Apogee ensemble User manual

Multi–Channel,
24bit/192kHz Audio Interface
for the Macintosh
User’s Guide
V1.5 - February 2008

User’s Guide
Contents
Owner’s Record 2
Introduction 3
Getting Started Quickly 4
1. Installing software 4
2. Hardware connections 4
Getting Started Quickly 5
3. OS X conguration 5
4. iTunes playback 5
Getting Started Quickly 6
5. DAW conguration 6
Getting Started Quickly 7
6. Recording 7
General Operation 8
Making Settings with Software Control Panels 8
Making Settings with Ensemble’s Front Panel Encoder Knobs 8
Setting Sample Rate 9
Using 176.4–192 kHz Sampling Rates 9
Setting Clock Source 9
Digital I/O 9
Stand-Alone Mode 9
Ensemble Routing 9
General Operation 9
General Operation 10
Input Routing Diagram 10
General Operation 11
Output Routing Diagram 11
Maestro Control: Settings - Settings 12
Maestro Control: Settings - Settings (diagram) 13
Maestro Control: Levels - Output 14
Maestro Control: Levels - Input 14
Maestro Control: Levels - Input (diagram) 15
Maestro Control: Levels - Output (diagram) 15
Navigating the Front Panel 16
Connections on the Rear Panel 17
Connecting Your Studio 18
Basic studio conguration: 18
Connecting Your Studio 19
5.1 surround conguration: 19
Conguring Audio Software Apps 20
Conguring Ensemble for use with audio software apps 20
Apple Soundtrack Pro 20
Apple FInal Cut Pro 20
Conguring Audio Software Apps 21
MOTU Digital Performer 21
Steinberg Nuendo 21
Troubleshooting 22
Troubleshooting 23
Warnings & Copyrights 24
Declarations of Conformity 25

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 modications not expressly approved by APOGEE ELECTRONICS
CORPORATION could void your authority to operate this equipment under the FCC rules.
Please register this unit by lling 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 specically designed for Apple Macintosh
computers. From mic preamps to Mac Core Audio 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 le sizes or data rates.
Apogee Sample Rate Conversion (SRC)
Ensemble’s hardware sample rate conversion provides a high quality, exible 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 10.4.11 or 10.5 and above
3. Apple Logic Pro 7.2.3 or 8.0 and above
4. One Firewire 400 cable (per Ensemble)
Please note:
The functionality described in this User’s Guide is based on Ensemble rmware and software
release version 1.3, released in February, 2007.

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Ensemble – User’s Guide
Getting Started Quickly
1. Installing software
Insert the included CD in your Mac’s optical drive
slot, double click on the Ensemble Software
Installer icon, and follow the onscreen directions
provided by the installer program. After the installa-
tion is complete, it will be necessary to restart your
Mac.
2. Hardware connections
Using the enclosed FireWire cable, connect one
of Ensemble’s FireWire ports to a FireWire 400
port on your Mac (gure 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 (gure 3).
Connect a pair of headphones to Ensemble’s
1 output (gure 4).
gure 1
gure 2
gure 3
gure 4

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

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Ensemble – User’s Guide
Getting Started Quickly
5. DAW conguration
Congure your Core Audio compatible software
to communicate with Ensemble hardware I/O.
For example, in Logic 8 Pro :
Choose Preferences > Audio and click on the
Devices tab. In the Devices window, click on the
Core Audio tab (gure 9).
Check the Enabled box, select Ensemble in the
Device eld, and verify that the 24 Bit Record-
ing box is checked. Click on Apply Changes
when compete (gure 10).
To “customize” the I/O routing labels in Logic to
match Ensemble hardware I/O, choose Options
> Audio > I/O Labels. Click on the circle adja-
cent to each label under the Provided by Driver
column (gure 11).
To control Ensemble directly from your Logic
session, choose Options > Audio > Open Apo-
gee Control Panel (gure 12).
If you’re using another Core Audio compat-
ible audio software app, use Apogee’s Maestro
software (installed in your Applications folder in
Step 1) to control Ensemble.
gure 9
gure 10
gure 11
gure 12

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Ensemble – User’s Guide
7
6. Recording
Connect a mic to the MIC 1 rear panel connnec-
tion (gure 13).
or an instrument to the HI–Z 1 front panel con-
nection (gure 14).
In Logic, set a track’s input to Analog 1 and
its output to Analog 1/2 and record-enable the
track (gure 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 (gure 16).
You’re now ready to record!
gure 13
gure 15
Getting Started Quickly
gure 16
gure 14

APOGEE ELECTRONICS
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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 congurations, 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 congurations.
Audio Midi Setup (AMS) – This OS X utility (found in the rootdrive/Applications/Utilities folder) provides control 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 Ensemble;
OSX audio faders (including the menu bar fader) will then control the output selected on Ensemble’s front panel.
For example, if the front panel 1 LED is lit, OSX audio faders control the 1output 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 ashes to indicate muting.
Please see p. 16 to congure the MAIN and headphone outputs
General Operation

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Ensemble – User’s Guide
9
Setting Sample Rate
To set Ensemble’s sample rate, choose the desired rate in your Core Audio compatible software
application; 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 eld and select the desired rate in
the Format eld.
Using 176.4–192 kHz Sampling Rates
To operate Ensemble at a sample rate of 176.4-192k, it’s necessary to set I/O Allocation (found in Mae-
stro under Tools>Settings>Settings tab) to either 10x10 or 8x8. As Optical I/O is not supported at these
sample rates, their associated Firewire paths are disabled to conserve CPU bandwidth.
After changing I/O Allocation, it’s strongly suggested to re-boot the computer and power the Ensemble
off and then on.
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
selection 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.
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.
Stand-Alone Mode
When Ensemble’s rewire connection is interrupted, the unit automatically enters Stand-Alone mode,
whereby all current control panel, routing and mixer settings remain operational, despite the absence of a
host computer. In Stand-Alone mode, the Status LED turns green and all front panel controls remain active.
Ensemble Routing
Unless routing is modied 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 84 SMUX or 2 S/PDIF 2 14
176k4/192k 8 none 2 10
General Operation

APOGEE ELECTRONICS
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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

APOGEE ELECTRONICS
Ensemble – User’s Guide
11
18 DAW Outputs
FireWire Input
18 Hardware Outputs
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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
Output Routing Diagram

APOGEE ELECTRONICS
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Ensemble – User’s Guide
Maestro Control: Settings - Settings
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 Apogee devices are connected to the computer, this selection designates which
device is currently being controlled by Maestro.
Identify Unit – When checked, all LEDs on the “active” Ensemble’s front panel light, thereby allowing easy
identication 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 rewire 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.
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.
Input Settings : Soft Limit – When checked, Apogee’s Soft Limit overload protection is engaged on the cor-
responding 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.

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Ensemble – User’s Guide
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Maestro Control: Settings - Settings (diagram)

APOGEE ELECTRONICS
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Ensemble – User’s Guide
Maestro Control: Levels - 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 congure 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 Control: Levels - Input
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
15
Maestro Control: Levels - Output (diagram)
Maestro Control: Levels - Input (diagram)

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 ashing 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. After a
few moments Ensemble will switch to Stand-Alone mode.
• A green LED indicates that no Firewire connection is present, and that Ensemble is operating in
Stand-Alone mode.
• A ashing 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 modied 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
1 2
3 4 6
5 7
8
9
10 11 12
1
2
3
4
6
5
7
8
9
10
11
12

1. MIC1–4 – These XLR connectors accept balanced mic or line inputs; input level is determined
in software control.
2. INSERT SEND – RETURN (channels 1–2) – These TRS connectors provide balanced analog
insert points before the A/D conversion stage; inserting a jack in the RETURN connector acti-
vates insert return.
• The insert send may also serve as a direct out: when only the insert send is connect-
ed, signal to the A/D conversion stage is not interrupted.
• The insert return may also serve as a balanced TRS line input.
3. HI–Z (channels 3–4) – These TRS connectors accept high impedance inputs for channels 3–4,
similar to front panel HI–Z inputs.
4. ANALOG INPUT 5–8 – These TRS connectors accept line level inputs for channels 5–8; input
level is determined in software control.
5. ANALOG OUTPUT 1–8 – These TRS connectors provide line level outputs for channels 1–8;
input level is determined in software control.
6. S/PDIF – These coaxial connectors provide S/PDIF format digital I/O.
7. OPTICAL IN/OUT – These Toslink connectors provide S/PDIF, ADAT or SMUX format digital
I/O; format is determined in software control.
8. FIREWIRE – These FW 400 connectors provide Firewire I/O to an Apple OSX computer.
Stand-Alone Mode – If Ensemble doesn’t detect a valid Firewire connection, it will switch
to Stand-Alone mode after a few moments. This is indicated either by a red STATUS LED
(when the Firewire connection is present but not valid) or by a green LED (when there
is no Firewire connection). In Stand-Alone mode, all routing, mixing and control settings
made when the unit was last connected to a Mac are saved in Ensemble ash memory,
thus allowing the use of the unit when not connected to a computer. Thus, it’s possible to
use Ensemble as a Stand-Alone mixer or AD-DA converter.
9. WORD CLOCK IN/OUT – These BNC connectors provide word clock I/O.
10. WC IN 75 OHM TERM – This switch terminates the Word Clock input with a 75 ohm load.
11. AC IN – This IEC connector accepts AC input from 90–250 volts.
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Connections on the Rear Panel
1
2345
6
7 8 9 10
11
1
2
3
4
6
5
7
8
9
10
11

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Ensemble – User’s Guide
Connecting Your Studio
2 Instruments 2 Headphones
DVD/CD
Powered
Monitors
Synthesizer
Microphones
Basic studio conguration: