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Apogee Element Series
Quick Start Guide
Fall 2016
Page 2
Contents
Overview ........................................................................................... 3
Introduction ........................................................................................................................3
Package Contents ..............................................................................................................6
Element Series Product Tour ..............................................................................................8
Getting Started .................................................................................11
Install Element Software ...................................................................................................11
Apogee Element Control ............................................................................................11
Connect Element to your Computer ................................................................................12
Update Element’s Firmware .......................................................................................13
To Play Sound Out ............................................................................................................14
Setting up an Input ...........................................................................................................16
Setup Element in your DAW .............................................................................................20
Select Element in Garageband ..................................................................................20
Select Element in Logic Pro X ....................................................................................22
Select Element in Pro Tools .......................................................................................24
Select Element in Ableton Live ..................................................................................25
Introduction to Element Control Software ........................................................................26
Element Control Primary Window ..............................................................................27
Element Control Toolbar ............................................................................................28
Element Control Input and Output Settings ...............................................................29
Element Control Essentials Window ..........................................................................30
Additional Support ......................................................................... 31
System Requirements ......................................................................................................11
2 | Apogee Element Series Quick Start Guide
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Overview
Introduction
Legendary Sound Quality. The Power of Thunderbolt. Elegant Simplicity.
Apogee’s Element 24, 46 and 88 are Thunderbolt audio I/O boxes for Mac. The Element Series takes the best of
cutting-edge Apogee gear like Symphony I/O Mk II, Ensemble Thunderbolt and Groove and puts it into simple form
factors. With streamlined hardware features and advanced software control, the Element series delivers ultimate
recording quality and performance at unprecedented prices.
Apogee Element Series Quick Start Guide | 3
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The Elements of Excellent Audio
Ad
Analog to Digital Conversion
A high-quality A/D converter is critical for capturing every detail of your recordings into your computer. The Element
series features some of the best Apogee A/D conversion. Recording through an Element ensures you will minimize
unwanted noise and maximize the signal quality. Your tracks will sound amazing and mixing your project will be easier.
Mp
Microphone Preamps
Whether you are recording powerful drums, dynamic vocals or delicate strings, you need a premium mic preamp to
capture the nest details of the performance. The Element Series mic preamps feature Apogee’s Advanced Stepped
Gain Architecture™. This analog circuit is designed to dynamically optimize across a gain range of 0-75dB to provide
superior bandwidth and low distortion.
Da
Digital to Analog Conversion
With a high-quality D/A converter, you will hear more denition in each track and virtual instrument. This clarity
makes it easier for you to make precise adjustments and achieve the ideal balance when mixing your music. When
you listen to your sessions through an Element, tracks will blend more harmoniously and mixing will be easier. The
high end will sound crisp and clear and the low end will be tight and well dened.
4 | Apogee Element Series Quick Start Guide
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Cl
Clocking
An audio interface relies on a clock source like an orchestra relies on a conductor. A digital audio clock provides a
timing signal to all the parts of a digital audio system so that each part of the AD/DA process may be synchronized.
Element has its own built-in clock source and provides professional Word Clock IN and OUT for syncing with other
digital audio gear. Use Element as the master clock to take advantage of Apogee’s superior built-in clocking
technology.
Co
Thunderbolt Connectivity
The Element Series Thunderbolt driver oers incredible low-latency performance (1.41 ms round-trip) and rock-solid
stability. Apogee’s custom driver uses less of your computer’s CPU power with the help of Direct Memory Access
(DMA) technology. This allows you to run more plugins and monitor through your DAW at a low buer setting.
Element’s low latency driver means you don’t have to choose between power and speed.
Apogee Element Series Quick Start Guide | 5
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Package Contents
The following items are included with your Element Series Interface
Apogee Element 24
• Universal Power Supply with
standard 3 pin-IEC cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Booklet
Apogee Element 46
• Universal Power Supply with
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Booklet
Register your product
• Access Apogee’s expert Technical Support for free
• Receive important product update information by email
• Take the Customer Satisfaction Survey for a chance to win Apogee gear!
Register now:
www.apogeedigital.com/register
6 | Apogee Element Series Quick Start Guide
standard 3 pin-IEC cable
Apogee Element 88
• Rack mounting kit
• Universal Power Supply with
standard 3 pin-IEC cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Booklet
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Apogee Element Series Quick Start Guide | 7
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Element 24 Product Tour
Front Panel
Rear Panel
XLR Outputs
ADAT/SMUX/SPDIF
8 | Apogee Element Series Quick Start Guide
Optical
Inputs 1-2
Combi Jacks XLR Mic/Line
1/4” Hi-Z Instrument
BNC
Word Clock
Serial
Number
1/4” Stereo
Headphone Output
PowerThunderbolt™2 Balanced L/R
Status
LED
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Element 46 Product Tour
Front Panel
Rear Panel
XLR Outputs
Inputs 1-4
Combi Jacks XLR Mic/Line
1/4” Hi-Z Instrument
Optical
ADAT/SMUX/SPDIF
Word Clock
BNC
Serial
Number
2 1/4” Stereo
Headphone Outputs
PowerThunderbolt™2 Balanced L/R
Status
LED
Apogee Element Series Quick Start Guide | 9
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Element 88 Product Tour
Inputs 1-4
Combi Jacks XLR Mic/Line
1/4” Hi-Z Instrument
Front Panel
Rear Panel
2 Balanced 1/4”
XLR Outputs
Outputs
10 | Apogee Element Series Quick Start Guide
Optical
ADAT/SMUX/SPDIF
Inputs 5-8
XLR Mic/Line
BNC
Word Clock
Serial
Number
2 1/4” Stereo
Headphone Outputs
PowerThunderbolt™2 Balanced L/R
Status
LED
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Getting Started
System Requirements
• Computer: Thunderbolt™-equipped Mac
• Mac OS 10.10 or greater
• Memory: 4 GB RAM minimum, 8 GB recommended
• Connection: Any available Thunderbolt port*
• Software: Any Core Audio compatible application
*Thunderbolt cable not included
Install Element Software
1. Download the latest Element Software Package
from www.apogeedigital.com/support
2. Open the downloaded .dmg le and double-click
the Element Installer.pkg that’s inside.
3. Follow the prompts provided by the software
installer package. You will be required to restart
your computer.
Element Control
After installation is complete, you will nd the Element
Control Application in your Mac’s Applications folder. All
of Element’s settings and parameters are controlled from
this application.
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Connect Element to Your Computer
1. Connect the Power Supply to Element.
✖ Mini Display Port ✔ Thunderbolt Port
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2. Connect Element to your Mac using a
Thunderbolt cable.
NOTE: Make sure that your Mac has the Thunderbolt logo.
The Mini DisplayPort, featured on many pre-Thunderbolt
Macs, is the exact size of a Thunderbolt port but does NOT
support Thunderbolt devices.
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Update Element’s Firmware
After the software installation, you may be prompted to
update the Firmware:
1. Click Update, or manually open the Element Firmware
Updater.app from your computer’s Applications >
Utilities Folder.
2. Click Start Update.
3. Follow any prompts that may appear.
4. When it says Element is up to date, you can
quit the updater.
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To Play Sound Out
To get sound from general audio applications like iTunes, Spotify, or a web browser to play out of Element, it must be
selected as the output device in Mac Sound Preferences:
2. In the Output tab, select Element
from the list.
IN 1 IN 2 IN 4IN 3
L R
Connect speakers to the Main Out XLR jacks,
and/or headphones to the HP1 or HP2 jacks.
1 2
1. Open Mac System Preferences and click
the Sound icon.
14 | Apogee Element Series Quick Start Guide
To control Element’s output level from Sound
Preferences, adjust the Output volume slider
at the bottom of the Output tab page.
Note: The Output volume slider controls
what is selected in the Element Control
software’s “Keyboard Volume” setting.
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For more control over all the outputs of the Element interface, open the Element Control.app
located in your Mac’s Applications folder:
When opening Element Control for the rst time, the
Snapshot Template window will appear. Select the
“Getting Started” Template. This template will provide
the monitor controls below:
To adjust the Headphone
output volume, click and
drag up or down on the
HP1, or HP2 Output Level
control knob.
To change what the Apple keyboard volume
buttons control.
To adjust the Main output
volume, click and drag up
or down on the MAIN
Output Level control knob.
-Show the System Side Bar.
-Make your choice from the
“Keyboard Volume” drop down box.
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Setting up an Input
Setup and control the input settings of your Apogee Element interface via the Element Control software.
1. Connect an XLR or ¼” instrument cable to
the Input 1 combi jack.
2. Open the Element Control software.
3. Click File > Open Snapshot Template.
4. Select “Getting Started” from the
Snapshot Template window.
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5. In the Analog 1 channel, set the Analog
Level setting to:
“Mic” if you are
connecting via
XLR cable.
If using a condenser
microphone, click
“48V” to activate
phantom power
“Instrument” if you
are connecting via
¼” cable.
6. Raise the Gain knob as you input signal.
You will see
input meter
move with
this signal.
If the Over
indicator is
triggered, the
Gain knob is
too high and
should be
lowered.
Your input is now
set up and can be
recorded.
To hear the input
signal, use the
monitoring features
of your Recording
Program or DAW.
Continue
raising the
Gain knob
until this meter
gets close to
the top on your
loudest input.
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To direct monitor your Input without opening a Recording Program or DAW:
1. Go to File > Open Snapshot Template and
select “Direct Monitoring”
2. In the Analog 1 channel, set the Analog
Level setting to:
“Mic” if you are
connecting via
XLR cable.
If using a condenser
microphone, click
“48V” to activate
phantom power
“Instrument” if you
are connecting via
¼” cable.
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3. Raise the Gain knob as you input signal.
You will see input meter
move with this signal.
Adjust how loudly you hear
the input signal by adjusting
the speaker or headhpone
output volume knob.
Continue
raising the
Gain knob
until this meter
gets close to
the top on your
loudest input.
If the Over
indicator is
triggered, the
Gain knob is
too high and
should be
lowered.
Note: Adjustments to the Mixer 1 faders only
aect monitoring and does not alter the signal
being sent to your recording program or DAW
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Setup Element in your DAW
Most professional applications have their own audio preferences that are separate from the Mac System Preferences.
Basic steps for setting up Element are provided. For more detail on this topic, refer to the documentation that comes
with your recording program.
Select Element in Garageband:
1. Open Garageband and create a New Empty Project.
A
20 | Apogee Element Series Quick Start Guide
2. In the Details expansion, ensure Element
B
is selected as the Audio Input and Output
device (A), and click Choose (B).
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C
D
F
E
G
3. In the Track dialog that appears, select an Audio track, Guitar or Mic (C).
4. Expand the Details arrow (D) to select Input 1 (E).
5. Ensure the check box is selected for “I Want to hear my Instrument
as I play and record” (F).
6. Click Create (G).
You should be able to see input
signal in the level meter, and hear it
passing through to the headphone
or speaker output.
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Select Element in Logic Pro X:
1. Go to Logic Pro X > Preferences > Audio. 3. Select “Apply Changes” and close the
Preferences window.
4. Go to Track > New Tracks.
2. In the Devices Tab, select Apogee Element in
the Output and Input Device drop-down boxes.
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A
B
C
D
5. Select Audio. (A)
6. In the Details drop down (B), select input 1. (C)
7. Check the box for Input Monitoring
and Record Enable. (D)
8. Click Create. (E)
You should be able to see input
signal in the level meter, and hear it
passing through to the headphone
or speaker output.
E
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Select Element in Pro Tools:
1. Open Pro Tools and create a New Project.
2. Go to Setup > Playback Engine and select
Element46 as the playback engine and click OK.
3. Go to the Track > New Menu.
4. Create 1 Mono Audio Track.
5. Select Input 1.
6. Click the Record and Input Monitoring Buttons.
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Select Element in Ableton Live:
1. Open Ableton Live and go to the
Live > Preferences Menu.
2. Select Element as the Audio Input & Audio
Output Device.
3. Change the Buer Size
to “64 samples”. Adjust
this setting based on your
computer’s performance.
4. In an Audio Track, select Input 1, and Monitor IN
You should be able to see input
signal in the level meter, and
hear it passing through to the
headphone or speaker output.
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Introduction to Element Control Software
All features and settings of your Apogee Element
interface are controlled through the Element Control
software. When you rst open Element Control, you
are presented with a basic layout providing the most
commonly used features and settings.
Apple Keyboard Navigation Tips
Use the Arrow keys to change Analog input and output
settings;
Press
focus ring through analog inputs and
outputs.
▲
to scroll the orange
▲
▲
Press
level highlighted with the focus ring.
Use the volume keys (F10, F11 and F12) to set the level of
the Speaker or Headphone output. See p.15 for details.
to raise or lower the
▲
The Element Control user interface is highly
customizable. Many features - for example, mixers,
channels or sidebars - can be hidden or deactivated
so that only the ones you want to see are displayed.
You can then save your changes as a Snapshot.
Create Snapshots for dierent workows and recall
them quickly when needed.
Snapshot Templates (which may be viewed by
selecting File > Open Snapshot Template) provide a
point of departure for a variety of popular workows.
Start with the Snapshot Template that closest to your
preferred workow, customize it further, then save it
as a Snapshot.
For detailed information on these templates refer to
the Elements Series Users Guide downloadable at:
www.apogeedigital.com/support
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Element Control Primary Window
Toolbar
System
Sidebar
Device
Sidebar
Analog Input Channels
Playback
from
Software
Channels
Monitor Control
Sidebar
Channel View
Output
Signal
Level
Meters
Mixers
Master Control
Apogee Element Series Quick Start Guide | 27
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Element Control Toolbar
System
Sidebar
Button
Device
Sidebar
Button
Essentials
Window
Button
Remote
Window
Button
Clear
Meters
Button
Talkback
Button
Mute
All
Button
Hover
Help
Button
For specic information about
Element Control’s features, open the
Help window and hover your Mac’s
pointer above each setting to see a
helpful summary.
28 | Apogee Element Series Quick Start Guide
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Element Control Input and Output Settings
Input Label
Input Level Meter
Mixers
Input
Configuration
Section
FX Send to
DAW Channel
Mixer Send
Pre Button
-When this is on, the
volume of signal going
to the mixer master is
not affected by the
Mixer 1 fader
Mixer View On/Off
Input Type Selector
Input Gain Knob
48V Phantom Power, Group
Soft Limit, Polarity Invert
Channel Pan
Channel Level Fader
Sound source for this output
Sound source for this output
Sound source for this output
Mute Button Sum-to-Mono Button
Lowers output by
Use to test mono
compatibility of a mix
Dim Button
-15 dB
Channel Mute
Channel Solo
Channel Mono/Stereo Toggle
Channel Label
Apogee Element Series Quick Start Guide | 29
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Element Control Essentials Window
Input Type
Focus
Ring
Selector
48V Phantom
Power
Soft Limit
Group
Polarity Invert
Input
Label
Input Level Meter
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Sound
Source
Mute
Dim
Sum to Mono
Clear Meters Button
Talkback Button
Mute All Button
Output Level Meter
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Additional Support
For more information
• Element Series User’s Guide
• Apogee KnowledgeBase and FAQs
• Apogee Product Registration
• How to contact Apogee Technical Support
Please visit: www.apogeedigital.com/support
Apogee Element Series Quick Start Guide | 31
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Certified Green Business
*Apogee products are built in the U.S.A. using
domestic and foreign parts and components.
PN-0070-0002-0000 Rev 1.0.0
AN-0027-0048-0000 Rev 1.0.0
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