The Well-Tempered Computer, an introduction to computer audio

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Apogee Electronics announces Thunderbolt audio interface development

Apogee electronics has announced that it is moving toward using the new digital audio interconnection based upon Intel's Thunderbolt technology, first shown in new series of Apple Macs.

Director of Marketing Sean McArthur speaks to the advantages gained by Apogee’s customers. “Simply stated, Intel’s Thunderbolt technology on the Mac marks the end of difficult choices and the beginning of unlimited performance,” he says. “In the near future, Thunderbolt will take the confusion out of choosing a professional connectivity standard for audio production.” McArthur continues, “Too often we have seen our customers frustrated by the options: Should I go with USB 3, FireWire 800, PCI cards and when is that LightPeak thing coming? Now we know, as manufacturers and customers, where we are headed.

Apogee R&D designed architecture perfectly suited to embrace Thunderbolt. Symphony I/O’s modular, user definable system was the first step. AD/DA conversion modules (our primary technology) were designed to be independent of the Symphony I/O Chassis. This allows Apogee to address interfacing from the Chassis level without impacting I/O module implementation. 

Powered by Thunderbolt, the Symphony I/O platform is the foundation of future digital audio production systems. Any Mac equipped with Thunderbolt technology and paired with Symphony I/O will deliver incredible, high-performance recording from the Hollywood soundstage to the hotel room nightstand.


Apogee will have more information and a timeline for Thunderbolt implementation soon.


Apogee Electronics Corporation is a leading manufacturer of digital audio hardware systems and related accessories for audio professionals and musicians around the world. Founded in 1985 and initially made its name designing filters that solved many of the early problems associated with digital audio. Later, Apogee’s complete conversion systems pushed the envelope of digital audio quality and established Apogee as a key innovator in the field of professional digital audio.