For example, they've released a firmware update that allows the Ensemble to work as a stand-alone converter when not attached to a computer. We looked at Symphony in last September's SOS, and although it might seem a little late in the day to be looking at the Ensemble, Apogee have actually been consistently improving the product since its original release (which included beta drivers) last year. This changed at the 2006 NAMM show, when Apogee announced Symphony, a PCI-based system for handling a large amount of I/O with low latency via the company's AD16X, DA16X and Rosetta-series converters, and Ensemble, Apogee's entry into the Firewire audio interface market. While Apogee were already well known in the industry and acclaimed for high-quality converters, master clocks, and the UV22 dithering algorithm, the company had arguably only dipped their toes into the world of computer-based recording, with products like MiniMe and various Firewire or Pro Tools expansion card options. It's hard to believe that it's been over two years since Apogee first announced their new line of products aimed at desktop musicians and audio engineers.
High-end digital converter manufacturers Apogee are Apple's audio partner of choice, and their latest Firewire interface is aimed squarely at Mac users with a taste for quality.
