# FAQs

#### Q: What is the Audio Interface Mode?

A: The audio interface mode (AIM) setting transforms the most fundamental characteristics of the Symphony I/O system to best match the host device to which Symphony I/O is connected. Rather than create a single hardware and software user interface that must adapt to all connection scenarios, the audio interface mode customizes the user interface to your specific scenario, thus simplifying operation.

The audio interface mode is set by pressing and holding the front panel right hand encoder, selecting the desired audio interface mode by turning the encoder, then pressing the encoder to re-boot Symphony I/O in the new audio interface mode.

#### Q: What I/O Modules are available?

A: For Symphony I/O Release 2, the following I/O Modules are available:

> 8 Analog I/O + 8 Optical I/O

> 8 Analog I/O + 8 AES I/O

> 16 Analog In + 16 Optical Out

> 16 Analog Out + 16 Optical In

> Mic Pre

#### Q: Why do I see overs on Symphony I/O’s meters but not in my DAW’s meters?

A: Symphony I/O and Maestro’s over indicators are set to light when 3 or more consecutive full scale samples occur. This threshold may be lower than other hardware or software over indicators, but you probably want to know when overs occur, no?

#### Q: What type of screw is needed to secure DB-25 terminated cables to Symphony I/O’s rear panel Analog In, Analog Out and AES In/Out connectors?

A: Use DB-25 connectors equipped with 4-40 thread screws.

#### 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: 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” Aaudio 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.

#### 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.

#### 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: 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 fan operates at a quiet whisper and is software controlled with multiple settings depending on the units internal temperature.

#### 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.

## Maestro FAQs

#### Q: Is Maestro 2 compatible with all Apogee products?

A: Currently Maestro 2 is only compatible with Symphony I/O. 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.

#### Q: Where is the Maestro 2 download located?

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