# An Introduction to the Symphony I/O System

Thank you for your purchase of Symphony I/O, the latest flagship digital audio interface from Apogee Electronics!

More than the latest high-end product from Apogee, Symphony I/O is the completion of the Symphony System and the platform for Apogee development and technology for years to come. Built to last and designed to meet the demands of the most discerning musicians, producers and engineers, Symphony I/O sets a new standard in digital audio interface quality, flexibility and ease of use.

- Next-generation A/D and D/A conversion quality

- Audio interface mode (AIM) selection for simple and direct connection to all popular audio workstations and formats

- Flexible and scalable I/O architecture to fit the needs of any studio

- Total software control with the new Apogee Maestro control software

- Unprecedented value

##
Audio Interface Mode (AIM)

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. If you change the way you connect your setup, select the appropriate AIM from the front panel. When switching between AIMs as your workflow demands, the settings of each mode are recalled automatically!

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The following audio interface modes are available:

| Symphony - Connect to Symphony 64 PCIe and Symphony Mobile Express/34 cards.
| Pro Tools HD - Connect to Pro Tools HD and HD Native PCIe cards. Symphony I/O may be controlled from a Mac via USB, though the Mac connection isnʼt required for audio operation.
| USB Audio - Use Symphony I/O as a USB audio interface with an Apple Mac computer.
| Standalone - Connect Symphony I/O to recording devices equipped with ADAT, S/PDIF or AES inputs and outputs. Symphony I/O may be controlled from a Mac via USB, though the Mac connection isnʼt required for audio operation.

See Audio Interface Mode for details.

##
Flexible Input/Output Architecture

Several I/O Modules are available, allowing the customization of Symphony I/Oʼs inputs and outputs to your particular requirements.

## The following I/O Modules are available:

### 8 Analog I/O + 8 AES I/O

8 channels of Analog and 8 channels of AES I/O simultaneously

- 8 analog inputs and outputs

- 8 AES inputs and outputs

- Stereo S/PDIF Coax input and output.

### 8 Analog I/O + 8 Optical I/O

8 channels of Analog I/O and up to 8 channels of Optical I/O simultaneously

- 8 analog inputs and outputs

- 8 channels of ADAT/SMUX inputs and outputs or a stereo S/PDIF optical input and output

- Stereo S/PDIF coax input and output.

### 16 Analog IN + 16 Optical OUT

16 channels of Analog INPUT and up to 16 channels of Digital OUTPUT simultaneously

- 16 analog inputs

- 16 channels of ADAT/SMUX outputs or 2 stereo S/PDIF optical outputs

- Stereo S/PDIF coax input and output

### 16 Analog OUT + 16 Optical IN Module

16 channels of Analog OUTPUT and up to 16 channels of Digital INPUT simultaneously

- 16 analog outputs

- 16 channels of ADAT/SMUX inputs or a 2 stereo S/PDIF optical inputs

- Stereo S/PDIF coax input and output

### Upgrade Module: 8 Mic Preamp

8 Mic preamps with 4 instrument inputs and 8 insert points

- 8 Mic Pre inputs, with 85 dB of gain, 48v phantom power

- 4 Instrument inputs

- 8 assignable analog insert sends and returns

## Hardware and Software Control

Symphony I/Oʼs operating parameters may be set from a variety of hardware and software controls, listed below. Though several options are offered, you may choose the hardware and software controls that best suit your individual preferences.

| Symphony I/O Front Panel Basic parameters such as levels and clocking may be set using the two front panel encoders.
| Apogee Maestro Software Apogee Maestro provides complete control of all Symphony I/O settings.
| Apple OS X Control Panels Levels and some clock parameters may be set from the OS X System Preferences > Sound window and the Audio MIDI Setup utility.
| Apple Mac Keyboard Set output levels directly from your Mac keyboard’s volume control.