While basic settings may be made from the front panel, Symphony I/O has been designed primarily to be controlled from Apogee Maestro software.
Devices Sidebar
Device Icon and ID Button
Input Tab Window
Output Tab Window
Device Settings Tab WindowRouting Tab Windows
Input Routing Tab WindowOutput Routing Tab Window
Mixer Tab Window
System Setup Tab WindowSystem Setup - Symphony PCI
Toolbar
Menu Bar Menus
Any Maestro-compatible Apogee interfaces connected to the host computer are displayed in the Devices sidebar, regardless of whether the connection is made via Symphony PCI card, USB or FireWire. Hardware settings are displayed by first selecting one or more interfaces in the Devices sidebar and then clicking on a tab.
A device icon and ID button is placed adjacent to each row of parameters to identify the hardware unit to which the row belongs. By clicking on the ID button, the corresponding hardware unitʼs front panel will illuminate. Each hardware unit is assigned a Peripheral Prefix (A-Z, found in Maestroʼs Device Settings tab window) which is displayed on the ID button.
Settings for Symphony I/Oʼs analog and digital inputs are found on the Input tab window.
1. Device Icon & ID Button - see the description above.
2. Show/Hide Trims - Click this button to display or hide all Trim faders.
3. Reset Trims - Click this button to reset all Trim faders.
The following controls set the gain for each analog to digital (A/D) channel, and may be used to calibrate Symphony I/Oʼs analog to digital converters. The calibration process is described in greater detail in Calibrating Symphony I/O.
4. Analog Level - Use this drop down menu to choose the analog level for each A/D conversion channel. Option-select any channel to set the analog reference for all channels.
Choose +4 dBu when connecting to "pro" gear with outputs at a +4 dBu nominal level.
Choose -10 dBV when connecting to "semi-pro", hi-fi or musical instrument gear with outputs at a -10 dBV nominal level.
Choose Variable when connecting musical instruments such as keyboards. With this setting, the Trim fader offers a greater range of adjustment (25 dB) to accommodate a wide range of instrument output levels.
When an optional Mic Pre I/O Module is installed, the following additional entries become available:
Choose Mic when connecting any condenser, dynamic, ribbon or other mic to the Analog IN connector of the I/O Module below the Mic Pre I/O Module.
Choose Instrument when connecting a keyboard or guitar to the 1/4" Instrument input on the Mic Pre I/O Module.
5. Digital Ref Level - When Analog Level is set to +4 dBu or -10 dBV, use this pop-up menu to choose the digital reference level for each A/D conversion channel. Option-select any channel to set the digital reference for all channels.
6. Soft Limit - Use this pop-up menu to engage one of four Soft Limit characteristics. When using a 16x16 Analog IO Module, one Soft Limit characteristic is available; choose On to engage Soft Limit. See Working with your Symphony I/O > Using Soft Limit for a complete description of the Soft Limit settings.
7. Trim Fader - Once the desired reference levels have been chosen, click Show Trims, then use the Trim Fader to precisely trim the A/D conversion level within +- 0.1 dB. Note that numerical values may be entered directly in the Trim level readout. Press Tab to advance to the adjacent Trim level readout for quickly
8. A/D Converter Meter - This meter displays the level of the input after A/D conversion in the range -48 to 0 dBfs.
9. Meter Level Readout - This indicator provides an accurate reading of the analog input meter to an accuracy of 0.1 dB. The reading is used primarily to calibrate the A/D converter stage with a steady input tone.10. S/PDIF Replaces - To use the S/PDIF Coax input, itʼs necessary to select another analog or digital channel pair which the S/PDIF Coax input will replace on the Input Routing grid. Use this drop down menu to select the channel pair to be replaced.
11. Digital Input Meter - This meter displays the level of digital inputs.
When a Mic Pre I/O Module is installed and Analog Level is set to Mic or Instrument, the following additional controls become available.
1. Level Trim - Use this knob to adjust the gain of the mic pre.
2. Group - Use this drop down to choose a Level Trim group, for controlling the Level Trim of multiple inputs simultaneously. Any level offset that exists before inputs are grouped will be preserved after a group is chosen.
3. Insert Select - Use this drop down to insert one of the eight rear panel send/return pairs into the input signal path. Insert labels may be customized in the Device Settings tab window. The insert point occurs after the mic pre and high pass filter and before the A/D conversion stage.
4. Insert In - Use this button to enable the Insert Return. The Insert Sent is always active once an insert is selected. Thus, the Insert Send may be used as an analog direct out when an insert is selected but the In button isn't depressed.
5. Polarity - Use this button to invert the polarity of the input signal.
6. 48 - Use this button to enable 48 volt phantom power on the corresponding Analog IN channel. Condenser mics require 48 volt phantom power to operate.
7. High Pass - Use this button to engage an 80Hz high-pass filter on the input.
1. Device Icon & ID Button - see the description above.
2. Show/Hide Trims - Click this button to display or hide all Trim faders.
3. Reset Trims - Click this button to reset all Trim faders.
The following controls set the gain for each digital to analog (D/A) channel, and may be used to calibrate Symphony I/Oʼs digital to analog converters. The calibration process is described in greater detail in the section entitled Calibrating Symphony I/O.
4. Analog Ref Level - When calibrating Symphony I/O, use this drop down menu to choose the analog reference level for each D/A conversion channel. Option-select any channel to set the analog reference for all channels.
5. Digital Ref Level - Use this pop-up menu to choose the digital reference level for each D/A conversion channel. Option-select any channel to set the digital reference for all channels.
6. Trim Fader - Once the desired reference levels have been chosen, click Show Trims, then use the Trim fader to precisely trim the D/A conversion level within +- 0.1 dB. Please note that, because the D/A Meter displays the digital signal before conversion, it's necessary to measure the analog output with an external voltmeter when calibrating.
7. D/A Meter - This meter displays the level of the output before D/A conversion, in the range -48 to 0 dBfs.
The following settings control the configuration and level of the rear panel analog outputs and front panel headphone outputs. Please consult Configuring Speaker and Headphone Outputs for more details.
8. Speaker Out Selection - The analog outputs may be configured for use with active speakers or a power amp/passive speaker combination.
9. Speaker Out Level - When analog outputs are configured as speaker outputs, this knob controls the output level.
10. HP 1 Level - This knob controls the output level of the front panel HP 1 output.11. HP 1 Source - This drop down is used to select the source for the front panel HP 1 output.
12. HP 2 Level - This knob controls the output level of the front panel HP 2 output.13. HP 2 Source - This drop down is used to select the source for the front panel HP 2 output.
14. S/PDIF Mirrors - The S/PDIF coaxial output may be set to mirror (i.e transmit in parallel) any of the analog or digital output pairs on the routing grid. Use this pop-up menu to select the output pair that is mirrored by the S/PDIF coaxial output.15. Digital Output Meter - This meter displays the level of digital outputs.
Regardless of the type and number of installed I/O Modules, parameters appear in the Input and Output tab windows in the following order from left to right:
1. all analog input or output controls
2. analog speaker and headphone controls
3. S/PDIF Coax Replaces or Mirrors settings
4. digital input or output meters.
For example, if an 8 Analog I/O + 8 AES I/O Module is installed in Symphony I/O's lower slot and a 16 Analog In + 16 Optical Out is installed in the upper slot, parameters appear in the Input tab window in the following order:
1. 24 analog input controls
2. One S/PDIF Replaces drop-down for each I/O Module
3. 8 AES input meters.
Parameters appear in the Output tab window in the following order:
1. 8 Analog output controls
2. analog speaker and headphone controls
3. one S/PDIF Mirrors drop-down for each I/O Module
4. 8 AES output meters
5. 16 Optical output meters.
1. Device icon & ID button - see the description above.
2. Peripheral Prefix - Use this drop down menu to assign a letter prefix (A-Z) to each peripheral device displayed in the Devices Sidebar. The letter prefix is included in all graphic representations of the peripheral as well as I/O labels in Maestro and Core Audio compatible applications.
3. Audio Interface Mode - This icon displays the currently selected audio interface mode. The audio interface mode is selected from Symphony I/O's front panel by pressing and holding the righthand encoder.
4. Meters - Select the audio channels to be displayed on the two front panel meter banks using these radio buttons. The Meter Bank 1 radio buttons select the audio channels to display on the the left hand meter bank, and the Meter Bank 2 radio buttons select the audio channels to display on the right hand meter bank.
5. Optical Format - This drop down menu sets the format of the rear panel optical Toslink connectors (when an I/O Module with optical inputs and/or outputs is installed).6. Insert Labels - When a Mic Pre I/O Module is installed, use these drop down menus to enter labels for each of the eight insert send/return pairs.
Device Type (not shown) - When an Apogee 16X series interface in Advanced routing or a Rosetta series interface interface is connected to a Symphony 64 card, the Device Type drop down permits the user to specify the interface type, either AD16X, DA16X, Rosetta 800 or Rosetta 200. This ensures that audio paths displayed in the Input and Output Routing tabs correspond to the actual hardware I/ O.
The functionality of the Routing tab windows vary based on the audio interface mode selected. Each audio interface mode is described below.
The Input Routing tab window determines how Symphony I/O hardware inputs are routed to audio software inputs.
1. Hardware Inputs Columns - The hardware analog and digital inputs of all peripherals connected to the Symphony PCI card are displayed in these columns.
2. Software Inputs Rows - Available audio software inputs are displayed in these rows in pairs (1-2, 3-4, etc).
3. Software Input Labels - Once a connection has been made between hardware and software inputs, the software input label (consisting of the peripheral prefix plus the hardware input label) appears in these fields.
For these labels to appear in your audio software input/output assignments, ensure that the software is set to accept labels transmitted through Symphonyʼs Core Audio driver.
Audio connections between hardware and software inputs are made by positioning markers on the routing grid at the intersection of the desired hardware and software channels. By default, hardware inputs are routed sequentially to software inputs. Note that the movement of the markers is restricted based on the routing capability of the system. On the Input Routing page, one hardware input may be assigned to multiple software inputs (in effect splitting the signal) but multiple hardware inputs may not be assigned to one software input (an operation which would require the summing of input signals). Each marker's range of motion is indicated by the horizontal shading on the routing grid, as depicted above by arrows on the Input routing grid.
The Output Routing tab window determines how audio software outputs are routed to Symphony I/O hardware outputs.
1. Hardware Outputs Columns - The hardware analog and digital outputs of all peripherals connected to the Symphony card are displayed in these columns.
2. Software Output Rows - Available audio software outputs are listed in these rows in pairs (1-2, 3-4, etc).3. Mixer Output Rows - The two low latency mixer outputs appear at the bottom of the Software Outputs list, and may be assigned to one or more hardware output pairs.
4. Software Output Labels - Once a connection has been made between software and hardware outputs, the software output label (consisting of the peripheral prefix plus the hardware output label) appears in these fields.
Manipulation of the Output Routing Tab Window is essentially the same as the Input Routing Tab Window, with the important distinction that one software output may be assigned to multiple hardware outputs but multiple software outputs may not be assigned to one hardware output. Each marker's range of motion is indicated by the vertical shading on the routing grid, as depicted above by arrows on the Output routing grid.
Note that each marker represents an odd/even pair of audio signals - it's not possible to route the odd and even signal of a pair to different destinations.
When audio interface mode is set to Standalone, only one routing tab (called the Standalone Routing tab window, unsurprisingly) is displayed. The Standalone Routing tab window determines how hardware inputs (on installed I/O Modules) are routed to hardware outputs. In Standalone mode, the PC-32 audio streams (to and from a Symphony 64 card) are not active, and thus don't appear on the grid. If multiple Symphony I/O in Standalone audio interface mode are detected, a separate Standalone Routing grid is displayed for each interface.
1. Hardware Output Columns - The hardware analog and digital outputs of the Symphony I/O are displayed in these columns.
2. Hardware Input Rows - The hardware analog and digital inputs of the Symphony I/O are displayed in these rows.3. Mixer Output Rows - The two low latency mixer outputs appear at the bottom of the Hardware Inputs list, and may be assigned to one or more hardware output pairs.
Audio connections between hardware inputs and outputs are made by positioning markers on the routing grid at the intersection of the desired hardware input and output. By default, analog inputs are routed sequentially to digital outputs and digital inputs are routed to analog outputs, the desired routing to use Symphony I/O as a standalone A-to-D and D-to-A converter. Similar to the Input and Output Routing grids (Symphony audio interface mode) marker movement is restricted based on the routing capability of the system. One hardware input may be assigned to multiple hardware outputs (in effect splitting the signal) but multiple hardware inputs may not be assigned to one hardware output (an operation which would require the summing of input signals). Each marker's range of motion is indicated by the vertical shading on the routing grid, as depicted above by arrows on the Standalone routing grid.
When Audio Interface Mode is set to USB Audio, both an Input and Output Routing tab are displayed. Operation is similar to the Symphony AIM Input and Output Routing tabs, described above.
Since USB Audio interface mode supports 16 channels of audio streaming with the connected Apple Mac, only 8 pairs of software inputs and outputs are available in the Input and Output Routing grids.
When Audio Interface Mode is set to Pro Tools HD, Routing tabs don't appear in Maestro.
All routing between Symphony I/O and Pro Tools HD PCI cards is fixed.
Hardware routing may be set in Pro Tools' I/O Setup window.
When audio interface mode is set to Symphony, USB Audio or Standalone, the Mixer tab is displayed. This mixer provides a low latency path from Symphony I/O's inputs to its outputs, for the case where latency through your software audio application is too long. For more information about what latency is and how to manage it, see Understanding Latency.
Two independent mixers are provided, for the case where multiple performers each require a different low latency mix.
1. Pan - This rotary knob pans the input signal between the left and right sides of the mixer's stereo output.
2. Input Fader and Readout - This slider sets the level of the input signal in the mixer's stereo output. The level of the fader is indicated in the adajcent window.
3. Input Meter - This bargragh meter displays the pre-fader input level.
4. Input Solo - This buttons mutes all input channels whose Solo buttons are not engaged.
5. Input Mute - This button mutes the input channel.
6. Input Custom Label - Alphanumeric labels may be entered in these text boxes.
7. Software Return - This stereo input channel mixing functions for the stereo output of your software audio application. Match the audio application's mixer output and the Software Return drop down menu selection. In most cases both the mixer and the Software Return drop down men is set to 1-2.
8. Mixer Master - This section of the mixer provides level control and metering for the mixer's output.
In most cases, the Symphony I/O hardware interface is part of a larger Mac-based audio system, such as Symphony PCI or USB Core Audio. Settings that encompass the integrated hardware-software system are found on this tab window. As the available settings vary according to the selected Audio Interface Mode, the System Setup tab window is described individually for each Audio Interface Mode.
When audio interface mode is set to Symphony, the following controls are displayed:
1. Clock Source - This drop down selects the clock source for the loop sync master interface, which in turn provides a clock signal to the rest of the system. The following sources may be selected.
Internal - Symphony I/O is clocked from its internal crystal.
WC - Symphony I/O is clocked from an external word clock signal connected to the rear panel WC input.
Digital - Symphony I/O is clocked from a digital audio input. The digital clock sources listed in the drop down menu vary according to the digital audio inputs included on the installed I/O cards.2. Sample Rate - This drop down selects the Symphony System sample rate. Under certain circumstances, (for example, when a DAW session is open) this setting will be overidden by software sample rate settings.
Use Loop Sync - This check box enables Loop Sync, and is checked by default. See Making Clock Connections for more details about Loop sync and "star" clock configurations.
When a 16X or Rosetta series interface is connected, the checkbox is not displayed and Loop Sync functionality is defeated on connected Symphony I/Os. See Making Clock Connections to read about connecting clock signals when using 16X or Rosetta series interfaces.
Loop Sync Master - This drop selects which Symphony I/O serves as the master interface. When connecting external clock sources to the system such as a word clock, connect to the Loop Sync Master. All other Symphony I/Os will switch to Loop clock source.
3. Peak Hold - This pop-up menu sets the time that peak indications are held on software and front panel meters.
4. Over Hold - This pop-up menu sets the time that over indications are held on software and front panel meters. See Working with Front Panel and Software Level Meters for more details.5. Keyboard Volume Control - Using these drop down menus, your audio system may be configured so that the Mac keyboard volume controls set the output level of Symphony I/O's Speaker or headphone outputs.
Peripheral - When multiple Symphony I/Os are connected, select the peripheral whose hardware output is to be controlled. If only one Symphony I/O is connected, the Peripheral drop down won't appear.
Audio Output - Select the Speaker or Headphone output to be controlled. If the Speaker Output Control (on the Output tab) is set to Line, the Speaker option won't appear in this drop down.
6. VBus- Apogee’s VBus creates virtual hardware buses to allow expanded routing of audio within one application or between different audio applications.
7. Symphony Source - This drop down menu selects the Symphony 64 card ports to be enabled for use. Ports that have a PC-32 connection to hardware interfaces should be enabled, while unconnected ports must NOT be enabled. For example, if 1 Symphony I/O is connected to each port of one Symphony 64 card, set Symphony Source to PCI Card 1, Port 1-2 (Chs 1-64).
When audio interface mode is set to USB Audio, the following controls are displayed:
(Note that in this audio interface mode, the clock source is fixed to Internal)
2. Sample Rate - see description above.
3. Peak Hold - see description above.
4. Over Hold - see description above.
5. Keyboard Volume Control - see description above.
When audio interface mode is set to Standalone, the following controls are displayed:
1. Clock Source - This drop down selects Symphony I/O's clock source. The following sources may be selected.
Internal - Symphony I/O is clocked from its internal crystal.
WC - Symphony I/O is clocked from an external word clock signal connected to the rear panel WC input.
Digital - Symphony I/O is clocked from a digital audio input. The digital clock sources listed in the drop down menu vary according to the digital audio inputs included on the installed I/O cards.2. Sample Rate - When Clock Source is set the Internal, the unit's sample rate may be selected using this drop down. When the Clock Source is set to an external source, the sample rate of the external source is displayed and the drop down is greyed out.
3. Peak Hold - see description above.
4. Over Hold - see description above.
System Setup - Pro Tools HD Audio Interface Mode
When Audio Interface Mode is set to Pro Tools HD, most settings are made in Pro Tools.
1. Clock Source - To set clock source, choose Setup > Hardware in Pro Tools and set the Clock Source drop down.
2. Sample Rate - The sample rate of a Pro Tools system is always set by the Pro Tools session, and may not be changed once set during session creation.
3. Peak Hold - see description above.
4. Over Hold - see description above.
Use Loop Sync - This check box enables Loop Sync, and is checked by default. See Making Clock Connections for more details about Loop sync and "star" clock configurations.
The toolbar is reserved for system controls that must remain easily accessible.
1. Clear Meters - this button clears all held peak and over indications on all hardware and software meters.
2. System Status - this window displays the clock source, sample rate and system status of the currently selected system. A system status of “Ready” indicates that all detected units are properly connected and clocked. Please consult Troubleshooting or other system status messages.
3. Toolbar Monitor Controls - These controls offer immediate access to one peripheralʼs Speaker and headphone volume controls, regardless of the Devices sidebar selection. In the Monitor panel drop down, choose the peripheral to which your speakers and headphones are connected.
About Apogee Maestro - Choose this menu item to display version information for all the hardware and software elements that make up the Symphony I/O system.
Preferences - Choose this menu item to display Maestroʼs Preference panel.Check Launch Maestro automatically when connecting a device to launch Maestro when the Mac is started.
Check Display Pop-ups to display the Symphony I/O Pop-up on the Mac Desktop to show Speaker and Headphone Level adjustments.Hide Apogee Maestro 2 - Choose this menu item to hide the Maestro application.
Hide Others - Choose this menu item to hide all other open applications.
Show All- If any open applications have been hidden, choose this menu item to reveal all open applications.
Quit Apogee Maestro 2 - Choose this menu item to quit Maestro.
Open - Choose this menu item to navigate to a previously saved Maestro Setup file and open it.
Open Recent - Choose this menu item to open recently opened Maestro Setup files.
Save - Choose this menu item to save the current Maestro settings (excluding most System Setup settings) as a Maestro Setup file. If a Maestro Setup file has been already opened, choosing Save will update the file with any changes.
Save As - Choose this menu item to save the current Maestro settings (excluding most System Setup settings) as a new Maestro Setup file. If a Maestro Setup file has been already opened, choose Save As to save changes as a new Setup file.
Rescan - Choose this menu item to re-initialize the link between Maestro software and Apogee hardware connected to the Mac, in the case where the hardware is correctly connected and powered on but not detected in Maestro.
Working with Maestro Setup files
Using the Save and Open menu items, it's possible to save and recall most Symphony I/O settings. Save those Mixer settings that you've tweaked so carefully, save the mic pre settings for the next time the client comes in, save calibration settings for each studio you work at - the applications are endless.
With its four audio interface modes, Symphony I/O is really four interfaces in one. Likewise, a Maestro Setup file is really four independent "cells" stored in one file, where each cell contains setup information for each audio interface mode. A better understanding of how to work with Maestro Setup files may be gained by imagining them as one file with four cells.
For example, if you save a Maestro Setup file when Symphony I/O is set to USB audio interface mode, settings are stored only in the Setup file's USB AIM cell.
If you then change Symphony I/O's audio interface mode to Symphony and try to open the Setup file, you'll get a message saying that no settings has been stored for the current audio interface mode - the Symphony cell is empty. At this point you can save settings in the Symphony cell or switch Symphony I/O's audio interface mode back to USB to recall the saved settings.
When first configuring your Symphony I/O, you'll need to save settings for each audio interface mode you plan to use, but once that's completed you can switch between four completely independent setups with ease.
If you're using multiple Symphony I/Os, settings may be saved for each audio interface mode of each Symphony I/O in one Maestro Setup file.
When working with Maestro Setup files, there are a few details to be aware of:
These System Setup tab settings are NOT stored in Maestro Setup files, as these critical system settings should only be changed by the user:
Clock Source
Sample Rate
Use Loop Sync checkbox
Loop Master
VBus
Symphony Source
As of October 2012, Save-Open Maestro Setup functionality is only compatible with Symphony I/O.
Minimize - Choose this menu item to minimize the Maestro window to the OS X Dock.
Zoom - Choose this menu item to maximize the size of the Maestro window.
Choose any of the currently active tabs to open the tab window. Type Command + number to open the tab window.
Help - Choose this menu item to open Maestro Help.