Multi–Channel, 24bit/192kHz Audio Interface for the Macintosh User’s Guide V1.
User’s Guide Contents Owner’s Record 2 Introduction 3 Getting Started Quickly 1. Installing software 2. Hardware connections 4 4 4 Getting Started Quickly 3. OS X configuration 4. iTunes playback 5 5 5 Getting Started Quickly 5. DAW configuration 6 6 Getting Started Quickly 6. Recording 7 7 General Operation Making Settings with Software Control Panels Making Settings with Ensemble’s Front Panel Encoder Knobs Setting Sample Rate Using 176.
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.
Ensemble – User’s Guide APOGEE ELECTRONICS Introduction 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 – User’s Guide APOGEE ELECTRONICS Getting Started Quickly 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. figure 1 2. Hardware connections Using the enclosed FireWire cable, connect one of Ensemble’s FireWire ports to a FireWire 400 port on your Mac (figure 2).
Ensemble – User’s Guide APOGEE ELECTRONICS Getting Started Quickly 3. OS X configuration From your Mac’s Apple menu bar, open the System Preferences window, then click on the sound icon (figure 5). figure 5 In the Sound Preferences window click on the Output tab and select Ensemble (figure 6). figure 6 4. iTunes playback Open iTunes, select an audio file and initiate playback (figure 7). figure 7 Press the OUTPUT encoder knob until the LED is lit and adjust the level in your headphones (figure 8).
Ensemble – User’s Guide APOGEE ELECTRONICS Getting Started Quickly 5. DAW configuration Configure your Core Audio compatible software to communicate with Ensemble hardware I/O. For example, in Logic 8 Pro : Choose Preferences > Audio and click on the Devices tab. In the Devices window, click on the Core Audio tab (figure 9). figure 9 Check the Enabled box, select Ensemble in the Device field, and verify that the 24 Bit Recording box is checked. Click on Apply Changes when compete (figure 10).
Ensemble – User’s Guide APOGEE ELECTRONICS Getting Started Quickly 6. Recording Connect a mic to the MIC 1 rear panel connnection (figure 13). figure 13 or an instrument to the HI–Z 1 front panel connection (figure 14). figure 14 In Logic, set a track’s input to Analog 1 and its output to Analog 1/2 and record-enable the track (figure 15).
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.
Ensemble – User’s Guide APOGEE ELECTRONICS General Operation 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.
Ensemble – User’s Guide APOGEE ELECTRONICS General Operation Input Routing Diagram 10
Ensemble – User’s Guide APOGEE ELECTRONICS General Operation Output Routing Diagram 11
Ensemble – User’s Guide APOGEE ELECTRONICS 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. Unit select - When multiple Apogee devices are connected to the computer, this selection designates which device is currently being controlled by Maestro.
Ensemble – User’s Guide APOGEE ELECTRONICS Maestro Control: Settings - Settings (diagram) 13
Ensemble – User’s Guide APOGEE ELECTRONICS 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.
Ensemble – User’s Guide APOGEE ELECTRONICS Maestro Control: Levels - Output (diagram) Maestro Control: Levels - Input (diagram) 15
Ensemble – User’s Guide APOGEE ELECTRONICS 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.
Ensemble – User’s Guide APOGEE ELECTRONICS Maestro Preferences Analog (Main) output selected encoder set to -60 dB HP2 output selected encoder set to 0 dB 17
Ensemble – User’s Guide APOGEE ELECTRONICS Navigating the Front Panel 1 2 3 5 4 7 6 9 8 10 11 12 1 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 2. STATUS LED – This multi–color LED provides a quick visual indication of the status of various parameters.
Ensemble – User’s Guide APOGEE ELECTRONICS Connections on the Rear Panel 1 2 6 3 4 5 11 7 8 9 10 1.1 MIC1–4 – These XLR connectors accept balanced mic or line inputs; input level is determined in software control. 2.2 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.
Ensemble – User’s Guide APOGEE ELECTRONICS Connecting Your Studio Basic studio configuration: 2 Instruments 2 Headphones DVD/CD Powered Monitors Synthesizer Microphones 20
Ensemble – User’s Guide APOGEE ELECTRONICS Connecting Your Studio 5.1 surround configuration: 5.
Ensemble – User’s Guide APOGEE ELECTRONICS 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: 1.
Ensemble – User’s Guide APOGEE ELECTRONICS Configuring Audio Software Apps MOTU Digital Performer To select Ensemble as hardware I/O: 1. In Digital Performer, open Setup > Configure Audio System > Configure Hardware Driver. (figure 28) 2. Set Master Device to Ensemble (figure 29) 3. Set Work Priority to Low (figure 29) To control Ensemble’s settings: figure 28 1. In Apogee Maestro, open Window > Settings. figure 29 Steinberg Nuendo To select Ensemble as hardware I/O: 1.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ensemble – User’s Guide APOGEE ELECTRONICS Registration and Warranty Information Be sure to register your Ensemble, either by filling 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.
User’s Guide V1.
