MESSE 2015: Connect Up To Four Apogee Ensembles

Apogee Electronics has announced multi-unit support for its Ensemble Thunderbolt audio interface. They say that Apogee Ensemble is the first Thunderbolt 2 audio interface to offer measurably superior sound quality, the lowest latency performance and the most comprehensive studio functionality all in one box. Here's more details in their own words...

Expand your Ensemble - Connect up to 4 units
Now you can connect up to four Apogee Ensemble Thunderbolt units from a single Thunderbolt port on your Mac for a total of 40 analog inputs with 32 mic preamps and 8 instrument preamps. A multi-unit Ensemble Thunderbolt system is ideal for tracking any live performance that demands a high channel count, incredibly low latency and unsurpassed performance. 

Each Ensemble includes 8 Advanced Stepped Gain™ mic preamps, monitor controller functionality including talkback, front panel Guitar I/O, two headphone outputs and digital connectivity for a total of 30 x 34 I/O. Blending acclaimed innovations, groundbreaking new features and an effortless user interface, Ensemble empowers you to capture inspiration when creative lightning strikes.

The Lowest Latency of any Audio Interface
Ensemble's proprietary Thunderbolt driver has been written from the ground up, resulting in unmatched performance and efficiency. Latency has been reduced to an astounding 1.1ms round-trip*, allowing you to monitor through your DAW, plug-ins included, simplifying your workflow and leveraging the power of your Mac. Even when your session's demands require a higher buffer setting, Ensemble's ultra-low latency means no longer having to choose between power and speed.
* Logic Pro X at 96kHz / 32 buffer setting

Empower your Mac to Run more Plugins
Ensemble's custom driver includes two innovative features to maximize the performance of the software-hardware interface: a full 32-bit signal path from the output of your DAW straight to the high-performance ESS DAC, and a revolutionary Direct Memory Access (DMA) engine to more efficiently read and write data directly to Mac memory independent of the Mac CPU.

The DMA engine, running on Ensemble's hardware logic chip, reads digital audio data directly from your Mac's memory in a 32-bit format, increasing the driver's efficiency and providing the highest resolution signal possible to the DAC stage. This implementation allows the driver to crunch an enormous amount of data at an amazing speed, while making a very light demand on your Mac CPU. You benefit with lower latency, more plug-in power, and a transparent and encompassing listening experience.

Pricing and Availability:

Ensemble is currently shipping worldwide
Multi-unit support available Summer 2015 - free update from Apogee's website

More information:

• Apogee

Apogee Social

• Symphony I/O Mk II Limited Anniversary Edition 08-Oct-25
• Apogee Releases Clearmountain's 8068 27-Jun-25
• Apogee Introduces Symphony Studio Series 18-Sep-24
• Trade Up To An Apogee Symphony MkII 23-Jul-24
• Apogee Launches Duet 3 Limited Edition Set 03-Oct-23