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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 Freemasons uses Apogee Symphony I/O

Freemasons

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by Point Blank Music School titled "Style Guide: House - Part 2 (Making a House Track in Ableton Live)," the Freemasons are seen using the Apogee Symphony I/O audio interface.

See how Nick Hook uses Apogee Symphony I/O

Nick Hook

Music Producer

Cubic Zirconia

...
Verified via Photo

in this photo we can see his new apogee symphony i/o..

See how Sophie Francis uses Apogee Symphony I/O

Sophie Francis

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

the item can be seen in the left corner of the table standing just below the studio monitor.

See how Sean Woolstenhulme uses Apogee Symphony I/O

Sean Woolstenhulme

Guitarist

The Calling

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, which shows studio gear Woolstenhulme used to record acoustic guitar in 2019, one of pieces of gear that can be seen in the rack is the Apogee Symphony I/O.

See how David Newman uses Apogee Symphony I/O

David Newman

Composer

...
Verified via Apogee Electronics

“Symphony I/O is a revelation. I rely on samples to give the director an idea of how the cues for the movie will sound. They need to sound as realistic as possible. That means, beauty of sound, punch, and very importantly – sound staging. Symphony I/O is fantastic in all these aspect of the sound. It a big step forward. I use Symphony I/O with Logic in my writing room. Many things inspire me, but what “irks” me is when the gear doesn’t work and sounds bad. That’s why a piece of gear like the Symphony I/O is really important to me. It’s more “fun” and inspiring to work when everything sounds better.”

See how Michael Brook uses Apogee Symphony I/O

Michael Brook

Guitarist, Keyboardist

David Sylvian & Robert Fripp

...
Verified via Apogee Electronics

“Symphony I/O sounds really incredible. More transparent, more detail, and dimensional than the AD-16X, which still sounds great. Another aspect is that the installation/registration process was absolutely the best I’ve ever experienced from any manufacturer. It may sound a bit trivial, but to me the intelligence of the setup process indicates that there is probably a similar degree of care inside the box. Really congratulate whomever designed the software for that, very smart. We were up and running about 30 minutes after opening the box. No glitches, no head scratching. When you constantly have deadlines something like this can strongly influence one’s perception of a company and their products.”

See how Swayzak uses Apogee Symphony I/O

Swayzak

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

when David is talking about Ableton live his Symphony I/O interface can be seen

See how Loren Turner uses Apogee Symphony I/O

Loren Turner

Guitarist, Music Producer

Foxy Shazam

...
Verified via Photo

Main recording interface. You can see it in the back ground in this unboxing clip.

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

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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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