Welcome to the New Standard in Recording Technology Product Overview
Product Overview Copyright 2010, Apogee Electronics. The information in this document is confidential and proprietary. Redistribution without consent is strictly prohibited.
Contents Introducing Symphony I/O... 1 Next Generation Sound Quality... 2-3 Front Panel Tour... 4-5 Rear Panel Tour... 6-7 AIM for Complete Compatibility... 8-9 I/O Modules... 10-12 Configurations... 14-17 The All New Maestro... 18-19 Future-Proof Flexibility... 20-21 Symphony I/O Specifications... 22-23
1 Introducing Symphony I/O More than the latest high-end product from Apogee, Symphony I/O is the completion of the Symphony System and the foundation of Apogee development and technology for years to come. Built to last and designed to meet the demands of the most discerning musicians, producers and engineers, Symphony I/O will set a new standard in recording and raise expectations for what an audio interface should deliver. Welcome to the New Standard in Recording Technology Next-generation sound quality with updated and optimized circuitry Audio Interface Mode (AIM) technology for simple and direct connection to all popular audio workstations and formats Flexible and scalable I/O architecture to fit the needs of any studio Total software control with the new Maestro Unprecedented value for an Apogee flagship product or any premium interface
2 3 Analog Design, the Cornerstone of Apogee Quality Next Generation Sound Quality Sound Amazing Remixed and Re-mastered Symphony I/O draws upon the award-winning design approaches of Apogee s X-Series and Rosetta Series converters, the Big Ben master clock and the Trak2 mic preamps. It also refines and updates these proven designs with fewer but more advanced components while optimizing their performance with efficient power distribution. This means sound is traveling thru less circuitry, there is lower converter latency, more accurate clocking and even more transparency and clarity in your recordings. Apogee engineers don t rely on specs and data sheets alone when selecting converter components, they listen. Each part is selected to best reflect the characteristics of the Apogee sound. Symphony I/O s input and output design is elegant and efficient utilizing state-ofthe-art opamps that do the job of three opamps used in previous designs. Once again, this improvement minimizes the amount of circuit the sound is traveling thru and maximizes sound quality. And in the tradition of the X-Series and Rosetta series, the entire audio path is DC coupled resulting in ultra flat frequency response and very low phase error.
4 5 7 segment sample rate display Back lit Apogee logo 16, 10 segment meters Clock source indication Removable rack ears Front Panel Tour The front panel of Symphony I/O is elegant and intuitive in the way it presents all necessary visual feedback. It clearly displays monitor levels, sample rate and clock status while providing the controls required to adjust gain, output levels and select the Audio Interface Mode (AIM). Highlights: Dual multi-function encoder knobs GUI display for adjustment of function parameters and selection of Audio Interface Mode Assignable 10 segment peak/over metering 2 high-quality independent 1/4 headphone outputs Power button Multi-function encoder function select Multi-function encoder function adjust Metering indication 2, 1/4 headphone outputs GUI display for function control and adjustment and Audio Interface Mode selection
6 7 I/O module slot 2 Quiet, digitally controlled fan USB connectivity Word clock termination Rear Panel Tour The rear panel tells the story of Symphony I/O s adaptable design architecture with two I/O module slots capable of up to 32 channels of input and output and PCI, USB and Ethernet connectivity for complete compatibility with popular workstations. The base unit also features essential word clock connectors and termination, and a quiet, high-performance fan to keep it all running cool. Highlights: 2 I/O Module slots capable of up to 32 channels of I/O PCI, USB and Ethernet connectivity High-performance, temperature controlled fan Rugged, screw-on feet for desktop placement I/O module slot 1 (Shown with Analog/Optical Module installed) Symphony PCI ports for direct connection to Symphony System PCIe card or Pro Tools HD Core card Ethernet port For future connectivity Word Clock I/O for standard word clock and LoopSync
8 9 AIM for Complete Compatibility Symphony I/O s Audio Interface Modes (AIM) With a simple adjustment using the front panel encoder knobs, AIM transforms Symphony I/O into an interface optimized for the mode that s been selected. This feature allows users of Logic and Pro Tools HD for example, to easily switch back and forth between the two DAWs with the click of a knob and swap of a cable. If USB is your preferred mode, connecting to Core Audio compatible apps like Digital Performer and Cubase is just as easy. And Stand-alone mode is your direct digital connection to Pro Tools LE or Pro Tools M-Powered. Audio Interface Modes: Symphony PCI - Direct connection to Symphony 64 PCIe card and Symphony Mobile Express/34 card Pro Tools HD PCI - Direct connection to Pro Tools Core card in a Mac USB - Connect to any Mac via Core Audio Stand-alone - I/O Module inputs routed directly to I/O module outputs, ideal for Pro Tools LE and Pro Tools M-Powered Easily select an Audio Interface Mode from the front panel and connect to your preferred DAW
10 11 I/O Modules The Sound is in the Modules 8 Analog, Optical: I/O Module The I/O Modules are the soul of Symphony I/O and represent 25 years of Apogee R&D and design excellence. These powerful Modules deliver Apogee s core competency, superior sounding digital audio recording. With 5 available I/O Modules you can choose from standard configurations or customize; channel count, analog to digital input, digital to analog output, mic preamps and digital I/O. You compose your Symphony I/O. Highlights: The culmination of 25 years of Apogee s digital recording technology The most advanced AD/DA conversion available 5 available I/O Modules to choose from 8 channel mic preamp module with 4 instrument inputs and 8 inserts 8 Analog, AES: I/O Module
12 I/O Modules The Sound is in the Modules 13 16 Analog IN, Optical OUT: I/O Module 8 Mic Preamp: I/O Module The Mic Preamp Module upgrades the functionality of any Analog I/O Module by adding mic pres to the existing line inputs. A direct connection between the Mic Preamp Module and the Analog I/O Module inserts a mic pre stage before the line inputs. 16 Analog OUT, Optical IN: I/O Module
14 Compositions Sample Configurations 15 Module slot 2 Module slot 1 Symphony I/O base unit (no I/O Modules installed) Symphony I/O: 8 channels of Analog I/O + AES I/O Symphony I/O: 8 channels of Analog I/O + Optical I/O Symphony I/O: 8 channels Analog I/O with 8 Mic preamps + Optical I/O
16 Compositions Sample Configurations 17 Symphony I/O: 8 channels Analog I/O with 8 Mic preamps + AES I/O Symphony I/O: 16 channels of Analog OUT + Optical IN Symphony I/O: 16 channels of Analog IN + Optical OUT Symphony I/O: 16 channels of Analog IN with 8 Mic preamps + Optical OUT
18 19 The All New Maestro Advanced Software Control for Advanced I/O Apogee s software control application, Maestro, has been totally redesigned for Symphony I/O. Featuring a familiar single window, multiple tab interface for quick access to all device and system settings, the new Maestro makes routing, mic pre adjustment, input and output calibration and low latency monitoring clear and easy to use. To reduce on screen clutter, Maestro also features a minimized tool bar view with System Status display, volume controls and buttons to mute outputs and clear meters. Highlights Speaker, headphone, and mic pre level control Clock source, sample rate setting Audio Interface Mode (AIM) Minimized tool bar view with System Status, level control, mute and clear meters buttons Software controlled A/D & D/A calibration Comprehensive metering Intuitive audio routing
20 21 Audio Interface Modes (AIM) Complete compatibility Maestro Software Total control Future-Proof Flexibility Symphony I/O, the Most Sound Investment for any Studio Symphony I/O is an audio hardware platform, designed to deliver the most advanced recording technology available and the flexibility, scalability, and longevity required to power the modern studio. Modular I/O design, total software control, and direct connection to all popular DAWs make Symphony I/O a long-term sound investment. I/O Modules Superior sound quality and expandable, up to 32 channels per unit Highlights: Modular design architecture with a base unit and two I/O module slots Up to 32 channels of I/O per unit Future proof connectivity with PCI, USB, Ethernet and all popular digital formats Total software control of Symphony I/O with Maestro Symphony I/O base unit The flexible and scalable foundation
22 Analog to Digital: THD+N: -113dB @ 20dBu (0.00024%) Dynamic range: 120dB A weighted Maximum input levels: +4dB setting - 24dBu -10dB setting - +6dBV Variable gain setting - 25dB of gain Frequency response at 44.1kHz 1-20,000 Hz (+/- 0.05dB) Input impedance: 10K 23 Specifications Highlights: A/D THD+N: -113dB @ +20dBu (0.00024%) D/A THD+N: -117dB @ +20dBu (0.00014%) D/A Dynamic Range: 129dB A weighted Apogee s proprietary Perfect Symmetry Circuitry (PSC) Software controlled AD/DA reference setting Variable gain input for keyboards Ultra low latency AD/DA conversion Digital to Analog: THD+N: -117dB @ 20dBu (0.00014%) Dynamic Range: 129dB A weighted Max output levels - to +24dBu Frequency response at 44.1 khz: dc to 20kHz (+/- 0.05dB) Output impedance: 25 Ohm Outputs are balanced through Apogee's proprietary Perfect Symmetry Circuitry (PSC) Headphones: THD+N: -105dB @19dBu Dynamic Range: 119db A weighted Output impedance: 30 Ohm Power: 90-240VAC, 50-60Hz, 150W Operating System Mac OS only 10.58 and above
Copyright 2010, Apogee Electronics. The information in this document is confidential and proprietary. Redistribution without consent is strictly prohibited.