Apogee symphony i/o mk II User manual

Apogee Symphony I/O Mk II!
User’s Guide April 2017!

Contents
Overview"5......................................................
Introduction!5.............................................................................................................
Features!5..................................................................................................................
Package Contents!6..................................................................................................
Symphony I/O Mk II Panel Tour!7...............................................................................
Front Panel!7.............................................................................................................
Rear Panel!7..............................................................................................................
Module Cards!8.........................................................................................................
Mk II Cards!8.............................................................................................................
8x8 Mk II Module!8....................................................................................................
16x16 Mk II Module!9................................................................................................
Compatible Original Cards!9......................................................................................
Mic Pre Module!9.......................................................................................................
2x6 Analog + AES + 8 Optical Module!10..................................................................
8x8 Analog + 8 AES/Optical IO Module!11.................................................................
16x16 Analog IO Module!12.......................................................................................
Incompatible Original Cards!12..................................................................................
Option Cards!13........................................................................................................
Thunderbolt Card!13..................................................................................................
Pro Tools HD Option Card!13.....................................................................................
Control - Hardware Remote!14..................................................................................
Thunderbolt-Equipped Model"15......................
Features!15................................................................................................................
System Requirements!15...........................................................................................
Setup!16....................................................................................................................
Download and Install Software!16..............................................................................
Making Connections!17.............................................................................................
Single-Unit:!17...........................................................................................................
Multi-Unit:!17.............................................................................................................
Precautions when powering Symphony On/Off!17.....................................................
Update Symphony Firmware!18.................................................................................
Getting Started with Audio Software!20.....................................................................
Select Symphony for Mac System Sound Output!20..................................................
Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 2

Route Mac System Sound to Different Outputs!21..............................................
Select Symphony in your DAW!22..............................................................................
Select Symphony in Logic Pro X!22....................................................................
Select Symphony in Pro Tools!22........................................................................
Monitoring the Input Signal!23....................................................................................
Using your DAW to Monitor!23...................................................................................
Enable Input Monitor in Logic Pro X!23......................................................................
Enable Input Monitor in Pro Tools!23..........................................................................
Navigating The Front Panel Touchscreen!24...............................................................
Pro Tools HD Equipped Model"26.....................
Changing to Pro Tools HD Audio Interface Mode:!26..................................................
Update Symphony Firmware - Pro Tools HD Option Card:!27....................................
System Requirements:!27..................................................................................
Main Features"28.............................................
Thunderbolt Audio Interface Mode!28........................................................................
Selecting the Thunderbolt Audio Interface Mode!28...................................................
Symphony Control!29................................................................................................
Essentials Window!30................................................................................................
Primary Window!31....................................................................................................
Tool Bar!31........................................................................................................
System Sidebar!32.............................................................................................
Device Sidebar!32..............................................................................................
I/O View!33........................................................................................................
I/O Channel Section - INPUT!34.........................................................................
I/O Channel Section - OUTPUT!35......................................................................
Mix View!36.......................................................................................................
Mixer Section!36................................................................................................
Monitor/Output Section!38.................................................................................
Remote Window!39...........................................................................................
Hover Help Window!40..............................................................................................
Menu Bar Menus!41...................................................................................................
Symphony Control Menu!41...............................................................................
File Menu!41......................................................................................................
View Menu!41....................................................................................................
Window Menu!42...............................................................................................
Help Menu!42....................................................................................................
Monitor Control Center!43..........................................................................................
Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 3

Headphones!43.........................................................................................................
Monitor Outputs!43....................................................................................................
How to set the Monitor Outputs for Stereo Speakers!43......................................
How to set the Monitor Outputs as a fixed Line-Out !43......................................
How to setup and use Multiple Speaker Sets!44.................................................
How to connect and configure a Surround Speaker Setup!44..............................
Talkback!45...............................................................................................................
Selecting the Talkback Source!45.......................................................................
Choosing the Talkback Destination!46................................................................
Standalone Functionality!46.......................................................................................
HOME Screen!46.......................................................................................................
SETTINGS Screen > Configuration tab!47..................................................................
Configure Complex Standalone Routing using Symphony Control!48.........................
Clocking with External Equipment!49.........................................................................
Configure Symphony as Clock Slave!50.....................................................................
Reference"51..................................................
Understanding Latency!51.........................................................................................
Soft Limit!53..............................................................................................................
Pin Out Diagrams!54..................................................................................................
Analog and Inserts!54................................................................................................
AES IN/OUT!55..........................................................................................................
Specifications"56.............................................
System Requirements!56...........................................................................................
Factory Hardware Reset / Initialize!56........................................................................
Technical Details!57...................................................................................................
General Details!57......................................................................................................
Additional Support"58......................................
General Support!58...................................................................................................
Apogee Pro Care!58..................................................................................................
Warranty Information and Legal Notices"59.......
Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 4

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.
Features
•Best AD/DA conversion of any Thunderbolt™ audio interface
•Up to 32 channels of modular analog I/O with optional 8 mic preamps
•Best per-channel value of any interface in it’s category
•Choice of Thunderbolt, Pro Tools® HD (Mac/PC) or Waves SoundGrid® connectivity*
•Ultra-low latency performance
•Intuitive touchscreen display and front panel control
•Option card slot for future platform flexibility
•Designed in California, Built in the U.S.A.
Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 5

Package Contents
•Symphony I/O Mk II
•3 pin-IEC power cable
•QuickStart Guide
•Warranty Booklet
!
•Access Apogee’s expert Technical Support for free
•Receive important product update information by email
•Tak e th e Cu st om er S at is fa ct io n Su rv ey f or a c ha nc e to w in A po ge e ge ar !
Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 6

Symphony I/O Mk II Panel Tour
Front Panel
1. Headphone Output!
a. 1/4” TRS connection provides an
assignable stereo headphone output!
2. Tou ch sc ree n!
a. Symphony I/Os front panel touchscreen
offers convenient access to every setting
b. Routing and the low latency Mixer can only
be controlled in Symphony Control software
3. Control Knob!4. Power Button"
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"
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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 & robust D/A
that maintains fidelity and punch.
8x8 Mk II Module
Provides a total of 16 channels of audio input and output:
-8 channels of analog input and output
-8 channels of digital input and 8 channels of digital output through either the AES DB25 connector (Yamaha Pin-out
configuration), or Optical ports
To se le ct e it he r Op ti ca l or A ES d ig it al a ud io :
1. Power off the Symphony I/O and disconnect the Thunderbolt cable.
2. Tog gl e th e DIG I/O button to the desired position
3. Power the Symphony I/O on and reconnect the Thunderbolt cable.
Optical ports can be configured to use the S/PDIF or ADAT/SMUX protocols.
S/PDIF 44.1 - 192k Sample Rates!- 2 channels of audio in and 2 channels of audio out
ADAT 44.1 - 48k Sample Rates!! - 8 channels of audio in and 8 channels of audio out
SMUX!! 88.2-96kSampleRates!! -4channelsofaudioinand4channelsofaudioprovidedperport
!!!!!!-8channelsinand8channelsouttotal when using both ports
Digital Coaxial RCA S/PDIF ports are also provided.
-SPDIF IN replaces a pair of analog or digital audio inputs. Routing of the S/PDIF input is set with the S/PDIF
Replaces drop down menu, found in the Symphony Control Software’s Device Sidebar.
-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 8

16x16 Mk II Module
Provides 16 channels of analog input and output.
Digital Coaxial RCA S/PDIF ports are also provided.
-SPDIF IN replaces a pair of analog or digital audio inputs. Routing of the S/PDIF input is set with the S/PDIF
Replaces drop down menu, found in the Symphony Control Software’s Device Sidebar.
-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.
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
preamp stage before the line inputs.
1. INSTRUMENTS 1-4 - These 1/4" TS connectors accept input from a wide range of instruments, including
keyboards, guitars and other electronic instruments. The input impedance is high enough to avoid the loading of
input sources such as passive electric guitars and basses.
2. INSERTS Send 1-8 - This DB-25 connector provides 8 analog balanced line level sends routed after each
channel's mic preamp stage.
3. INSERTS Return 1-8 - This DB-25 connector accepts 8 analog balanced line level returns routed before each
channel's A/D conversion stage.
Use the INSERT sends and returns to insert analog line level gear (such as compressors and equalizers) between a
channel's mic preamp and A/D conversion stage.
Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 9

2x6 Analog + AES + 8 Optical Module
Provides up to 12 channels of audio input, and up to 16 channels of audio output.
INPUTS
2-channels of analog input via balanced XLR connectors
2-channels of AES digital audio input via XLR female connector
Up to 8-channels of digital audio input via Optical connector
SPDIF!44.1-192kSampleRates!-2channels
ADAT!44.1-48kSampleRates!! -8channels
SMUX!88.2-96kSampleRates!! -4channels
OUTPUTS
6-channels of analog output via DB25 connector
2-channels of AES digital audio output via XLR make connector
Up to 8-channels of digital audio output via Optical connector
SPDIF!44.1-192kSampleRates!-2channels
ADAT!44.1-48kSampleRates!! -8channels
SMUX!88.2-96kSampleRates!! -4channels
The Optical format is selected in the Symphony Control Software’s I/O View of the Primary Window.
Digital Coaxial RCA S/PDIF ports are also provided.
-SPDIF IN replaces a pair of analog or digital audio inputs. Routing of the S/PDIF input is set with the S/PDIF
Replaces drop down menu, found in the Symphony Control Software’s Device Sidebar.
-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

8x8 Analog + 8 AES/Optical IO Module
Provides a total of 16 channels of audio input and output:
-8 channels of analog input and 8 channels of analog output
-8 channels of digital input and 8 channels of digital output through either the AES DB25 connector (Yamaha Pin-out
configuration), or Optical ports
To se le ct e it he r Op ti ca l or A ES d ig it al a ud io :
1. Power off the Symphony I/O and disconnect the Thunderbolt cable.
2. Tog gl e th e DIG I/O button to the desired position
3. Power the Symphony I/O on and reconnect the Thunderbolt cable.
Optical ports can be configured to use the S/PDIF or ADAT/SMUX protocols.
S/PDIF 44.1 - 192k Sample Rates!- 2 channels of audio in and 2 channels of audio out
ADAT 44.1 - 48k Sample Rates!! - 8 channels of audio in and 8 channels of audio out
SMUX!! 88.2-96kSampleRates!! -4channelsofaudioinand4channelsofaudioprovidedperport
!!!!!!-8channelsinand8channelsouttotal when using both ports
Digital Coaxial RCA S/PDIF ports are also provided.
-SPDIF IN replaces a pair of analog or digital audio inputs. Routing of the S/PDIF input is set with the S/PDIF
Replaces drop down menu, found in the Symphony Control Software’s Device Sidebar.
-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.
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

16x16 Analog IO Module
Provides 16 channels of analog input and output.
Digital Coaxial RCA S/PDIF ports are also provided.
-SPDIF IN replaces a pair of analog or digital audio inputs. Routing of the S/PDIF input is set with the S/PDIF
Replaces drop down menu, found in the Symphony Control Software’s Device Sidebar.
-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.
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)
Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 12

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.
Two T hu nd er bo lt 2 p or ts a re pro vi de d. T he y ca n be u se d fo r co nn ec ti ng t o a se co nd S ym ph on y I/ O Mk I I or t o at ta ch
additional Thunderbolt peripherals such as a hard drive or external display to your Mac system.
Pro Tools HD Option Card
The Pro Tools HD Option card enables connectivity to Pro Tools HD Systems such as HDX and HD Native cards.
For extensive Refer to the for details on operation when equipped with this option card.
Primary Port !- Mini PC32 port (also called Mini Digilink) used to connect to compatible Pro Tools HD card.
Aux ! ! - USB port used for firmware updates
Loop In / Out !- For Syncing with other Pro Tools HD interfaces
Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 13

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.
To Co mp ut er !- Micro USB port for connecting to your computer.
!!UseastandardUSB-AtoUSB-MICRO-Bcable
Display Indicators - Shows currently selected input, the input type, as well
as the output selection.
Assignable Buttons - Performs the assigned function. Any function can be
assigned to any button via the Symphony Control software (pg 39)
The factory default assignments are:!
1 - Clear Meters
2 - Dim Speakers
3 - Toggle Spkr Sets
4 - Toggle Main Source
A - Launch Symphony I/O Control
B - Mono Speakers
C - Set Main Out to Reference
D - Momentary Talkback!
Microphone button
-One push focuses the knob on adjusting the input gain level
-Multiple presses cycles through the input channels
Headphone button
- One push focuses the knob on adjusting the headphones volume level
- Multiple presses cycles through the headphone outputs
Speaker button
-Focuses the knob on adjusting the speaker volume level
Control Knob
-Turn to adjust settings
-Push down to mute all outputs
-The push button can be assigned to another function via the Symphony Control software (pg 39)!
Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 14

Thunderbolt-Equipped Model
Features
•All new Symphony Control software
•Support of two Symphony I/O Mk II Thunderbolt chassis for up to 64 Inputs and Outputs
•Save & recall snapshots lets you save your sessions settings
•FX Send lets you use your DAW’s best reverb with Symphony Control low latency mixers
•Support for Apogee Control Hardware Remote
•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.
•Support for Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 or 11.1 Surround Output
System Requirements
•macOS 10.10.5 Yosemite or greater
•Mac with Thunderbolt
•Thunderbolt 3 compatible with Apple USB-C to Thunderbolt Adapters.
•4GB minimum RAM, 8GB recommended
Some older Macs have mini DisplayPort connections that, while identical in appearance to a Thunderbolt port, don’t
support Thunderbolt peripherals. Verify that the Thunderbolt logo is present on your Mac’s ports.
##
X Mini DisplayPort!!!✓Thunderbolt Port
For Macs equipped with a Thunderbolt-3 USB-C port, Apple’s Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter can be used.
Thunderbolt-3 Port Thunderbolt-3 to Thunderbolt-2 adapter!
Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 15

Setup
Download and Install Software
Inside you will find these items:
•Symphony IO MkII Control 1.0 Release Notes.pdf
•Symphony IO MkII Installer.pkg
•Symphony IO MkII Uninstaller.app
Double-click to launch the Symphony I/O Mk II Installer.pkg
A dialog box will appear with a series of steps
Follow the prompts to complete the installation
Once complete you will be required to restart your
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
•Symphony IO MkII Firmware Updater.app is placed in the Mac’s Utilities folder!
Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 16

Making Connections
Single-Unit:
- Connect a Thunderbolt cable from the Mac to either of the Symphony I/O Mk II’s ports.
Multi-Unit:
Two S ym ph on y I/ O Mk I I Th un de rb ol t un it s ca n be c on ne ct ed t o th e sa me s ys te m fo r up t o 64 c ha nn el s of i np ut a nd
output:
-Connect one Thunderbolt cable from the Mac to either port of the unit intended to be the Master Unit A.
-Using a second Thunderbolt cable, connect from the remaining Thunderbolt port on Master Unit A, to either of the
second unit’s Thunderbolt port.
A Word Clock connection must also be made between the two units:
-Using BNC Word Clock cable, connect from the Master unit’s WC OUT port to the second unit’s WC IN port.
Precautions when powering Symphony On/Off
Before powering on, ensure that any speakers or amplifiers connected to Symphony’s analog outputs are powered off,
or the volume turned down to the minimum setting. This will prevent audible “pops” that may occur as the unit boots
up.
1. Power off speakers and disconnect headphones
2. Power Symphony On
3. Power on speakers and connect headphones
Likewise, before powering Symphony off, ensure any speakers or amplifiers connected to Symphony’s analog outputs
are powered off, or the volume turned down to the minimum setting.
1. Power off speakers and disconnect headphones
2. Power Symphony Off
Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 17

Update Symphony Firmware
The first time Symphony is used after the software installation, you will likely need to update the firmware.
Warning: Do not disconnect power or interrupt the firmware update process before it is complete as this may damage
the unit
1. Open the Symphony Firmware Updater.app which is located in the Mac’s Applications > Utilities folder.
2. Select your configuration and follow any prompts that may appear.
Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 18

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
NOTE: If updating multiple units, they must be updated one at a time.
Disconnect the 2nd unit if it is connected to the first unit in the chain.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. 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

Getting Started with Audio Software
Select Symphony for Mac System Sound Output
To rou te a ud io f rom g en er al a ud io a pp li ca ti on s su ch a s iTun es a nd S af ar i th rou gh S ym ph on y I/ O, i t mu st b e se le ct ed
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.
1. Click the icon in the
upper-left corner of your
Mac’s display.
2. From the drop-down
menu, select “System
Preferences…”
3. In the System Preferences control
panel, select “Sound”
#
4. At the top of the Sound Preferences
panel, select the “Output” tab
#
5. Under “Select a device for sound output:” click Symphony I/O Thunderbolt!
Symphony I/O Mk II - User's Guide Page 20