Overview

The Symphony Studio Series is a 1U USB-C interface line offered in three configurations—8×8, 2×12, and 8×16—with on-board output DSP for room EQ, speaker delay, and bass management, and monitor workflows that scale from stereo to immersive; the 8×16 variant supports up to 9.1.6 layouts. All models include transparent mic preamps with up to 75 dB of gain and 24-bit/192 kHz operation. Representative street prices as of this writing: 2×12: 2,199 USD, 8×8: 2,999 USD, 8×16: 3,999 USD. [1][2][3][4][5]

Scientific Validity

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Manufacturer specifications show performance squarely within transparent-to-excellent territory: A/D THD+N −113 dB, dynamic range 121 dB(A); D/A THD+N −114 dB, dynamic range 124 dB(A); mic preamps with 75 dB gain and EIN 129 dB (unweighted @60 dB, 150 Ω); headphones −110 dB THD+N and 124 dB(A) dynamic range. Frequency response is listed within ±0.2 dB (A/D) and ±0.05 dB (D/A) at 44.1 kHz. These values meet or exceed typical transparency thresholds for line-level electronics, supporting a high score for audibility. [2]

Technology Level

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Distinctive implementation includes integrated monitor workflows (stereo, 5.1, 7.1.4, 9.1.6), per-channel speaker delay, room EQ, and bass management in hardware, plus an input DSP channel strip for zero/low-latency tracking. USB-class compliance and a modern Control 2 application (with optional hardware remote) round out a technically sophisticated, workflow-centric design. [1][2]

Cost-Performance

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Review basis: Symphony Studio 8×8 at 2,999 USD (denominator). We surveyed current alternatives with equal-or-better user-facing functions (≥8 transparent mic pres, comparable line outputs, and built-in output DSP for room EQ + delay + bass management along with immersive-ready monitor control). We did not find any cheaper product meeting those functional requirements and comparable measured performance; e.g., RME Fireface UCX II is cheaper but offers only two mic pres and lacks the same built-in immersive monitor calibration/bass management feature set; products that match or exceed the feature scope (e.g., immersive monitor control plus multiple high-quality mic pres) are priced the same or higher. Therefore, no cheaper equivalent exists → CP = 1.0. [3][4][6]

Reliability & Support

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Apogee has operated since 1985 and maintains an active software/firmware ecosystem (Control 2). Documentation for Symphony Studio is detailed, and distributor support is broad. Long industry presence and current software cadence justify a high but not perfect score. [7][8]

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The product focuses on measurable end results (transparent conversion and preamps) while embedding practical monitoring tools (delay alignment, bass management, EQ) that directly improve monitoring accuracy—an approach tightly aligned with scientifically meaningful gains for listeners and engineers. [1][2]

Advice

Target users are engineers who need transparent recording with integrated multi-speaker monitoring control—especially those moving into immersive work. Choose 2×12 for cost-efficient 7.1.4 playback/mixing, 8×8 for traditional multitrack tracking with eight mic pres, and 8×16 for 9.1.6 monitoring without external controllers. If you don’t need built-in calibration/bass management or many mic pres, cheaper interfaces exist; otherwise, the Symphony Studio’s integrated toolset reduces system complexity and potential error points.

References

[1] Apogee Digital, “Symphony Studio Series,” https://apogeedigital.com/symphony-studio-series/ (accessed 2025-08-21). Key features and model lineup.

[2] Apogee Digital, Symphony Studio Series User’s Guide, pp. 29–30: technical specs (A/D, D/A, mic pre, headphone), monitor workflows up to 9.1.6; https://22712264.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22712264/Users%20Guides%20and%20Documentation%20PDFs/Symphony%20Studio%20Series%20Users%20Guide.pdf (accessed 2025-08-21).

[3] Sweetwater, “Apogee Symphony Studio 8×8,” price 2,999 USD; https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SymStu8x8–apogee-symphony-studio-8-by-8-audio-interface (accessed 2025-08-21).

[4] Sweetwater, “Apogee Symphony Studio 2×12,” price 2,199 USD; https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SymStu2x12–apogee-symphony-studio-2-by-12-audio-interface-with-immersive-mixing-and-playback (accessed 2025-08-21).

[5] Sweetwater, “Apogee Symphony Studio 8×16,” price 3,999 USD; https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SymStu8x16–apogee-symphony-studio-8-by-16-audio-interface-with-immersive-mixing-and-playback (accessed 2025-08-21).

[6] RME, “Fireface UCX II,” price 1,699 USD; https://www.rme-usa.com/fireface-ucx-ii.html (accessed 2025-08-21).

[7] Apogee Digital, “Our Story,” founded 1985; https://apogeedigital.com/about/our-story/ (accessed 2025-08-21).

[8] Apogee Knowledge Base, “Apogee Product Software & Firmware Versions List (Current Products),” Control 2 and firmware listings; https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/apogee-product-software-firmware-versions-list-current-products (accessed 2025-08-21).

(2025.8.21)