Holiday Gift Guides
B&H Gift Cards
The Professional's Source Since 1973
Ask Our Experts800-606-6969
Hello, Log InAccount & Orders
My Cart

Holiday Headstart

Video Chat with a Pro Audio Expert - Live
Home

Apogee Electronics Quartet Desktop Studio Interface & Control Center for Mac & iOS Devices

BH #APQUARTET • MFR #QUARTET
Print
Apogee Electronics Quartet Desktop Studio Interface & Control Center for Mac & iOS Devices
Key Features
  • High-Speed USB 2.0 Mac Audio Interface
  • High-Quality Apogee AD/DA Converters
  • Four Analog Inputs with Mic Preamps
  • Monitor Control for Up to 3 Speaker Sets
The Apogee Quartet Desktop Studio Interface & Control Center for Mac & iOS Devices is a USB 2.0 audio/MIDI interface, which enables you to record up to 12 channels of audio into an Apple computer, iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. It features four combo-XLR inputs and each one is equipped with a quality preamp for connecting microphones, instruments and line-level signals. The Quartet also features two optical inputs that support connection of additional eight inputs via an external ADAT lightpipe expander. The Quartet's rear panel has six analog 1/4" TRS line-level outputs, a Word Clock output and dual USB ports. One USB port is for connection to your Mac or iOS device and the other supports MIDI In/Out. There's also an intuitive volume/control knob, as well as two color OLED displays and multiple customizable backlit control buttons.
More Details
No Longer Available
No Store Display
Ask an Expert
800-606-6969

Apogee Electronics Quartet Overview

The Apogee Quartet Desktop Studio Interface & Control Center for Mac & iOS Devices is a USB 2.0 audio/MIDI interface, which enables you to record up to 12 channels of audio into an Apple computer, iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. It features four combo-XLR inputs and each one is equipped with a quality preamp for connecting microphones, instruments and line-level signals. The Quartet also features two optical inputs that support connection of additional eight inputs via an external ADAT lightpipe expander. The Quartet's rear panel has six analog 1/4" TRS line-level outputs, a Word Clock output and dual USB ports. One USB port is for connection to your Mac or iOS device and the other supports MIDI In/Out. There's also an intuitive volume/control knob, as well as two color OLED displays and multiple customizable backlit control buttons.

The Quartet fits perfectly in between the larger Apogee Ensemble and the portable, two input Apogee Duet 2. Plus, the Apogee AD/DA converters are known for their warm sound. The Quartet's four inputs are enough to track an entire band, but if you already own a Duet 2 or Ensemble, you can use these interfaces with the Quartet. Ensemble can be connected to the Quartet's optical input to add eight recording channels, and the Duet 2 can also be used with the Quartet. The six analog outputs on the Quartet make it possible to mix sound in 5.1 surround as well.

You can use the six outputs to reference your music on up to three separate sets of recording monitors. And, there are three "QuickTouch Pads" with LED highlight rings above the main controller knob that can be assigned different functions, such as Mute and Sum to Mono. They can also be assigned to turn on and off the separate analog outputs, so you can quickly hear how your sounds translate on different kinds of speakers. The Quartet's two color OLED displays supply you with detailed metering and other information as well, including gain level, headphone volume and phantom power status. It's designed to seamlessly integrate with your Mac computer and is compatible with any Core Audio application such as Logic, Pro Tools 9 and 10, Ableton Live and Final Cut Pro.

Complete Connections
Connect up to four microphones, instruments, keyboards or line inputs. Plug in your MIDI controller or keyboard. Expand with up to 8 digital inputs. Monitor and mix it all in stereo, with up to 3 sets of speakers or in 5.1 surround. Quartet is the center of the modern studio and will help you take the performance and sound quality of your projects to the next level
Total Creative Control
With its ergonomic, angular design and intuitive user interface, Quartet is inspiring, easy to use and in perfect harmony with your workspace. Dual full-color screens for critical input and output details, QuickTouch Pads for easy I/O selection, and a single controller knob to conduct it all, make Quartet the perfect studio control center for your Mac or iOS device
Legendary Sound Quality
Apogee is an award-winning industry leader in digital recording technology with over 25 years of experience. Preferred by recording pros around the world, Apogee products like Duet, Ensemble and Symphony I/O have set the industry standard in professional recording for over two decades. Quartet is built solidly on this reputation
A Difference You Will Hear
From the mic preamps to the AD/DA converters and the clocking, Quartet uses cutting-edge Apogee technology. With components carefully selected in critical listening tests and a highly efficient circuit design, Quartet was built by Apogee engineers to make a difference you can hear
Pristine, Next-Generation AD/DA Converters
Much like the mic preamps, Quartet's AD/DA converters are designed to deliver the purest recordings and best listening experience possible. Quartet's efficient circuitry and state-of-the-art components provide a simplified signal path resulting in incredibly transparent recordings
Smooth & Detailed World-Class Mic Preamps
Quartet's mic preamps feature the latest components and offer seamless click-free transitions as the gain increases and decreases throughout the incredible range of 0 to 75dB. This unprecedented feature allows you to dial in the perfect level, either with the controller knob or from within software, while delivering ultra-low noise and smooth, crisp detail. Quartet's mic preamps are suitable for all dynamic, condenser or ribbon microphones, allowing you to capture any sound without compromise
Analog Inputs
Quartet is equipped with four combination input connectors (XLR and 1/4") for connecting microphones, guitars and keyboards or your favorite external mic preamps, compressors and EQs
Digital Input
Quartet also includes eight channels of digital input via 2 optical connections (ADAT/SMUX) for connecting an additional analog-to-digital converter such as Apogee's Ensemble
Analog Outputs
Quartet's six balanced 1/4" TRS outputs offer an impressive range of possibilities. Listen and compare stereo mixes on up to three sets of speakers. Mix your audio or Final Cut video project in 5.1 surround. You can also take Quartet on the road and use all three stereo sets on stage, sending signal to the performer, monitor mixer and front-of-house. Quartet also features a studio-quality 1/4" headphone output allowing you to independently adjust your headphone level separate from the main outputs
Word Clock
Quartet provides Word Clock output for synching an external A/D converter to Apogee's superior clocking technology
MIDI
Quartet provides a single USB MIDI connection for your CoreMIDI compatible keyboard, synth or DJ controller. This leaves an extra USB port available on your Mac for external hard-drives and other devices, eliminating the need for an external MIDI interface
Digital Inputs with Apogee Ensemble
For Ensemble users that need more inputs, Quartet's digital input connection allows you to use the premium analog inputs and preamps of both devices simultaneously. Enjoy a combined total of 12 analog inputs (eight with mic pres) along with Quartet's eight analog outputs, assignable Touchpads, and advanced control capabilities. Quartet's USB connection lets you continue enjoying Ensemble's high-quality Mic Pres and AD conversion with the latest Mac Models and lower latency than ever possible with FireWire 400
USB Aggregation with Apogee Duet 2
Duet 2 users can add more channels of high-quality Apogee conversion to their existing setups by adding Quartet. Connect both Quartet and Duet 2 to your Mac's USB ports and aggregate the two devices for a combined total of 6 analog inputs and 12 analog outputs of premium Apogee AD/DA conversion
USB 2.0 Interface
Quartet features USB 2.0 High-speed connectivity. Advances in the Mac's Core Audio driver have made USB faster than FireWire 400 with incredible latency performance. And there's a USB port on every Mac. Plus, while USB 3.0 offers approximately 10x the bandwidth of USB 2.0, USB 2.0 far exceeds the bandwidth Quartet requires for its 12 inputs and eight outputs, thus delivering exceptional audio performance without compromise
See Your I/O in Detail
Quartet features twice the display you came to love with Duet 2. Two high-resolution OLEDs deliver all the visual feedback critical for recording and monitoring. Without looking at your computer, Quartet lets you see metering, levels, grouping and phase, muting, phantom power and Soft Limit for all inputs and outputs
QuickTouch Pads for Input & Output Selection
Quartet makes it easy to access all important recording and monitoring functions. Simply tap a QuickTouch Pad on Quartet's top panel to select an input or output and easily adjust your level with the controller knob. All input and output touchpads feature an LED highlight ring. The highlight ring of the active touchpad is brighter so you can see at a glance which input or output is selected
The ABCs of Quartet's Assignable Features
Three additional configurable touchpads (labeled A, B, C) allow you to quickly access output functions such as Mute Outputs, Dim Outputs, Sum to Mono, Clear Meters or Engage Speaker Set selection. Each function can be assigned to a touchpad using a drop-down menu within Apogee's Maestro 2 application
Monitor Control
The A, B, C selectors above the controller knob can be configured in Apogee's Maestro software to switch between up to three pairs of speakers allowing you to use Quartet just like a standard monitor controller. Simply connect 1, 2 or 3 pairs of studio monitors and tap to select which pair you would like to listen to
Dial It All In
Apogee's Duet started an audio interface revolution with its single controller knob design. Quartet continues this tradition. A single machined aluminum knob completes Quartet's control center. With a tap to the touchpad you can select the desired input or output and precisely dial in your level
Maestro Control Software
Access Quartet's advanced settings with Maestro 2, Apogee's comprehensive software control application. Maestro 2 features a single window interface with quick access to all device and system settings. Select your input type, enable Soft Limit on mic and instrument inputs, use the mixer for low latency monitoring and assign speaker sets to touchpads. Maestro 2 lets you easily configure Quartet to fit your workflow
Soft Limit for Protection from Digital Overs
Apogee's Soft Limit technology prevents the digital clipping that causes distortion by instantaneously rounding off transient peaks before they hit the analog-to-digital converter. Soft Limit allows several more decibels of apparent level to be recorded while subtly providing an analog-like warmth to the sound
Solid Build Quality
Built with die-cast aluminum, steel and a scratch-resistant display panel hardened by UV processing, Quartet is solid, compact and perfectly integrated into the desktop studio environment
Made for Mac & iOS in the U.S.A.
Like all Apogee products, Quartet is made in the U.S.A. and it is designed for the Mac and Apple's OS X, as well as for all iOS devices. From the Core Audio compatible high performance USB connection to the way it looks next to your iMac, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air or iPad - Quartet is made for Mac and iOS
Quartet for iOS Highlights
Professional multi-channel audio interface for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch

Provides a direct digital connection via USB to iPad, iPhone and iPod touch

Works with the iPhone 5, iPad (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad mini with the optional Lightning to 30-pin adapter (sold separately)

Works with GarageBand, Auria, MultiTrack and any Core Audio compliant app on iOS

Low latency monitoring and complete input/output control with Apogee's Maestro software app for iOS

The Quartet's DC power will charge your iPad or other iOS device

Apogee Electronics Quartet Specs

Connectivity
USB 2.0 High-Speed Mac Audio Interface
Analog Inputs
4 x combo XLR / 1/4" jacks
Combination line (balanced +20dBu max)
Mic/Instrument (+20dBu/+14dBu max)
4 x microphone preamps with up to 75dB of gain
Selectable 48V phantom power, Soft Limit and phase invert
Analog Outputs
6 x 1/4" TRS line jacks (+20 dBu maximum output level)
1 x 1/4" stereo headphone jack
Digital Inputs
2 x Optical Toslink ADAT/SMUX (44.1 to 96 kHz)
Digital Outputs
1 x BNC Word Clock
MIDI In/Out
1 x dedicated USB port (type-A connector)
Mic Preamps
EIN: 128 dB (un-weighted) @ 60 dB, 150 Ohm input
Max input level: +20 dBu
Input impedance: 3 Kohm
Hi-Z Load
Max input level: 14 dBu
Input impedance: >2 Mohm
A/D Conversion
Max input level (+4 dBu ref): +20 dBu
Max input level (-10 dBV ref): +6 dBV
Input impedance: 5 Kohm
Frequency response20 Hz - 20 kHz: > +/-0.2 dB (@44.1 kHz)
Rel. THD + N: -106 dB (@96 kHz)
Dynamic Range: 114 dB (A-weighted)
D/A Conversion
Max output level (+4 dBu ref): +20 dBu
Max output level (-10 dBV ref): +6 dBV
Line output impedance: 90 Ohm
Max output level headphones: 19 dBu
HPH output impedance: 30 Ohm
Frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz: > +/- 0.05 dB (@44.1 kHz)
Rel. THD+N: -113 dB (@96 kHz)
Dyn Range: 123 dB (A-weighted)
Displays
2 x top panel high-resolution OLED displays
Controller
Apogee controller knob
Touchpad
6 x touchpads for direct selection of inputs and outputs
3 x assignable touchpads to control Mute Outputs, Dim Outputs, Sum to Mono, Clear Meters, Engage Speaker Set (allows monitoring of up to 3 pairs of speakers)
Mac System Requirements
Mac OS X 10.6.8, 10.7.4 or greater
Intel Mac 1.5 GHz or faster (not Windows compatible)
2GB RAM minimum (4GB recommended)
Available USB port
DC Power
iOS System Requirements
iOS 5.1 and later
30-pin dock connector or optional Lightning to 30-pin adapter
DC power supply included
iOS Device Compatibility
iPad
iPad 2
iPad (3rd generation)
iPad (4th generation) requires Lightning to 30-pin adapter
iPad mini requires Lightning to 30-pin adapter
iPhone 4
iPhone 4S
iPhone 5 requires Lightning to 30-pin adapter
iPod touch (4th generation)
iPod touch (5th generation) requires Lightning to 30-pin adapter
Compatible Software
Logic
Pro Tools 9 & 10
Final Cut
Ableton Live
GarageBand
Studio One
Cubase
Digital Performer
Nuendo
Dimensions
Not specified by manufacturer
Weight
Not specified by manufacturer
Packaging Info
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
12.3 x 8.3 x 5.6"

Apogee Electronics Quartet Reviews

See any errors on this page?
Whatever You Need, We've Got It