The figures in the Element product names reflect the number of analogue inputs (the first digit) and the number of analogue outputs offered by each device. Physically, the Element is a plain-looking solid black metal box featuring metallic-silver edges, but it’s a ruggedly reassuring appearance that invites you to throw the interface on the floor with the knowledge that it will be absolutely fine. After a quick restart, you’ll be ready to connect the interface, and when you do this you’ll notice the status LED light up red, before hopefully turning green to indicate a successful connection.
Element supports the latest version of Mac OS (Sierra), and is also compatible with El Capitan (10.11) and Yosemite (10.10) for those who have yet to upgrade.
Getting started with the Element is easy: simply download and install the driver and support software from Apogee’s web site. Also, the DC connector itself can be pulled out with relative ease, so it’s a shame a cable clip wasn’t added that you could loop the power cord around, something you often see on other hardware such as Apogee’s own Quartet interface. I know this is a minor point, but I really do hate external supplies (at least this one isn’t a wall wart), and it would have been much more elegant to simply plug the included IEC cable directly into the interface, as with Apogee’s Thunderbolt-based Ensemble. What is provided in the box, however, is a power supply. And the length of the cable might not have suited your needs anyway. If this necessary cable had been included, Apogee would have needed to pass on this cost, meaning that the amount you’re spending would be greater either way. Much to my initial chagrin, Apogee have chosen not to include a Thunderbolt cable in the box, although I was told this is simply because Thunderbolt cables are so expensive.
Owners of the new MacBook Pro will need a USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) to Thunderbolt 2 adaptor, and those with regular MacBooks should note that the USB-C port on this laptop does not support Thunderbolt. The Element connects to your Mac via Thunderbolt, so you’ll obviously need a Thunderbolt-equipped Mac to use this interface. However, these aren’t the typical audio interfaces you’d expect from a company like Apogee, or indeed any other company that make audio interfaces, as Apogee have decided to try something a bit radical: they’ve removed all physical controls and indicators (except for a status LED). Can the convenience of software really replace the allure of flashing lights and knobs?Īpogee announced a new line of three audio interfaces at last year’s Winter AES show in Los Angeles: Element 24, Element 46, and Element 88 - or, as I like to call them, chromium, palladium, and radium. Apogee’s latest audio interfaces eschew physical controls to keep the price as attractive as the audio quality.