Apogee Ensemble Manual
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Contents |
Features
Ensemble is a digitally–controlled Firewire audio interface specifically 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 file sizes or data rates.
Apogee Sample Rate Conversion SRC
Ensemble’s hardware sample rate conversion provides a high quality, flexible 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
Please note: The functionality described in this User’s Guide is based on Ensemble firmware and software release version 1.3, released in February, 2007.
Getting Started
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 installation is complete, it will be necessary to restart your Mac.
5. DAW configuration Configure your Core Audio compatible software to communicate with Ensemble hardware I/O.
For example, in Logic 8 Pro :
If you’re using another Core Audio compatible audio software app, use Apogee’s Maestro software installed in your Applications folder in Step 1 to control Ensemble.
or an instrument to the HI–Z 1 front panel connection
In Logic, set a track’s input to Analog 1 and its output to Analog 1/2 and record-enable the track
You’re now ready to record!
General Operation
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 configurations, 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 configurations.
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 1 output 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 flashes to indicate muting.
Please see p. 16 to configure the MAIN and headphone outputs
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 field and select the desired rate in the Format field.
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 Maestro 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 setting, as depicted in the chart below.
Stand-Alone Mode
When Ensemble’s firewire 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 modified 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 sections.
Input Routing Diagram
Output Routing Diagram
Maestro
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.
1. Unit select - When multiple Apogee devices are connected to the computer, this selection designates which device is currently being controlled by Maestro.
2. Identify Unit – When checked, all LEDs on the “active” Ensemble’s front panel light, thereby allowing easy identification of the hardware receiving software control panel settings.
3. 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.
4. 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 session, apply sample rate conversion to the digital input.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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 channels 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.
8. Bandwidth used – This meter measures the percentage of bandwidth used by all Firewire AUDIO devices connected to the Mac’s internal firewire bus. Bandwidth used by hard drives is not included. If the meter reads 100%, select a smaller I/O Allocation setting. 9. Optical In – This drop down list sets the digital format of the rear panel Optical In to either S/PDIF or ADAT/SMUX.
10. Optical Out – This drop down list sets the digital format of the rear panel Optical Out to either S/PDIF or ADAT/SMUX.
11. 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
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. Hold Overs – By checking this box, the red Over indicators on the front panel meters and in Maestro’s Settings/Output page remain lit until the Clear Meters button in Maestro’s Mixer window is clicked.
15. Input Settings : Soft Limit – When checked, Apogee’s Soft Limit overload protection is engaged on the corresponding Analog input.
16. 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.
17. Output Settings – The nominal reference level of each analog output is selected with these radio buttons.
Maestro Control: Levels - Output
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. MAIN Format Select – This drop down list is used to configure 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.
4. HP1 HP2 Source Select – These drop down lists are used to select the stereo signal source for the front panel headphone outputs.
Maestro Control: Levels - Input
Pre1 – Pre4 – The following controls are provided for Pre1–Pre4
1. Gain Control – This knob provides gain control for the mic pre. Mic pre gain from +10 to +75 dB is displayed in a corresponding readout.
2. Meter Display – This meter displays the conversion level of the corresponding channel, for a convenient reference when setting mic pre gain.
3. 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.
4. Phase – When this box is checked, polarity of the corresponding analog input is inverted.
5. 48V – When this box is checked, 48 volt phantom power is applied to the corresponding XLR input.
6. SoftLimit – When this box is checked, Soft Limit overload protection is applied to the corresponding analog input.
Maestro Preferences
The following Maestro preferences determine the behavior of connected hardware. Please consult the Maestro User’s Guide for more information about software preferences. Launch Maestro automatically when connecting a device When this box is checked, Maestro is launched automatically when Ensemble is detected on the Mac’s FireWire bus.
Enable pop-ups When this box is checked, Encoder pop-ups appear on the Mac desktop when the front panel encoders are manipulated. The pop-ups display various Ensemble settings, including input and output selection, level, Input groups and Output muting.
Navigating the Front Panel
1. Power Switch – Press this button to apply power to Ensemble. When Ensemble’s AC input is connected, 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 parameters. • 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 flashing 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 flashing 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 encoder 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 modified 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
Navigating the Rear Panel
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 activates insert return.
• The insert send may also serve as a direct out: when only the insert send is connected, 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 flash 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.
Connecting Your Studio
Basic studio configuration
5.1 surround configuration
Configuring Audio Software Apps
Configuring Ensemble for use with audio software apps
When configuring Ensemble for use with Core Audio applications it’s necessary to: 1 select Ensemble in the hardware drivers menu; 2 open a software control panel to control Ensemble’s settings.
Apple Soundtrack Pro
To select Ensemble as hardware I/O:
To control Ensemble’s settings:
1. In Apogee Maestro, open Window > Settings.
Apple FInal Cut Pro
To select Ensemble as hardware I/O:
1. Playback – Open Final Cut Pro > Audio Video Settings and set Audio Playback to Ensemble.
2. Recording – Open Tools > Voiceover and set Source to Ensemble.
To control Ensemble’s settings:
1. In Apogee Maestro, open Window > Settings.
MOTU Digital Performer
To select Ensemble as hardware I/O:
1. In Digital Performer, open Setup > Configure Audio System > Configure Hardware Driver.
2. Set Master Device to Ensemble
3. Set Work Priority to Low
To control Ensemble’s settings:
1. In Apogee Maestro, open Window > Settings.
Steinberg Nuendo To select Ensemble as hardware I/O:
1.In Nuendo, open Devices > Device Setup and select VST Audiobay in the Devices column.
2. Set Master ASIO Driver to Ensemble.
3. When queried “Do you want to select another MASTER ASIO driver?”, click “Switch”.
To control Ensemble’s settings:
1. In Apogee Maestro, open Window > Settings.
Troubleshooting
The power switch’s blue LED is lit, but no other LEDs are on; is the unit in operation?
– Not yet; when Ensemble is connected to AC power, the power switch illuminates dimly to indicate that the unit is in Standby. Press the power switch to power up Ensemble.
How can I quickly verify if the Ensemble system is operating correctly?
– Verify that Ensemble’s STATUS LED is solid blue verifies Ensemble hardware clocks; – Check that the unit appears in AMS by serial number verifies Firewire audio connection; – open Maestro or Logic Pro Apogee Control Panel, click on “Identify Unit” and verify that all LEDs light verifies Firewire software control connection
Ensemble doesn’t show up in my audio program or in Audio Midi Setup.
– Verify that the required version of OS X is installed – Is Ensemble’s STATUS LED solid blue? If not, re–connect the Firewire cable or replace the cable.
I can’t control Ensemble from Maestro or Logic Pro Apogee Control Panel.
– Verify the presence of this file : System > Library >Extensions > apogfwplugin.bundle. If you don’t find it, re–install software from the CD included with Ensemble.
There’s no signal on Analog output 1–2.
– Open Maestro, set Meter Display to Output, and verify that a signal is displayed on the meters. If no signal, check routing from the software audio application. If signal is displayed on the meters but not present at Analog outputs 1–2, check that the MAIN output level is up either in Maestro or using the front panel OUTPUT encoder
The front panel OUTPUT encoder knob doesn’t attenuate the signal on Analog output 1–2.
– When Format Select is set to None in Maestro, the front panel OUTPUT encoder does not attenuate output level. Set Format Select to Stereo.
The meters aren’t working at all.
– Verify the METER setting in the Apogee Control Panel in Logic, it might be set to OFF.
I want to run Ensemble at 176.4 –192 kHz, but I only see 44.1–96 kHz in AMS.
– Ensemble can operate at sample rates of 44.1 to 96 kHz or 176.4 to 192 kHz, as determined by the Sample Rate Range setting in the Apogee Maestro Settings panel. To change the sample rate range, open the Maestro>Window>Settings panel and set Sample Rate Range to the desired setting. When setting the range, quit all audio software apps and allow 30 seconds for Ensemble to reboot at the new sample rate range
I’m trying to lock Ensemble to an external source, but the STATUS LED just won’t stop blinking.
– 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.
How do I reset Ensemble to its default settings?
– Ensemble may be reset by pressing in the front panel left encoder and then powering on the unit; continue to press the encoder until the unit has completed its boot-up sequence.
