Tech Bulletin - Symphony I/O Ribbon Cable Troubleshooting
Overview
This Tech Bulletin shows you how to resolve issues that may occur due to an improperly installed or
faulty internal 64-pin IO Module ribbon cable.
Reported Symptoms
When an I/O Module ribbon cable has become defective, users report one or more of the following
symptoms:
• Random “spikes” observed on the front panel meters or on Maestro Input meters.
• Clicks, pops or distortion present in the audio signal even when the audio software buffer is set
high.
• The audio signal becomes distorted over time.
Testing the IO Module Ribbon Cable
To test the IO Module ribbon cable, follow these steps. DO NOT PERFORM THIS TEST with A 16 x
16 Analog Input/Analog Output module, damage to the I/O Module may result.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Unplug the AC cable and remove Symphony I/Oʼs top panel.
Re-seat both ends of the 64-pin ribbon cable (location shown below).
Re-connect the AC cable, then connect Symphony I/Oʼs USB port to a Mac. Power the unit on.
Press and hold the right encoder to set Symphony I/O to USB audio interface mode. Open
Maestro,click on the Input tab and adjust the window to see all meters.
5. Lightly manipulate the 64-pin ribbon cable that connects the I/O Module to the Main board,
looking for spurious meter spikes on the front panel and in Maestro. If two I/O Modules are
installed, test each cable.
6. If any spurious signals are observed, replace the ribbon cable with an Apogee-approved cable.
7. Please see the Apogee Tech Bulletin video entitled “Symphony I/O Ribbon Cable
Troubleshooting” for an example of a faulty ribbon cable.
Apogee Electronics
1715 Berkeley Street • Santa Monica, CA 90404 USA • Tel: +1 (310) 584-9394
www.apogeedigital.com