Apogee Electronics Symphony Desktop User`s Guide

Symphony Desktop User’s Guide

User’s Guide v1.0 October, 2020

Apogee Symphony Desktop User’s Guide

Contents

Contents 2

Overview 4

Introduction 4

Features 4

Navigating This User’s Guide 7

In the Box 8

System Requirements 8

Symphony Desktop Panel Tour 9

Getting Started 10

Installing Apogee Desktop Software 10

macOS Installer 10

Windows 10 Installer 10

iPad Pro/iPhone 11

Connecting Symphony Desktop 12

AC Power 12

Connecting to a Mac or Windows computer 13

Connecting to an iPad Pro (USB-C) 13

Connecting to an iOS Device 13

Update Touch Screen Control 14

On Windows 10: 15

Configure OS to use Symphony Desktop for Audio I/O 16

macOS 16

Windows 10 16

Apple iOS 17

Connecting Your Studio 18

Standalone Operation 21

TFT Touch Screen Control 22

Navigating the Touch screen Interface 22

I/O Views 25

Mixer Views 29

System Settings Views 30

Shutdown/Display Sleep 32

Apogee Desktop Control Software 33

Primary Window 33

Apogee Symphony Desktop User’s Guide

Tool Bar 34

System Settings Sidebar 34

Channel Section 35

General Settings 35

Analog IN Channels 1-2 36

Optical IN Channels 38

Playback Channels 38

Optical Output Channels 38

Mixer Section 39

Monitor/Output Section 40

Menu Bar Menus 41

Desktop Control Menu 41

File Menu 41

View Menu 42

Window Menu 42

Help Menu 42

Choose Your Symphony Desktop Workflows 43

A Glossary of Important Workflow Concepts 43

Monitoring Workflows 46

Software Monitoring 46

Direct Monitoring 47

Plugin Processing Workflows 48

Apogee Alloy Mic Preamp Emulation 48

Print FX 49

Monitor FX & DualPath Monitoring 50

Monitor FX & Software Monitoring 51

Using the Apogee FX Rack 52

Additional Workflows 54

Mix Inputs Before Recording 54

Configuring Your DAW 55

Apple Logic Pro 55

Avid Pro Tools 57

Ableton Live 59

Troubleshooting 61

Specifications 62

Warranty Information and Legal Notices 63

Declarations of Conformity 63

Apogee Symphony Desktop User’s Guide

Overview

Introduction

Put the Sound of a Symphony on Your Desktop

Symphony Desktop for Mac, iPad Pro and Windows offers the legendary sound quality of Apogee’s flagship Symphony I/O Mk II into an elegant 10x10 audio interface that sits on your desk and fits in your bag. With Symphony Desktop, musicians and producers are empowered to record, overdub and mix with the music industry’s most respected AD/DA convertors and mic preamps.

By combining superior performance with new features like mic preamp emulation, the Symphony ECS Channel Strip and Clearmountain’s Spaces reverb plugins, and ultra low latency recording with hardware DSP and Apogee native FX plugins, Symphony Desktop will amplify your creativity in the studio or on the go, giving your recordings the Apogee quality advantage.

Features

Symphony Analog-to-Digital Conversion

Similar to Symphony I/O MkII, Symphony Desktop’s analog-to-digital converter stage features ultra-low distortion, high-slew rate, fully differential analog op-amps plus a cutting edge A/D converter in a performance-enhancing dual-sum configuration. Create with the confidence that every nuance of your analog input is faithfully reproduced in the digital domain.

Symphony Digital-to-Analog Conversion Symphony Desktop’s digital-to-analog stage employs brand new technology to provide uncompromising Symphony DAC performance in a portable product, including a robust ultra-low distortion, high-current output driver. Regardless of downstream connections, Symphony Desktop provides a transparent, widescreen window into the sonic landscape of your mix.

Immersive Touch screen

The immersive TFT touch screen and responsive Control knob gives you total control over all aspects of Symphony Desktop, from input and output levels, mic preamp emulation, low latency mixers and routing. With everything at your fingertips, your music creation and production flows freely, whether you’re on a Mac, Windows or iOS platform.

Apogee Symphony Desktop User’s Guide

Apogee Alloy Mic Preamp Emulation

Apogee Alloy mic preamp emulation offers analog circuitry plus DSP processing to create the richest, most authentic audio modeling available in an audio interface. Critical aspects of the model such as input impedance, transient profile and distortion characteristics are first implemented in the analog domain, followed by precise and accurate refinement in DSP, for a hybrid result that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

The AP-66 emulation is based on the Class A solid-state Neve 1066 mic preamp, with a characteristic low-mid color and slightly compressed transients.

The AP-57 emulation offers the lush, larger-than-life tube saturation of a carefully restored 50s era Ampex 601 preamp.

Innovative Workflows with Hardware DSP

Symphony Desktop includes flexible and powerful onboard DSP processing that supports a wide range of innovative workflows, using the Apogee Channel FX plugin. Whether you’re printing your tracks with Apogee Alloy mic preamp emulation or enjoying the benefits of DualPath monitoring, there’s a DSP-powered workflow that fits you like a glove.

Apogee Plugins Included

Included with Symphony Desktop is the Symphony ECS Channel Strip plugin. Tuned by Bob Clearmountain, Symphony ECS includes EQ, Compression and Saturation for quick and effective processing when tracking vocals or acoustic instruments.

Also included is the Apogee Clearmountain’s Spaces plugin, which reproduces legendary mixer Bob Clearmountain’s personalized workflow for creating the distinctive, rich spaces where his mixes live. With the very same echo chamber profiles and processing he’s used on countless hit records, Clearmountain’s Spaces lets you envelope your tracks in unique and cohesive atmospheres that set your mixes apart.

Zero-Ohm Headphone Outputs

Symphony Desktop has two completely independent ultra low impedance headphone outputs that are individually routable, equipped with dual-sum ESS DACs. Output power range is tailored to the expected type of headphones: the front panel output can drive virtually any headphones, while the rear panel output is specifically designed for high-efficiency headphones.

Apogee Symphony Desktop User’s Guide

Advanced Stepped Gain Mic Preamps

At the core of the input stage, Symphony Desktop’s mic preamps offer up to 75dB of gain. The preamp design features Apogee’s unique Advanced Stepped Gain Architecture to ensure ultra-low noise and distortion regardless of the source, from pounding kick drum to delicate fingerpicking on an acoustic guitar. With variable impedance settings on both mic and instrument inputs, Symphony Desktop optimizes the input stage to better match your specific devices, for deep lows and clear highs. Selectable mic preamp emulation adds character, attitude and a bit of grit to your recordings.

Apple Logic Pro Integration

Logic Pro X users enjoy the ultimate Apogee Channel FX and DualPath Monitoring experience, thanks to unique hardware-software integration features, such as the Logic Pro X Direct button and Audio Device Control view. And, it can all be controlled from a single window in Logic, no need for an additional mixer or console app.

Apogee Symphony Desktop User’s Guide

Navigating This User’s Guide

A computer-based audio production system built around the Symphony Desktop includes the following components:

● Symphony Desktop Hardware Interface

● Apogee Desktop Control software application

● Apogee Channel FX plus Apogee FX plugins

● Mac, Windows or iOS device plus a Digital audio workstation (DAW) software application

● Microphones and Instruments for recording plus speakers and headphones for listening

This User’s Guide will take you through the following steps to integrate the components of your system into a powerful and efficient audio production environment. When text is highlighted in blue, it may be clicked to link to further information in this Guide.

● Download and run the Symphony Desktop Installer, which installs the Apogee Desktop

Control application (and driver if required) on your computer (link).

● Connect Symphony Desktop to AC power (required) and to your computer via USB (link).

● Update Touch Screen Control using the included USB thumb drive (link).

● Configure your computer’s operating system (OS) to use Symphony Desktop for audio input

and output (link).

● Configure your DAW to use Symphony Desktop for audio input and output (link).

● Connect microphones, instruments, headphones, speakers and other audio hardware to

Symphony Desktop (link).

● Use Symphony Desktop’s top panel TFT touch screen to navigate Input, Output and most

System settings (link).

● Use Desktop Control software to navigate all settings, including direct monitor mixing and

Apogee Channel FX (link).

● Choose a Monitoring workflow and configure your DAW and Symphony Desktop (link).

● Set up Plugin Processing workflows according to your preference (link).

See the Apogee FX User’s Guide (included in the Symphony Desktop Installer download) for

information about the Apogee Channel FX and plugins, including the Symphony ECS Channel Strip.

See the Clearmountain’s Spaces User’s Guide (included in the Symphony Desktop Installer

download) for information about the Clearmountain’s Spaces plugin.

Apogee Symphony Desktop User’s Guide

In the Box

● Symphony Desktop

● Universal Power Supply with US (North America), UK, EU and SAA AC connector.

● USB-C > USB-C & USB-C > USB-A cables

● 1Gb USB thumb drive for Touch screen Control updates

● Quick Start Guide

● Warranty Booklet

System Requirements

● macOS 10.13 or greater

● Windows 10 Anniversary update or later

● iOS 13 or greater

● Mac & Windows: 4GB minimum RAM, 8GB Recommended

● 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!

Apogee Symphony Desktop User’s Guide

Symphony Desktop Panel Tour

Apogee Symphony Desktop User’s Guide

Getting Started

Installing Apogee Desktop Software

To register your product and receive the Symphony Desktop Installer, learn the most up-to-date information on new releases, and view Interactive tutorials, click the link below.

www.apogeedigital.com/support/symphonydesktop

Once you’ve registered your Symphony Desktop, you’ll receive an email with links to Mac and Windows versions of the Symphony Desktop Installer download.

macOS Installer

Once downloaded, double-click the .dmg file to display the contents:

● Desktop Control Software Installer

● SymphonyDesktopUpdate file

● Documentation for Symphony Desktop & Apogee plugins

● Symphony Desktop Uninstaller

To install Desktop Control Software:

1. Double-click the Desktop Control Software installer.

2. A dialog box will appear with a series of steps to complete the installation.

3. By default, all Apogee plugins are installed in all formats. Even if you don’t have an iLok license for a plugin, you can try it for a limited time. You can customize what plugins and formats are installed in the Plugins step.

4. You will be required to restart your computer.

Windows 10 Installer

1. In your Downloads folder, double-click the .zip file to extract it, then double-click the .exe file to start the installation process.

2. By default, all Apogee plugins and documentation are installed, In the Select Components window, you can de-select plugins and/or plugin formats you don’t want to install.

Apogee Symphony Desktop User’s Guide

3. Click Next through all steps, then click Finish at the final step.

4. You should restart your computer immediately.

5. The User’s Guides are installed on your computer’s desktop.

iPad Pro/iPhone

There is no software to be installed when using Symphony Desktop with an iPad Pro or other iOS device like your iPhone. All Desktop settings are accessed from the touch screen.

Apogee Symphony Desktop User’s Guide

Connecting Symphony Desktop

AC Power

1. Connect the supplied Universal power supply to your AC (wall) outlet.

● For Type A-compatible outlets (North America) - Flip

down the connector blades.

● For Type C,G or I- compatible outlets (UK, EU & SAA) -

Slide the adaptor down over the closed connector blades.

2. IMPORTANT, READ CAREFULLY- Symphony Desktop’s DC connection includes a locking mechanism. Line up the locking tabs on the cable barrel connector with the locking slots on the rear panel DC socket.

3. Insert the barrel connector until it is flush against the socket, then turn clockwise until it stops.

4. Lightly tug the connector to ensure it’s locked in place.

5. Tap the Control Knob to power up Symphony Desktop - the touch screen will flash for for approximately 30 seconds as the internal processor starts.

Apogee Symphony Desktop User’s Guide

Connecting to a Mac or Windows computer

Using one of the supplied cables (USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to USB-A), connect Symphony Desktop’s USB-C port to a USB port on your Mac or Windows computer.

Be sure to use Symphony Desktop’s USB-C port, not the port labelled USB Host.

Connecting to an iPad Pro (USB-C)

Using the supplied USB-C to USB-C, connect Symphony Desktop’s USB-C port to the iPad Pro’s USB-C connector.

Connecting to an iOS Device

Using one of the supplied cables (USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to USB-A), connect Symphony Desktop’s USB-C port to an Apple Camera Connection Kit, supplied separately. The Camera kit’s Lightning connector is then connected to your iOS device.

Apogee Symphony Desktop User’s Guide

Update Touch Screen Control

Please note - Before using Symphony Desktop, it’s necessary to update Touch Screen Control, using the supplied USB thumb drive. If you don’t have the supplied thumb drive, any USB thumb drive formatted in the FAT32 format will work. See below for formatting instructions on Mac & Windows.

1. Connect the supplied USB thumb drive to your computer. To connect to a USB-C port, use a USB-A to USB-C adapter.

2. On macOS - Double-click the Symphony Desktop Installer to open it, then drag the SymphonyDesktopUpdate folder into the USB thumb drive.

3. On Windows 10 - In your Downloads folder, double-click the SymphonyDesktopInstaller.zip to extract the contents, then drag the SymphonyDesktopUpdate folder into the USB thumb drive

4. Eject the thumb drive from your computer, then connect the thumb drive to the Symphony Desktop rear panel USB Host connector.

5. On the Symphony Desktop touch screen, tap the gear icon to open System Settings, then swipe right to page 3 (page 2 in early versions).

6. Tap the Update (labelled Firmware in early versions) button, then tap Check for Update.

7. Tap Yes to the Update? query, tap Yes again to the Proceed? query.

8. The Touch Screen Control update will start as indicated by a progress bar. Do NOT power Symphony Desktop off or remove the power connection.

9. Once the Touch Screen Control update is complete, Symphony Desktop will automatically power cycle. It is now ready for use.

Apogee Symphony Desktop User’s Guide

To use your own USB thumb drive, it must be formatted to the FAT32 file system.

1. On macOS:

● Connect your USB drive to your computer,

then open Disk Utility from the Applications > Utilities folder.

● In the menu bar, select View > Show All

Devices.

● In the left hand External column, click the

USB thumb drive Root Device (i.e the volume representing the thumb drive that’s higher and to the left).

● In the upper Toolbar, click the Erase button.

● Enter a name, set the Format to MS-DOS (FAT), set the Scheme to Master Boot Record, then

click Erase.

2. On Windows 10:

● Open File Explorer.

● Right-click on the USB thumb drive and

choose Format.

● Set File System to FAT32 and click Start.

Apogee Symphony Desktop User’s Guide

Configure OS to use Symphony Desktop for Audio I/O

macOS

To choose Symphony Desktop as the audio interface for Mac applications that don’t have specific audio hardware preferences, such as Safari, Spotify, Voice Memos and others:

1. Open System Preferences by choosing Apple menu > System Preferences.

2. Click the Sound icon to open the Sound preferences panel.

3. Click the Output tab, then click on Symphony Desktop in the devices list.

4. Click the Input tab, then click on Symphony Desktop in the devices list.

Windows 10

To choose Symphony Desktop as the audio interface for Windows applications that don’t have specific audio hardware preferences, such as Google Chrome, Spotify, and others:

1. Type Control Panel in the Windows search bar to open the Control Panel. Double-click the Sound icon.

2. Click the Playback tab and select Speakers-Symphony Desktop.

3. Click Properties, then click the Advanced tab.

4. Uncheck Exclusive Mode checkboxes. When using a DAW and apps like Spotify simultaneously, match the Default Format sample rate with the rate of the DAW session.

5. Click Apply.

6. Click the Recording tab and repeat steps 2-5

Apogee Symphony Desktop User’s Guide

Apple iOS

Apple iOS automatically chooses the most recently connected audio interface as the audio I/O device for all applications. Simply connect Symphony Desktop to your iOS device’s Lightning or USB-C port as described here.

Apogee Symphony Desktop User’s Guide

Connecting Your Studio

A wide range of devices, including dynamic & condenser microphones, electric instruments, speakers, headphones, and digital I/O expanders may be connected to Symphony Desktop.

1. Connect microphones and line level audio gear to the rear panel XLR inputs.

● Connect dynamic and condenser mics to XLR inputs, then set Analog Level to Mic from the

touch screen (link) or Desktop Control (link). When using condenser mics, be sure to engage 48v phantom power.

● Connect analog line level audio gear line outputs to the XLR inputs using the appropriate

adaptor if required. Set Analog Level to +4 dBu for professional sources, set to -10dBV for consumer level sources.

2. Connect synthesizers and keyboards to the rear panel ¼” inputs 1 & 2, then set Analog Level to Instrument from the touch screen or Desktop Control.

Apogee Symphony Desktop User’s Guide

3. Connect consumer headphones, earbuds and balanced armature headphones (with comparatively low impedance and higher sensitivity) to the rear panel ⅛” headphone output.

4. Connect Main outputs 1-2 directly to active speakers. If your speakers are equipped with XLR inputs, use a ¼” TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) to XLR male adaptor cable. If using passive speakers, connect the Main outputs to the speaker’s amplifier inputs.

5. Connect to your Mac, Windows or iOS device to the USB-C port.

6. Connect electric guitars and basses to the front panel ¼” input. Once the ¼” connector is inserted, Input 2 Analog Level automatically toggles to Instrument.

Important Note - When connections are made to both the rear panel analog input 2 (XLR or

TRS) and the front panel Instrument input, the rear panel connection takes precedence. To use the front panel instrument input, disconnect the rear panel connection.

7. Connect professional headphones (with a comparatively higher impedance and lower sensitivity) to the front panel ¼” headphone output.

Apogee Symphony Desktop User’s Guide

8. Connect audio gear equipped with optical outputs only (such as mic preamp expanders, CD players, and other hi-fi devices) to the rear panel Optical input. Thanks to transparent sample rate conversion on the optical input, there’s no need to clock one device to the other - both may remain set to Internal clock.

● Set Symphony Desktop Optical format to match that of the connected device from the touch

screen (link) or Desktop Control (link).

9. For bi-directional streaming of digital audio between Symphony Desktop and Symphony IO MkII, interconnect Optical I/O between each interface.

● Set Symphony Desktop and Symphony I/O MkII Optical format to ADAT or SMUX (depending

on sample rate).

● Set Symphony I/O MkII Clock source to Optical.

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Apogee Electronics Symphony Desktop User`s Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual