Multi-Channel,

24bit/192kHz Audio Interface for the Macintosh

User’s Guide

v1.0 - June 2006

User’s Guide

Table of Contents

Owners Record

............................................................................................................. 2

Introduction

................................................................................................................... 3

Getting Started Quickly

.......................................................................................... 4-7

1. Installing software

............................................................................................ 4

2. Hardware connections

....................................................................................... 4

3. OS X confi guration

............................................................................................ 5

4. iTunes playback

................................................................................................. 5

5. DAW confi guration

............................................................................................ 6

6. Recording

.......................................................................................................... 7

General Operation

................................................................................................... 8-11

Making Settings with Software Control Panels

...................................................... 8

Making Settings with Ensemble’s Front Panel Encoder Knobs

............................... 8

Setting Sample Rate

.............................................................................................. 9

Using 176.4-192 kHz Sampling Rates

................................................................... 9

Setting Clock Source

............................................................................................. 9

Digital I/O

............................................................................................................. 9

Ensemble Routing

.................................................................................................. 9

Input Routing Diagram

........................................................................................ 10

Output Routing Diagram

...................................................................................... 11

Maestro - Settings - Control Panel

................................................................. 14-15

Maestro - Settings - Output

Maestro - Settings - Mic Pre

............................................................................. 16-17

............................................................................ 16-17

Navigating the Front Panel

.................................................................................... 18

Connections on the Rear Panel

............................................................................ 19

Connecting Your Studio

.................................................................................... 20-21

Basic studio confi guration

................................................................................... 20

5.1 surround confi guration

.................................................................................. 21

Confi guring Audio Software Apps

.................................................................. 22-23

Apple Soundtrack Pro

.......................................................................................... 22

Apple Final Cut Pro

.............................................................................................. 22

MOTU Digital Performer

Steinberg Nuendo

...................................................................................... 23

................................................................................................ 23

Troubleshooting

.................................................................................................... 24-25

Warnings & Copyrights

............................................................................................ 26

Declarations of Conformity

..................................................................................... 27

Registration and Warranty Information

........................................................... 28

Ensemble – User’s Guide

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

OWNER’S RECORD

The serial number is located on the rear panel of the unit. We suggest you record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to it whenever you call an authorized Apogee Electronics repair facility or the manufacturer. Please be sure to return your completed warranty card immediately!

Ensemble Serial No._________________________________________________

Purchase Date__________________________________________________________

Dealer_________________________________________________________________

Phone_________________________________________________________________

Address________________________________________________________________

CAUTION:

Any changes or modifi cations not expressly approved by APOGEE ELECTRONICS

CORPORATION could void your authority to operate this equipment under the FCC rules.

Please register this unit by fi lling in the included registration card, or registering online at http://www.apogeedigital.com/support/register.php Please read this manual – if you call for technical support, we’ll assume that you have. There will be a quiz.

2

Ensemble – User’s Guide

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

Introduction

Ensemble is a digitally-controlled Firewire audio interface specifi cally designed for Apple Macintosh computers. From mic preamps to Mac CoreAudio 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 fi le sizes or data rates.

Apogee Sample Rate Conversion (SRC)

Ensemble’s hardware sample rate conversion provides a high quality, fl exible 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 10.4.6

3. Apple Logic Pro 7.2.1

4. One Firewire 400 cable (per Ensemble)

3

Ensemble – User’s Guide

Getting Started Quickly

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

1. Installing software

Before connecting Ensemble, insert the included

CD into your Mac and follow the onscreen instructions to install the necessary software (fi gure 1).

fi gure 1

2. Hardware connections

Connect Ensemble’s AC input to an AC outlet of 90 to 250 volts; Ensemble’s power switch will illuminate to indicate the presence of AC. Press the power switch to turn the unit on (fi gure 2).

fi gure 2

Using the enclosed FireWire cable, connect one of Ensemble’s FireWire ports to a FireWire 400 port on your Mac (fi gure 3).

fi gure 3

Connect a pair of headphones to Ensemble’s

1 output (fi gure 4).

fi gure 4

4

Ensemble – User’s Guide

Getting Started Quickly

3. OS X confi guration

From your Mac’s Apple menu bar, open the

System Preferences window, then click on the sound icon (fi gure 5).

fi gure 5

In the Sound Preferences window click on the

Output tab and select Ensemble (fi gure 6).

4. iTunes playback

Open iTunes, select an audio fi le and initiate playback (fi gure 7).

fi gure 6

Press the OUTPUT encoder knob until the 1

LED is lit and adjust the level in your headphones (fi gure 8).

fi gure 7 fi gure 8

5

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

Ensemble – User’s Guide

Getting Started Quickly

fi gure 9

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

5. DAW confi guration

Confi gure your CoreAudio compatible software to communicate with Ensemble hardware I/O.

For example, in Logic Pro:

Open Audio > Audio Hardware and Drivers >

Drivers > CoreAudio and check the Enabled box (fi gure 9). Click “OK” when prompted by

Logic.

Driver

and click Try (Re)-Launch when prompted by

Logic.

fi gure 10 fi gure 11 fi gure 12

To “customize” the I/O routing labels in Logic to match Ensemble hardware I/O, open Audio >

Audio Confi guration; under the View menu, select I/O Labels; under the Drivers’ I/O Label column, Option-click the fi rst radio button of each group of I/O labels (fi gure 11).

To control Ensemble directly from your Logic session, open Audio > Apogee Control Panel

(fi gure 12).

If you’re using another CoreAudio compatible audio software app, use Apogee’s Maestro software (installed in your Applications folder in

Step 1) to control Ensemble.

6

Ensemble – User’s Guide

Getting Started Quickly

6. Recording

Connect a mic to the MIC 1 rear panel connnection (fi gure 13). fi gure 13 or an instrument to the HI-Z 1 front panel connection (fi gure 14).

In Logic, set a track’s input to Analog 1 and its output to Analog 1/2 and record enable the track (fi gure 15). fi gure 14

Press the front panel INPUT encoder knob until the Pre 1 LED is lit, and turn encoder to obtain a proper recording level on the record-enabled track (fi gure 16).

You’re now ready to record!

fi gure 15 fi gure 16

7

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

Ensemble – User’s Guide

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

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 confi gurations, 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 confi gurations.

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 En- ble’s front panel. For example, if the front panel level.

1 LED is lit, OSX audio faders control the 1 output

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

By pressing and holding the right encoder button for a few seconds, all analog outputs are muted. The selected output LED fl ashes to indicate muting.

Please see p. 16 to confi gure the MAIN and headphone outputs

8

Ensemble – User’s Guide

General Operation

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

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

Properties For fi eld and select the desired rate in the

Format

fi eld.

Using 176.4-192 kHz Sampling Rates

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

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.

To confi gure the clock connections of multiple Ensembles, please see p. 12

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.

44k1/48k

Analog I/O

8

Optical I/O

8 ADAT or 2 S/PDIF

Coaxial I/O

2

Total

18

88k2/96k

176k4/192k

8

8

4 SMUX or 2 S/PDIF none

2

2

14

10

Ensemble Routing

Unless routing is modifi ed 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 pages.

9

Ensemble – User’s Guide

General Operation

Input Routing Diagram

18 Hardware Inputs

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18 DAW Inputs

ADAT 3

ADAT 4

ADAT 5

ADAT 6

ADAT 7

ADAT 8

Analog 1

Analog 2

Analog 3

Analog 4

Analog 5

Analog 6

Analog 7

Analog 8

S/PDIF (coax) L

S/PDIF (coax) R

ADAT 1

ADAT 2

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

10

Ensemble – User’s Guide

General Operation

Output Routing Diagram

18 DAW Outputs

Analog 1

Analog 2

Analog 3

Analog 4

Analog 5

Analog 6

Analog 7

Analog 8

S/PDIF (coax) L

S/PDIF (coax) R

ADAT 1

ADAT 2

ADAT 3

ADAT 4

ADAT 5

ADAT 6

ADAT 7

ADAT 8

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

18 Hardware Outputs

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11

Ensemble – User’s Guide

Connecting and Confi guring Multiple Ensembles

1. Chain Firewire connections as shown in the diagram at right. Either Firewire port may be used.

2. Loop Ensemble’s word clock I/O by making the following connections, as shown at right:

Unit #1 Word Clock out – Unit #2 Word Clock in

Unit #2 Word Clock out – Unit #3 Word Clock in

Unit #3 Word Clock out – Unit #1 Word Clock in

(fi gure 17)

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

Device Aggregation

For OSX to connect multiple hardware interfaces to a

Core Audio app, the interfaces must be merged into one virtual “device” by a process known as “Device

Aggregation”. This process takes place in the Aggregate

Device Editor found in Audio Midi Setup (AMS)

3. a. Open Audio Midi Setup (AMS).

b. Select each Ensemble in the AMS Properties rate. It’s essential that all interfaces be set to the same rate before proceeding. (fi gure 18) fi gure 17

c. In the AMS Clock Source fi eld, set the source of one Ensemble to Internal; the clock source for other connected Ensembles should automatically change to Word Clock. (fi gure 19) fi gure 18

12

fi gure 19

Ensemble – User’s Guide

Connecting and Confi guring Multiple Ensembles

4. a. In AMS, open the Audio > Open Aggregate Device

b. In the Aggregate Devices window, check the + box to add an Aggregate Device. We suggest renaming the

Aggregate Device to a more specifi c name, such as

Ensembles. (fi gure 20)

c. In the Structure window, verify that all connected

Ensembles appear; in the Use column, check the

Ensembles to be used in the Aggregate Device. Click

Done when you’re, uh, done. (fi gure 21)

In your audio software program, select the renamed

Aggregate Device (in this case Ensembles) as the hardware I/O.

fi gure 20

APOGEE ELECTRONICS fi gure 21

Advanced Clocking

To clock multiple Ensembles from a master clock source such as Apogee’s Big Ben, it is preferable to make a direct connection between each Ensemble and a master clock output, using BNC to BNC cables of the same or similar lengths.

To confi gure multiple Ensembles so each unit may lock to its word clock input:

1. Connect a word clock cable between individual master clock word clock outputs and each Ensemble’s word clock input. (fi gure 22)

2. In the Maestro Settings window (or Logic Pro Apogee

Control Panel), check the Disable Loop Sync box, and individually set each Ensemble’s Clock Source to

Word Clock. (fi gure 23)

4. On Ensemble’s rear panel, ensure that the WC IN 75

OHM Termination button is pushed in.

fi gure 22

13

fi gure 23

Ensemble – User’s Guide

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

Maestro - Settings - Control Panel

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.

Unit Select – When multiple Ensembles are connected, Unit Select designates which Ensemble is “active” and receiving software control panel settings.

Identify Unit – When checked, all LEDs on the “active” Ensemble’s front panel light, thereby allowing easy identifi cation of the hardware receiving software control panel settings.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Disable Loop Sync – When checked, Loop Sync automatic clock selection is disabled on all connected

Ensembles . Check this box when clocking multiple Ensembles directly from one Master clock source, such as Apogee’s Big Ben.

Optical In – This drop down list sets the digital format of the rear panel Optical In to either S/PDIF or ADAT/

SMUX.

Optical Out - This drop down list sets the digital format of the rear panel Optical Out to either S/PDIF or

ADAT/SMUX.

Meter Display - The signal displayed by the front panel meters may be set from this drop down list. Set-

Off (meters display no signal), display Ensemble outputs)

Input (meters display Ensemble inputs) or Output (meters

WC 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.

Sample Rate Range - This drop down list sets Ensemble’s sample rate range to 44.1-96 kHz or 176.4-192 kHz. When setting the range, quit all audio software apps and allow 30 seconds for Ensemble to reboot at the new sample rate range.

Input Settings : Soft Limit - When checked, Apogee’s Soft Limit overload protection is engaged on the corresponding Analog input.

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.

Output Settings - The nominal reference level of each analog output is selected with these radio buttons.

14

Ensemble – User’s Guide

Maestro - Settings - Control Panel

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

15

Ensemble – User’s Guide

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

Maestro - Settings - Output

1

2

3

4

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.

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.

MAIN Format Select - This drop down list is used to confi gure 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.

HP1 HP2 Source Select - These drop down lists are used to select the stereo signal source for the front panel headphone outputs.

Maestro - Settings - Mic Pre

1

2

3

Pre1 - Pre4 - The following controls are provided for Pre1-Pre4

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.

Meter Display - This meter displays the conversion level of the corresponding channel, for a convenient reference when setting mic pre gain.

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

5

6

Phase - When this box is checked, polarity of the corresponding analog input is inverted.

48V - When this box is checked, 48 volt phantom power is applied to the corresponding XLR input.

SoftLimit - When this box is checked, Soft Limit overload protection is applied to the corresponding analog input.

16

Ensemble – User’s Guide

Maestro Settings - Output

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

Maestro Settings - Mic Pre

17

Ensemble – User’s Guide

Navigating the Front Panel

1 2 5 7

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

9

3 4 6 8 10 11 12

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 fl ashing 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.

• A fl ashing 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

8

Meters 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.

encoder knob.

12

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.

1,2 - These TRS connectors provide headphone outputs

18

Ensemble – User’s Guide

Connections on the Rear Panel

1

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

6

2

3 4 5 7 8 9 10

1

MIC1-4 - These XLR connectors accept balanced mic or line inputs; input level is determined in software control.

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.

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.

S/PDIF - These coaxial connectors provide S/PDIF format digital I/O.

OPTICAL IN/OUT - These Toslink connectors provide S/PDIF, ADAT or SMUX format digital

I/O; format is determined in software control.

FIREWIRE - These FW 400 connectors provide Firewire I/O to an Apple OSX computer.

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.

11

19

Ensemble – User’s Guide

Connecting Your Studio

Basic studio confi guration:

2 Instruments

Powered

Monitors

2 Headphones

DVD/CD

Synthesizer

Microphones

20

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

Ensemble – User’s Guide

Connecting Your Studio

5.1 surround confi guration:

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

5.1 Surround

Speaker Set-up

21

Ensemble – User’s Guide

Confi guring Audio Software Apps

Confi guring Ensemble for use with audio software apps

When confi guring 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:

1. Playback - open the OS X utility Audio Midi Setup

(AMS), found in the Applications > Utilities folder and set Default Output to Ensemble. (fi gure 24)

2. Recording - in Soundtrack Pro, open Window >

Recording and set Input and Monitor Device to

Ensemble. (fi gure 25)

To control Ensemble’s settings:

1. In Apogee Maestro, open Window > Settings.

fi gure 24 fi gure 25

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.

(fi gure 26)

Source to Ensemble. (fi gure 27)

To control Ensemble’s settings:

1. In Apogee Maestro, open Window > Settings.

fi gure 26 fi gure 27

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

22

Ensemble – User’s Guide

Confi guring Audio Software Apps

MOTU Digital Performer

To select Ensemble as hardware I/O:

1. In Digital Performer, open Setup > Confi gure

Audio System > Confi gure Hardware Driver.

(fi gure 28)

2. Set Master Device to Ensemble (fi gure 29)

3. Set Work Priority to Low (fi gure 29)

To control Ensemble’s settings:

1. In Apogee Maestro, open Window > Settings.

fi gure 28

APOGEE ELECTRONICS fi gure 29

Steinberg Nuendo

To select Ensemble as hardware I/O:

1.In Nuendo, open Devices > Device Setup and select VST Audiobay in the Devices column.

(fi gure 30)

2. Set Master ASIO Driver to Ensemble. (fi gure 31)

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.

fi gure 30

23

fi gure 31

Ensemble – User’s Guide

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

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 (verifi es Ensemble hardware clocks);

- Check that the unit appears in AMS by serial number (verifi es Firewire audio connection);

- open Maestro (or Logic Pro Apogee Control Panel), click on “Identify Unit” and verify that all LEDs light (verifi es 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 fi le : System > Library >Extensions > apogfwplugin.bundle.

If you don’t fi nd 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

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.

24

Ensemble – User’s Guide

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

Troubleshooting

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.

25

Ensemble – User’s Guide

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

Warnings & Copyrights

FCC warning

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the

FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to take whatever measures necessary to correct the interference at his own expense.

Copyright Notice

The Apogee Ensemble is a computer-based device, and as such contains and uses software in ROMs. This software, and all related documentation, including this User’s Guide contain proprietary information which is protected by copyright laws.

All rights are reserved. No part of the software and its related documentation may be copied, transferred, or modifi ed. You may not modify, adapt, translate, lease, distribute, resell for profi t or create derivative works based on the software and its related documentation or any part thereof without prior written consent from Apogee Electronics Corporation, U.S.A.

Software Notice

Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modifi cation, are permitted provided that the following conditions are met:

• Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.

• Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in the documentation and/or other materials provided with the distribution.

THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS “AS IS” AND ANY EXPRESS

OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT-

ABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT

OWNER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR

CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR

SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY

THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR

OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBIL-

ITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

26

Ensemble – User’s Guide

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

Declarations of Conformity

Declaration of Conformity—FCC

Apogee Ensemble

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference

(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Betty Bennett, CEO.

Industry Canada Notice

Declaration of Conformity – CE

• EN50081-1/EN55022; 1995

• EN50082-1/IEC 801-2, 3, 4; 1992 following the provisions of:

• 73/23/EEC – Low Voltage Directive

• 89/336/EEC – EMC Directive

Declaration of Conformity – Japan

mity with the VCCI Class A standard.

Declaration of Conformity – Australia

requirements.

27

Ensemble – User’s Guide

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

Registration and Warranty Information

Be sure to register your Ensemble, either by fi lling in the enclosed Registration Card or by completing the on-line registration form at our Web site: http://www.apogeedigital.com/support/. If you do so, Apogee can contact you with any update information. As enhancements and upgrades are developed, you will be contacted at the registration address.

Firmware updates are free for the fi rst year of ownership unless otherwise stated. Please address any inquiries to your dealer or directly to Apogee at:

APOGEE ELECTRONICS CORPORATION,

1715 Berkeley St, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA.

TEL: (310) 584-9394, FAX: (310) 584-9385

Email: [email protected]. Web: http://www.apogeedigital.com/

APOGEE ELECTRONICS CORPORATION warrants this product to be free of defects in material and manufacture under normal use for a period of 12 months. The term of this warranty begins on the date of sale to the purchaser. Units returned for warranty repair to Apogee or an authorized Apogee warranty repair facility will be repaired or replaced at the manufacturer’s option, free of charge.

ALL UNITS RETURNED TO APOGEE OR AN AUTHORIZED APOGEE REPAIR FACILITY MUST BE PREPAID,

INSURED AND PROPERLY PACKAGED, PREFERABLY IN THEIR ORIGINAL BOX. Apogee reserves the right to change or improve design at any time without prior notifi cation. Design changes are not implemented retroactively, and the incorporation of design changes into future units does not imply the availability of an upgrade to existing units.

This warranty is void if Apogee determines, in its sole business judgment, the defect to be the result of abuse, neglect, alteration or attempted repair by unauthorized personnel.

The warranties set forth above are in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and Apogee specifi cally disclaims any and all implied warranty of merchantability or of fi tness for a particular purpose. The buyer acknowledges and agrees that in no event shall the company be held liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages, or for injury, loss or damage sustained by any person or property, that may result from this product failing to operate correctly at any time.

USA: Some states do not allow for the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or liability for incidental or consequential damage, so the above exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specifi c legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.

Service Information

The Ensemble contains no user-serviceable components: refer to qualifi ed service personnel for repair or upgrade. Your warranty will be voided if you tamper with the internal components. If you have any questions with regard to the above, please contact Apogee.

In the event your Ensemble needs to be upgraded or repaired, it is necessary to contact Apogee prior to shipping, and a

Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number will be assigned. This number will serve as a reference for you and helps facilitate and expedite the return process. Apogee requires that shipments be pre-paid and insured — unless otherwise authorized in advance.

IMPORTANT: ANY SHIPMENT THAT IS NOT PRE-PAID OR IS SENT WITHOUT AN RMA NUMBER WILL NOT BE

ACCEPTED.

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Ensemble USER’S GUIDE - v1.0 - JUNE 2006