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Summary of Contents for Apogee Symphony I/O Mk II
- Page 1 Apogee Symphony I/O Mk II User’s Guide April 2017 ...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Making Connections ..................... Single-Unit: ......................Multi-Unit: ......................Precautions when powering Symphony On/Off ............. Update Symphony Firmware ................. Getting Started with Audio Software ..............Select Symphony for Mac System Sound Output ..........Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 2... - Page 3 Remote Window ................... Hover Help Window ....................Menu Bar Menus ....................Symphony Control Menu ................File Menu ...................... View Menu ....................Window Menu ....................Help Menu ....................Monitor Control Center ..................Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 3...
- Page 4 System Requirements ................... Factory Hardware Reset / Initialize ................ Technical Details ....................General Details ...................... Additional Support ........General Support ....................Apogee Pro Care ....................Warranty Information and Legal Notices ..Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 4...
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Page 5: Overview
Overview Introduction Symphony I/O Mk II is a multi-channel audio interface featuring Apogee’s newest flagship AD/DA conversion, modular I/O (up to 32 inputs and outputs per chassis), intuitive touchscreen display and optional world-class microphone preamps. Designed to deliver professional sound quality for audio recording, mixing and mastering, Symphony I/O is the ultimate music production centerpiece for any modern studio. -
Page 6: Package Contents
• Warranty Booklet • Access Apogee’s expert Technical Support for free • Receive important product update information by email • Take the Customer Satisfaction Survey for a chance to win Apogee gear! Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 6... -
Page 7: Symphony I/O Mk Ii Panel Tour
Knob Rear Panel 1. Module Slot 1 2. Module Slot 2 3. Thunderbolt ports (Symphony Mk II Thunderbolt model only) 4. Option Card Slot 5. Word Clock I/O 6. AC Power Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 7... -
Page 8: Module Cards
Module Cards The Symphony I/O Mk II has a configurable chassis allowing it the flexibility for use in any environment. Two card slots can be filled by any combination of several module cards providing a solution for everyone. Mk II Cards Mk II cards benefit from our most refined converter technology and engineering techniques which results in the lowest distortion and greatest dynamic range of any A/D converter we’ve ever designed, and a more powerful &... -
Page 9: 16X16 Mk Ii Module
NOTE: The Mk II module cards cannot be used in the original Symphony I/O chassis. Compatible Original Cards Most cards from the original Symphony I/O can be used in the Symphony I/O Mk II chassis. Mic Pre Module The Mic Preamp Module upgrades the functionality of any 8x8 or 16x16 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... -
Page 10: 2X6 Analog + Aes + 8 Optical Module
- SPDIF OUT will duplicate any pair of analog or digital audio outputs. Routing of the S/PDIF Output is set with the S/ PDIF Mirrors drop down menu, found in the Symphony Control Software’s Device Sidebar. Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 10... -
Page 11: 8X8 Analog + 8 Aes/Optical Io Module
PDIF Mirrors drop down menu, found in the Symphony Control Software’s Device Sidebar. Note: The two variants of the 8x8 card are also compatible: 8x8 + AES only 8x8 + Optical only Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 11... -
Page 12: 16X16 Analog Io Module
PDIF Mirrors drop down menu, found in the Symphony Control Software’s Device Sidebar. Incompatible Original Cards The following cards cannot be installed into a Symphony I/O Mk II chassis: 16 Analog In + 16 Digital Out (A16 IP) 16 Analog Out + 16 Digital In (A16 OP) -
Page 13: Option Cards
Option Cards The Symphony I/O Mk II has one Thunderbolt Card slot & one Option Card slot. A Symphony I/O Mk II can be configured with just the Thunderbolt Card, just an Option Card, or both. Thunderbolt Card The Thunderbolt Card enables connectivity to a Thunderbolt-equipped Mac. This card is required for the unit to operate with the Symphony Control Software as well as with the optional Control hardware remote. -
Page 14: Control - Hardware Remote
Control - Hardware Remote This programmable control surface is used to adjust settings and parameters of your Symphony I/O Mk II Thunderbolt. For a full list of programmable features, see the Control Remote Assignments section of the Symphony Control Software section on page 39. -
Page 15: Thunderbolt-Equipped Model
Innovative Talkback feature allows use of the Mac’s Built in Mic, External Mic, or Digital Input. • Standalone Mode offers use of Symphony I/O Mk II without a computer connected - Sample Rate and Clock • Source are now adjustable from the front panel. -
Page 16: Setup
Follow the prompts to complete the installation computer As a result of the software install: Apogee Symphony I/O MkII Control app is placed in the Mac’s Applications folder • When connected, Symphony Thunderbolt appears as a device in Mac Sound System Preferences & AMS Utility •... -
Page 17: Making Connections
- Connect a Thunderbolt cable from the Mac to either of the Symphony I/O Mk II’s ports. Multi-Unit: Two Symphony I/O Mk II Thunderbolt units can be connected to the same system for up to 64 channels of input and output: Connect one Thunderbolt cable from the Mac to either port of the unit intended to be the Master Unit A. -
Page 18: Update Symphony Firmware
Warning: Do not disconnect power or interrupt the firmware update process before it is complete as this may damage the unit Open the Symphony Firmware Updater.app which is located in the Mac’s Applications > Utilities folder. Select your configuration and follow any prompts that may appear. Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 18... - Page 19 Disconnect the 2nd unit if it is connected to the first unit in the chain. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Click Restart to reboot your computer and complete the Firmware Update process. Repeat for the second Symphony I/O Mk II if necessary Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 19...
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Page 20: Getting Started With Audio Software
To route audio from general audio applications such as iTunes and Safari through Symphony I/O, it must be selected as the output device in Mac System Preferences. Make sure you have already installed the most recent Symphony I/O Mk II Software from the Apogee website before proceeding. -
Page 21: Route Mac System Sound To Different Outputs
For example, if you want iTunes to play out of Symphony channels 3 & 4, set Left Front to “3” and Right Front to “4”. 6. Select the Apply button. Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 21... -
Page 22: Select Symphony In Your Daw
3. Start by setting the I/O Buffer Size to “64 Samples”. your computer’s performance. This setting may need to be adjusted based on your computer’s performance. 4. Select OK. 4. Select “Apply Changes” and close the Preferences window. Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 22... -
Page 23: Monitoring The Input Signal
Also make sure the Software Monitoring is checked • checked. in the Preferences > Audio > Devices menu. 3. Select the “ I ” button in each track you’d like to input monitor. Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 23... -
Page 24: Navigating The Front Panel Touchscreen
You can also directly select any of the section icons on the bottom of the screen to jump directly to a section. Symphony I/O Mk II’s front panel touchscreen offers convenient access to nearly every setting. Control knob focus selection Settings that may be controlled using the front panel control knob are displayed as a circle;... - Page 25 DIGITAL I/O SETTINGS Digital format settings, Digital input signal Reset, WC termination, Internal temperature, meters, SPDIF Coax In replaces and coax Meter characteristics, Display brightness output mirrors settings and section navigation Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 25...
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Page 26: Pro Tools Hd Equipped Model
If equipped with only the Pro Tools HD Option Card, the unit will automatically be in the correct interface mode. If equipped with both the Thunderbolt Card and a Pro Tools HD Option Card, the Symphony I/O Mk II must be switched to the Pro Tools HD Audio Interface mode: 1. -
Page 27: Update Symphony Firmware - Pro Tools Hd Option Card
Update Symphony Firmware - Pro Tools HD Option Card: The Symphony I/O Mk II with Pro Tools HD Option Card does not need any Apogee software installed in order to operate with your Pro Tools HD card. However there are occasional firmware updates that improves the performance of the Pro Tools HD Audio Interface Mode. -
Page 28: Main Features
I/O Mk II Chassis can be connected to the same system for up to 64 channels of inputs & 64 channels of outputs. Before proceeding, please ensure the Symphony I/O Mk II Software has been installed, and firmware updated as described on page 16. -
Page 29: Symphony Control
Symphony Control Control of your Apogee Symphony I/O Mk II Thunderbolt is available through the Symphony Control software which is located in your Mac’s Applications folder. Symphony Control consists of four windows: 1. Essentials 2. Primary 3. Hover Help 4. Remote... -
Page 30: Essentials Window
6. Mute All - Mutes Headphones and Speakers outputs. Set the Talkback sure and destination in the System Sidebar. When two chassis are connected together, Inputs and Outputs for both are displayed: Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 30... -
Page 31: Primary Window
Primary Window All features and settings of the Symphony I/O Mk II Thunderbolt can be controlled from the Primary window. It is broken down into several sections: Tool Bar The Tool Bar is always visible at the top of the Primary window. It provides the ability to show/hide the System Sidebar, Device Sidebar, Essentials window, Remote window and Hover-Help window. -
Page 32: System Sidebar
Main speaker or headphone outputs. Device Sidebar The Device Sidebar provides settings that are specific to the Symphony I/O Mk II hardware connected to the Mac. 1. Device ID - Click to flash the Front Panel Status LED light for 3 seconds, to identify the hardware device to which Device settings apply. -
Page 33: I/O View
I/O View The I/O view of the Primary window is separated into an INPUT channel section, and an OUTPUT channel section: Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 33... -
Page 34: I/O Channel Section - Input
*When the 8MP (mic pre) module is installed, the following input settings become available: • Phantom Power: Use this button to enable 48 volt phantom power on the corresponding Analog In channel. Condenser microphones require 48 volt phantom power to operate Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 34... -
Page 35: I/O Channel Section - Output
6. Output Digital Reference - Set the output digital reference level. In most cases, the output digital reference level should be set to the same as the input digital reference level. Most Apogee devices default is -16dBFS. Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide... -
Page 36: Mix View
The mixer section provides several Direct Monitor mixers, and a special FX Send mixer for workflows that utilize the low-latency Direct Monitoring features of your Symphony I/O Mk II Thunderbolt interface. 1. Channel Top Label - Indicates the Mixer Channel’s Source. Can be renamed by clicking the label and typing a user-customized label. - Page 37 11. Channel Mute button - Cut the signal routing to the mixer stereo output. Command-click to cut all channels 12. Mix Solo button - Mute all channels that do not have this solo button engaged in this mixer. Command-click to solo all channels. Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 37...
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Page 38: Monitor/Output Section
Devices Sidebar > Main Output Format is set to “2 Speaker Sets” or “3 Speaker Sets”. Click one button to activate that set • Command+Click to activate multiple sets • simultaneously. Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 38... -
Page 39: Remote Window
Remote Window The Remote window provides settings to configure the optional Apogee Control hardware remote control. To open the Remote window choose Window > Remote, type Command+4, or click on the Remote toolbar button. The nine buttons in the window - 1-4, A-D and Control Knob - are used to define the function of corresponding hardware Function buttons. -
Page 40: Hover Help Window
* Only available if have 8 Mic Pre card installed Hover Help Window For specific information about Symphony Control’s features, open the Help window and hover your Mac’s pointer above each setting to see a helpful summary. Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 40... -
Page 41: Menu Bar Menus
About Symphony Control - Choose this menu item to display version information for all hardware connected and software installed on your Mac. Preferences > Auto Launch - Choose this menu item to launch Symphony Control when an Symphony I/O Mk II Thunderbolt interface is connected to the computer. ... -
Page 42: Window Menu
Help Menu Use the Search Field to search for a specific menu item. Symphony Support Online - Select this menu item to be taken to the Apogee website’s Support page for Symphony I/O Mk II. Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide... -
Page 43: Monitor Control Center
Monitor Outputs Symphony I/O Mk II has the ability to control the volume of studio monitor speakers that are connected directly to the analog outputs 1-2. This control can be expanded to include up to 3 stereo speaker sets, or a 5.1, 7.1, or even an 11.1 surround speaker setup. -
Page 44: How To Setup And Use Multiple Speaker Sets
- Must have at least 8 analog outputs for the 7.1 option to become available - Requires at least 10 analog outputs for 9.1 option to become available - Requires at least 12 analog outputs for 11.1 option to become available Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 44... -
Page 45: Talkback
If the device appears on the INPUT list of Mac Sound Preferences, it can be used as the talkback source. • Examples of such devices are your Mac’s built-in mic, a USB mic, an Apogee Duet, the line-input jack on the Mac, etc. -
Page 46: Choosing The Talkback Destination
Standalone Functionality When the Symphony I/O Mk II is not connected to a Mac, it functions in a standalone mode. Most of the functions of the unit can be adjusted and controlled from the front-panel touch screen, and audio will be able to pass through the various inputs and outputs of the device. -
Page 47: Settings Screen > Configuration Tab
A-to-D and Coax In to Ana. Out - The 2 analog inputs are mirrored to AES & Optical Outputs 1-2 - The 2-ch Coax inputs are mirrored to Analog Outputs 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 47... -
Page 48: Configure Complex Standalone Routing Using Symphony Control
Once the desired routing is made, disconnect the Thunderbolt cable and these settings will be retained until they are changed, the Standalone Routing button is engaged, or the unit is Factory Reset. Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 48... -
Page 49: Clocking With External Equipment
• The sample rate must match on both devices. Though the Slave device may automatically switch to the appropriate sample rate, this may not always occur and the sample rate will need to be set manually. Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 49... -
Page 50: Configure Symphony As Clock Slave
If Symphony doesn’t receive or is unable to lock to a external clock source, the display’s sample rate will blink. When this happens, check your connections for a bad or misconfigured cable, and make sure the sample rate of the master and slave devices are set to the same value. Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 50... -
Page 51: Reference
Because of the audio application’s latency, the vocalist hears his performance delayed by several milliseconds in his headphones. Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 51... - Page 52 The I/O Buffer setting found in most audio software is one of the most crucial, but often ignored, settings in a Mac- based recording system. When choosing a buffer setting, a compromise between the latency through the application and the amount of computer processor power accessible to the application must be made. Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 52...
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Page 53: Soft Limit
If you do encounter clicks, pops or software errors, don’t hesitate to experiment with the Buffer setting. Soft Limit Soft Limit is Apogeeʼs proprietary analog process for taming transients before A/D conversion. By gently rounding transients in a transparent manner, itʼs possible to maximize level BEFORE the A/D conversion stage and prevent unwanted distortion from clipping. -
Page 54: Pin Out Diagrams
Pin Out Diagrams Analog and Inserts Pinout for Analog IN and INSERTS RETURN 1-8 (ic Pre I/O Module) Pinout for Analog OUT and INSERTS SEND 1-8 (Mic Pre I/O Module) Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 54... -
Page 55: Aes In/Out
AES IN/OUT Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 55... -
Page 56: Specifications
3. Turn Symphony on. 4. When the Symphony I/O “Resetting” screen clears and the Display shows the HOME screen, let go of the Controller knob. This completes the hardware reset of Symphony. Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 56... -
Page 57: Technical Details
Max Output Levels: ∞ to +24dBu Digital to Analog Frequency Response @ 44.1kHz sample rate: DC to 20kHz (+/- 0.05dB) Output Impedance: 25 Ohm Outputs are balanced through Apogee’s proprietary Perfect Symmetry Circuitry (PSC) 1 stereo 1/4” headphone output on front panel THD + N:... -
Page 58: Additional Support
It’s never been easier to get back to work. As a ProCare member you’ll have premium access to Apogee’s world-class technical support group for the life of your agreement. The contract is fully transferable by the original registered owner of the agreement. All Apogee support technicians reside and are continuously trained at Apogee Electronics, Santa Monica, CA. -
Page 59: Warranty Information And Legal Notices
This warranty is void if Apogee determines, in its sole business judgment, the defect to be the result of abuse, neglect, alteration or attempted repair by unauthorized personnel. The warranties set forth above are in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and Apogee specifically disclaims any and all implied warranty... - Page 60 In the event your Symphony needs to be upgraded or repaired, it is necessary to contact Apogee prior to shipping, and a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number will be assigned. This number will serve as a reference for you and helps facilitate and expedite the return process.
- Page 61 Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matérial brouilleur du Canada. Declaration of Conformity – CE Apogee Electronics Corporation hereby declares that the product, the Symphony, to which this declaration relates, is in material conformity with the following standards or other normative documents: • EN50081-1/EN55022; 1995 •...
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