FAQs

 

Q: What is the difference between configuring my Symphony I/O with 2 8x8 I/O Modules or a 16 IN Module and 16 OUT Module?

A: Installing a 16 IN and a 16 OUT I/O Module gives exactly the same number of analog and digital I/O as two 8x8 I/O Modules, but the 2 8x8 I/O Modules more closely mirror the operation of 2 Avid 192s, and also offers the AES option. Thus, it's the preferred combination for someone looking for 16 analog/16 digital I/O. The 16 IN/OUT I/O Modules make most sense when a customer wants a large number of analog inputs or outputs, such as 24x8, 32x0, 0x16, etc.

 

 

Q: Will Symphony I/O connect to the Pro Tools | HD Native PCIe card?

A: Symphony I/O is compatible with the Pro Tools | HD Native PCIe card while running in Pro Tools HD Audio Interface Mode.

 

 

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

A: Symphony I/O is not compatible with any Symphony 32 PCI card. When in the “Symphony” Audio Interface Mode, Symphony I/O is only compatible with the Symphony 64 PCIe card. For a limited time, all Symphony 32 users who provide a sales receipt for Symphony I/O are eligible to purchase a Symphony 64 PCI card direct from Apogee at 50% off list (Symphony 64 PCI list price - $995 USD). This program is offered worldwide, each Symphony 32 card must be registered and a photo of the Symphony 32 card is required. Trade-in of the Symphony 32 card is not required. Please email us via the ASK APOGEE submission form here.

 

 

Q: My Symphony I/O did not include installed rubber feet.

A: As of April 2011, Symphony I/O will no longer ship with rubber feet. Customers worldwide may request rubber feet for their unit by contacting Apogee Technical Support.

 

 

Q: Is it possible to run other Apogee interfaces (such as Duet, ONE and GiO) and Symphony I/O on the same Mac.

A: Yes it is. Use Maestro 1 with Ensemble, Duet and ONE, use Maestro 2 with Symphony I/O and Duet 2.

 

 

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

A: USB 2.0 offers the same great performance as FireWire with up to 16 channels at 96kHz. Also, with Symphony I/O connected to the USB bus, this allows for FireWire external hard drives to be connected to the FireWire bus eliminating any conflict between the two.

 

 

Q: Does Symphony I/O have better conversion quality than Rosetta Series and X-Series converters?

A: Yes. Symphony I/O features upgraded components with a shorter conversion path resulting in lower converter latency, more accurate clocking and even more transparency and clarity in recordings.

 

 

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

A: Each system may be run on the same Mac, but not simultaneously. When using an X-Symphony equipped Rosetta Series or X-Series converters, open Maestro 1; when using Symphony I/O, open Maestro 2.

 

 

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

A: In the future, Apogee will release a firmware update for connecting Rosetta Series and X-Series converters on the same Symphony System as Symphony I/O. Currently these converters can be connected via digital I/O such as Optical, AES, and S/PDIF.

 

 

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

A: Yes, with all I/O Modules both analog and digital I/O can be used simultaneously.

 

 

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

A: Any I/O Module except the Mic Preamp Module may be installed in the lower slot.

 

 

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

A: Once an I/O Module is installed in the lower slot (Slot 1), any second I/O Module may be installed in the upper slot (Slot 2).

 

 

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

A: Microphone’s do not connect directly into the Mic Preamp Module. You must connect microphone’s to the analog inputs of the I/O Module installed in slot 1 and then enable the Mic Preamp for that input in Maestro. However, up to 4 instrument inputs can be connected directly into the Mic Preamp Module’s instrument inputs.

 

 

Q: What is Soft Limit™?

A: Soft Limit™ is a superior analog design preventing the digital clipping that causes distortion by instantaneously rounding off transient peaks before they hit the analog-to-digital converter. This technology allows several more decibels of apparent level to be recorded while subtly providing an analog-like warmth to the sound. With Symphony I/O and Maestro 2, there are 4 available settings: -2 dB. -4 dBfs, Soft Saturate and Soft Crush. Each setting possesses its own characteristics for a wide range of versatility in the analog-to-digital conversion process.

 

 

Q: Is it possible to monitor with the headphone outputs if Symphony I/O does not have an I/O module with analog outputs installed?

A: Yes, the headphone outputs operate on a separate D/A converter and will output sound regardless of I/O configuration.

 

 

Q: Can the headphone outputs on Symphony I/O be used when I/O Modules are not installed?

A: I/O Modules must be installed in order for Symphony I/O to pass audio.


 

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

A: Yes, Symphony I/O is compatible with a Pro Tools HD Core card for connecting to Pro Tools, USB 2.0 for connecting to any Core Audio application or connect to any analog or digital I/O equipped interface via Symphony I/O’s analog or digital I/O.


 

Q: How loud is Symphony I/O’s fan?

A: Symphony I/O's cooling fan is automatically controlled by an internal thermostat. Under most conditions, the fan operates at a quiet whisper. There are no user controls for the fan.

 

 

Q: What length USB cable may be used?

A: USB cables up to 15 feet are supported. Be sure to use a cable that is certified for USB 2.0 operation.

 

 

Q: How do I switch between Pro Tools and Logic?

A: To switch between Pro Tools and Logic you will use the same Symphony Cable connected to the Symphony port on Symphony I/O and move the opposite end from the Pro Tools Core card and connect to the Symphony 64 card. Then on Symphony I/O’s front panel press and hold the right-hand encoder to display the currently selected Audio Interface Mode, press the right-hand encoder again and turn to select “Symphony” as the mode.

 

 

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

A: Using Standalone Audio Interface Mode, Symphony I/O can be connected to any Avid/Digidesign/M-Audio Pro Tools LE or Pro Tools M-Powered interface via optical or S/PDIF.

 

 

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

A: Yes, the Apogee PC-32 cable will connect Symphony I/O to both Symphony and Pro Tools HD.

 

Q: Can Symphony I/O be connected to two Mac Pro’s at the same time, one for Symphony and the other for Pro Tools HD?

A: Even though there are two Symphony ports on the rear panel of Symphony I/O, only the ‘MAIN’ port can be connected to Symphony 64 or the Pro Tools HD Core card. Therefore Symphony I/O cannot be connected to Symphony and Pro Tools HD at the same time, whether it be one Mac Pro or two. Symphony I/O’s ‘THRU’ port is for connecting multiple Symphony I/O’s on one system only.

 

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.

 

 

 

Maestro FAQs

 

Q: Is Maestro 2 compatible with all Apogee products?

A: Currently Maestro 2 is compatible with Symphony I/O and Duet 2. Maestro 1 should be used with all other products.

 

 

Q: Is it possible to run Symphony I/O along with other Apogee interfaces (such as Duet, ONE and GiO) on the same Mac.

A: Yes it is. Use Maestro 1 with Ensemble, Duet and ONE, use Maestro 2 with Symphony I/O and Duet 2.

 

 

Q: Where is the Maestro 2 download located?

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