Apogee Ensemble or UAD Apollo Duo

[Yianni95]

I'm looking at upgrading my interface from a pretty meek Focusrite Saffire Pro40 to either the Apogee or a UAD interface ($2500 budget). Unfortunately, most comparisons online are from before they were released, comparing anticipated specs. Can anyone weigh in on what they've found from using either of the units?

Might be relevant to know that I've got two bass amps and two guitar amps going into an interface at all times through line in, less concerned about mic pre amps because I have a UA 6176, mainly looking for a low latency, super transparent interface with decent headphone amplification too. Also, I'm running a non-thunderbolt Macbook pro (upgrading soon).

Thanks!

 

[silky smoove]

I've always said that the only reason to go with an Apollo interface is if you're going to be using UA plugins. If you're not, just go with one that doesn't have all the DSP bells and whistles that you're paying for. The new Ensemble, or if you can swing it, one of the Symphony models are great choices for Mac users.

 

[Yianni95]

Honestly, even with a fairly decent hardware setup I still like the option to run the UA plug ins, VST, other software and the like, so that makes the Apollo sound appealing to me. Do you know how they compare in terms of clarity and transparency? Might help to say that my main reason for wanting to upgrade is that, pushed beyond 6 or 7, the Focusrite pres make a stack of noise and instruments going straight into those pres sound extremely thin.

 

[Dima B]

I've got two bass amps and two guitar amps going into an interface at all times through line in, less concerned about mic pre amps because I have a UA 6176

Did you think about a high quality AD or AD/DA converter instead an interface?

 

[jdwhitak]

I've owned the Apogee and I currently have the Apollo Twin Duo. Apollo hands down. I've have had three Apogee devices crap out on me. Quality just isn't there for the money.

 

[fokof]

Apollo

Even if you don't use the plugins , the preamp/converters are very good.

Add the list VERY GOOD no latency plugins you can add ..... no contest.

I'm a bit biased , I have an Apollo quad and two PCIe cards....

 

[silky smoove]

The preamps and converters are definitely good in the Apollo line, but no better than anything else in the prosumer tier of products from other manufacturers.

Not using UA plugs = Good product
Using UA plugs = Great product

You'll end up with a solid product either way, but if you're not going with UA plugs, save your money and find something with similar performance for less, and there are plenty of options. If you're going to use UA plugs, there's no better choice.

 

[svtb15]

I have an RME. .But i curuis about other AD converters... Even Presonus has a niew line..
I only record bass parts in my home studio.. I was wondering if the AD converters in a new Presonus is any good. Is there a big difference between that and an Appolo?
I find teh RME pretty good.. But always looking to hear what others say with their experiences.

 

[silky smoove]

Just as a guess, I would put a set of RME converters over a set of Presonus ones, but that's just my gut reaction. RME have always been on the leading edge of high quality converters. Presonus makes excellent gear, especially for the price, but if price wasn't a factor, I'd take a comparable RME product over a Presonus one.

Saying that, I did just grab a Presonus Audiobox iTwo for doing demo, notepad, etc. type work on my iPad. I may even use it for location work if I only need two inputs, which happens a lot with singer-songwriter type clients.

 

[svtb15]

The RME does sound very good. But presonus has some new product out that looks cool... Im weighing the idea of ( will it make a difference on bass tracks) option. since i dont record a whole band .. I think ill just leave well enough alone.