Apogee symphony i/o mk II User manual

Apogee Symphony I/O Mk II
User’s Guide
Version 2.0 April, 2016
!!

Contents
Overview!5......................................................
Introduction"5.............................................................................................................
Features"5..................................................................................................................
Package Contents"6..................................................................................................
Register your product : apogeedigital.com/register"6.................................................
Symphony I/O Mk II Panel Tour"7...............................................................................
Front Panel"7.............................................................................................................
Rear Panel"7..............................................................................................................
Getting Started!8.............................................
Thunderbolt Notes"8..................................................................................................
Symphony I/O Mk II Software"9..................................................................................
System Requirements"9.............................................................................................
Download and Install Software"9................................................................................
Update Symphony Firmware"10.................................................................................
Navigating The Front Panel Touchscreen"11...............................................................
Getting Started with Audio Software"13.....................................................................
Select Symphony for Mac System Sound Output"13..................................................
Route Mac System Sound to Different Outputs"14.....................................................
Select Symphony in your DAW"15..............................................................................
Select Symphony in Logic Pro X"15...........................................................................
Monitoring the Input Signal"16....................................................................................
Using your DAW to Monitor"16...................................................................................
Enable Input Monitoring in Logic Pro X"16..................................................................
Enable Input Monitoring in Pro Tools"16.....................................................................
Using Symphony’s Low Latency Mixers"17................................................................
Low Latency Monitoring"17.................................................................................
Main Features!18.............................................
I/O Modules"18..........................................................................................................
Mk II I/O Modules"18..................................................................................................
8x8 Mk II Module"18..................................................................................................
16x16 Mk II Module"19..............................................................................................
Other Compatible I/O Modules"19..............................................................................
Mic Pre Module"19.....................................................................................................
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2x6 Analog + AES + 8 Optical Module"20..................................................................
8x8 Analog + 8 AES/Optical IO Module"21.................................................................
16x16 Analog IO Module"22.......................................................................................
Incompatible I/O Modules"22.....................................................................................
Option Card Slot"23...................................................................................................
Pro Tools HD Option Card"23.....................................................................................
Monitor Control Center"24..........................................................................................
How to set the Monitor Outputs as a fixed Line-Out"24..............................................
How to Setup and Use Multiple Speaker Sets"24.......................................................
How to connect and configure a Surround Speaker Setup"25....................................
Adjust for Volume Differences Between Speakers"26.................................................
Setup Headphone/Speaker Mixes via Maestro Mixer"27.............................................
Clocking with External Equipment"28.........................................................................
Configure Symphony as Clock Master "28.................................................................
Configure Symphony as Clock Slave"29.....................................................................
Maestro!30......................................................
Maestro Features"30..................................................................................................
Devices Sidebar"30....................................................................................................
Device Icon and ID Button"30....................................................................................
Toolbar"30..................................................................................................................
Input Tab Window"31.................................................................................................
Mic Pre Module Input Tab"32......................................................................................
Output Tab Window"33..............................................................................................
Speaker & Headphone Controls"34............................................................................
Device Settings Tab Window"34.................................................................................
Input Routing Tab Window"35....................................................................................
Output Routing Tab Window"36.................................................................................
Mixer Tab Window"37................................................................................................
System Setup Tab Window"38...................................................................................
Menu Bar Menus"39...................................................................................................
Reference!40..................................................
Understanding Latency"40.........................................................................................
Soft Limit"42..............................................................................................................
Pin Out Diagrams"43..................................................................................................
Analog and Inserts"43................................................................................................
AES IN/OUT"44..........................................................................................................
Specifications!45.............................................
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System Requirements"45...........................................................................................
Factory Hardware Reset / Initialize"45........................................................................
Technical Details"46...................................................................................................
General Details"46......................................................................................................
Additional Support!47......................................
General Support"47...................................................................................................
Apogee Pro Care"47..................................................................................................
Warranty Information and Legal Notices!48.......
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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), 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.
*Pro Tools HD and Waves SoundGrid connectivity coming soon!!
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
!
Register your product : apogeedigital.com/register
•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

Symphony I/O Mk II Panel Tour
Front Panel
1. Headphone Output!
a. 1/4” TRS connection provides an
assignable stereo headphone output!
2. Touchscreen!
a. Symphony I/O’s front panel touchscreen
offers convenient access to every setting
b. Routing and the low latency Mixer can only
be controlled in Apogee Maestro 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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Getting Started
Before powering on, ensure that any speakers or amplifiers connected to Symphony’s analog outputs are powered off
or the volume is turned down to the minimum setting. This will prevent potential damage to your speakers and other
equipment from “pops” that may occur as the unit boots up.
1. Power off speakers
2. Power Symphony On
3. Power on speakers.
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
2. Power Symphony Off
Thunderbolt Notes
•Symphony I/O’s rear panel Thunderbolt 2 ports allow you to chain up to 6 Thunderbolt peripherals from your Mac.
•Under most circumstances, the order in which peripherals or ports are connected doesn’t matter.
•Exception: If you’re connecting both Thunderbolt 1 and Thunderbolt 2 peripherals, connect the Thunderbolt 2
devices closer to your Mac in the chain.
•i.e. Mac > Thunderbolt 2 devices > Thunderbolt devices
•Thunderbolt peripherals continue to operate when Symphony is powered off. This ensures that displays, hard drives,
or other essential equipment doesn’t lose connection to the computer when Symphony is not in use.
•A non-Thunderbolt device (i.e. Firewire, HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.) may be connected to the chain, but it or the
adapter for the device must be placed at the end.
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!
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Symphony I/O Mk II Software
System Requirements
Symphony I/O Mk II Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt port-equipped Apple Mac, 4GB memory required, 8GB recommended
Mac OS X Mavericks 10.9.5 or greater
Download and Install Software
Before using your Symphony I/O, you must download the latest Symphony I/O Mk II Software Installer from
Apogee’s website here: www.apogeedigital.com/support/symphony-io-mk-ii
The download comes in the form of a .dmg image file. Open it to view the
contents.
Inside you will find these items:
•Symphony I/O MkII Thunderbolt Release Notes
•Symphony IO MkII System Software Installer.pkg
•Symphony IO MkII Uninstaller
Double-click to launch the Symphony IO MkII System Software 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 Maestro controller software is placed in the Mac’s Applications folder
•When connected, Symphony Thunderbolt appears as an audio input/output device in Mac Sound System
Preferences
•Symphony Thunderbolt Firmware Updater.app is placed in the Mac’s Utilities folder!
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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. Make sure Symphony is connected to the computer and is powered on.
2. Open the Symphony
Firmware Updater.app which
is located in the Mac’s
Applications > Utilities folder.
3. Select “Update” and follow any prompts that may
appear.
Symphony may reboot several times - this is normal.
4. When the progress reaches 100% and says “Update
Complete”, you are done and can quit the updater.!
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Navigating The Front Panel Touchscreen
Most Symphony I/O settings can be controlled from the front panel. For full control over all settings, use the Maestro
software.
Swipe to navigate
You can swipe the screen left or right to access an y of the main
sections; HOME, MONITOR, INPUT, OUTPUT, DIGITAL I/O,
SETTINGS.
Swiping can be disabled in SETTINGS.
Tap section icons to navigate!
You can also directly select any of the section i cons 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; i.e.
Speaker and Headphone, Input calibration and
Gain levels
To “focus” the contro l k n o b t o t h e d e s i re d s e t t i n g , t a p t h e c i rcle;
an orange ring indicates that the control knob is currently
focused on the setting.
Muting with the control knob!
Pressing the control knob mutes and un-
mutes the sound coming out of Symphony I/
O Mk II, and is indicated on the Home page
with the “M” lit up.
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Touchscreen Section Overview!
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MONITOR!
Headphone & speaker output levels, mute, #
dim, sum to mono, headphone output selection, #
speaker set selection and section navigation!
HOME!
Sample Rate, Clock Source, Headphone #
& Speaker output levels, Meters for all I/O, #
and section navigation !
INPUT LEVEL!
Analog input reference levels, calibration, #
Soft Limit, mic pre parameters (when 8 #
channel mic preamp module is installed) #
OUTPUT LEVEL!
Analog output reference levels, calibration
and section navigation
DIGITAL I/O!
Digital format settings, Digital input signal
meters, SPDIF Coax In replaces and coax
output mirrors settings and section navigation!
SETTINGS!
Reset, WC termination, Internal temperature,
Meter characteristics, Display brightness!

Getting Started with Audio Software
Select Symphony for Mac System Sound Output
To ro u t e a u d i o f ro m g e n e r a l a u d i o a p p l i c a t i o n s s u c h a s i Tun e s a n d S a f a r i t h rough Symph o n y I / O , i t m u s t b e s e l e c t e d
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. "
By default, Symphony I/O’s analog outs 1-2 will be selected!
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Route Mac System Sound to Different Outputs
1. Open the Audio/MIDI Setup Utility, found in the Applications > Utilities folder of your Mac
!
2. In the Audio Devices window, [Control+click] on
Apogee Symphony Thunderbolt.
3. In the Menu that appears, select “Configure
Speakers”.
4. If playing a stereo audio file, select the Stereo tab. If
playing a multi-channel audio file, select the
Multichannel tab.
5. Select the desired Symphony output channel for
each speaker assignment. 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.!
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Select Symphony in your DAW
Most professional applications have their own audio preferences that are separate from the Mac System Preferences.
Basic steps for setting up Symphony are provided. For more detail on this topic, refer to the documentation that
comes with your recording program.
Select Symphony in Logic Pro X
1. Go to Logic Pro X > Preferences > Audio.
2. In the Devices Tab, select Symphony I/O
Thunderbolt in the Output and Input Device drop-
down boxes.
3. Start by setting the I/O Buffer Size to “64 Samples”.
This setting may need to be adjusted based on
your computer’s performance.
4. Select “Apply Changes” and close the Preferences
window.
Select Symphony in Pro Tools
1. Go to Setup > Playback Engine.
2. In the Playback Engine drop-down box, select
“Symphony Thunderbolt”.
3. Start by setting the H/W Buffer Size to “64 Samples”.
This setting may need to be adjusted based on
your computer’s performance.
4. Select OK.
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Monitoring the Input Signal
Using your DAW to Monitor
By default, Symphony is configured for your recording software or DAW to perform the monitoring duty of passing
your input signal on to your output.
Enable Input Monitoring in Logic Pro X
1. Open Logic Pro X > Preferences > Audio
!"
2. Make sure the box next to “Software Monitoring” is
checked."
"
!
3. Select the “ I” button in each track you’d like to
input monitor."
"
!
Enable Input Monitoring in Pro Tools
•In Pro Tools Native, record enable the track to
activate input monitoring.
!
•In Pro Tools HD, the “ I ” button enables input
monitoring.
!
•Also make sure the Software Monitoring is checked
in the Preferences > Audio > Devices menu.
!
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Using Symphony’s Low Latency Mixers
If you do not have any recording software open, or do not want to use it’s monitoring function due to issues such as
high latency (see “Understanding Latency” on page 40), then you can use one of the Low-Latency Maestro Mixers
built into Symphony to monitor your signal instead.
Low Latency Monitoring!
1. Open Maestro and select the Output
Routing tab (or use the keyboard
combination [⌘+5])"
"
!
2. To monitor using Speakers Connected to
outputs 1/2:
Click the left-most box next to “Mixer 1”. "
Now hardware Outputs Line 1/2 will draw
signal from the Maestro Mixer 1"
3. To monitor using headphones:
Click the box to the far right of the Software Output
Mixer 1 and under Hardware Outputs HP “L/R”
This will cause your Headphones output to draw
signal from the Maestro Mixer 1.
NOTE: The Mixer’s location on the grid will vary based on the I/O s installed
You can contro l t h e a m o u n t o f i n p u t s i g n a l v e r s e s a u d i o p l a y b a c k y o u h e a r u s i n g t h e M a e s t ro M i x e r
controls:
1. Select the Mixer tab (or use the keyboard
combination [⌘+6])."
"

2. Select “Mixer 1”"
"
!"
3. Adjust the level of input heard by adjusting the Input Fader, and level of audio
playback from a computer program by adjusting the Software Return Fader"
SYMPHONY I/O MK II - USER’S GUIDE Page 17

Main Features
I/O Modules
The Symphony I/O Mk II has a configurable chassis allowing it the flexibility for use in any environment. Two module
slots can be filled by any combination of several I/O modules providing a solution for everyone.
Mk II I/O Modules
Mk II I/O modules 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 select either Optical or AES digital audio:
1. Toggle the DIG I/O button to the desired position
2. Power-cycle the Symphony I/O Mk II (turn the unit off, then on)
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 Apogee Maestroʼs Input tab window.
-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 Apogee Maestroʼs Output tab window.
SYMPHONY I/O MK II - USER’S GUIDE Page 18

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 Apogee Maestroʼs Input tab window.
-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 Apogee Maestroʼs Output tab window.
NOTE: Mk II I/O modules cannot be used in the original Symphony I/O chassis.
Other Compatible I/O Modules
These I/O modules 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 19

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 Apogee Maestro’s Device Settings tab 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 Apogee Maestroʼs Input tab window.
-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 Apogee Maestroʼs Output tab window.
SYMPHONY I/O MK II - USER’S GUIDE Page 20