Apogee Symphony Mobile - need 2-chan output for monitoring

[digital_wiz]

I just purchased an Apogee Symphony Mobile system for my MacBook Pro with one AD16x for audio input (no D/A for output). I plan to use this for tracking only, I will then move the audio files to my MacPro for mixing and further processing. I use Logic Pro on both machines.

I'm trying to figure out how I can monitor during recording on headphones. I was hoping to use the headphone jack on the Mac for this but I don't see how to set this up. It appears that if you configure Logic to use Apogee gear it expects to do all audio I/O thru the Symphony interface. Does anyone know of a workaround?

I do own an Apogee Mini-DAC as well. Perhaps there is a way to configure the AD16x for Advanced Routing which will allow me to connect the Mini via TOSLINK or AES for output monitoring?

Apogee makes fine products but their documentation is severely lacking. Some of it is grossly out of date. Example: the manual for the AD16x does not even mention the X-Symphony card as an option. I'm just guessing that Advanced Routing is possible with this combination.

I'm looking for the cheapest and most portable way to get 2 channels of output for headphone monitoring during tracking. I'd call Apogee customer service but they are not open on weekends and I was hoping to use this system tomorrow. Any help is appreciated.

[Ken K]

You can use the Mini DAC to monitor using an ADAT cable from the DA16X. You have to power up the DA16X holding the UP button. When Advanced Option routing is enabled, “Apogee DA-16X 2.0” scrolls across the Sample Rate Display.

It's on page 7 in the user guide but you're right this stuff isn't explained real well! I use the same setup and it works very reliably.

Good luck!

[āvetechnation]

I recommend an investing in a DA16x... it's totally worth the money.

[digital_wiz]

Ken K, I got this to work, thanks to your explanation.

Avetechnation, I have no doubt that the DA16x is a fine piece of gear and perhaps I will purchase one someday, if the need arises. But right now all I need is 2 channels of output for headphone monitoring.

I would still be interested in hearing if anyone knows how I could use the Apogee system for input and the MacBook's Built-in headphone jack for output. I don't need super high quality sound, it's just for monitoring. It would save me carrying around the Mini-DAC.

[staudio]

Just use the Mini Dac over AES from the AD16x. When in advanced routing mode the AES outputs on the AD16x become available from within the DAW as digital outputs. Get an AES D-sub to XLR fan out and plug channels 1-2 into the Mini Dac. Plug in your cans to the Mini Dac and get to work.

Seriously, just use the Mini Dac, it weighs what? 2 pounds!

It would be be possible to configure Core Audio as an "Aggregate Device" with both the Symphony and Macbook Pro built in interfaces but it will not be as stable and no where near as good quality as the Mini Dac.

[Virtuoso1104]

I'm actually about to make a similar purchase (the AD16x with Symphony Card for a mobile solution), and was curious how monitoring would work being as there is no output (obviously) on the AD16. I already have an 003R. If that's connected via firewire, couldn't I just use the 003R for monitoring purposes through CoreAudio? Also. I was wondering if it's possible to track directly into Pro Tools LE using the symphony setup. I saw it has "VBus Technology", allowing it to track into Nuendo/Cubase. Could it do the same for PTLE as long as the 003R is present?

That's really the only questions keeping me on the fence about the purchase.

[Ken K]

Originally Posted by Virtuoso1104

I'm actually about to make a similar purchase (the AD16x with Symphony Card for a mobile solution), and was curious how monitoring would work being as there is no output (obviously) on the AD16. I already have an 003R. If that's connected via firewire, couldn't I just use the 003R for monitoring purposes through CoreAudio? Also. I was wondering if it's possible to track directly into Pro Tools LE using the symphony setup. I saw it has "VBus Technology", allowing it to track into Nuendo/Cubase. Could it do the same for PTLE as long as the 003R is present?

That's really the only questions keeping me on the fence about the purchase.

Since you have to use the 003R to use PTLE I don't think you could access the Symphony Mobile card at the same time and you definitely can't run PTLE with just the Symphony Mobile card.

You could use the AD16X as your A/D convertor into your 003 connected by ADAT. The downside is you're limited by a single ADAT port on the 003 so you would have a maximum of 8 channels from the AD16X at 44.1 kHz or 4 channels at 96 kHz.

[Ken K]

Originally Posted by staudio

Just use the Mini Dac over AES from the AD16x. When in advanced routing mode the AES outputs on the AD16x become available from within the DAW as digital outputs. Get an AES D-sub to XLR fan out and plug channels 1-2 into the Mini Dac. Plug in your cans to the Mini Dac and get to work.

Seriously, just use the Mini Dac, it weighs what? 2 pounds!

It would be be possible to configure Core Audio as an "Aggregate Device" with both the Symphony and Macbook Pro built in interfaces but it will not be as stable and no where near as good quality as the Mini Dac.

I just read Staudio's post regarding a way to configure Core audio as an "Aggregate Device". I've never tried this so maybe there is a way to use the 003 and the Symphony Mobile together. I'd love to see how that would work but I won't be attempting that myself.

[digital_wiz]

Ken K, I have a question for you.

Have you ever experienced the problem outlined in my thread in the Music Computers forum (here) and also on the logicprohelp forum?

thanks,
- r

[Ken K]

Originally Posted by digital_wiz

Ken K, I have a question for you.

Have you ever experienced the problem outlined in my thread in the Music Computers forum (here) and also on the logicprohelp forum?

thanks,
- r

I've never encountered that problem but I run Digital Performer not Logic. Sorry but I'm no help.