Yes, if you want/need to use outboard processing, the Element 88 is the simplest one to get from that Series. I use a Lucid 88192 with my Element 46 to reach outboard units.

When I got the 46, the Apogee folks explained that they were attempting to develop a product line with high quality pres, conversion and software control of the unit to keep the price down. By themselves, use of the 24 or 46 basically requires use of only plugins for processing, which is not a bad thing given the quality of many plugins these days.

You mean a new product? When I asked them about this they said they can't reveal any future plans lol. I would LOVE something like the Element 88 but in a smaller unit. I don't need so many inputs but need to be able to monitor and use at least 2 outputs at the same time. Something like an updated Quartet would be perfect or just an Element with more outputs

And how do you find the conversion on the element in comparison to the Lucid? I’ve been strongly considering the element series to get a couple more AD inputs as my Symphony I/O only has 2 analogue inputs and I’m moving towards buying more outboard to go with my silver bullet and ssl bus comp clone.

I’m scared to jump on converters which may be inferior to the Symphony but can’t afford anything high end at the mo. The Element series seems like the only option - I have an Apollo twin (mk1) sat here but have never been 100% convinced by the converters (mainly DA) without ever having done any in depth tests.

+1 element

The Element converter circuits are first rate. I understand they are virtually identical to Apogee's current Ensemble product line. The Lucid 88192 is also a great converter. The two units work together seamlessly. No issues there.

Hi folks,

Have recently got an element 24. It sounds very very good. At the moment i am
playing around with Garageband while making a decision on either Logic or PT.

While recording there is no perceptable latency that i can hear, however the meters on the Apogee software and also in Garageband are very, very slightly behind. If i hit the strings the meters are very slightly late on reaching peak reading.


Is this normal? Perhaps i have a wrong setting somewhere.


I didn't have this when i had PT 8 and an mbox. The meters were spot on.
i know it probably does make am awful lot of difference i suppose, but it kind of feels a bit wrong.

Any thoughts on this would be great.

They do have DSP!.....no I didn't know this either until they acknowledged it on the D-low with their dual path plugin suite launch. They missed a trick here because that was the only reason to pick UAD...now Apogee is clearly the better value unit for logic users and possibly everyone hamstrung only by its small plugin library.

(@apogee... if you enabled a function that could offload non-apogee plugin processing onto the element DSPs you would again get legendary unit status).

They are expandable - compatible with other elements and the ensemble

100% agree about power switch! Also think it buss power option would take it from great to legendary.

Until now I've been extolling the virtues of apogee element as the best value interface unless you need onboard dsp to carry plugin load....then I discover that its had an onboard dsp all along and a plugin suite that is dsp/native switchable!!! All they are missing is a reverb plugin and this makes them undisputed best value unit for mac users.

I only read the first 4 pages... but I wonder: did anybody suggest the option to run with the Element for the superior ad/da and pre and then just combine it with a UAD satellite, to use the plugins for mixing? :-D

That´s what I´m thinking of at the moment... and I actually am a happy Apollo Twin TB1 user. In the next month I´m gonna upgrade my mac, then I´ll have TB 3 and I´m not sure if I get the Apollo Twin X quad (with a satellite) or save money with the Element 24 (with a satellite)

This is probably the best way to keep your UAD plugs and use other company's interfaces. I've even seen some people carrying Twin for UAD plugs and use different interfaces haha

If you want to track with a great vocal sound (which is vital) , get the Apollo.

Search gearslutz for "Element Crackling" As an Element owner, I can tell you don't subject yourself to the hell that is an apogee interface on a new Mac. There are lots of other options out there. Apogee should rename the Element the Rice Crispy since its known for its "snap, crackle, and pop."

Wow, I never would‘ve thought this about Apogee.
Thanks for the hint.

So I should look at the Symphony Desktop or just get me an Apollo Twin X quad.

I don't have a new Mac so maybe its different but with my Mac the I simply do not nor have I ever had that issue with my Element 24, period.

If you listen to my album "Honestly" (shameless self-promotion, I know) the vocals were all recorded through it and every song was mixed in Logic with it.

It’s a moot point. The Element 24 has been discontinued.

Well, it still matters to me since I use Element 88 and want to keep it for a long time. But like Jay said, I haven't had any issue with mine.