What is the maximum gain provided by the preamps?

The Apogee Symphony Desktop provides up to 75dB of gain. This is achieved through a custom Advanced Stepped Gain Architecture designed for low noise.

How many inputs and outputs does the interface have?

The unit features a 10x14 configuration. This includes the various analogue and digital input/output paths available on the device.

Does the Symphony Desktop have a touchscreen?

Yes, it features a dynamic touchscreen display. This allows users to navigate settings and adjust parameters directly on the hardware.

What conversion quality does this interface offer?

It uses the same grade of AD/DA converters found in the flagship Symphony I/O MKII. These are designed for high fidelity and transparency.

Is the Symphony Desktop suitable for ribbon microphones?

Yes, the 75dB of gain provided by the Advanced Stepped Gain Architecture is more than sufficient for low-output ribbon microphones. This ensures a clean signal even with quiet sources.

How does this compare to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2?

The Symphony Desktop is a professional-grade interface with superior conversion, higher gain, and a higher price point. The Scarlett 2i2 is an entry-level device suited for hobbyists.

What is the typical price for the Apogee Symphony Desktop?

The typical price for this audio interface is approximately £1,097. This reflects its status as a premium professional audio tool.

What makes the 'Advanced Stepped Gain Architecture' special?

It is designed to provide high gain levels while maintaining ultra-low noise and distortion. This ensures the best possible sound quality regardless of the input source.

Can I use this interface without a computer screen?

While it requires a computer for DAW integration, the built-in touchscreen allows many hardware settings to be adjusted directly. This simplifies the workflow during recording.

Is this interface portable?

Yes, it is designed as a desktop interface, making it much more portable than the rack-mounted Symphony I/O units. It fits easily in a backpack for mobile professional recording.

How does it differ from the M-Audio AIR 192|6?

The M-Audio AIR is a consumer-level interface, whereas the Symphony Desktop uses professional-grade components and conversion. The Apogee offers significantly higher gain and more sophisticated digital control.

Does it support digital expansion?

The 10x14 I/O count includes digital connectivity, allowing for expansion beyond the primary analogue inputs. This makes it versatile for growing studio setups.

Gear article

Apogee Symphony Desktop Audio Interface

The Apogee Symphony Desktop is a professional 10x14 USB audio interface designed to deliver the high-fidelity sound of the Symphony I/O MKII in a compact format. It features state-of-the-art AD/DA conversion and Apogee's Advanced Stepped Gain Architecture for ultra-low noise recording.

See live prices

Overview and Design

The Apogee Symphony Desktop represents the manufacturer's effort to condense the flagship performance of their rack-mounted Symphony I/O MKII into a portable, desktop-friendly enclosure. The unit prioritises high-end audio fidelity, combining premium analogue components with state-of-the-art digital conversion. Its design is centred around an elegant chassis featuring a dynamic touchscreen display, which allows users to navigate settings and monitor levels without relying solely on software control.

Technical Features and Preamps

A defining technical feature of the Symphony Desktop is its Advanced Stepped Gain Architecture. The onboard microphone preamps provide up to 75dB of gain, designed to handle a wide variety of audio sources from low-output ribbon microphones to loud percussion. This architecture ensures ultra-low noise and distortion, preserving the integrity of the original signal. The unit provides a 10-in, 14-out configuration, offering significant flexibility for a desktop interface.

Conversion and Sonic Character

The interface utilises Apogee's industry-standard AD/DA converters, which are engineered to capture every nuance of an input source. The sonic character is described as transparent and pristine, providing a clear window into the sonic landscape of a recording. By maintaining low distortion and high dynamic range, the hardware ensures that the digital representation of the audio is as faithful to the source as possible.

User Interface and Connectivity

Navigating the Symphony Desktop is facilitated by a front-panel dynamic touchscreen. This interface allows for the direct adjustment of hardware settings, preamp gain, and monitoring options. Connectivity includes high-quality analogue inputs and outputs, alongside digital expansion options, making it suitable for both minimalist studio setups and more complex recording environments.

Market Position and Comparison

Positioned at a premium price point of approximately £1,097, the Symphony Desktop is aimed at professional engineers and high-end home studios. While entry-level and mid-range interfaces like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen, Tascam US-2x2HR, or M-Audio AIR 192|6 offer basic functionality for hobbyists, the Symphony Desktop competes at a higher tier of audio specifications. It offers significantly more gain and higher-grade conversion than budget alternatives like the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC202HD or Trumix TM-10, placing it in a category similar to high-performance units from brands like MOTU.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum gain provided by the preamps?: The Apogee Symphony Desktop provides up to 75dB of gain. This is achieved through a custom Advanced Stepped Gain Architecture designed for low noise.
How many inputs and outputs does the interface have?: The unit features a 10x14 configuration. This includes the various analogue and digital input/output paths available on the device.
Does the Symphony Desktop have a touchscreen?: Yes, it features a dynamic touchscreen display. This allows users to navigate settings and adjust parameters directly on the hardware.
What conversion quality does this interface offer?: It uses the same grade of AD/DA converters found in the flagship Symphony I/O MKII. These are designed for high fidelity and transparency.
Is the Symphony Desktop suitable for ribbon microphones?: Yes, the 75dB of gain provided by the Advanced Stepped Gain Architecture is more than sufficient for low-output ribbon microphones. This ensures a clean signal even with quiet sources.
How does this compare to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2?: The Symphony Desktop is a professional-grade interface with superior conversion, higher gain, and a higher price point. The Scarlett 2i2 is an entry-level device suited for hobbyists.
What is the typical price for the Apogee Symphony Desktop?: The typical price for this audio interface is approximately £1,097. This reflects its status as a premium professional audio tool.
What makes the 'Advanced Stepped Gain Architecture' special?: It is designed to provide high gain levels while maintaining ultra-low noise and distortion. This ensures the best possible sound quality regardless of the input source.
Can I use this interface without a computer screen?: While it requires a computer for DAW integration, the built-in touchscreen allows many hardware settings to be adjusted directly. This simplifies the workflow during recording.
Is this interface portable?: Yes, it is designed as a desktop interface, making it much more portable than the rack-mounted Symphony I/O units. It fits easily in a backpack for mobile professional recording.
How does it differ from the M-Audio AIR 192|6?: The M-Audio AIR is a consumer-level interface, whereas the Symphony Desktop uses professional-grade components and conversion. The Apogee offers significantly higher gain and more sophisticated digital control.
Does it support digital expansion?: The 10x14 I/O count includes digital connectivity, allowing for expansion beyond the primary analogue inputs. This makes it versatile for growing studio setups.