symphony I/O with Dave Tozer

Apogee Electronics

Apogee Electronics

Video thumbnail for Apogee Symphony I/O with Nathan Chapman and Joe West by Apogee Electronics

Apogee Symphony I/O with Nathan Chapman and Joe West

Apogee Electronics

Apogee Electronics

Video thumbnail for Apogee Symphony IO Overview - Sweetwater by Sweetwater

Apogee Symphony IO Overview - Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Apogee Symphony I/O - Ultimate Sound Quality by Apogee Electronics

Apogee Symphony I/O - Ultimate Sound Quality

Apogee Electronics

Apogee Electronics

Video thumbnail for Sweetwater Minute - Vol. 145, Apogee Symphony I/O Overview by Sweetwater

Sweetwater Minute - Vol. 145, Apogee Symphony I/O Overview

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Apogee Electronics Symphony I/O Converter: 64 Channel Audio Interface - Dubspot @ Namm 2014 by Dubspot

Apogee Electronics Symphony I/O Converter: 64 Channel Audio Interface - Dubspot @ Namm 2014

Dubspot

Dubspot

Video thumbnail for Apogee Symphony I/O second module installation tutorial by Apogee Electronics

Apogee Symphony I/O second module installation tutorial

Apogee Electronics

Apogee Electronics

Video thumbnail for Apogee Symphony I/O by *d.a.s. TV

Apogee Symphony I/O

*d.a.s. TV

*d.a.s. TV

Video thumbnail for Sweetwater at AES 2018: Apogee Symphony I/O MkII Dante by Sweetwater

Sweetwater at AES 2018: Apogee Symphony I/O MkII Dante

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Apogee Symphony I/O Audio Interface Overview | Full Compass by Full Compass

Apogee Symphony I/O Audio Interface Overview | Full Compass

Full Compass

Full Compass

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Apogee Symphony I/O.

Features and functionality

  • The Dante interface offers future-proofing but may lack native low-latency monitoring; users must route audio through DAW, affecting latency.

    Source
  • Apogee Control 2 software's double-layer saving system for Monitor Workflows and Snapshots can lead to confusion, as settings aren't intuitively saved together.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Thunderbolt option is limited to Mac, while the Dante option works with Windows, but Macs might need an expansion chassis for compatibility.

    Source
  • Users experience smoother operation on silicon Macs by adding Symphony to Pro Tools aggregate I/O, avoiding playback engine errors seen on Intel Macs.

    Source
  • A permissions setup is required for MK1 Symphony on silicon Macs, detailed in a document on Apogee’s website, ensuring stable operation.

    Source
  • A bug in the current Apogee Control 2 software causes delay calibration settings to reset, resolved by using an older software version provided by support.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Symphony I/O MkII with Dante is suitable for electronic ambient music, offering nuanced control for subtle changes in attack and parameter envelopes.

    Source
  • Symphony Studio is seen as suitable for home mix-only rigs needing 12x analog outs and a talkback mic but may not meet professional installation expectations.

    Source

User experience

  • The Symphony I/O MkII's Thunderbolt cards are reportedly compatible with M1 and M2 Macs, but users should verify with Apogee for assurance.

    Source
  • Users who frequently replay tracks with subtle expressive changes might need to explore project management strategies like track freezing to optimize CPU performance.

    Source
  • Users report that the Symphony Studio converters don't match the high quality of Apogee's previous products, like the Symphony MkII or Apollo interfaces.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Reinstalling the Symphony Release 5.5 DMG resolved work-halting errors for some users, highlighting the importance of keeping software up to date.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Apogee Symphony Studio lacks anti-pop circuits, leading to loud pops on startup, which some users find unacceptable for professional settings.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Apogee Electronics: Symphony I/O | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

Apogee's Symphony I/O impresses as a versatile, next-gen converter with stellar sound quality. Initially perceived as catering to audiophiles, it proves itself in professional settings, boasting modular design and extensive connectivity options. Users appreciate its superior audio compared to older models, with standout low-end clarity and 3-D imaging. The inclusion of Apogee's Maestro software for easier control enhances its appeal. However, the two-knob interface may not be favored by all. Despite this, its adaptability for various DAWs and future-proof design make it a solid long-term investment for studios.

positive

Apogee Symphony I/O

soundonsound.com

The Apogee Symphony I/O shines as a top-tier audio interface with its exceptional transparency and versatile configuration options. It boasts the best-sounding converters Apogee has produced, offering superb analog and digital I/O flexibility, perfect for Mac-based DAWs and Pro Tools. However, its lack of PC compatibility and Firewire connectivity are significant drawbacks, potentially limiting its audience. Despite these limitations, its modular design and future-proof architecture make it a compelling choice for those invested in Apple ecosystems. An impressive piece for serious audiophiles seeking pristine audio quality and adaptability.

positive

Review: Apogee Symphony I/O — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

The Apogee Symphony I/O is a highly versatile and modular audio interface that excels in sound quality and flexibility, making it a prime choice for professional studios, especially those using Mac systems. Its modular design allows for extensive I/O configurations, catering to both serious home users and high-end studios. The unit offers multiple host options and integrates seamlessly with various systems, including ProTools and native DAWs. However, its reliance on Mac OSX may limit its appeal to Windows users, and the presence of a fan could be a minor drawback for noise-sensitive environments. Overall, the Symphony I/O delivers exceptional performance and value in the price/performance ratio, solidifying its status as a top-tier audio interface.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 17 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
adamdavidson

The best and fastest converter with exceptional sound quality

The best & fastest converter. Calibrated 16 in + 16 out for all the gear i am using. Can't believe how good it sounds!

zxr_productions_inc

One of the Super Interfaces. But an Apogee Quatret is pretty Portable to this beast!

One of the Super Interfaces. But an Apogee Quatret is pretty Portable to this beast!

nacho_rettally

A OK

Never had an issue with this thing. Fan noise is sometimes a bit loud, even though my A/C is fully on and cold.

J

Perfect !

I have analog 8 I/O module.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Sick Individuals uses Apogee Symphony I/O

Sick Individuals

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In the left rack, the Apogee Symphony I/O can be seen.

See how Trentemøller uses Apogee Symphony I/O

Trentemøller

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see an Apogee Symphony converter at the 2:25 mark.

See how Dave Gahan uses Apogee Symphony I/O

Dave Gahan

Singer, Composer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Sonicscoop

You can spot Apogee's famous interface in his desk.

See how Young Guru uses Apogee Symphony I/O

Young Guru

Music Producer, DJ

1500 or Nothin’

...
Verified via Apogeedigital

The Symphony I/O is Young Guru's audio interface of choice. In an interview with Apogee, when asked what features of it he likes he responds "Obviously that you can use it for Logic and Pro Tools. Someone should have thought of that a long time ago, to run Pro Tools HD and Logic, or anything native, on the same system, to be able to switch between HD Pro Tools and another native system is incredible... I loaded up some of my past sessions that I had used with another system, and it sounds 100% better coming out of the Symphony I/O converter."

See how Hit-Boy uses Apogee Symphony I/O

Hit-Boy

Rapper, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

It's seen at 0:11 into the this video.

See how Trevor Horn uses Apogee Symphony I/O

Trevor Horn

Singer, Bassist

Yes

...
Verified via Sarmmusicvillage

The "Pro Tools Rig" at Trevor Horn's Sarm West Coast LA studio includes: Mac Pro, Digidesign 192, Apogee Symphony, Apogee AD8000 SE, Digidesign Sync I/O, Pro Tools 10 HD2, Logic Pro X

See how Sebjak uses Apogee Symphony I/O

Sebjak

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

In an Instagram post captioned "Christmas in the studio!!!!," Sebjak showcases the Apogee Symphony I/O, highlighting its use in his recording setup.

See how Dave Clarke uses Apogee Symphony I/O

Dave Clarke

Music Producer

Hothouse Flowers

...
Verified via YouTube

Dave Clarke talks to future music about his production techniques

See how Matador uses Apogee Symphony I/O

Matador

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Item can be seen 6:00 into this video

See how Greg Kurstin uses Apogee Symphony I/O

Greg Kurstin

Music Producer

The Shins

...
Verified via Audiotechnology

In this interview Kurstin states that he recorded Sia voice on Chandelier into the Apogee Symphony I/O.

See how Stuart Price uses Apogee Symphony I/O

Stuart Price

Music Producer

The Killers

...
Verified via MusicRadar

Working on a new API 1608 console with Logic 8, an Apogee Symphony interface and a UAD-2 card (an early version sent to the band by Universal Audio), Price found that the relatively stripped-down setup was a blessing in disguise.

See how Ethan Torchio uses Apogee Symphony I/O

Ethan Torchio

Drummer

Måneskin

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used for the drum tracks on "Beggin", as described by Alessandro Marcantoni in this October 2021 Sound on Sound interview.

Working from memory, old gear lists and photos, and the track names in his mix session for ‘Beggin’, Marcantoni retraces his steps, both for the recordings and the mixing. “For the kick I would have used a Shure Beta 52A on the inside, a Neumann U47 [FET] on the outside, and a Royer Labs R‑122 placed close to the kick drum pointing to the snare, for a mono drum kit track. On the snare I used a Shure SM57 at the top, and a Shure Beta 57 at the bottom. I duplicated the top snare track to create another effect setting for the rimshots.

“In addition I had one Neumann KM‑184 for hi‑hat and another KM‑184 for the ride cymbal, a couple of AKG C414 XLII mics as overheads, and two Neumann U87s for ambience. The toms had Beyerdynamic Opus 87 mics. I would have avoided the Yamaha desk for the recording chains, so the mics would have gone through external mic pres. I most likely would have used API 512C’s for the kick and the snare, and Focusrite ISA 828/430 for the other drum tracks. They would have gone into the Apogee Symphony MkI, and the Avid HD I/O.

Album Usage

The Apogee Symphony I/O 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 Symphony I/O, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
J

jonastempel

Gear IQ 163

cope_till

cope_till

Gear IQ 415

hxs28

hxs28

Gear IQ 359

hxs28

hxs28

Gear IQ 359

1 alternative for Apogee Symphony I/O, curated by the Equipboard community.

Apogee Symphony I/O MK II

$3,099.00 - $7,495.00

Apogee engineers have made it their passion to improve every new flagship product by using the latest in electrical components and designing optimized circuitry that often exceeds the expectations of the component manufacturer. This is the Apogee Advantage. Symphony I/O Mk II is the culmination of this 30 year commitment and raises the bar on all Apogee products before it with even better audio clarity and sonic transparency. In fact, when equipped with either the new 8×8 or 16×16 Mk II I/O modules, Symphony I/O Mk II outperforms all other multi-channel audio interfaces available for Pro Tools HD or Thunderbolt based systems, making it the flagship audio interface for the entire professional audio industry and the obvious choice for countless GRAMMY winning artists, producers, songwriters and engineers.

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