Apogee ensemble User manual

Multi–Channel,
24bit/192kHz Audio Interface
for the Macintosh
User’s Guide
v1.1 – October 2006

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User’s Guide
Table of Contents
Owners Record
Introduction
Getting Started Quickly
1. Installing software
2. Hardware connections
3. OS X configuration
4. iTunes playback
5. DAW configuration
6. Recording
General Operation
Making Settings with Software Control Panels
Making Settings with Ensemble’s Front Panel Encoder Knobs
Setting Sample Rate
Using 176.4–192 kHz Sampling Rates
Setting Clock Source
Digital I/O
Ensemble Routing
Input Routing Diagram
Output Routing Diagram
Connecting and Configuring Multiple Ensembles
Advanced Clocking
Maestro – Settings – Control Panel
Maestro – Settings – Output
Maestro – Settings – Mic Pre
Navigating the Front Panel
Connections on the Rear Panel
Connecting Your Studio
Basic studio configuration
5.1 surround configuration
Configuring Audio Software Apps
Apple Soundtrack Pro
Apple Final Cut Pro
MOTU Digital Performer
Steinberg Nuendo
Troubleshooting
Warnings & Copyrights
Declarations of Conformity
Registration and Warranty Information

APOGEE ELECTRONICS
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Ensemble – User’s Guide
The serial number is located on the rear panel of the unit. We suggest you record the serial number
in the space provided below. Refer to it whenever you call an authorized Apogee Electronics repair
facility or the manufacturer. Please be sure to return your completed warranty card immediately!
Ensemble Serial No._________________________________________________
Purchase Date__________________________________________________________
Dealer_________________________________________________________________
Phone_________________________________________________________________
Address________________________________________________________________
CAUTION:
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by APOGEE ELECTRONICS
CORPORATION could void your authority to operate this equipment under the FCC rules.
Please register this unit by filling in the included registration card, or registering online at
http://www.apogeedigital.com/support/register.php Please read this manual – if you call for
technical support, we’ll assume that you have. There will be a quiz.
OWNER’S RECORD

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Ensemble – User’s Guide
3
Introduction
Ensemble is a digitally–controlled Firewire audio interface specifically designed for Apple Macintosh
computers. From mic preamps to Mac CoreAudio connectivity to headphone outputs, Ensemble includes all
that’s necessary for a high–quality Mac–based recording system.
Ensemble includes several of Apogee’s Core technologies, including:
SoftLimit
Soft Limit is an analog peak limiting circuit that instantaneously and gracefully controls transient peaks,
thereby allowing an additional 4 dB of headroom. Soft Limit may be engaged on all 8 Ensemble analog
inputs.
UV22HR
UV22HR is Apogee’s industry standard dither algorithm for reducing the word–length of a digital audio signal
from 24 to 16 bits. UV22HR is also being employed to produce dramatically improved internet and computer
audio content without increased file sizes or data rates.
Apogee Sample Rate Conversion (SRC)
Ensemble’s hardware sample rate conversion provides a high quality, flexible solution for working with digital
audio hardware and software running at different sample rates. Ensemble’s sample rate conversion may
be applied to a digital input (to convert an input stream to Ensemble’s sample rate) or to a digital output (to
provide an output stream at a user selected sample rate different than Ensemble’s rate).
Ensemble Requirements
1. Apple PowerMac 1.5GHz or higher, 512MB of RAM required, 1GB recommended
2. OS X 10.4.6
3. Apple Logic Pro 7.2.1
4. One Firewire 400 cable (per Ensemble)

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Ensemble – User’s Guide
Getting Started Quickly
1. Installing software
VERY IMPORTANT!
BEFORE CONNECTING ENSEMBLE...
Insert the CD that is attached to this document
into your Mac and double click on the “Apogee
Software Installer”. Follow the on screen instruc-
tions to install the necessary software (figure 1).
2. Hardware connections
Using the enclosed FireWire cable, connect one
of Ensemble’s FireWire ports to a FireWire 400
port on your Mac (figure 2).
Connect Ensemble’s AC input to an AC outlet
of 90 to 250 volts; Ensemble’s power switch will
illuminate to indicate the presence of AC. Press
the power switch to turn the unit on (figure 3).
Connect a pair of headphones to Ensemble’s
1 output (figure 4).
figure 1
figure 2
figure 3
figure 4

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Ensemble – User’s Guide
5
3. OS X configuration
From your Mac’s Apple menu bar, open the
System Preferences window, then click on the
sound icon (figure 5).
In the Sound Preferences window click on the
Output tab and select Ensemble (figure 6).
figure 5
figure 6
4. iTunes playback
Open iTunes, select an audio file and initiate
playback (figure 7).
Press the OUTPUT encoder knob until the 1
LED is lit and adjust the level in your head-
phones (figure 8).
figure 7
figure 8
Getting Started Quickly

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Ensemble – User’s Guide
Getting Started Quickly
5. DAW configuration
Configure your CoreAudio compatible software
to communicate with Ensemble hardware I/O.
For example, in Logic Pro:
Open Audio > Audio Hardware and Drivers >
Drivers > CoreAudio and check the Enabled
box (figure 9). Click “OK” when prompted by
Logic.
Select Ensemble in the Driver field (figure 10),
and click Try (Re)–Launch when prompted by
Logic.
To “customize” the I/O routing labels in Logic to
match Ensemble hardware I/O, open Audio >
Audio Configuration; under the View menu,
select I/O Labels; under the Drivers’ I/O Label
column, Option–click the first radio button of
each group of I/O labels (figure 11).
To control Ensemble directly from your Logic
session, open Audio > Apogee Control Panel
(figure 12).
If you’re using another CoreAudio compatible
audio software app, use Apogee’s Maestro
software (installed in your Applications folder in
Step 1) to control Ensemble.
figure 9
figure 10
figure 11
figure 12

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Ensemble – User’s Guide
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6. Recording
Connect a mic to the MIC 1 rear panel connnec-
tion (figure 13).
or an instrument to the HI–Z 1 front panel con-
nection (figure 14).
In Logic, set a track’s input to Analog 1 and
its output to Analog 1/2 and record enable the
track (figure 15).
Press the front panel INPUT encoder knob until
the Pre 1 LED is lit, and turn encoder to obtain
a proper recording level on the record–enabled
track (figure 16).
You’re now ready to record!
figure 13
figure 15
Getting Started Quickly
figure 16
figure 14

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Ensemble – User’s Guide
Making Settings with Software Control Panels
All Ensemble settings are made from Apogee’s Maestro Settings panel or Logic Pro’s Apogee Control Panel.
Certain settings can be also be made from OS X audio control panels. It’s possible to open multiple control panels
simultaneously, as settings made on one control panel are mirrored on all others. Additionally, Mic Pre gain and
Ouput level may be controlled from Ensemble’s front panel encoders, as described on the lower half of this page.
Apogee Maestro provides the most complete control of Ensemble, including control of all Ensemble
parameters, store/recall of configurations, expanded routing and 2 low–latency mixers. Maestro may
be used with any Core Audio compatible audio application. Please see the complete explanation of
Maestro’s
Settings panel beginning on p. 14
The Logic Pro Apogee Control Panel, found in Logic Pro under the Audio menu, provides control of all
Ensemble parameters and store/recall of configurations.
Audio Midi Setup (AMS) – This OS X utility (found in the rootdrive/Applications/Utilities folder) provides con-
trol of Ensemble’s clock source, sample rate and output level.
To set Ensemble’s output level using the Mac’s menu bar audio fader, set Default Output (in AMS) to En-
semble; OSX audio faders (including the menu bar fader) will then control the output selected on Ensem-
ble’s front panel. For example, if the front panel 1 LED is lit, OSX audio faders control the 1 output
level.
Making Settings with Ensemble’s Front Panel Encoder Knobs
Ensemble’s front panel encoders provide simple and immediate access to Mic Pre gain settings and Output levels.
To use the left encoder to control mic pre gain:
Select the mic pre gain to set by clicking the left encoder knob until the desired PRE LED is lit.
Turn the encoder clockwise to increase gain or counter–clockwise to decrease gain.
The LEDs encircling the encoder indicate its “position”, providing a quick visual indication of level in the
same fashion as a traditional knob.
To use the right encoder to control output levels:
Select the output to set by clicking the left encoder knob until the desired LED is lit, and turn the knob as
described above; by selecting MAIN, rear panel analog output levels may be set; by selecting either 1 or
2, the corresponding front panel headphone output level may be set.
By pressing and holding the right encoder button for a few seconds, all analog outputs are muted. The
selected output LED flashes to indicate muting.
Please see p. 16 to configure the MAIN and headphone outputs
General Operation

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Ensemble – User’s Guide
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Setting Sample Rate
To set Ensemble’s sample rate, choose the desired rate in your Core Audio compatible software applica-
tion; Ensemble will set itself to this rate. If the application has no sample rate setting, open the OSX utility
Audio Midi Setup, select Ensemble in the Properties For field and select the desired rate in the Format
field.
Using 176.4–192 kHz Sampling Rates
Ensemble can operate at sample rates of 44.1 to 96 kHz or 176.4 to 192 kHz, as determined by the
Sample Rate Range setting in the Apogee Maestro Settings panel. To change the sample rate range,
open the Maestro>Window>Settings panel and set Sample Rate Range to the desired setting. When
setting the range, quit all audio software apps and allow 30 seconds for Ensemble to reboot at the new
sample rate range
Setting Clock Source
Ensemble’s clock source may be set from Maestro, Logic Pro’s Apogee Control Panel, or from OSX’s
Audio Midi Setup utility.
When Ensemble is locked to an external source, Ensemble’s sample rate is still determined by the selec-
tion in software. Thus, the sample rate of the external source must be manually set to match the software
sample rate. For example, if you want to open a session at 88.2 kHz but lock Ensemble to word clock
from an Apogee Big Ben, you must manually set the Big Ben to 88.2 kHz.
To configure the clock connections of multiple Ensembles, please see p. 12
Digital I/O
The availability of Ensemble’s digital I/O is based on the unit’s sample rate and Optical I/O Format set-
ting, as depicted in the chart below.
Ensemble Routing
Unless routing is modified in Maestro software, all Ensemble rear panel inputs are routed via Firewire to
the Mac, while all rear panel outputs are routed via Firewire from the Mac, as depicted on the next two
pages.
Analog I/O Optical I/O Coaxial I/O Total
44k1/48k 8 8 ADAT or 2 S/PDIF 2 18
88k2/96k 8 4 SMUX or 2 S/PDIF 2 14
176k4/192k 8 none 2 10
General Operation

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Ensemble – User’s Guide
18 DAW Inputs18 Hardware Inputs
FireWire Output


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







Analog 1
Analog 2
Analog 3
Analog 4
Analog 5
Analog 6
Analog 7
Analog 8
S/PDIF (coax) L
S/PDIF (coax) R
ADAT 1
ADAT 2
ADAT 3
ADAT 4
ADAT 5
ADAT 6
ADAT 7
ADAT 8
General Operation
Input Routing Diagram

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Ensemble – User’s Guide
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18 DAW Outputs
FireWire Input
18 Hardware Outputs











Analog 1
Analog 2
Analog 3
Analog 4
Analog 5
Analog 6
Analog 7
Analog 8
S/PDIF (coax) L
S/PDIF (coax) R
ADAT 1
ADAT 2
ADAT 3
ADAT 4
ADAT 5
ADAT 6
ADAT 7
ADAT 8
General Operation
Output Routing Diagram

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Ensemble – User’s Guide
1. Chain Firewire connections as shown in the
diagram at right. Either Firewire port may be used.
2. Loop Ensemble’s word clock I/O by making the
following connections, as shown at right:
Unit #1 Word Clock out – Unit #2 Word Clock in
Unit #2 Word Clock out – Unit #3 Word Clock in
Unit #3 Word Clock out – Unit #1 Word Clock in
(figure 17)
3. a. Open Audio Midi Setup (AMS).
b. Select each Ensemble in the AMS Properties
For field, and set the sample rate to your preferred
rate. It’s essential that all interfaces be set to the
same rate before proceeding. (figure 18)
c. In the AMS Clock Source field, set the source of
one Ensemble to Internal; the clock source for
other connected Ensembles should automatically
change to Word Clock. (figure 19)
Connecting and Configuring Multiple Ensembles
Device Aggregation
For OSX to connect multiple hardware interfaces to a
Core Audio app, the interfaces must be merged into
one virtual “device” by a process known as “Device
Aggregation”. This process takes place in the Aggregate
Device Editor found in Audio Midi Setup (AMS)
figure 18
figure 19
figure 17

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Ensemble – User’s Guide
13
Connecting and Configuring Multiple Ensembles
4. a. In AMS, open the Audio > Open Aggregate Device
Editor window
b. In the Aggregate Devices window, check the + box
to add an Aggregate Device. We suggest renaming the
Aggregate Device to a more specific name, such as
Ensembles. (figure 20)
c. In the Structure window, verify that all connected
Ensembles appear; in the Use column, check the
Ensembles to be used in the Aggregate Device. Click
Done when you’re, uh, done. (figure 21)
In your audio software program, select the renamed
Aggregate Device (in this case Ensembles) as the
hardware I/O.
figure 20
Advanced Clocking
To clock multiple Ensembles from a master clock source
such as Apogee’s Big Ben, it is preferable to make a
direct connection between each Ensemble and a master
clock output, using BNC to BNC cables of the same or
similar lengths.
To configure multiple Ensembles so each unit may lock to
its word clock input:
1. Connect a word clock cable between individual master
clock word clock outputs and each Ensemble’s word
clock input. (figure 22)
2. In the Maestro Settings window (or Logic Pro Apogee
Control Panel), check the Disable Loop Sync box,
and individually set each Ensemble’s Clock Source to
Word Clock. (figure 23)
4. On Ensemble’s rear panel, ensure that the WC IN 75
OHM Termination button is pushed in.
figure 23
figure 21
figure 22

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Ensemble – User’s Guide
Maestro – Settings – Control Panel
All Ensemble settings are made from Apogee’s Maestro Settings panel or Logic Pro’s Apogee Control
Panel. If you’re using Logic Pro, please see the description of the Apogee Control Panel in the Logic Pro
documentation.
Unit Select – When multiple Ensembles are connected, Unit Select designates which Ensemble is “active”
and receiving software control panel settings.
Identify Unit – When checked, all LEDs on the “active” Ensemble’s front panel light, thereby allowing easy
identification of the hardware receiving software control panel settings.
Clock Source Select – This drop down list is used to set Ensemble’s clock source to Internal or to the
S/PDIF Coax, Optical, or Word Clock rear panel inputs.
SRC Select – Sample rate conversion is applied to the stereo audio path selected in this drop down list.
When converting a digital input (at any sample rate) to the sample rate of Ensemble (and thus the DAW ses-
sion), apply sample rate conversion to the digital input.
SRC Rate – When converting the output of the DAW session to another sample rate, apply sample rate
conversion to a digital output (under SRC Select) and select the desired destination sample rate in the SRC
Rate drop down list.
UV22HR – UV22HR is applied to the stereo audio path selected in this drop down list. UV22HR should be
applied to analog and digital inputs when recording to a 16–bit session and applied to digital outputs when
routing signals from Ensemble to 16–bit digital devices such as external CD burners or DAT recorders.
UV22HR is only available at sample rates of 44.1k – 48k, as higher sample rate formats and devices support
24 bit operation only.
I/O Allocation – With this drop down menu it’s possible to allocate the number of channels made available
through Firewire I/O. When using slower host computers and/or higher sample rates, allocating fewer chan-
nels to Firewire I/O means less CPU resources are used for Firewire communication. Please note that when
an 18 x 18 allocation is selected, the highest sample rate possible is 96kHz. Also, any hardware I/O may be
routed through the available Firewire I/O in the Maestro Routing pages.
Bandwidth used – This meter measures the percentage of bandwidth used by all Firewire AUDIO devices
connected to the Mac’s internal firewire bus. Bandwidth used by hard drives is not included. If the meter
reads 100%, select a smaller I/O Allocation setting.
Optical In – This drop down list sets the digital format of the rear panel Optical In to either S/PDIF or ADAT/SMUX.
Optical Out – This drop down list sets the digital format of the rear panel Optical Out to either S/PDIF or
ADAT/SMUX.
Meter Display – The signal displayed by the front panel meters may be set from this drop down list. Settings
available are Off (meters display no signal), Input (meters display Ensemble inputs) or Output (meters
display Ensemble outputs)
Word Clock Out – The rate of the word clock output may be set in this drop down list to be equal to the unit
sample rate (WC x 1) or 1/2 the unit sample rate (WC x 1/2), to accomodate connected devices.
CD Mode – Checking this box sends a 44k1, 16–bit stereo signal to the S/PDIF Coax output, regardless of
the DAW session sample rate or bit depth. CD Mode sets UV22HR to S/DPIF Out, and if the DAW session
is at any other sample rate than 44k1 sets SRC Select to S/PDIF Out and SRC Rate to 44k1.
Disable Loop Sync – When checked, Loop Sync automatic clock selection is disabled on all connected
Ensembles . Check this box when clocking multiple Ensembles directly from one Master clock source, such
as Apogee’s Big Ben.
Hold Overs – By checking this box, the red Over indicators on the front panel meters and in Maestro’s Set-
tings/Output page remain lit until the Clear Meters button (in Maestro’s Mixer window) is clicked.

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Ensemble – User’s Guide
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Maestro – Settings – Control Panel
Input Settings : Soft Limit – When checked, Apogee’s Soft Limit overload protection is en-
gaged on the corresponding Analog input.
Input Settings : +4, –10, MIC – The nominal reference level of each analog input is selected
with these radio buttons. Inputs 1–4 may also be set to MIC level, allowing gain to be set from
+10 to +75 dB.
Output Settings – The nominal reference level of each analog output is selected with these
radio buttons.
18
18

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Ensemble – User’s Guide
Maestro – Settings – Output
Level Control – Three knobs provide level control for the Main, HP1 and HP2 outputs. Output attenuation from 0 to
–127 dB is displayed in a corresponding readout.
Meter Display – Signal present on any channel selected in the MAIN Format Select or HP 1–2 Source Select drop
down lists is displayed on the corresponding meter.
MAIN Format Select – This drop down list is used to configure the analog outputs for various monitoring situations.
When Format is set to None, all Analog outputs function as standard Line outputs; the Main Level fader has
no function.
When Format is set to Stereo, the Main Level fader (and front panel Output encoder) controls the level of
Analog outputs 1–2. Outputs 3–8 function as standard Line outputs.
When Format is set to 5.1 Surround, the Main Level fader (and front panel Output encoder) controls the
level of Analog outputs 1–6. Outputs 7–8 function as standard Line outputs.
When Format is set to 7.1 Surround, the Main Level fader (and front panel Output encoder) controls the
level of all the Analog outputs.
HP1 HP2 Source Select – These drop down lists are used to select the stereo signal source for the front panel head-
phone outputs.
1
2
3
4
Maestro – Settings – Mic Pre
Pre1 – Pre4 – The following controls are provided for Pre1–Pre4
Gain Control – This knob provides gain control for the mic pre. Mic pre gain from +10 to +75 dB is dis-
played in a corresponding readout.
Meter Display – This meter displays the conversion level of the corresponding channel, for a convenient
reference when setting mic pre gain.
Groups – The Gain Control of two or more Pres may be linked by selecting the same Group in this drop
down list. The Gain offset present when Pres are initially grouped is maintained after grouping.
Phase – When this box is checked, polarity of the corresponding analog input is inverted.
48V – When this box is checked, 48 volt phantom power is applied to the corresponding XLR input.
SoftLimit – When this box is checked, Soft Limit overload protection is applied to the corresponding analog
input.
1
2
3
4
5
6

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Ensemble – User’s Guide
17
Maestro Settings – Output
Maestro Settings – Mic Pre

Navigating the Front Panel
1. Power Switch – Press this button to apply power to Ensemble. When Ensemble’s AC input is connect-
ed, the switch will light dimly to indicate that the unit is in Standby.
2. STATUS LED – This multi–color LED provides a quick visual indication of the status of various param-
eters.
• A solid blue LED indicates that Ensemble is locked to the clock source chosen in software control
and that the Firewire connection is valid.
• A flashing LED indicates that Ensemble is not locked to the selected clock source.
• A red Status LED indicates that Ensemble has not achieved a valid Firewire connection.
• A flashing red LED indicates that both error conditions are present.
3. HI–Z Input 1–2 – These 1/4 inch connectors accept high impedance sources such as keyboards and
guitars. When a jack is inserted in a Hi–Z connector, the input’s XLR connector is disabled.
4. INPUT Encoder Knob – When inputs 1–4 are set to Mic using software control, this knob controls the
mic pre gain; To select the input being controlled, press the encoder knob until the desired PRE LED
lights ; turn the encoder clockwise to increase level or counter–clockwise to decrease level. The LEDs
encircling the encoder knob indicate the “position” of the knob, providing a quick visual indication of
level in the same fashion as a traditional knob. If no inputs are set to Mic in software control, the en-
coder has no function.
5. PRE LEDs – These LEDs indicate the selected channel in conjunction with the INPUT encoder knob.
6. 48V LEDs – These LEDs indicate that 48 volt phantom power has been engaged in software control.
7. Meters 1–8 – These meters display either analog inputs or analog outputs, as set in software control.
8. Meters D1,D2 – Meter D1 displays the presence of signal on either channel of the S/PDIF Coax I/O,
meter D2 displays the presence of signal on any channel of the Optical I/O.
9. INPUT, OUTPUT LEDs – These LEDs indicate if meters are displaying input or output signals, as set in
software control.
10. MAIN, Phones 1,2 LEDs – These LEDs indicate the selected output to be modified by the OUTPUT
encoder knob.
11. OUTPUT Encoder Knob – This knob controls the level of the selected output as indicated by the MAIN,
hp1 and hp2 LEDs. Operation is similar to that of the Input encoder knob as described above. If Main is
set to None in software control, the encoder knob has no effect on the Main outputs.
12 1,2 – These TRS connectors provide headphone outputs
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Ensemble – User’s Guide
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