Pro Tools PCI Quick Start Guide

This Quick Start Guide describes how to configure one Symphony I/O with an Avid Pro Tools HD PCI card to record and play back audio.

Step 1 - Install Pro Tools HD cards

Install Pro Tools HD cards and Pro Tools software as described in the Avid documentation entitled "Getting Started with Pro Tools HD".

Step 2 - Connect Symphony I/O to the Pro Tools HD PCI Card

Using the 3 meter DigiLink cable included with the Pro Tools HD card (or an Apogee PC-32 IFC Cable), connect the Symphony I/O’s Main port to the HD Core card port as shown below.

Step 3 - Connect Symphony I/O to the Software Remote Mac

Using a standard Type A - Type B USB cable, connect Symphony I/O's USB port to an Apple Intel Mac USB port. Ensure that the cable is certified for USB 2.0 operation.

• When Audio Interface Mode is set to Pro Tools HD, a USB connection between Symphony I/O and an Intel Mac provides the link between Apogee Maestro software and Symphony I/O, in order to make calibration, meter configuration, digital format and other settings.

• Symphony I/O's clock source and sample rate are set from Pro Tools software, and don't require the USB connection.

• The USB connection is only required to make Maestro settings, and may be removed once settings are complete.

• Note that the audio and USB connections don't have to be made to the same computer, allowing Symphony I/O to be connected to Pro Tools HD cards installed in Apple Mac G5 or Windows computers while running Maestro on an Apple Intel Mac.

Step 4 - Download and Install Symphony I/O Software

Download the most current Symphony I/O Release package from the Apogee website: apogeedigital.com/symphony-io-release/

Once downloaded, the package will open automatically to reveal the following contents:

• Symphony I/O Software Installer

• Symphony I/O Uninstaller

• Symphony I/O User’s Guide

• Read-Me

Double-click on the Symphony I/O Software Installer icon and follow the onscreen directions provided by the installer program.

Following installation, you will be required to restart your Mac.

Step 5 - Connect Headphones, Speakers and Inputs

Connect line inputs to rear panel analog inputs 1-2 using an Apogee AD8-IFC cable or equivalent.

 

 

Connect speakers to the rear panel analog outputs 1-2 using an Apogee DA8-IFC cable or equivalent.

 

 

Step 6 - Configure Pro Tools Software

1. Once Steps 1-4 have been completed, launch Pro Tools software and open a session.

2. Once the session is open, choose Setup > Hardware. In the Hardware Setup window, click Set to Default.

3. Choose Setup > I/O and click the Input tab.

4. Delete all paths by Option-clicking the audio paths column on the left side of the window, then click Default.

5. Click the Output and Insert tabs and repeat step 4.

Step 7 - Playback from Pro Tools Software

Route audio playback to Outputs 1-2 in Pro Tools, and press Play.

Using the front panel left hand encoder, select the or icon; use the right hand encoder to adjust the playback level of the selected output.

 

Step 8 - Open Apogee Maestro Software

Apogee Maestro software provides complete control of all Symphony I/O settings, from levels to formats to routing.
Open Maestro by clicking on the Apogee Maestro icon found in the Applications folder.