Element 88
16 IN x 16 OUT Thunderbolt Audio I/O for Mac
Product Highlights
- 16 IN x 16 OUT Thunderbolt Audio I/O box
- AD/DA conversion for recording up to 192kHz/24-bit
- 8 analog inputs with world-class mic preamps and selectable 48v phantom power for connecting microphones, instruments or line-level devices
- 8 analog outputs
- Single port Thunderbolt connectivity to Mac for ultra-low latency performance
- Optical IN: Supports ADAT, SMUX & S/PDIF
- Optical OUT: Supports ADAT, SMUX & S/PDIF
- Word Clock IN/OUT via BNC connections for syncing with other digital audio gear
- Apogee Control Software for Mac provides all control of hardware parameters including input gain, output level and low latency monitoring
- Apogee Control Mobile App provides wireless remote control of hardware via iPhone, iPad or iPod touch
- Works with Apogee Control desktop hardware remote control (Sold separately)
- Multi-Unit Thunderbolt support – Connect any two Element audio I/O boxes directly to Thunderbolt ports on your computer
- Apogee Ensemble Thunderbolt expander – Connect any Element to the second port on an Ensemble
- Overview
- Tech Specs
Element 88 offers the best sound quality of any 8 IN x 8 OUT audio interface. Ideal for the producer, engineer or musician, Element 88 gives you all the I/O you need to record drums or a full band.
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.
Microphone Preamps
Whether you are recording powerful drums, dynamic vocals or delicate strings, you need a high-quality 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 0-75 dB 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 plug-ins 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.
Apogee Control Software
The modern, streamlined Apogee Control interface app with Essentials Control Strip window offers extensive flexibility to customize your workflow and adapt to your creativity. It lets you access all I/O controls and settings for your Element hardware. Select your input type, adjust input/output levels, configure up to 3 different low-latency mixers, and more. You can use the arrow keys on your keyboard to quickly select any input or output and adjust the level.
The unit can be wirelessly controlled via the free Apogee Control Remote for iOS app (iPad, iPhone or iPod touch), which gives you access to the hardware settings included in the Apogee Control Essentials Window.
The Element is compatible with Apogee Control hardware remote (available separately).
Mic Preamps | |
Mic Preamps | 8 |
Gain | Up to 75 dB and advanced stepped gain circuit design |
Phantom Power | Selectable 48v phantom power, Soft Limit and polarity invert |
EIN | 129dB (un-weighted) @ 60dB, 150Ohm input |
Max input level | +20dBu |
Input impedance | 3K Ohm |
A/D conversion | |
Max input level (+4dBu ref/Mic) | +20dBu |
Max input level (-10dBV ref) | +6dBV |
Input impedance | 5KOhm |
Freq resp 10 Hz -20Khz | > +/-0.2dB (@44.1Khz) |
Rel. THD + N | -110dB |
Dyn. Range | 119dB (A-weighted) |
D/A conversion | |
Max output level (+4dBu ref) | +20dBu |
Max output level (-10dBV ref) | +6dBV |
Line output impedance | 90 Ohm |
Freq resp 10Hz -20 Khz | > +/- 0.05dB (@44.1Khz) |
Rel. THD+N | -114dB |
Dyn Range | 123dB (A-weighted) |
Headphone Max output level | 560mW into 30 Ohm 90mW into 600 Ohm |
Headphone THD+N | -107 dB with 600 Ohm load @ 19 dBu |
Headphone Dyn Range | 117dB a-weighted |
System Requirements | |
Mac OS | Computer: Thunderbolt-equipped Mac (iMac, Macbook Pro, Macbook Air, Mac Pro) Memory: 4 GB RAM minimum, 8 GB recommended OS: 10.10 or greater Connection: Any available Thunderbolt port* Power: DC Power supply included *Thunderbolt cable not included |
Compatible Software | Any Mac Core Audio compatible application Recommended apps: Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, GarageBand, MainStage, Final Cut, Digital Performer, Studio One, Cubase, and Nuendo |
Weights and Dimensions
- 13.5” x 5.5” X 1.75”
- 35cm x 14cm X 4.5cm
- 3.5lbs
- 1.6kg