What's the Catch?

redpony · 17th October 2006

As a Logic user I've been curious about the new Ensemble from Apogee. I noticed that Bayview has them and is giving away a lot of free gear with the purchase. http://www.bayviewproaudio.com/Ensem...r-p-22460.html http://www.bayviewproaudio.com/Ensem...r-p-22460.html Seems like a good deal, maybe too good. Any experience with these guys? Or is the Ensemble such a mess that they can't sell the things?

redpony · 17th October 2006

Do I sound like a dealer trolling or something??? Hadn't thought of that. Anyhow, a few months ago the Ensemble seemed like it would be a break-through product but now the silence seems deafening. I was just curious if the deal at Bay View was legit or if the Ensemble was just too buggy for serious consideration.

Thanks again.

kokaby · 17th October 2006

this shop offers free gear with many other devices too. Aurora 16, for example. Haven't tried them though.

Sirocco · 17th October 2006

bayview rox...got my fireface 800 there with a nice free mic

yoink · 18th October 2006

I just got a chance to spend nearly two hours with the Apogee Ensemble yesterday. I have some opinions already. Good for me.

I do, however, think it's important to note that the Ensemble itself is not the one that is most likely buggy, but, as has been said elsewhere, the driver itself needs improvement.

I compared the Ensemble next to the FireFace 800 for some time. It was clear that each one overlaps with respect to the niche they cover, but they are two very very different beasts.

The fellows at the shop I went to couldn't show me how the Enemble was directly integrated with Logic, but the ability to control everything via software is phenomenal, and it sounded great. I couldn't hear a really discernable difference between the preamps, yadda yadda.

It looks like it's a great product, but yes, the software support infrastructure needs some serious work and so that's the "catch." But at least you know two things going into it right? 1. Apogee is a great company that stands behind their products. 2. Things can only get better from here.

I'm buying the FireFace instead though, and why? Because my budget production style doesn't really have time for bugs right now. I need a MIDI in and out on the interface for when I travel, and after seeing their mixing, clocking and routing software side-by-side, the RME has far more features that I need (ie. if you need SoftLimit and UV22HR the Ensemble is for you) and use. Neither is right for some but perfect for others.

redpony · 22nd October 2006

Thanks for the info. I decided to hold off for now and upgrade my monitoring.

17th October 2006	#1
redpony Gear Head Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 39 Thread Starter	What's the Catch? As a Logic user I've been curious about the new Ensemble from Apogee. I noticed that Bayview has them and is giving away a lot of free gear with the purchase. http://www.bayviewproaudio.com/Ensem...r-p-22460.html http://www.bayviewproaudio.com/Ensem...r-p-22460.html Seems like a good deal, maybe too good. Any experience with these guys? Or is the Ensemble such a mess that they can't sell the things?

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17th October 2006	#3
kokaby Gear interested Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 21	this shop offers free gear with many other devices too. Aurora 16, for example. Haven't tried them though.

17th October 2006	#4
Sirocco Lives for gear Joined: May 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 3,123	bayview rox...got my fireface 800 there with a nice free mic

18th October 2006	#5
yoink Gear addict Joined: Oct 2006 Location: Montreal, Quebec Posts: 322	I just got a chance to spend nearly two hours with the Apogee Ensemble yesterday. I have some opinions already. Good for me. I do, however, think it's important to note that the Ensemble itself is not the one that is most likely buggy, but, as has been said elsewhere, the driver itself needs improvement. I compared the Ensemble next to the FireFace 800 for some time. It was clear that each one overlaps with respect to the niche they cover, but they are two very very different beasts. The fellows at the shop I went to couldn't show me how the Enemble was directly integrated with Logic, but the ability to control everything via software is phenomenal, and it sounded great. I couldn't hear a really discernable difference between the preamps, yadda yadda. It looks like it's a great product, but yes, the software support infrastructure needs some serious work and so that's the "catch." But at least you know two things going into it right? 1. Apogee is a great company that stands behind their products. 2. Things can only get better from here. I'm buying the FireFace instead though, and why? Because my budget production style doesn't really have time for bugs right now. I need a MIDI in and out on the interface for when I travel, and after seeing their mixing, clocking and routing software side-by-side, the RME has far more features that I need (ie. if you need SoftLimit and UV22HR the Ensemble is for you) and use. Neither is right for some but perfect for others.

22nd October 2006	#6
redpony Gear Head Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 39 Thread Starter	Thanks for the info. I decided to hold off for now and upgrade my monitoring.