The Best Thunderbolt Audio Interface Under $1000

In this review, I cover the key features and specs on the new Apogee Element 24 Thunderbolt audio interface. As a long-time user of the Duet, I was super stoked to get my hands on the Element.

It’s been in my studio for the past 5 months and I’ve had the chance to test it thoroughly. You’ll hear my thoughts on build quality, sound quality, the software control apps, and how it stacks up against Apogee’s other interfaces and other interfaces in the class.

Skip to These Timeline Tags:

1. Start: 0:00
2. Win an Apogee Element 24: 00:31
3. Specs & Overview: 0:49
4. Design Philosophy: 1:21
5. Element in the Apogee Product Line: 2:22
6. Element Models: 2:39
7. Pricing: 2:53
8. Competing Interfaces: 3:15
9. Build Quality: 3:30
10. Sound Quality: 3:50
11. Headphone Amp: 4:22
12. Element Control: 4:33
13. iOS & Android Mobile App: 5:35
14. Tech Support Test: 5:57
15. Pros: 6:30
16. Cons: 7:04
17. Outro: 8:11

Please Note:

Neither myself, nor Warp Academy, are being paid to promote Apogee products. I reached out to Apogee on my own because I was already a Duet user and I like their interfaces. This is not a sponsored review.

[rushinsteele]

I’d say it holds up in 2023 for some of us that are using older macs. There’s only a very subtle difference between the built in preamps and my outboard preamps. it’s been a flawless workhorse.

[Juuleeinn]

DJ Vespers I need to know if you can use thunderbolt 2 interface on a MacBook pro with thunderbolt 1 ?

[glennfranc]

Wow, would be great to play with one of these.
Thanks for getting a contest going!

[lucasVazquez]

Speaking of Mac thunderbolt interfaces, how does the Focusrite Clarett 2pre compare to Apogee Element 24 in terms of sound quality? I haven´t decided yet. I heard they are both stellar sounding interfaces. Is the Element worth the extra 100 dls?

[jerrychen]

This is hands down the best review on Apogee Element I've found in the entire youtube!!! Thanks so much for explaining all the important details of this interface. I've got a few questions if you can help me answer. I am planning to upgrade my interface to the Element 24, and because I mix a lot on my headphone I am also looking into the Apogee Groove. On this video, you've mentioned that the headphone amp on the Element is very close to the Groove. So from the scale of 1 to 10 if the Groove is 10 would you say the Element is like an 8? Would I really be able to tell the difference between the two? If the Element will get the job done I can save myself an extra $300 bucks. Thanks for doing what you do and hope you can help answer my questions!

[roycelassley]

I think they left out the thunderbolt cable because it is supposed to be compatible with any thunderbolt cable version (if I am correct). So depending on the thunderbolt version you have, it wou have be not smart to include a paid cord for say 3rd gen thunderbolt if your computer is 2 gen--again, that's what it seemed from their website.

[bggouvea]

Good review, I am just getting started with my gear, and this looks like a good option, I hope to win!
thanks

[jackspde]

Not as much about this interface, but your video really help me choose this over the apollo x. I will test and make a final decision to keep it or not

[Payan]

Can you do in debt reviews like this for apogees new Duet 3 & Symphony Desktop? I really love your content, please make this happen.

[tomhuergo]

Thanks for the review. I still don't really get how this interface is better than the Duet. Is it the sound quality? Thanks again!

[JosiahLord]

Yo, how would you say this holds up in 2020? Any chance you’d know how it compares against the rode podcaster pro?

[alexiluffy]

I have the 2017 Macbook Pro, so it uses USB-C/Thunderbolt 3. To connect an Element to my Macbook, I would need a cable that is Thunderbolt 2.0 male to Thunderbolt 3.0 male correct? But I think that will be hard to find, so I'll get a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 3, with a Thunderbolt 3 to 2 adapter. Is that right?

[RicardoHardoy]

Thank you very much. Excellent review. Will Element 24 work fine with an iPad Pro 12, 9 2019?

[stonefromthesky]

Very good review, Vespers. Have you tried Keith McMillen's K-Mix? If yes, then how does it compare to this audio interface?

[brunocena]

which shud i buy this or apollo twin for vocal recording vocal, and also can its pre amp give enough gain to shure SM7B,
and also i dnt need DSP in apollo, but i m confused which one to get coz both are too good, n i use macbook pro, plsss help me out

[renthal]

Apogee Elements actually has some DSP built in. They been keeping it under wraps

[PhearNone]

how does the Universal Audio Arrow compare to the Apogee Element 24 in your opinion? The arrow has bus power but doe sit sound as good as apogee is known for?

[yamansitar]

hi, thanks for your vidieos , do you know the wattage of the Element 24 , I was thinking of using it for busking and have to work out what kind of portable battery , ,, thanks

[leonardovmusic]

Is this iOS compatible? Can one record in iPad with this? Thanks.

[sabrang]

can u use this wid any plugins like waves not like uad u can only use there plug ins