Apogee Symphony Desktop Update! Evolving into a One-of-a-Kind Device!

The Symphony Desktop is a desktop audio interface that boasts the same level of performance as the Symphony I/O mkII, which is widely used in professional recording studios. I personally adopted it and wrote a detailed review in a previous article, but since then, frequent updates have been released. The highly anticipated "Release 1.2.0 PHASE 2" update was also released in February 2022!

→ Related Article: [In-Depth Review] Apogee / Symphony Desktop: The Ultimate Desktop Interface!

From its initial release, the Symphony Desktop had most of its core features functional, but the features that truly showcase its potential, such as the utilization of the touchscreen, have been gradually implemented through updates.
Here is the update history so far.

Symphony Desktop Update History

And here’s the latest update!

With each update, it's clear that the Symphony Desktop is continuously expanding its capabilities, particularly in terms of effect control via the touchscreen interface. One of the most notable improvements is the increasing range of effects that can be operated directly from the device's touchscreen!
In the December 2021 update, in addition to the previously operable ECS Channel Strip, users gained control of Pultec's EQP-1A and MEQ-5 directly on the interface. With the latest update, even more effects have been added, allowing users to control ModEQ 6, ModComp, and Opto-3A via the touchscreen.

Personally, I'm especially excited about the addition of the optical compressor Opto-3A! This seems to emulate the iconic Teletronix LA-3A. While the LA-2A is known for its warm, thick, and smooth compression, the LA-3A offers punchy and fast compression, making it highly versatile for not only vocal recordings but also guitars, bass, and drums.

On top of that, while the Pultec EQ provides a characteristically clear and articulate sound, the modern ModEQ 6 allows for precise and detailed sound shaping. As pre-input effects, these tools are now robust enough to cover a wide range of recording needs, offering a perfect combination of vintage warmth and modern precision.

Routing

Symphony Desktop now also allows you to control effect routing directly from the unit. If you want to apply effects only to the monitoring sound while keeping the recorded signal clean, you can achieve this by using the "Monitor FX" function. On the other hand, if you'd like to record with the effects applied, simply select "Print FX" to commit the effects to the recording.
For those who prefer controlling everything from the DAW rather than the hardware, there's a "Monitor + DualPath Link Mode" available. This allows you to manage both monitoring and printing of effects entirely from your computer, providing a seamless workflow for those working primarily in a digital environment.
Using the device itself to control effects feels similar to adjusting settings on a pedalboard. You can instantly hear the changes in sound as you tweak parameters, giving you a hands-on, intuitive experience that makes sound shaping feel effortless and direct.

Onboard DSP Effects

Let’s take a look at the actual control interface.

○ Symphony ECS Channel Strip

The Symphony ECS Channel Strip is a versatile tool that combines a vintage-style EQ, a compressor fine-tuned by legendary engineer Bob Clearmountain, and a highly adjustable saturation feature. This channel strip allows for a wide range of sound shaping, from subtle adjustments to more aggressive tone crafting. With its intuitive design, you can quickly and easily dial in your ideal sound, whether you're making precise tweaks or aiming for bold sonic transformations.

○ Pultec EQP-1A

The Pultec EQP-1A is a renowned emulation of the classic tube equalizer hardware. One of its hallmark features is the ability to simultaneously boost and cut the same frequency range, creating a unique and musical sound. This emulation faithfully reproduces the original’s magic, from expanding the frequency range to adding a rich, polished sheen to your audio. Its distinctive sound, often described as "addictive," captures the essence of the original hardware, offering a smooth and appealing tonal character.

○ Pultec MEQ-5

Often paired with the EQP-1A, the Pultec MEQ-5 is an EQ specifically designed for fine-tuning the midrange. It's ideal for adding a bit of edge or presence to your sound. Like the EQP-1A, this emulation is officially licensed by Pulse Techniques, ensuring an authentic recreation of the original hardware's character. The MEQ-5 excels at shaping the crucial midrange frequencies, making it a perfect companion for crafting detailed and punchy mixes.

○ ModEQ 6

The ModEQ 6 is a modern 6-band parametric EQ with a sleek, user-friendly interface. Its smooth and intuitive controls make it highly versatile for a wide range of applications. One practical feature is the ability to solo each band, allowing for precise frequency adjustments. Additionally, the easy implementation of low-pass and high-pass filters makes it convenient for quick and effective sound shaping. This EQ is perfect for both detailed tonal sculpting and broader frequency adjustments, making it a highly functional tool in any setup.

○ ModComp

ModComp is a feature-packed modern compressor/limiter. It offers three modes—Punch, Easy, and Leveller—along with a 2-band sidechain EQ, auto makeup gain, and Dry/FX mix control for parallel compression. It’s versatile enough to be used subtly as a safeguard against sudden peaks, or for more aggressive tone shaping, thanks to its transparent compression that can be applied deeply without compromising sound quality. These comprehensive features make it a great tool for both subtle dynamic control and bold sound design.

○ Opto-3A

Opto-3A is an emulation of the classic optical compressor, offering punchy yet smooth compression with a perfect balance. Like the original hardware, it features a VU meter for visual feedback. In addition to faithfully reproducing the original’s character, it comes with modern enhancements such as an HF Contour to emphasize high frequencies, Dry/FX mix for parallel compression, and a sidechain high-pass filter, allowing for precise and creative sound shaping. These features make the Opto-3A a powerful tool for both subtle dynamics control and aggressive tone sculpting.

I don't think there's any other audio interface that allows you to control this many effects directly on the unit via a touchscreen.

Preamp Emulations

In addition to the effects, Symphony Desktop offers the unique ability to choose from three different preamps. Alongside the Symphony Desktop’s own mic preamp, which provides up to 75dB of gain, you can select the "British Solid State," an emulation of the NEVE 1066, or the "American Tube,"

British Solid State

American Tube

Future Updates

Symphony Desktop's evolution doesn't stop here. Future updates will include MIDI over USB functionality and integration with Logic Pro X for seamless device control. The MIDI over USB feature will allow for easy MIDI transmission and reception by simply connecting class-compliant MIDI devices via a USB cable. In Logic Pro X, features like the Direct button and Audio Device Control view will enable seamless control between the DAW and the interface.

While already known for its high audio quality and adaptability in professional environments, Symphony Desktop is set to unlock even more possibilities as a next-generation interface. Its future updates are expected to have a significant impact on music production, making it a device worth keeping an eye on!