User Manual

Apogee Element Series User’s Guide

Overview

Introduction

Legendary Sound Quality. The Power of Thunderbolt. Elegant Simplicity.

Apogee’s Element 24, 46 and 88 are Thunderbolt audio I/O boxes for Mac. The Element Series takes the best of cutting-edge

Apogee gear like Symphony I/O Mk II, Ensemble Thunderbolt and Groove and puts it into simple form factors. With

streamlined hardware features and advanced software control, the Element series delivers ultimate recording quality and

performance at unprecedented prices.

The Elements of Excellent Audio

Analog to Digital Conversion

A high-quality A/D converter is critical for capturing every detail of your recordings into your computer.

The Element series features some of the best Apogee A/D conversion. Recording through an Element

ensures you will minimize unwanted noise and maximize the signal quality. Your tracks will sound

amazing and mixing your project will be easier.

Microphone Preamps

Whether you are recording powerful drums, dynamic vocals or delicate strings, you need a premium mic

preamp to capture the finest details of the performance. The Element Series mic preamps feature

Apogee’s Advanced Stepped Gain Architecture™. This analog circuit is designed to dynamically

optimize across a gain range of 0-75dB to provide superior bandwidth and low distortion.

Digital to Analog Conversion

With a high-quality D/A converter, you will hear more definition in each track and virtual instrument. This

clarity makes it easier for you to make precise adjustments and achieve the ideal balance when mixing

your music. When you listen to your sessions through an Element, tracks will blend more harmoniously

and mixing will be easier. The high end will sound crisp and clear and the low end will be tight and well

defined.

Clocking

An audio interface relies on a clock source like an orchestra relies on a conductor. A digital audio clock

provides a timing signal to all the parts of a digital audio system so that each part of the AD/DA process

may be synchronized. Element has its own built-in clock source and provides professional Word Clock IN

and OUT for syncing with other digital audio gear. Use Element as the master clock to take advantage of

Apogee’s superior built-in clocking technology.

Thunderbolt Connectivity

The Element Series Thunderbolt driver offers incredible low-latency performance (1.41 ms round-trip)

and rock-solid stability. Apogee’s custom driver uses less of your computer’s CPU power with the help of

Direct Memory Access (DMA) technology. This allows you to run more plugins and monitor through your

DAW at a low buffer setting. Element’s low latency driver means you don’t have to choose between

power and speed.