My First Apogee Symphony Rig!

[Jonsey]

Congrats...Im feeling what your feeling to, I have the symphony card plummed into a quad with AD-16x and Rosetta 200, mines says it sees an 800 to. User friendly, stable and tight as hell.

[ToddS]

Yes, congrats!!! that's great news. I am thinking of getting the Mac Pro with Symphony. I already have the AD and DA-16X.... The latency numbers Apogee has been promoting are really exciting. Its good to hear some feedback that seems to confirm this and the overall stability of the system.

[Max]

Glad to hear that you are enjoying the benefits of Symphony. The Rosetta 200 will show up as an 800 but work as a 200. We did not differentiate the two for Maestro.

[TEMAS]

How are you finding the Rosetta 200 & 800 A/D compared to the ad-16x (whilst presumably clocking to the AD-16x)?

I really don't need 16 inputs.

[cerla]

Originally Posted by TEMAS

How are you finding the Rosetta 200 & 800 A/D compared to the ad-16x (whilst presumably clocking to the AD-16x)?

In a blind test, it would be very difficult for me to recognize the Rosetta. I think the only difference is the clock (> in AD/DA 16X units), but if you clock the Rosetta with one of these units, like in my current system, or a Big Ben you should hear no difference.

MAX: I assume you know the Symphony system very well. The only thing I cannot figure out is how to use the Rosetta for both converting A to D (and record in Logic) AND receiving a AES audio stream (i.e. the return of a Lexi PCM91) and have it available on a different Logic input channel, simultaneously. Is it possible? I've gone mad today with the matrix but no luck.

BTW I confirm a incredible stability of this system. Not a single glitch in 2 days, not a single Logic crash, with a buffer size of ***32***! Congrats, Apogee: money well spent!!

[cerla]

Originally Posted by cerla

with a buffer size of ***32***!

correction: opening the Virus Control plugin I had cracks and pops with buffer size=32, all ok at 64. I'll stick with 64, amazing enough! thumbsup

[DRC]

Originally Posted by cerla

Just to share my early "real world" experiences with this beauty.

As a Logic Pro user, I used to have a DA16-X connected via Firewire for the outs, and a MOTU 24I/O for the ins, linked as a "aggregate device" in OSX. Sound was OK, but the system was pretty instable (clock issues, need to switch on the units in a special order, the occasional crack and pops).

Time for a major revamp.

New system:

DA-16X
AD16-X
Rosetta 200
Symphony PCI-X card

All 3 units have a X-Symphony card installed and are daisy chained with the special .5m Apogee cable.
Word clock source is the AD16-X. Word clock is distributed to the other 2 units via a "T" connector.

Installation of the cards is straight-forward, you only need a screwdriver.

Software installation on my dual 1.8 G5 was seamless: you need to install a driver (otherwise the PCI card is not recognized), reboot then install the Maestro 1.0.2 software. I'm running OSX 10.4.7 and Logic Pro 7.2.2.

The 3 units were immediately recognized by Maestro (oddly, the rosetta 200 is seen as a rosetta 800).

In the Audio Midi Configuration panel of OSX I switched to "Apogee Symphony" as main system output and input.

ITunes test... wow! It works!

Then, I opened Logic: all ins/outs were immediately available. Everything as expected.

Latency seems VEEEERY short: I've set the buffer size to 64, started to pile soft synth tracks and audio tracks... no pops/clicks! I'm pretty much amazed: with the MOTU setup it wasn't possible to work with less than 256.

Maestro routing works as expected.

Bottom line: so far, a super stable, "set and forget" system, with super-small latency and perfectly integrated in Logic. Pro Tools, be aware!

I hope this short review was helpful, I will add posts if problems/issues will arise.

Im guessing your latency issues are plug-in based?

Have you used any outboard processing (analog EQ, Comps, etc..)? I was wondering how Logic/Apogee handles the delay issue, or if it is an issue at all?
Im thinking of dumping my PT rig and Logic is an option.

Thanks

[cerla]

Originally Posted by DRC

Im guessing your latency issues are plug-in based?

Less and less software. Here's what I've connected:

Empirical Lab Distressor
NEVE 8816
SSL G bus compressor
API 550b EQ x 4
API 560 EQ x2
Studio Electronics SE1-X
Studio Electronics Omega
Access VIRUS TI desktop
Waldorf Q
Roland JP8080
Roland JV1080
Korg M3
Yamaha FS1r

AFAIK latency is unnoticeable, I can mix a record tight on time with the DAW sound. Before (MOTU+Apogee X-Firewire) it was impossible.

[DRC]

Originally Posted by cerla

Less and less software. Here's what I've connected:

Empirical Lab Distressor
NEVE 8816
SSL G bus compressor
API 550b EQ x 4
API 560 EQ x2
Studio Electronics SE1-X
Studio Electronics Omega
Access VIRUS TI desktop
Waldorf Q
Roland JP8080
Roland JV1080
Korg M3
Yamaha FS1r

AFAIK latency is unnoticeable, I can mix a record tight on time with the DAW sound. Before (MOTU+Apogee X-Firewire) it was impossible.

You haven't noticed any errors for using more hardware inserts? Thats great man.

[Max]

Originally Posted by cerla

In a blind test, it would be very difficult for me to recognize the Rosetta. I think the only difference is the clock (> in AD/DA 16X units), but if you clock the Rosetta with one of these units, like in my current system, or a Big Ben you should hear no difference.

MAX: I assume you know the Symphony system very well. The only thing I cannot figure out is how to use the Rosetta for both converting A to D (and record in Logic) AND receiving a AES audio stream (i.e. the return of a Lexi PCM91) and have it available on a different Logic input channel, simultaneously. Is it possible? I've gone mad today with the matrix but no luck.

BTW I confirm a incredible stability of this system. Not a single glitch in 2 days, not a single Logic crash, with a buffer size of ***32***! Congrats, Apogee: money well spent!!

Hi Cerla,

Glad you are enjoying your Symphony system. Your question regarding the Rosetta 800 is not a limitation of Symphony. The Rosetta 200 is limited to two input channels and therefore cannot do both A/D and AES input at once. You could do it with a Rosetta 800, which has an advanced setting allowing analog + one digital source at the same time.

Hope that helps.

[cerla]

Originally Posted by Max

The Rosetta 200 is limited to two input channels and therefore cannot do both A/D and AES input at once. You could do it with a Rosetta 800, which has an advanced setting allowing analog + one digital source at the same time.

Ok thanx a lot.

So no ways to have digital AES input/s on my system?

I guess not, because if I switch the DA16-X in "advanced" mode, I would have 16 digital AES inputs on the DSUB, but the inputs count will break 32 (16 AES+16 AD16-X analog ins)... the limit of 1 Symphony card. This way, I'd lose the Rosetta input...

correct?

[outcastrising]

Hey max any chance of this showing up as a rosetta 200 in maestro in the future?
I want to see what I may eventually own in all its glory!

Originally Posted by Max

Glad to hear that you are enjoying the benefits of Symphony. The Rosetta 200 will show up as an 800 but work as a 200. We did not differentiate the two for Maestro.

[midnightsun]

For years I have been very happy with my RADAR II. I wanted to increase sample rate and move to a RADAR V but it wouldn't interface with the Mac PCI express. Therefore to hold me over I just ordered a Symphony, 16 AD, 16 DA, Rosetta 200, and Big Ben. I am planning to strap the 16's on to my G5 Quad/4Gig/Logic Pro, out to a Tonelux console, into the Rosetta 200 that will sit in front of a Tascam DVRA1000.

I own an Apogee MiniMe and prefered the AD of the RADAR II a bit more. If this Apogee stuff turns out satisfactory I will probably order an additional Rosetta 800 to bring it up to 24 I/O. Hopefully, I will be able do some testing this weekend.

[Sergievsky]

The G5 Quad is working pretty good here so far with s Symphony/Rosetta800 setup and the new drivers. Digital Performer 5.11, iTunes7 (and any coreaudio) are all behaving so far. So, it's now ok to dive in folks! The water's safe!

[Outfit]

Problems with the new driver!
Check this first.

http://gearslutz.com/board/showthrea...light=symphony

[cerla]

Originally Posted by Outfit

Problems with the new driver!
Check this first.

http://gearslutz.com/board/showthrea...light=symphony

I'm currently beta testing 1.3.1

Problems have been ironed out, at least on my system

[Outfit]

Originally Posted by cerla

I'm currently beta testing 1.3.1

Problems have been ironed out, at least on my system

I was told the update would be released yesterday but it wasn´t. Do you know when?

Thanks

[cerla]

Originally Posted by Outfit

I was told the update would be released yesterday but it wasn´t. Do you know when?

Thanks

No, but the thing is stable, AFAIK, so expect it soon

BTW messing up in audio/midi setup with 1.3.0 I've discovered I can happily work @ 96 Khz... serendipity at work...

[Sergievsky]

Well, I guess there's an example of the difficulty in writing drivers. Prior to 1.3 I couldn't even run iTunes without the system going down in a panic (kernel that is). Despite Max saying that the Quad G5 was tested with DP (and I'm sure it was running great on their setup), there was something different in my "stock" Quad that required an updated driver before I could even begin to try and use it.
Good thing Apogee supports its products.

[Mac-dee]

hi all i have just got the Rosetta 200 and the symphony card wit the option X sym card to connect it all ...

My seq is logic 7.2.3 when i load up my song i and change between sample rates
it works fin 44 ,48 , 88,

when i try 96 it kills logic and same wit 176, 192 ... I know these are supported but its not working in these sample rates ..... anyone get this problem >?

... i dont wanna return it i got it yesterday and returned the dame ensemble

[ToddS]

Originally Posted by Mac-dee

hi all i have just got the Rosetta 200 and the symphony card wit the option X sym card to connect it all ...

My seq is logic 7.2.3 when i load up my song i and change between sample rates
it works fin 44 ,48 , 88,

when i try 96 it kills logic and same wit 176, 192 ... I know these are supported but its not working in these sample rates ..... anyone get this problem >?

... i dont wanna return it i got it yesterday and returned the dame ensemble

Did you call Apogee tech support?

[Outfit]

1.3.1 is out! Works for me.

[Max]

Originally Posted by Outfit

1.3.1 is out! Works for me.

Apogee Electronics is pleased to announce the release of Symphony driver version 1.3.1, which may be downloaded from our website here:

http://www.apogeedigital.com/downloads/documents.php

Please consult the Release Notes, included with the download package, to learn more about changes made in this version.

[Nerve Nickels]

Hey Max,

Will this work on an Expansion Chassis into an expressCard/34 ? or will Apogee make a direct-connection to an expressCard/34?

[pixelhead]

I am lovin' my Symphony with 2 Rosetta 800's and 200 with big ben into Logic.

[midnightsun]

I just placed my new Symphony are into my G5 Quad Logic Pro with 4G of RAM, PCI express slot. I clock the 16 DA from the 16 AD. Things work well except for a bit of latency, a bit more noticible than my previous RADAR II going through the MOTU. It seems that Apogee requires more of the CPU than the MOTU!!!

I then brought the Big Ben into the equation-- This is where problems started. The 16AD seemed to have a mind of its own or more accurately it would follow Logic rather than the Big Ben. The only way that I would get 16AD to follow WC or not keep defaulting th INT was to disconnect it from the G5 or shut of the G5. Even if I did this when I rebooted the computer the 16 AD would lock to INT and only change sample rate as I changes sample rate in Logic Pro. I guess one could say that it is nice that you can simply change sample rate from Logic and not have to touch the converter.

But then why Big Ben? Well I still have a Rosetta to bring into the Equation. I am a bit puzzled. Perhaps things will be clear to me when I hook up the Rosetta?

Any thoughts? I am concerned that Big Ben and the 16 AD (under the command of Logic Pro) will fight for clocking control---

[cerla]

Originally Posted by midnightsun

I am concerned that Big Ben and the 16 AD (under the command of Logic Pro) will fight for clocking control---

There's a control panel in Maestro for clock source; have you tried to change from that menu?

BTW I strongly suggest you to sell/trade both Big Ben and AD16 for a AD16-X; same clock, less problems

[midnightsun]

Originally Posted by cerla

There's a control panel in Maestro for clock source; have you tried to change from that menu?

BTW I strongly suggest you to sell/trade both Big Ben and AD16 for a AD16-X; same clock, less problems

I do have the 16 ADX and 16 DAX. The reason for the Big Ben is I also want to clock the Rosetta 200 which will be going to a TASCAM DVRA1000. I was under the impression that when you use multiple pieces of digital equipment-- e.g. 16AD, 16DA, Rosetta 200, TASCAM DVRA1000 it was best to clock everything from a dedicated clock????

[cerla]

Originally Posted by midnightsun

I do have the 16 ADX and 16 DAX. The reason for the Big Ben is I also want to clock the Rosetta 200 which will be going to a TASCAM DVRA1000. I was under the impression that when you use multiple pieces of digital equipment-- e.g. 16AD, 16DA, Rosetta 200, TASCAM DVRA1000 it was best to clock everything from a dedicated clock????

You should clock ALL units from the DA16X, then spread the clock signal via T connectors to ALL units including the Tascam

In Maestro control panel set the DA16-X as internal clock, all other units will be grayed out.

The system will work just fine.

Then, sell the Big Ben and buy a Distressor