2x4 I/O Module for Apogee Symphony

[Melgueil]

May be shy of what is needed. I am feeling "trapped" right now with the 2 analog input count with my Metric Halo ULN-2. Would love 4 inputs / two press card for the Symphony I/O, but I guess they can only slice the market so far.

Cdlt

[TS211]

I thought the EXACT same thing. Why would they skip from 8 to 2 having 32, 16 and 8. 4 would be so perfect my needs. Just got the Apollo and I have 60 days to return so I am looking at this seriously for a return to purchase.

[chrisrulesmore]

Well, depending on the price this will either make sense or not. I suppose a 2x4 Symphony would just be an upgraded and expandable version of the Duet, but with no pres or monitor control...and more expensive...and not portable.

[PaulOcchialini]

Wow, seems like a really bad product idea. I don't know maybe I'm missing something.

[youngmain]

A great step for Apogee. Absolutely! I'm certainly buying a symphony IO now. This company gets it. It's a great time to get into Apogee products. I'm also buying their Mic and duet 2. I'm not a sponsor. And soon it's time for thunderbridge. Great work apogee.

[Melgueil]

Actually it may just be an entry point into the platform, in which case it makes sense - of course depends on the price.

Cdlt

[waldie wave]

I think it is a great idea in terms of affordability and flexibility in meeting customers' requirements. Not all people need more than 2 inputs and 4 outputs. Some of us don't need 16 inputs or 16 outputs. 10 analogue inputs and 12 analogue outputs (plus 8 or more digital i/o) may be sufficient (eg a Symphony i/o equipped with 2 cards - standard 8 x 8 x 8 and new 2 x 4).

[work2do]

IDK. Spending $1700 for a bare symphony and then sticking in a 2x4 i/o card...

[TS211]

I think I get why they skipped a 4 input module now. The 2x4 module is going to be just under or right at $1,000 so they are marketing getting into the Symphony Technology, (converters, clock, and Im pretty sure there is monitor control) for $2700. ($1695 base +$995 2x4) Im betting a 4in module would have to be $1995 like the rest so 2 was their way to get the Symphony at the most affordable price point. does that sound logical?

[Clint at Apogee]

Originally Posted by TS211

I think I get why they skipped a 4 input module now. The 2x4 module is going to be just under or right at $1,000 so they are marketing getting into the Symphony Technology, (converters, clock, and Im pretty sure there is monitor control) for $2700. ($1695 base +$995 2x4) Im betting a 4in module would have to be $1995 like the rest so 2 was their way to get the Symphony at the most affordable price point. does that sound logical?

Hello Everyone, this is exactly correct. The pricing could be much "better" than what was quoted above. The new I/O module was specifically designed for customers that wanted the quality of the converters, the clock, the built in 'push a button' connectivity (HDX PCI, Apogee PCI, USB, Stand Alone) & monitor control but don't need 8x8 analog. It will bring the entry price point down a lot while at the same time allowing for expansion at anytime.

Clint at Apogee

[Doc Mixwell]

Originally Posted by Clint at Apogee

Hello Everyone, this is exactly correct. The pricing could be much "better" than what was quoted above. The new I/O module was specifically designed for customers that wanted the quality of the converters, the clock, the built in 'push a button' connectivity (HDX PCI, Apogee PCI, USB, Stand Alone) & monitor control but don't need 8x8 analog. It will bring the entry price point down a lot while at the same time allowing for expansion at anytime.

Clint at Apogee

[Johnkenn]

Any new eta on this?

[TS211]

Clint if you could answer the ETA question asked above I would greatly appreciate it. I have about 45 days left to return my recently purchased apollo interface. I am pretty sure I am going to make the change. I AM PLANNING on getting the 2x4 and adding and 8in/8out asap soon thereafter. Anyway please let us know. Thanks for your time

[TS211]

also you said the pricing could be "MUCH" better. The article link I posted said just under $2700 so I assumed a $995 price point. I'd love to hear if you think its going to be lower

[Dpro]

If this comes in around $2500 I might just say **** it and get it. I sure would like to get into Symphony System as I would never look back and pretty much have a interface converter setup for life. Totally upgradeable via modules is sweet.

[TankT34]

Very Good product Apogee !
now if only thunderbolt interface card was available , I'd buy the system without a hesitation.
When should we expect Apogee TB interface to come ? in a month, 3 months, 6 month , a year ? please give us an estimated date .

[Melgueil]

If this is "much lower" perhaps that answers the 4 input question. If "much lower" x 2 = 4, well then....this starts to get interesting.

Echoing previous posts ... ETA and supplementary info (such as SPDIF etc) might help fence sitters...

I am upgrading very shortly. Timing is everything, but if I don`t hear something, then I don`t - will just move on to one of the other finalists I`ve narrowed it down to and keep making music.

Cdlt

[Avening]

Also, one more thing ...

Is this module going to be strictly 2x4 analog I/O, or will it be combined with some kind of digital I/O as well? Perhaps a single ADAT I/O, or a SPDIF maybe?

[TS211]

I thought Thunderbolt is already available for Symphony?

[smckenzie]

so if you still want mic preamps do you still have to go for the 8x8 + mic pre amp card, or can you use the 2x4 + mic pre card?

[Clint at Apogee]

Originally Posted by Melgueil

If this is "much lower" perhaps that answers the 4 input question. If "much lower" x 2 = 4, well then....this starts to get interesting.

Echoing previous posts ... ETA and supplementary info (such as SPDIF etc) might help fence sitters...

I am upgrading very shortly. Timing is everything, but if I don`t hear something, then I don`t - will just move on to one of the other finalists I`ve narrowed it down to and keep making music.

Cdlt

Hello Everyone -

I have some good news. Below is what the new 2X6 module will be in detail. There is little chance this will change but until it ships, lets take this as an excellent final candidate spec. It's pretty impressive if you ask me.

To give an exacting ETA would be just too difficult. We are close, it is being tested and everything looks great so far.

I am completely excited about this module as it will bring the entry level price of a Symphony system below 3K. Price is still TBD - but it will be under 1K for this module.

Same quality in all respects with the other Symphony modules.

Modular & Flexible.

Also - someone noted about Thunderbolt. We where using a ThunderBridge at Potluck - worked great. Release TBD as well.

Please stay tuned for the official announcements on the Apogee website

Clint



2x6 Analog I/O + 8x8 Optical/AES I/O

INPUTS
Analog IN: 2 balanced inputs on 2 female XLR connectors
AES IN: Stereo input on 1 female XLR connector
Optical IN: Supports ADAT, SMUX & S/PDIF
ADAT: 8 channels 44.1-48 kHz on 1 Toslink connector
SMUX: 4 channels 88.2-96 kHz on 1 Toslink connectors
S/PDIF: 2 channels, up to 96 kHz on 1 Toslink connector
S/PDIF Coax IN: 2 channels, up to 192 kHz on 1 RCA connector


OUTPUTS
Analog OUT: 6 balanced outputs on 1 DSUB 25-pin connector
AES OUT: Stereo output on 1 male XLR connector
Optical OUT: Supports ADAT, SMUX & S/PDIF
ADAT: 8 channels 44.1-48 kHz on 1 Toslink connector
SMUX: 4 channels 88.2-96 kHz on 1 Toslink connectors
S/PDIF: 2 channels, up to 96 kHz on 1 Toslink connector
S/PDIF Coax OUT: 2 channels, up to 192 kHz on 1 RCA connector

[waldie wave]

Sounds exciting. I can't wait for it to be released.

[Dpro]

This sounds smoking, with Thunderbridge I could get very sold on this.

[Clint at Apogee]

Originally Posted by Dpro

This sounds smoking, with Thunderbridge I could get very sold on this.

Hello -

Curious ---- with the 2x6, USB would smoke it for breakfast, lunch and still have some in the tank for dinner and desert. Agreed - PCI speed is the best possible data path for high bandwidth audio. ThunderBridge is the most robust solution for non PCI based systems and very needed when you go beyond 16x16 I/O, with 2X6 ..... why not USB?

I don't disagree with your thoughts at all - but I just want to make sure there is not misconception at the stability and performance of USB audio right now.

Clint

[therecordinghous]

this is interesting.

[TankT34]

The ultimate dream-module would be 2x8 Analog I/O
Perfect solution for those who want to sum in analog domain with something like Dangerous D-box
and still have 2 channels of high quality AD for recording
Clint, please say it is possible

[Clint at Apogee]

Originally Posted by TankT34

The ultimate dream-module would be 2x8 Analog I/O
Perfect solution for those who want to sum in analog domain with something like Dangerous D-box
and still have 2 channels of high quality AD for recording
Clint, please say it is possible

Hello -

Of course it is possible, but the minute you do this, costs rise etc to the point you have arrived at nirvana for one config and it's just too close to the price of the current 8X8 module. In my opinion, the Pro Audio community has not fully embraced the 'real' modularity of the Symphony system nor the ultimate flexibility of the multiple modes (AIM). The more we can simplify and stream line the modules, the better the system gets. Symphony is the most future proof pro form factor out there. I believe the current host of I/O modules is very solid, mature and catches almost all applications. 8x8 (with both AES/Opt) 16 in (dig out), 16 out (dig in), 16x16, 2x6 and the sleeper hit 8 ch pre. It cannot catch every perfect configuration (I think your idea is a good one btw) but it does come closer than anything else out there in my opinion.

Like I am known to say, this is probably the best time to invest in the analog section of your studio. Lot's of great I/O, Speakers, Analog outboard, Mics etc.. out there. Choosing a modular solution with a modern approach to connectivity, just makes sense in my opinion.


Clint

[Lupez]

I am missing something here.
is the new module 2x4 or 2x6 !?!

[Duardo]

I know that every perfect configuration can't be met, but...I think an awesome combination would be a 2-in 8-out card, but the two inputs would be a choice of mic/instrument/line...and that card would obviously be more than the 2x6 card. Maybe $1995, maybe $1495...who knows? It would be great for basic tracking as well as mixing through something like a D Box. And you could call it something like a Trak 2. Oh, wait...