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Ensemble FAQs

 

Q: I’m trying to clock Ensemble to an external clock source such as Big Ben, but the STATUS LED is flashing.
A: When Ensemble is clocked to an external source, Ensemble’s sample rate is still determined by the selection in software. Thus, the sample rate of the external source must be manually set to match the software sample rate. For example, if you want to open a session at 88.2 kHz but lock Ensemble to word clock from an Apogee Big Ben, you must manually set the Big Ben to 88.2 kHz.

 

Q: Why is the Status LED Flashing Blue?
A: The Status LED is flashing blue indicating that the Ensemble is not locked to the selected clock source. Go to the Settings tab of the Maestro Control page and verify that Clock Source Select is set properly. If it is set correctly and the Status LED is still flashing blue, then change Clock Source Select to any other setting and wait 15 seconds. Now change Clock Source Select back to your desired setting. The Status LED should now be solid blue.

 

Q: The front panel OUTPUT encoder knob doesn’t attenuate the signal on analog output 1-2
A: When Format Select is set to None on the Level tab of the Maestro Control window, the front panel OUTPUT encoder does not attenuate output level. Set Format Select to Stereo to use the OUTPUT encoder to control the volume of analog outputs 1-2.

 

Q: I don't see any level on the meters.
A: Verify the METER setting on the Settings tab of the Maestro Control window. Depending on what you are trying to meter, make sure it is set to either INPUT or OUTPUT.

 

Q: I want to run Ensemble at 176.4 or 192 kHz, but I only see 44.1-96 kHz in Audio MIDI Setup.
A: To operate Ensemble at a sample rate of 176.4 or 192 kHz, it’s necessary to set I/O Allocation to either 10x10 or 8x8. The I/O Allocation setting is found on the Settings tab of the Maestro Control window. As ADAT optical I/O is not supported at these sample rates, their associated Firewire paths are disabled to conserve bandwidth. After changing I/O Allocation, it’s strongly recommended to restart the computer and power cycle the Ensemble.

 

Q: Ensemble doesn’t show up in my audio program or in Audio MIDI Setup.
A: Verify that the required version of OS X is installed. Verify that Ensemble’s STATUS LED is solid blue. Check to see if the Ensemble shows up in the Apple System Profiler. You can check this by going to the Apple menu, choosing About This Mac and clicking on "More Info...". Click on FireWire under the Contents column on the left to make sure the Ensemble is recognized by the Mac.

 

Q: I’m getting clicks and pops or Logic displays the message “Audio not synchronized with MIDI.”
A: Try raising the buffer setting in your audio software. It can be helpful to reload the FireWire driver by toggling sample rate. On any computer using audio software, it’s helpful to turn off Airport, Ethernet, Bluetooth and any other network applications.

 

Q: I’m not getting any output from my audio application.
A: Try reloading the FireWire driver by toggling sample rate.

 

Q: There’s no signal on analog output 1-2.
A: Open Maestro, on the Settings tab of the Maestro Control window set Meter Display to Output and verify that a signal is displayed on the meters. If there is no signal on the meters, check the routing from the audio application. If signal is displayed on the meters but not present at analog outputs 1-2, check that the MAIN output level is turned up either in Maestro or using the front panel OUTPUT encoder.

 

Q: How do I set up Ensemble to function in Standalone Mode?
A:
  1. Connect Ensemble to your Mac via FireWire
  2. Restore Maestro to its default state by choosing Reset Routing and Reset Mixer from the Tools menu in Maestro.
  3. Select the Output tab in Maestro and set up the routing exactly as it appears in the screen shot provided below. This setup will route your analog inputs directly to your ADAT optical outputs and the ADAT optical inputs directly to the analog outputs allowing you to use Ensemble as a Standalone mic preamp and converter.
  4. After the routing is completed on the Output tab, you may want to make changes to some of the settings that are not available from the front panel when in Standalone Mode, such as phantom power and clock source.
  5. Once all of the desired changes are made, quit Maestro.
  6. Go to the Audio MIDI Setup (AMS) application and make sure the Ensemble is set to the sample rate at which you will be working. AMS can be found by going to the Applications folder, and then to the Utilities folder.
  7. After the sample rate has been set in AMS, you can detach the FireWire cable.
  8. Now you’re ready to use Ensemble in Standalone Mode by connecting it via ADAT to the primary Ensemble or another audio interface connected to your Mac.

 

 

Q: The power switch’s blue LED is lit, but no other LEDs are on. Is the unit in operation?
A: When Ensemble is connected to AC power, the power switch illuminates dimly to indicate that the unit is in Standby mode. Press the power switch to power up Ensemble.

 

Q: Clicks, pops, or intermittent communication with the Mac when using the FireWire hub of an Apple Cinema Display.
A: If you are using the FireWire ports of your Apple Cinema Display, try disconnecting the Cinema Display FireWire from your Mac.

 

Q: The firmware update did not finish properly.
A: Make sure that there are no other FireWire devices connected to the Mac. The Ensemble must be the only FireWire device connected to the Mac when updating the firmware.

 

Q: What is the maximum load on the 48V phantom power? Will it handle any microphone?
A: Phantom Power on all Apogee products is designed to handle loads up to a complete short, or 14.1 mA. This will properly power any microphone.