APOGEE ’ S SYMPHONY
APOGEE ’ S STELLAR INTERFACE
Apogee Digital Symphony Desktop
The most basic function of Apogee Digital ’ s Symphony Desktop is its capability as a two-channel audio interface . Apogee has a range ofportable interfaces available ,
By Jeff Elbel
but Symphony Desktop represents the company ’ s first offering of its top-quality converters in a desktop format that travels easily . Boasting a pair of Apogee ’ s flagship Symphony microphone preamps and analog inputs , Symphony Desktop earned high
marks during a recording project undertaken for this review . A simple song called “ Do it Again ” was written and recorded at the Happy Club Studio in Wheaton , IL to compare the performance of Apogee ’ s four-channel Quartet ( a commendable unit with its own merits ) and Symphony Desktop . All parts were tracked directly into both units in succession using no outboard preamps , with settings and mic placement matched as identically as possible . Mixing engineer Miro Svetinsky recognized the general difference between the two units ’ output . “ The Symphony Desktop tracks were clearly more open and detailed than the Quartet tracks ,” he said . You can hear the results at the comparison links below .
A similar comparison was made previously between the Quartet and an optimized MOTU 828mkII interface , a contest that the Quartet easily won on the basis of sound quality . With its optical input , Symphony Desktop is a flexible 10 × 10 audio interface . Key features include DualPath workflow to permit low-latency recording with effects engaged , allowing singers to inhabit the vibe of a song while tracking . Users can control a choice of three versatile modeling preamps that provide capabilities parallel to top-end Apogee , Neve , and Ampeg hardware . Symphony Desktop can control print and monitor effects that are either bundled with Symphony Desktop or available as add-ons .
The bundled ECS Channel Strip is a soundshaping tool tuned by mixing guru Bob Clearmountain that provides equalization , compression , and saturation . Other available plug-ins include pristine reverb emulation and additional EQ and compression options painstakingly modeled after coveted tube and solid-state recording studio equipment . Apogee ’ s Control 2 software allows users to connect and control Symphony Desktop features with DAWs like Pro Tools and Logic Pro , as well as everyday functions like bringing audio from a turntable into a laptop for recording and playback . ($ 1495 MSRP ; apogeedigital . com )
GUiTAR AMIGO ’ s ARE BACK
Show returns to Odeum May 20,21,22
One event we ’ ve missed since the pandemic started is the Amigo Guitar Show making its annual Spring trip to Chicago . This year ’ s show returns to The Odeum in Villa Park for the venue ’ s final hurrah ( it ’ s being demolished this summmer ).
The Amigo ’ s shows have always been the premier guitar show in the area including dealers from across the USA . It ’ s a buy-selltrade event . Show hours are 10 am to 5pm . On Friday and Saturday , May 21 and 22 . There ’ s also a preview event for serious collectors on Friday May 20 . For details visit amigoguitarshows . com or see their ad on page 15 in this issue .
Over 80 Taylors On Display
Newly Expanded !
Taylor Guitars Boutique
Visit our TAYLOR BOUTIQUE AND SHOWROOM Truely a ONE OF A KIND Taylor Guitars Experience .
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18 illinoisentertainer . com may 2022