Apogee Ensemble Thunderbolt Audio Interface User’s Guide Fall 2014
Contents Overview!...........................................................................................................5 Introduction!................................................................................................................5 Features!.......................................................................................................................5 Package Contents!......................................................................................................
Guitar I/O!........................................................................................................22 Introduction!..............................................................................................................22 Guitar Input Features!...............................................................................................22 Guitar Output Features!............................................................................................22 Re-Amping!...................
Setup Multiple Headphone/Speaker Mixes via Maestro Mixer!.............................36 Clocking with External Equipment!........................................................................37 Configure Ensemble as Clock Master!....................................................................37 Configure Ensemble as Clock Slave!......................................................................38 Termination!.........................................................................................
Overview Introduction The new Apogee Ensemble is the first Thunderbolt™ 2 audio interface to offer superior sound quality, the lowest latency performance and the most comprehensive studio functionality all in one box. Ensemble includes 8 Advanced Stepped Gain mic preamps, monitor controller functionality including talkback, front panel Guitar I/O, two headphone outputs and digital connectivity for a total of 30 x 34 I/ O.
Package Contents The following items are included in the box with Ensemble: • 3 pin-IEC power cable • QuickStart Guide • Rubber Feet • Warranty Booklet Register your product • 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! www.apogeedigital.
Ensemble Thunderbolt Panel Tour Front Panel 1. Guitar I/O (see page 22): a. Inputs ch 11/12: Connect high impedance (Hi-Z) instruments such as guitar or bass. b. Outputs ch 11/12: Instrument level outputs for connecting directly to a guitar amplifier or Hi-Z pedal effects/processor. 5. Built-In Mic (see page 29): a. The built-in mic can be recorded, or used for the talkback function. b. Is a mono source. The same signal is duplicated on channels 9 and 10. 6.
Rear Panel 1. Inputs 1-4: Combination (combi) jacks receive XLR or 1/4” connectors a. Use XLR for a microphone or line level input. b. Use 1/4” for high-impedance (Hi-Z) instrument. 5. Analog Out: Balanced outputs 3-10. Requires a 25-pin D-Sub analog breakout cable. 6. Digital I/O: (page 30) a. Optical (Toslink): Two In/Out Ports i. ADAT, 8-channels per port, 44.1-48k sample rate. ii. SMUX, 4-channels per port, 88.2-96k sample rate. iii. S/PDIF, 2-channels per port, 44.1-96k sample rate. 2.
Display Input Settings Display Screen This screen appears when an Input Select button is held for 1 second. The parameters available will change depending on the channel being viewed, and the settings made. For navigation instructions, see page 12. 1. Input Source a. Mic - XLR input is sent through the microphone preamp b. Inst - 1/4” input is sent through a Hi-Z to Low-Z circuit then to the microphone preamp c. +4dBu/-10dBV - Line level signal from XLR input bypasses preamp circuit. 2.
Getting Started Precautions when powering Ensemble On/Off Before powering Ensemble On, ensure that any speakers or amplifiers connected to Ensemble’s analog outputs are powered off, or the volume turned down to the minimum setting. This will prevent potential damage to your speakers and other equipment from “pops” that may occur as the unit boots up. 1. 2. 3. Power off speakers Power Ensemble On Power on speakers.
Ensemble Software System Requirements Computer: Thunderbolt equipped Mac Memory: 4 GB RAM minimum, 8 GB RAM recommended OS X 10.9.3 or greater Thunderbolt Cable Download and Install Software Before Ensemble will work with the computer, special software must be installed. The latest version of the software can be downloaded from the Apogee website at: www.apogeedigital.com/support/ensemble-thunderbolt The download comes in the form of a dmg image file. Open it to view the contents.
Update Ensemble Firmware The first time Ensemble is used after the software installation, you will likely need to update the firmware. Warning: Do not disconnect power or interrupt the firmware update process before it is complete as this may damage the unit. 1. Make sure Ensemble is connected to the computer and is powered on. 2. Open the Ensemble Firmware Updater.app which is inside the .dmg image file downloaded from the Apogee website.
Connection Examples Diagram 13
Front Panel Controls Many Ensemble settings can be controlled from the front panel. For full control over all settings, use the Maestro software (page 39). Adjust the Input Gain 1. Turn the Input Controller knob to adjust the input gain for the selected channel. 2. Select a different channel by pressing the Input Controller knob repeatedly until the desired input is highlighted. 3. Alternatively, press one of the Input Select buttons to jump directly to that input. Accessing other Input Settings: 1.
Adjust Output Volume 1. Turn the Output Controller, Headphone 1, or Headphone 2 knob to adjust the respective output level. 2. Press the Output Controller, Headphone 1, or Headphone 2 knob to toggle mute on/off. Assignable Buttons Assignable buttons A, B, C, & D can be programmed to perform different functions. Press an Assignable button to perform it’s programmed function. • Programming of the Assignable Buttons can only be done in the Maestro application’s Device Settings tab window.
Getting Started with Audio Software Select Ensemble for Mac System Sound Output To get sound from general audio applications such as iTunes and Safari to play out of Ensemble, it must be selected as the output device in Mac System Preferences. • Make sure you have already installed the most recent Ensemble Thunderbolt Software from the Apogee website before proceeding. 1. Click the icon in the upper-left corner of your Mac’s display " 3. In the System Preferences control panel, select “Sound” 2.
Route Mac System Sound to Different Outputs 1. Open the Audio/MIDI Setup Utility, found in the Applications > Utilities folder of your Mac 2. In the Audio Devices window, [Control+click] on Apogee Ensemble Thunderbolt. 3. In the Menu that appears, select “Configure Speakers”. 4. If playing a stereo audio file, select the Stereo tab. If playing a multi-channel audio file, select the Multichannel tab. 5. Select the desired Ensemble output channel for each speaker assignment.
Select Ensemble in your DAW Most professional applications have their own audio preferences that are separate from the Mac System Preferences. Basic steps for setting up Ensemble are provided. For more detail on this topic, refer to the documentation that comes with your recording program. Select Ensemble in Logic Pro X Select Ensemble in ProTools 11 1. Go to Logic Pro X > Preferences > Audio. 1. Go to Setup > Playback Engine. 2.
Select Ensemble in Ableton 1. Go to Live > Preferences. Select the Audio tab. 2. In Driver Type, select “CoreAudio”. 3. In Audio Input & Audio Output Device, select “Ensemble Thunderbolt”. 4. Start by setting the buffer size to “64 samples”. This setting may need to be adjusted based on your computer’s performance.
Monitoring the Input Signal Using your DAW to Monitor By default, Ensemble is configured for your recording software or DAW to perform the monitoring duty of passing your input signal on to your output. For instructions on configuring some of the major DAW programs with Ensemble, see page 18. Enable Input Monitor in Logic Pro X Enable Input Monitor in Pro Tools 1. Open Logic Pro X > Preferences > Audio • In Pro Tools Native, record enable the track to activate input monitoring.
Using Ensemble’s Hardware Direct Monitor If you do not have any recording software open, or do not want to use it’s monitoring function due to issues such as high latency (see “Understanding Latency” on page 51), then you can use one of the Low-Latency Maestro Mixers built into Ensemble to monitor your signal instead. 1. Open Maestro and select the Output Routing tab (or use the keyboard combination [⌘+5]). 2.
Guitar I/O Introduction Ensemble provides two high impedance (Hi-Z) inputs and two instrument level outputs on the front panel. The capabilities these connections provide are a powerful tool in your recording arsenal. From re-amping to setting up an instrument-level effects loop, the Ensemble’s Guitar Inputs and Outputs simplify tasks that previously required specialized equipment with complex setup and configuration steps.
Stage 1: Record the Performance The dry guitar signal is recorded directly onto a track in the DAW. To do this on Ensemble: 1. Connect a guitar to a front panel guitar input on Ensemble. 2. Setup an audio track in your DAW to record from the guitar input (G1 = In 11, G2 = In 12). To keep things simple, leave Ensemble’s input gain at 0dB 3. Record the performance in your DAW. Monitoring as you Record For the best performance, many players prefer to hear themselves through a guitar amp as they record. a.
Stage 2, Part 1: Playback Through Your Guitar Rig The dry guitar recording is played out to your effects and/or amplifier. To do this on Ensemble: 1. Route the DAW’s guitar track to Ensemble’s guitar output (G1 = Out 11, G2 = Out 12). 2. Connect a guitar cable from Ensemble’s guitar out to an amplifier’s input. You can include effects pedals/ processors between Ensemble and the amplifier if desired. 3. Set the guitar output to “From Software”.
Notes about re-amping with Ensemble: If you decide to use Ensemble’s guitar input preamp to increase the dry guitar signal level into your DAW, be aware that this will also increase the track’s output level to Ensemble’s guitar output. • If the intention is to keep the signal coming out of Ensemble at the same level as the original input, use the “Unity Gain” checkbox in Maestro’s Output tab window to restore the output level to match the original input.
Inserting Effects pedals Ensemble’s Front Panel Guitar inputs and outputs are perfect for inserting external hardware processors designed for Hi-Z and instrument level signals - such as pedal style effects - into a track. This is not limited to guitar tracks alone, but allows you to also run vocals, drums, and other recordings through these types of effects for a unique sound.
Main Features Analog Audio Inputs Ensemble’s 12 analog audio inputs provide a multitude of connectors and options coupled with Apogee’s dynamically optimized preamps and premium circuit design that provide for all the interconnections you need with your external gear. Guitar Inputs See the Guitar I/O section on page 22. Channels 1 - 4 Features Combi Jacks Rear Panel inputs 1-4 feature a combination (combi) input connector that is able to receive an XLR or 1/4” plug through the same jack.
Channel 1 & 2 Analog Insert Send/Return jacks The Insert Send and Return jacks are for connecting external equipment - such as a compressors, EQ, or other signal processing gear - into the input signal chain. Engage the Insert via Ensemble’s front panel controls (page 14), or from the Maestro software (page 40) according to the input connector being used. 1. 2. 3. 4. Connect a 1/4” cable from Insert Send jack to the external hardware’s Input jack.
Built In Mic Ensemble features a built-in mic on the front panel that can be recorded, or used for the Talkback function (page 31). Recording the Built-In Mic Ensemble’s Built-In Mic can be recorded into your computer in the same way as the other inputs on the Ensemble. This provides a convenient room mic for enhancing your recordings, or even as a convenience to make a quick recording instead of having to setup an external mic first.
Guitar Outputs See the Guitar I/O section on page 22. Digital I/O Ensemble provides multiple ports of digital inputs and outputs, providing up to 18 channels of digital I/O for connectivity to your digital gear. Optical Two pairs of optical (Toslink) in and out ports are provided. These ports can be configured independently via the Maestro software (page 47) to use ADAT/SMUX or S/ PDIF protocols, and are capable of sample rates between 44.1 - 96k. ADAT 44.
Monitor Control Center Ensemble is equipped with several monitoring features to provide for your monitoring needs. Talkback The Talkback feature is activated by holding down an Assignable button (A is default). It can also be activated in Maestro by clicking the button in the Toolbar (pg 39). When talkback is activated, the monitor outputs are automatically dimmed (-15dB). Using the Built-In Mic for Talkback The Built-In Mic is used for talkback by default.
Choosing the Talkback Mic Destination 1. Open Maestro and select the “Device Settings” tab at the top (or use the keyboard combination [⌘+3]). 2. Sound from the Talkback Mic can be sent to one or more of the following destinations: • Headphone 1 • Headphone 2 • Analog Output 9-10 Setting an Assignable Button to activate Talkback From the factory, Assignable A is programmed to activate Talkback. However, any of the Assignable buttons can be set for this function: 1.
How to set the Monitor Outputs as a fixed Line-Out This setting changes the Monitor Outputs from a variable volume controlled by the Output Controller knob to a fixed output at the full +4dBu or -10dBV reference level. This setting is convenient for connecting Ensemble to an external monitor control device such as a mixer or control center. 1. Open Maestro and click the “Output” tab (or use the keyboard combination [⌘+2]). 2.
Using the Assignable Buttons to Change Speaker Sets The Assignable buttons can be programmed to change speaker sets. 1. Open Maestro and click the “Device Settings” tab (or use the keyboard combination [⌘+3]). 2. Click on the desired Assignable Button dropdown box and choose a speaker set to engage. Note: Simultaneous Speaker Sets cannot be engaged by the front panel Assignable Buttons.
Adjust for Volume Differences Between Speakers There may be cases where the perceived volume of one of two or three speaker sets, or a speaker in a surround setup, is slightly different from the others. The output Trim controls in Maestro can be used to compensate for this so all speakers produce the same perceived volume levels. 1. Open Maestro and select the Output tab window. 2. Select the “Show Trims” button. • Trims only allow a reduction in signal level.
Setup Multiple Headphone/Speaker Mixes via Maestro Mixer Since there are four low-latency mixers in Maestro, these can send different mixes to the various Ensemble audio outputs. For example, send one mix to the Headphone 1 output and a different mix to the Headphone 2 output, as well as different mixes to the rear-panel Monitor Outputs and Analog Outputs. 1. Open Maestro and click the Output Routing tab (or use the keyboard combination [⌘+5]). 2.
Clocking with External Equipment When connecting digital audio cables between Ensemble and another digital audio device, a clocking relationship must also be set. Whether connecting two or more devices, one must be set as the clock master, and all other devices must be set as clock slaves. Configure Ensemble as Clock Master 1. Open Maestro and select the “System Setup” tab (or use the keyboard combination ⌘+7]). 2. In the Clocking Section, set Clock Source to “Internal”. 3.
Configure Ensemble as Clock Slave 1. Set the external device as the clock master. 2. Connect a digital audio cable (optical or coaxial) out of the external device and into Ensemble. Or connect a BNC Word Clock* cable out of the external gear to Ensemble’s BNC IN port. 3. Open Maestro and select the “System Setup” tab (or use the keyboard combination ⌘+7]). 4. In the Clocking Section, set Clock Source to the appropriate external connection.
Maestro Apogee Maestro is a controller software for your Ensemble Thunderbolt. Though you do not need Maestro open to use your Ensemble Thunderbolt, it provides access to all of Ensemble’s settings and parameters. It’s level meters are also a useful diagnostic tool to see which inputs and outputs are receiving and sending signal. Maestro Features While only basic settings may be made from the front panel controls, all Ensemble features are available and can be controlled from Apogee Maestro software.
Input Tab Window Settings for Ensemble’s analog and digital inputs are found in the input tab.
Output Tab Window Settings and controls for Ensemble’s analog and digital outputs are found in the Output tab. 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 13 24 35 46 57 68 79 810 911 1012 1113 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1. Analog Level 11 12 13 14 15 1214 1315 1416 1517 1618 15 16 17 18 19 16 17 18 19 1 202 1 2 3 4 5 1719 1820 19 20 3 6 4 7 5 8 6 9 7 10 20 - Use this drop down menu to choose the analog level for each D/A conversion channel.
The following settings control the configuration and level of the rear panel analog outputs and front panel headphone outputs. 1. Speaker Level -Controls the speaker output level. 2. Analog Out Format -Sets the format of the analog outputs. • Line: Monitor Out 1/2 are configured as line outputs. Functions such as level control, Mute, Dim, and Sum to Mono are disabled. • Stereo: Monitor Out 1/2 are configured as speaker outputs (with all 1 monitor functions available).
Device Settings Tab Window 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 1. Peripheral Prefix 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 12 2 13 3 14 4 5 1 6 2 7 3 8 4 9 5 10 6 11 7 12 8 13 9 14 10 15 11 16 12 17 13 18 15 16 17 18 19 20 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 7 11 8 12 9 13 10 14 11 15 12 16 -Choose which Peripheral Prefix (A-Z) is displayed on the ID button. 2.
Input Routing Tab Window The number of input channels that are available to a computer recording program is determined by Ensemble’s Core Audio driver. The Input Routing window determines how Ensemble’s physical hardware inputs are routed to these software inputs.
Output Routing Tab Window The number of output channels that appear to audio programs in the computer is determined by Ensemble’s Core Audio driver. The Output Routing tab window determines how these software outputs are routed to Ensemble’s physical hardware outputs.
Mixer Tab Window The Maestro Mixer provides a low latency patch from Ensemble’s inputs to its outputs. This is useful for when latency through software audio applications are too long, but also when wanting to monitor your input signal without needing to have an audio software application open at all.
Mixer Tab Window (Continued) 1 2 3 1 42 53 64 75 86 9 7 10 8 11 9 1210 13 11 1412 1513 161 8. Software Return -This stereo input channel draws signal from your software audio application. Use the drop down menu to select which stereo pair from software is heard through the mixer. 9. Mixer Master -This section of the mixer provides level control and metering for the mixer’s output.
Menu Bar Menus About Apogee Maestro - Choose this menu item to display version information for all the hardware connected and software elements installed on your Mac. Preferences - Choose this menu item to display Maestro’s Preference panel. • Launch Maestro automatically when connecting a device - This launches Maestro when an Apogee device is connected to the computer.
Reference BNC Termination Best Practices Ensemble provides an internal termination mechanism for the BNC input. This mechanism is manipulated by the Word Clock (WC) Input Termination checkbox located in the Maestro software’s Device Settings window (pg 43). In general, leave Ensemble’s WC Input Termination checked at all times. This applies even when Ensemble is being used as the master clock for other devices.
Why is Word Clock Termination Important? Word Clock is used to determine the timing of when an audio sample is taken. On a standard CD, there are 44,100 audio samples in each second so it’s vital that each sample be taken at the appropriate time or the audio will become warped and inaccurate resulting in poor audio clarity.
Understanding Latency What is latency? When recording with most computer-based digital audio applications, a delay between the input and output of the recording system often disturbs the timing of the musicians who are performing. This delay, known at latency, means that the musician hears the notes he produces a few milliseconds after having produced them. As anyone who has spoken on a phone call with echo knows, relatively short delays can confuse the timing of any conversation, spoken or musical.
How does Maestro resolve latency? By routing the hardware input directly to the hardware output and mixing in playback as shown in Figure B, it’s possible to create a headphone listening signal with a much shorter delay.
How do I set my software’s I/O Buffer? The I/O Buffer setting found in most audio software is one of the most crucial, but often ignored, settings in a Mac-based recording system. When choosing a buffer setting, a compromise between the latency through the application and the amount of computer processor power accessible to the application must be made. A lower Buffer setting results in lower latency but less available processing power.
Specifications Pinout Diagram for Analog Output 3-10 System Requirements • • • • Computer: Intel Thunderbolt™ Equipped Mac Memory: 4GB RAM minimum, 8GB recommended OS X 10.9.3 or later Thunderbolt cable *Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. The Mini DisplayPort, featured on many pre-Thunderbolt Macs, is the exact same size as the Thunderbolt port but does NOT support Thunderbolt devices.
Inputs, preamps, and outputs Analog Inputs 4 Combi mic/line/instrument inputs - 2 1/4” balanced analog inserts 4 XLR mic/line inputs 2 1/4” hi-z guitar/instrument inputs with Class-A JFET input stage Digital Inputs Optical IN: Supports ADAT, SMUX & S/PDIF - ADAT: 16 channels 44.1-48 kHz on 2 Toslink connectors - SMUX: 8 channels 88.
General Dimensions (W x D x H) 19” X 12.125” X 1.73 Weight 11.15 lbs. Power AC IN 100-240V, 50-60 Hz, 65W MAX Additional Support For more information: • Apogee KnowledgeBase and FAQs • Apogee Product Registration • How to contact Apogee Technical Support Visit: http://www.apogeedigital.
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.
Software Notice Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions are met: 1. Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer. 2. 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.
Industry Canada Notice This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matérial brouilleur du Canada.
