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Apogee Symphony I/O User Manual

Apogee Symphony I/O
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Apogee Symphony I/O Users Guide - Print Version
December 2011
This version of the Symphony I/O Users Guide is for PRINT purposes only.
The latest and most up-to-date Users Guide is available at:
http://support.apogeedigital.com/help/symphony-io/
In this User’s Guide you’ll find complete information about the Symphony I/O hardware
interface and its companion software control application, Apogee Maestro.

Table of Contents

Other manuals for Apogee Symphony I/O

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Apogee Symphony I/O Specifications

General IconGeneral
TypeAudio Interface
Audio InputsAnalog, Digital
Audio OutputsAnalog, Digital
ChannelsUp to 32
A/D Resolution24-bit
Sample RateUp to 192 kHz
Bit Depth24-bit
Modular I/OYes
Analog Inputs8
Analog Outputs8
Form Factor1U Rackmount
ConnectivityThunderbolt, USB
Digital I/OAES/EBU, SPDIF, ADAT
Microphone PreampsOptional
Software CompatibilitymacOS, Windows

Summary

Getting Started

Package Contents

Lists items included in the Symphony I/O package.

An Introduction to the Symphony I/O System

Describes the Symphony I/O as a flagship digital audio interface.

Audio Interface Mode (AIM)

Explains how AIM transforms the system's characteristics for host device connection.

Flexible Input/Output Architecture

Details available I/O modules for customizing inputs and outputs.

Hardware and Software Control

Lists hardware and software controls for Symphony I/O parameters.

Symphony I/O Front Panel

Explains basic parameter setting via front panel encoders.

Apogee Maestro Software

Maestro software provides complete control of Symphony I/O settings.

Apple OS X Control Panels

Settings adjustment via OS X System Preferences and Audio MIDI Setup.

Apple Mac Keyboard

Setting output levels directly from Mac keyboard volume control.

Symphony I/O Release 4 Requirements

Lists requirements for connecting to Symphony 64 or Mobile PCI cards.

Pro Tools HD Audio Interface Mode

Details requirements for connecting to Avid Pro Tools PCI cards.

Symphony PCI Quick Start Guide

Guide to configure Symphony I/O with Symphony PCI card for audio.

Pro Tools PCI Quick Start Guide

Guide to configure Symphony I/O with Avid Pro Tools HD PCI card.

Symphony I/O Features

Symphony I/O Front Panel

Details the front panel features and controls.

Symphony I/O Rear Panel

Describes the rear panel connectors and ports.

8 Analog I/O + 8 Optical I/O Module

Explains the features of this specific I/O module.

8 Analog I/O + 8 AES I/O Module

Details the features of the 8 Analog I/O + 8 AES I/O module.

16 Analog IN + 16 Optical Out I/O Module

Describes the 16 Analog IN + 16 Optical Out I/O module.

16 Analog Out + 16 Optical In I/O Module

Details the 16 Analog Out + 16 Optical In I/O module.

Mic Pre I/O Module

Explains the functionality of the Mic Pre I/O Module.

Maestro Features

Devices Sidebar

How Apogee interfaces are displayed in the Maestro Devices sidebar.

Device Icon & ID Button

Identifies hardware units and illuminates front panel meters.

Input Tab Window

Settings for analog and digital inputs are found here.

Output Tab Window

Settings for analog and digital outputs are found here.

Input/Output Tab Windows - Parameter Order

Explains parameter order in Input/Output tab windows.

Device Settings Tab Window

Contains miscellaneous peripheral settings and front panel meter assignments.

Routing Tab Windows

Functionality varies based on selected audio interface mode.

System Setup - Symphony Audio Interface Mode

Controls displayed when Symphony Audio Interface Mode is set.

System Setup - Standalone Audio Interface Mode

Controls displayed when Standalone Audio Interface Mode is set.

System Setup - Pro Tools HD Audio Interface Mode

Settings made in Pro Tools when Pro Tools HD mode is active.

Toolbar

Toolbar reserved for readily accessible system controls.

Menu Bar Menus

Describes various menu bar options for Maestro.

Connecting Your Symphony I/O System

Analog IN

Details analog input connectors and their usage.

Analog OUT

Describes analog output connectors and their usage.

Optical IN

Explains optical input connectors and their formats.

Optical Out

Details optical output connectors and their formats.

AES In/Out

Describes AES input/output connectors and their usage.

S/PDIF In/Out

Explains S/PDIF coax connectors and their settings.

Mic Pre I/O Module

Details the Mic Pre I/O Module and its connections.

I/O Numbering with 2 IO Modules

How inputs/outputs are numbered with two modules installed.

I/O Module Connections - Standalone Audio Interface Mode

Routing I/O module inputs directly to outputs in Standalone mode.

Connecting Headphones

Connecting headphones to front panel connectors and setting source.

Making Hardware Clock Connections

Facilities for connecting clock signals.

Locking External Devices to Symphony I/O

How to lock external clock devices to a single Symphony I/O.

Locking Symphony I/O to External Devices

How to lock Symphony I/O to external devices as a master clock.

Locking multiple Symphony I/Os with Loop Clock

How to lock multiple Symphony I/Os together using Loop Clock.

Locking multiple Symphony I/Os to External Devices

How to lock multiple Symphony I/Os to external devices as a master clock.

Connecting to a Symphony 64 PCIe Card

Describes connecting Symphony I/O to a Symphony 64 PCIe card.

Connecting to a Symphony Mobile Card

Details connecting Symphony I/O to a Symphony Mobile PCI card.

Connecting to Pro Tools HD PCI Cards

How to connect Symphony I/O to Pro Tools HD PCI cards.

Connecting to Pro Tools HD Native cards

Details connecting Symphony I/O to Pro Tools HD Native PCI cards.

Apogee Maestro Software Control via USB

Maestro software control via USB connection.

Connecting to a Mac’s USB Port

Connecting Symphony I/O to a Mac's USB port.

Configuring Your Symphony I/O System

Audio Interface Mode (AIM)

Adapts interface to host system (DAW or device).

Setting the Audio Interface Mode

How to set the Audio Interface Mode using the front panel encoder.

Symphony Audio Interface Mode

Signal flow when in Symphony Audio Interface Mode.

Pro Tools HD audio interface mode

Signal flow when in Pro Tools HD audio interface mode.

Standalone Interface Mode

Signal flow when in Standalone Interface Mode.

Navigating in Maestro

How to navigate the Maestro application and identify peripherals.

Settings Tabs

Describes the Input, Output, Device Settings, Routing, and System Setup tabs.

Setting the Clock Source

How to set clock source in Symphony mode via front panel or Maestro.

Setting the Sample Rate

How Core Audio driver sets sample rate in Symphony mode.

Configuring Speaker and Headphone Outputs

How to set Speaker Out in Maestro's Output tab for different speaker setups.

Configuring Digital I/O Formats

Setting optical I/O formats to ADAT-SMUX or S/PDIF.

Calibrating Symphony I/O

Setting analog reference levels to match connected equipment.

Configuring Audio Software

Mac Settings

How to set up and configure audio software on Mac.

Mac Sound Dialog

Dialog box appearing after software installation for sound output.

Configuration Settings in OS X Audio MIDI Setup

Selecting Symphony I/O for Mac Sound I/O in Audio MIDI Setup.

Configuration Settings in OS X Sound Preferences

Selecting Symphony I/O for Mac Sound I/O in OS X Sound Preferences.

Configuration Settings in Apple Logic Pro

Steps to configure Symphony I/O with Apple Logic Pro.

Configuration Settings in Apple GarageBand

Steps to configure Symphony I/O with Apple GarageBand.

Configuration Settings in Avid Pro Tools

Using Symphony I/O with Pro Tools HD and HD Native PCI cards.

Hardware Setup

Setting format of 192 I/O's hardware inputs/outputs in Pro Tools.

I/O Setup

Routing hardware I/O to Pro Tools software channel I/O.

Audio Routing Between Symphony I/O and Pro Tools

Charting routing between Symphony I/O and Pro Tools software.

Working with Your Symphony I/O System

Setting Speaker and Headphone Output Levels

Controlling speaker and headphone output levels.

Front Panel Encoders

Using front panel encoders to select output and set audio level.

Maestro Level Controls

Controlling output levels from Maestro's Output tab.

Mac Keyboard

Using Mac keyboard volume/mute keys to control output levels.

Using Soft Limit

Apogee's analog process for taming transients before A/D conversion.

Working with Front Panel and Maestro Level Meters

Understanding meter characteristics and hold times.

Working with VBus

VBus creates virtual buses for audio routing within/between applications.

Working in your Digital Audio Studio

Setting Levels

How to set input gain for proper recording levels.

Understanding Latency

Explains the delay between input/output in audio applications.

How does Maestro resolve latency?

How Maestro creates a low-latency headphone signal.

Do I need the Maestro Mixer?

When the Maestro mixer is necessary for low-latency listening.

How do I set my software's I/O Buffer?

Setting I/O buffer for latency and processing power compromise.

FAQs

What is the Audio Interface Mode?

Defines Audio Interface Mode and how to set it.

What I/O Modules are available?

Lists available I/O Modules for Symphony I/O Release 4.

Why do I see overs on Symphony I/Oʼs meters but not in my DAWʼs meters?

Explains meter over indicator threshold differences.

Does Symphony I/O work with Symphony 32 PCIe and PCIx cards?

Explains compatibility with Symphony 32 PCI cards.

Why does Symphony I/O have USB 2.0 and not FireWire?

Reasons for USB 2.0 over FireWire connectivity.

Is it possible to run a legacy Symphony system and a Symphony I/O on the same Mac?

Running legacy Symphony system and Symphony I/O simultaneously.

Can Rosetta Series and X-Series converters be connected to Symphony I/O?

Connecting Rosetta/X-Series converters via firmware update or digital I/O.

Does Symphony I/O support analog and digital I/O simultaneously?

Simultaneous use of analog and digital I/O.

Which I/O Modules may be installed in Slot 1, the lower slot?

Modules installable in the lower slot (Slot 1).

Which I/O Modules may be installed in Slot 2, the upper slot?

Modules installable in the upper slot (Slot 2).

Where do I connect a microphone to the Mic Preamp Module?

Connecting microphones to the Mic Preamp Module.

What is Soft Limit™?

Explains Soft Limit™ analog design for transient peak management.

Will Symphony I/O work without a Symphony 64 PCI-e card?

Compatibility with Pro Tools HD cards and other interfaces.

How loud is Symphony I/Oʼs fan?

Describes the fan's quiet operation and software control.

What length USB cable may be used?

Supported USB cable lengths and certification.

How do I switch between Pro Tools and Logic?

Switching Symphony I/O between Pro Tools and Logic modes.

How do I connect Symphony I/O to my Pro Tools LE or M-Powered system?

Connecting Symphony I/O to Pro Tools LE/M-Powered via Standalone mode.

Do I use the same PC-32 cable for both Symphony and Pro Tools HD?

PC-32 cable compatibility for Symphony and Pro Tools HD.

Maestro FAQs

Frequently asked questions regarding Maestro software.

Is Maestro 2 compatible with all Apogee products?

Lists Apogee products compatible with Maestro 2.

Where is the Maestro 2 download located?

Maestro 2 is included in the Symphony I/O installer package.

Troubleshooting

Symphony Audio Interface Mode

Verifying system status, audio streaming, and control link.

Verify system status

Checking Symphony 64 card's Status LEDs for system status.

Verify Audio Streaming

Checking audio streaming using Audio MIDI Setup and iTunes.

Verify Hardware-Software Control Link

Verifying Maestro sidebar and front panel meter lights.

Symptoms and Solutions

Lists common symptoms and their solutions for troubleshooting.

Symphony 64 card LED status issues

Troubleshooting blinking LEDs and sample rate mismatches.

Symphony I/O not detected

Solutions for Symphony I/O not appearing in Maestro or Pro Tools.

Audio clicks and pops

Resolving audio clicks and pops by adjusting I/O buffer.

No audio output

Troubleshooting lack of audio output from Symphony I/O.

Exclamation point on OLED

Diagnosing exclamation point on front panel OLED for connection issues.

Pro Tools HD Audio Interface Mode

Troubleshooting Pro Tools HD PCI card system issues.

Unable to find audio interface

Resolving messages about missing audio interface in Pro Tools.

Interfaces not detected in Pro Tools Hardware Setup

Troubleshooting undetected interfaces in Pro Tools Hardware Setup.

Symphony I/O not recognized in Maestro

Solutions for Symphony I/O not being recognized by Maestro.

Exclamation point on front panel OLED

Diagnosing exclamation points related to software communication or clocking.

General Troubleshooting - All Audio Interface Modes

Steps for resetting Symphony I/O to default settings.

Troubleshooting Signal Flow

Steps to troubleshoot signal flow from hardware inputs to outputs.

Further Troubleshooting Resources

Apogee Website

Information sources on the Apogee website.

Apogee Support

Contact information and methods for Apogee support.

Apogee Product Repair

Procedure for product repair and RMA.

Symphony I/O Hardware

Racking mounting Symphony I/O

Instructions for mounting Symphony I/O in an equipment rack.

Installing I/O Modules

Details on installing I/O Modules.

Symphony I/O Screws

Information on screws used for modules and chassis.

Directions

Steps for discharging residual electricity and removing covers.

Auto Power

Configuring Symphony I/O to power on with AC power presence.

Updating Symphony I/O

How to update Symphony I/O firmware and software.

Specifications

Highlights

Key features and technical specifications of Symphony I/O.

Analog to Digital

Technical specs for Analog to Digital conversion.

Digital to Analog

Technical specs for Digital to Analog conversion.

Headphones

Technical specifications for headphone output.

Power

Power requirements for the Symphony I/O unit.

Operating System

Supported operating systems for Symphony I/O.

Package Contents

Lists items included in the Symphony I/O package.

Packaging Sizes

Connector Pinouts

AES IN/OUT Pinout

Pinout diagram for AES IN/OUT connectors.

Analog OUT Pinout

Pinout diagram for Analog OUT connectors.

Analog IN Pinout

Pinout diagram for Analog IN connectors.

Symphony I/O Warranty Information and Legal Notices

Registration and Warranty Information

Information on product registration and warranty terms.

Service Information

Contact details and procedures for Apogee service.

Warnings

FCC warning

FCC compliance information for digital devices.

Copyright Notice

Legal notice regarding software and documentation copyright.

Software Notice

Conditions for redistribution and use of software.

Declarations of Conformity

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