# Symphony I/O Features

This chapter describes each feature of the Symphony I/O hardware interface.

Symphony I/O Front Panel
Symphony I/O Rear Panel

8 Analog + 8 AES/Optical IO Module
8 Analog + 8 Optical IO Module
8 Analog + 8 AES IO Module

16 Analog IN + 16 Optical Out I/O Module

16 Analog Out + 16 Optical In I/O Module

16 Analog In + 16 Analog Out I/O Module

Mic Pre I/O Module

## Symphony I/O Front Panel

> 1. Power Button - When the rear panel AC Input is connected to an AC wall socket, the power switch and the Apogee icon will glow softly, indicating that Symphony I/O is in Standby. Press the power button for a half second to power up Symphony I/O.

> Symphony I/O may be configured to power on as soon as an AC voltage is present on the rear panel AC Input. You may find this preferable when using an external power switch (such as an equipment rack power strip) to power on the unit. See AutoPower for details.

> 2. Level Meter Banks - Each bank of 8 10-segment level meters may be configured in Maestro to display analog or digital inputs or outputs.

> 3. Meter source LEDs - These LED pointers indicate the signal source of each meter bank. For each bank, the format (Analog or Digital) and type (Input or Output) are indicated with a small triangle. For example, when Bank 1 is configured to display analog inputs and Bank 2 is configured to display analog outputs, the meter source LEDs appear as shown below.

## Meter source LEDs

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> 4. Clock source LEDs - The four clock source LEDs (INTernal, WC, DIGital, LOOP) indicate Symphony I/Oʼs clock source. For the details of how to set the clock source, see Setting the Clock Source.

> 5. Sample Rate Display - These 7-segment LEDs display Symphony I/Oʼs sample rate. For the details of how to set the the sample rate, see Setting the Sample Rate.

> 6. Front panel encoders - The front panel encoders may be used to make a variety of settings, from listening levels to sample rate, clock source and Audio Interface Mode. The various encoder functions are described in the chapters Configuring your Symphony I/O System and Working with your Symphony I/O System.

> 7. Front panel OLED Display - The front panel OLED Display provides user feedback on input and output levels, system status and other Symphony I/O parameters.

> 8. 1/4" Headphone Outputs - These 1/4" connectors provide individually assignable stereo headphone outputs.

> 9. Removable Rack Ears - Rack ears are included in the Accessories box for mounting Symphony I/O in a standard 19” equipment rack.

## Symphony I/O Rear Panel

> 1. Card 1 slot - All I/O Modules except the Mic Pre Module card may be installed in the Card 1 slot. Note that the Card 1 slot is the lower slot. The first I/O Module card must be installed in this slot.

> 2. Card 2 slot - Once a module has been installed in the Card 1 slot, an additional module may be installed in this slot. Mic Pre Modules must be installed in this slot.

> 3. Cooling Fan - The cooling fan is automatically controlled by an internal thermostat. There are no user controls for the fan.

> 4. Symphony Main - This PC-32 port is used to connect Symphony I/O to a Symphony 64 or Mobile PCI card. This port may also be used to chain multiple Symphony I/Os.

> 5. Symphony Thru - This PC-32 port is used to chain together multiple Symphony I/Os for connection to one PCI card port.

> 6. Ethernet - This RJ-45 port is included for future development purposes.

> 7. USB - This USB “Type B” receptacle is used to connect Symphony I/O to an Apple Mac computer. If Audio Interface Mode is set to USB Audio, audio may be streamed to and from the Mac.

> 8. WC Term - This push-on, push-off button engages 75 ohm termination on the WC In BNC connector.

> 9. WC In - This BNC accepts word clock signals, allowing Symphony I/O to clock to external devices.

> 10. WC Out - This BNC transmits word clock signals, allowing Symphony I/O to clock external devices.

> 11. Loop In - When “Use Loop Sync” is checked, this input accepts a Loop clock signal from the Loop Out of another Symphony I/O.

> 12. Loop Out - When “Use Loop Sync” is checked, this output provides a Loop clock signal suitable for clocking another Symphony I/O.

> 13. AC Input - This IEC connector accepts an AC input of 100 to 250 volts at 47 to 63 Hz. No internal adjustments are required to power Symphony I/O from an AC connection in this range.

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

> 1. Analog IN - This DB-25 connector accepts 8 analog balanced line level inputs. When a Mic Pre Option card is installed in slot 2, this connector accepts the 8 balanced microphone level signals. The connector is wired to the "Tascam" 8 channel format. The hex screw (to secure mating connectors) accepts a 4-40 threaded thumbscrew. See Analog IN Pinout for detailed wiring information.
> 2. Analog OUT - This DB-25 connector provides 8 analog balanced line level outputs. The connector is wired to the "Tascam" 8 channel format. The hex screw (to secure mating connectors) accepts a 4-40 threaded thumbscrew. See Analog OUT Pinout for detailed wiring information.

> 3. AES IN/OUT - This DB-25 connector accepts 8 AES digital inputs and provides 8 AES outputs. The connector is wired to the "Yamaha" 8 channel AES format. The hex screw (to secure mating connectors) accepts a 4-40 threaded thumbscrew. See AES IN/OUT Pinout for detailed wiring information.
> 4. Optical IN S/PDIF-ADAT-SMUX - This Toslink connector accepts optical inputs in S/PDIF, ADAT or SMUX format. The format is selected in Maestro's Device Settings tab window. When optical format is SMUX (i.e. optical format is set to ADAT/SMUX and the sample rate is 88.2-96kHz), this Toslink connector accepts channels 1-4 of the SMUX input stream.
> 5. Optical IN SMUX - When optical format is SMUX, this Toslink connector accepts channels 5-8 of the SMUX input stream.
> 6. Optical OUT S/PDIF-ADAT-SMUX -This Toslink connector provides optical outputs in S/PDIF, ADAT or SMUX format. When optical format is set to SMUX, this Toslink connector outputs channels 1-4 of the SMUX input stream.
> 7. Optical OUT SMUX - When optical format is SMUX, this Toslink connector outputs channels 5-8 of the SMUX input stream.

> 8. DIG I/O - This push button sets the I/O Module's digital format to AES or Optical. To set the format to AES, set the DIG I/O button on the modules rear panel to the down (or in) position.

> To set the format to Optical, set the button to the up (or out) position.

> > IMPORTANT - After changing the digital format, Symphony I/O must be reset by powering down the unit, pressing the lefthand encoder while powering back up, choosing Reset All > Yes and pressing the righthand encoder.

> 9. S/PDIF IN - This coaxial RCA (Cinch) connector accepts a S/PDIF stereo input. Routing of the S/PDIF input is set with the S/PDIF Replaces drop down menu, found in Maestroʼs Input tab window.
> 10. S/PDIF OUT - This coaxial RCA (Cinch) connector provides a S/PDIF stereo output. Routing of the S/PDIF Output is set with the S/PDIF Mirrors drop down menu, found in Maestroʼs Output tab window.

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

> 1. Analog IN - This DB-25 connector accepts 8 analog balanced line level inputs. When a Mic Pre Option card is installed in slot 2, this connector accepts the 8 balanced microphone level signals. The connector is wired to the "Tascam" 8 channel format. The hex screw (to secure mating connectors) accepts a 4-40 threaded thumbscrew. See Analog IN Pinout for detailed wiring information.
> 2. Analog OUT - This DB-25 connector provides 8 analog balanced line level outputs. The connector is wired to the "Tascam" 8 channel format. The hex screw (to secure mating connectors) accepts a 4-40 threaded thumbscrew. See Analog OUT Pinout for detailed wiring information.
> 3. Optical IN S/PDIF-ADAT-SMUX - This Toslink connector accepts optical inputs in S/PDIF, ADAT or SMUX format. The format is selected in Maestro's Device Settings tab window. When optical format is SMUX (i.e. optical format is set to ADAT/SMUX and the sample rate is 88.2-96kHz), this Toslink connector accepts channels 1-4 of the SMUX input stream.
> 4. Optical IN SMUX - When optical format is SMUX, this Toslink connector accepts channels 5-8 of the SMUX input stream.
> 5. Optical OUT S/PDIF-ADAT-SMUX -This Toslink connector provides optical outputs in S/PDIF, ADAT or SMUX format. When optical format is set to SMUX, this Toslink connector outputs channels 1-4 of the SMUX input stream.
> 6. Optical OUT SMUX - When optical format is SMUX, this Toslink connector outputs channels 5-8 of the SMUX input stream.
> 7. S/PDIF IN - This coaxial RCA (Cinch) connector accepts a S/PDIF stereo input. Routing of the S/PDIF input is set with the S/PDIF Replaces drop down menu, found in Maestroʼs Input tab window.
> 8. S/PDIF OUT - This coaxial RCA (Cinch) connector provides a S/PDIF stereo output. Routing of the S/PDIF Output is set with the S/PDIF Mirrors drop down menu, found in Maestroʼs Output tab window.

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

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> 1. Analog IN - This DB-25 connector accepts 8 analog balanced line level inputs. When a Mic Pre Option card is installed in slot 2, this connector accepts the 8 balanced microphone level signals. The connector is wired to the "Tascam" 8 channel format. The hex screw (to secure mating connectors) accepts a 4-40 threaded thumbscrew. See Analog IN Pinout for detailed wiring information.
> 2. Analog OUT - This DB-25 connector provides 8 analog balanced line level outputs. The connector is wired to the "Tascam" 8 channel format. The hex screw (to secure mating connectors) accepts a 4-40 threaded thumbscrew. See Analog OUT Pinout for detailed wiring information.
> 3. AES IN/OUT - This DB-25 connector accepts 8 AES digital inputs and provides 8 AES outputs. The connector is wired to the "Yamaha" 8 channel AES format. The hex screw (to secure mating connectors) accepts a 4-40 threaded thumbscrew. See AES IN/OUT Pinout for detailed wiring information.
> 4. S/PDIF IN - This coaxial RCA (Cinch) connector accepts a S/PDIF stereo input. Routing of the S/PDIF input is set with the S/PDIF Replaces drop down menu, found in Maestroʼs Input tab window.
> 5. S/PDIF OUT - This coaxial RCA (Cinch) connector provides a S/PDIF stereo output. Routing of the S/PDIF Output is set with the S/PDIF Mirrors drop down menu, found in Maestroʼs Output tab window.

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## 16 Analog IN + 16 Optical Out I/O Module

> 1. Analog IN 1 - This DB-25 connector accepts analog balanced line level inputs 1-8. When a Mic Pre Option card is installed in slot 2, this connector accepts the 8 balanced microphone level signals. The connector is wired to the "Tascam" 8 channel format. The hex screw (to secure mating connectors) accepts a 4-40 threaded thumbscrew. See Analog IN Pinout for detailed wiring information.

> 2. Analog IN 2 - This DB-25 connector accepts analog balanced line level inputs 9-16, with similar characteristics to the Analog IN 1 connector.

> 3. Optical OUT 1 S/PDIF-ADAT-SMUX -This Toslink connector provides optical outputs 1-8 in S/PDIF, ADAT or SMUX format. When optical format is set to SMUX, this Toslink connector outputs channels 1-4 of the SMUX output stream.
> 4. Optical OUT 1 SMUX - When optical format is SMUX, this Toslink connector outputs channels 5-8 of the SMUX output stream.

> 5. Optical OUT 2 S/PDIF-ADAT-SMUX -This Toslink connector provides optical outputs 9-16 in S/PDIF, ADAT or SMUX format. When optical format is set to SMUX, this Toslink connector outputs channels 9-12 of the SMUX output stream.
> 6. Optical OUT 2 SMUX - When optical format is SMUX, this Toslink connector outputs channels 13-16 of the SMUX output stream.
> 7. S/PDIF IN - This coaxial RCA (Cinch) connector accepts a S/PDIF stereo input. Routing of the S/PDIF input is set with the S/PDIF Replaces drop down menu, found in Maestroʼs Input tab window.
> 8. S/PDIF OUT - This coaxial RCA (Cinch) connector provides a S/PDIF stereo output. Routing of the S/PDIF Output is set with the S/PDIF Mirrors drop down menu, found in Maestroʼs Output tab window.

## 16 Analog Out + 16 Optical In I/O Module

> 1. Analog OUT 1 - This DB-25 connector provides analog balanced line level outputs 1-8. The connector is wired to the "Tascam" 8 channel format. The hex screw (to secure mating connectors) accepts a 4-40 threaded thumbscrew. See Analog OUT Pinout for detailed wiring information.

> 2. Analog OUT 2 - This DB-25 connector provides analog balanced line level outputs 9-16, with similar characteristics to the Analog OUT 1 connector.

> 3. Optical IN 1 S/PDIF-ADAT-SMUX -This Toslink connector accepts optical inputs 1-8 in S/PDIF, ADAT or SMUX format. When optical format is set to SMUX, this Toslink connector accepts channels 1-4 of the SMUX input stream.
> 4. Optical OUT 1 SMUX - When optical format is SMUX, this Toslink connector accepts channels 5-8 of the SMUX input stream.

> 5. Optical OUT 2 S/PDIF-ADAT-SMUX -This Toslink connector accepts optical inputs 9-16 in S/PDIF, ADAT or SMUX format. When optical format is set to SMUX, this Toslink connector accepts channels 9-12 of the SMUX inpuput stream.
> 6. Optical OUT 2 SMUX - When optical format is SMUX, this Toslink connector accepts channels 13-16 of the SMUX input stream.
> 7. S/PDIF IN - This coaxial RCA (Cinch) connector accepts a S/PDIF stereo input. Routing of the S/PDIF input is set with the S/PDIF Replaces drop down menu, found in Maestroʼs Input tab window.
> 8. S/PDIF OUT - This coaxial RCA (Cinch) connector provides a S/PDIF stereo output. Routing of the S/PDIF Output is set with the S/PDIF Mirrors drop down menu, found in Maestroʼs Output tab window.

## 16 Analog In + 16 Analog Out I/O Module

> 1. Analog IN 1-8 - This DB-25 connector accepts analog balanced line level inputs 1-8. When a Mic Pre Option card is installed in slot 2, this connector accepts the 8 balanced microphone level signals. The connector is wired to the "Tascam" 8 channel format. The hex screw (to secure mating connectors) accepts a 4-40 threaded thumbscrew. See Analog IN Pinout for detailed wiring information.

> 2. Analog IN 9-16 - This DB-25 connector accepts analog balanced line level inputs 9-16.

> 3. Analog OUT 1-8 - This DB-25 connector provides analog balanced line level outputs 1-8. See Analog OUT Pinout for detailed wiring information.

> 4. Analog OUT 9-16 - This DB-25 connector provides analog balanced line level outputs 9-16.

> 5. S/PDIF IN - This coaxial RCA (Cinch) connector accepts a S/PDIF stereo input. Routing of the S/PDIF input is set with the S/PDIF Replaces drop down menu, found in Maestroʼs Input tab window.
> 6. S/PDIF OUT - This coaxial RCA (Cinch) connector provides a S/PDIF stereo output. Routing of the S/PDIF Output is set with the S/PDIF Mirrors drop down menu, found in Maestroʼs Output tab window.

## Mic Pre I/O Module

> 1. INSTRUMENTS 1-4 - These 1/4" TS connectors accept input from a wide range of instruments, including keyboards, guitars and other electronic instruments. The input impedance is high enough to avoid the loading of input sources such as passive electric guitars and basses.

> 2. INSERTS Send 1-8 - This DB-25 connector provides 8 analog balanced line level sends routed after each channel's mic preamp stage. See Analog OUT Pinout for detailed wiring information.

> 1. INSERTS Return 1-8 - This DB-25 connector aceepts 8 analog balanced line level returns routed before each channel's A/D conversion stage. See Analog IN Pinout for detailed wiring information.

> Use the INSERT sends and returns to insert analog line level gear (such as compressors and equalizers) between a channel's mic preamp and A/D conversion stage.

#### How does the 8 Mic Preamp Module work?

The Mic Preamp Module upgrades the functionality of any Analog I/O Module by adding mic preamps to the existing line inputs.
A direct connection between the Mic Preamp Module and the Analog I/O Module inserts a mic preamp stage before the line inputs.