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Apogee

Quartet 12 In x 8 Out USB Audio Interface for Mac and PC

SKU: # 377650   |   Model: # QUARTET   |    Product Reviews3 Reviews  Write a Review

Quartet 12 In x 8 Out USB Audio Interface for Mac and PC

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Quartet 12 In x 8 Out USB Audio Interface for Mac and PC
Quartet 12 In x 8 Out USB Audio Interface for Mac and PC

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YouTube Video Quartet 12 In x 8 Out USB Audio Interface with Waves Gold Plugin Bundle
YouTube Video Quartet 12 In x 8 Out USB Audio Interface with Waves Gold Plugin Bundle

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Apogee Quartet is the ultimate desktop audio interface and studio control center for professional recording. Made for the musician, producer and engineer that wants the ultimate sound quality and studio control in a compact desktop form factor, Quartet features legendary Apogee AD/DA conversion, 4 world-class microphone preamps, USB MIDI I/O, ESS Sabre32 DAC technology and monitor controls.

With Quartet's 4 Combo inputs you can connect microphones, guitars, keyboards or line level devices such as external mic preamps or a mixing board. Expand your system with 8 additional inputs via Quartets optical (ADAT/SMUX) digital IN. Quartet also includes 8 analog outputs - 6 1/4" balanced outputs for connection to speakers or outboard equipment and a separate, independently controlled 1/4" stereo headphone output. You can control up to 3 pairs of speakers or set Quartet up for 5.1 surround monitoring.

Highlights:

  • AD/DA conversion for recording up to 192kHz / 24-bit.

  • 4 analog inputs with world-class mic preamps and selectable 48v phantom power for connecting microphones, instruments or line-level devices.

  • 8 analog outputs - 6 balanced 1/4" outs for speakers or outboard gear, 1/4 stereo headphone output.

  • 8 digital inputs via 2 optical connections (ADAT/SMUX).

  • Monitor control for up to 3 sets of speakers or 5.1 surround.

  • USB 2.0 High Speed connection to Mac.

  • Direct digital connection with iOS devices (iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. 30-pin cable sold separately).

  • Software control of hardware parameters including input selection and low latency monitoring.

A difference you will hear.
From the mic preamps to the AD/DA converters and the clocking, Quartet is best-in-class and 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.
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.
Much like the AD/DA converters, 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 0-75dB. 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 pres are suitable for all dynamic, condenser or ribbon microphones, allowing you to capture any sound without compromise.

Soft Limit for protection from digital overs.
An Apogee technology first introduced in 1992 on Apogee's AD-500 converter, Soft Limit can be heard on countless platinum selling records around the world. Once a technology exclusively reserved for Apogee's most advanced audio converters, Soft Limit is included in Quartet and can be enabled in Apogee Maestro software. This superior analog design 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.

ESS Sabre32 DAC Technology.
While ESS Sabre32 DAC has been widely recognized and employed in the audiophile community as the next step in converter technology, Apogee is one of the first pro audio manufacturers to employ this DAC in an interface designed for audio and video professionals. ESS Sabre32 DAC technology, as employed in Duet 2, Duet for iPad & Mac, Quartet and Symphony I/O, is one ingredient in the Apogee Engineering Difference. The benefits of the ESS Sabre32 DAC include:
• 32-bit DAC Architecture - Compared to older 24-bit technology, the Sabre32 DAC's 32-bit filter processing results in significantly lower noise and distortion, for a pure listening experience free from artifacts. 32-bit digital attenuation ensures that sonic purity is maintained at any listening level.
• Time Domain Jitter Elimination removes clock inconsistencies from the incoming digital data, so the converted analog output preserves the clarity and soundstage detail of the original recording.

Inputs & Outputs:

Analog Inputs
Quartet is equipped with 4 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 8 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 6 balanced 1/4 TRS outputs offer an impressive range of possibilities. Listen and compare stereo mixes on up to three sets of speakers.

Word Clock
Quartet provides Word Clock OUT 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.

Control

Dual, high-resolution displays show all input and output details.
Quartet features twice the display you came to love with Duet. 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.

Quickly select I/O & functions.
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 application.

Speaker set selection.
The A, B, C selectors above the controller knob can be configured in Apogee's Maestro software to switch between up to 3 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.

Quickly adjust input gain and output level with Quartet's control knob.
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.

Features:

• Low latency monitoring, complete input/output control with Apogee's Maestro software (iOS & Mac)
• USB 2.0 High-speed Mac audio interface
• 4 Analog Inputs:
• Combination line (balanced +20dBu max)
• Mic/Instrument (+20dBu/+14dBu max)
• 4 Microphone preamps with up to 75dB of gain
• Selectable 48v phantom power, Soft Limit and phase invert
• Digital Inputs:
• ADAT/SMUX Input, 8 channels, 2 Toslink connectors, 44.1kHz to 96kHz
• MIDI input (USB-A type connector)
• 8 Analog Outputs:
• 6 Balanced line outputs, +20 dBu maximum output level
• 1 Independent 1/4 stereo headphone output
• Digital Outputs:
• MIDI output (USB-A type connector)
• Word clock output on BNC connector
• A/D and D/A conversion: 24 bit/192kHz
• 2 top panel high-resolution OLED displays
• Controller knob
• 6 touchpads for direct selection of inputs and outputs
• 3 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)
• Legendary Apogee sound quality
• Designed in California Made in the U.S.A.

Specifications:

Mic Pre:
• EIN: 128dB (un-weighted) @ 60dB, 150Ohm input
• Max input level: +20dBu
• Input impedance: 3KOhm
Hi-Z:
• Max input level 14 dBu
• Input impedance: >2MOhm
A/D conversion:
• Max input level (+4dBu ref): +20dBu
• Max input level (-10dBV ref): +6dBV
• Input impedance: 5KOhm
• Freq resp 20 Hz -20Khz: > +/-0.2dB (@44.1Khz)
• Rel. THD + N: -106dB (@ 96Khz)
• Dyn. Range: 114dB (A-weighted)
D/A conversion:
• Max output level (+4dBu ref): +20dBu
• Max output level (-10dBV ref): +6dBV
• Line output impedance: 90 Ohm
• Max output level headphones: 19dBu
• HPH output impedance 30 Ohm.
• Freq resp 20Hz -20 Khz: > +/- 0.05dB (@44.1Khz)
• Rel. THD+N : -113dB (@96Khz)
• Dyn Range: 123dB (A-weighted)

System Requirements:

*In 2017 Apogee announced Windows 10 Compatibility for ONE, Duet and Quartet Audio Interfaces. The new Windows software installers include a firmware update for the hardware, custom Apogee ASIO audio driver and PC compatible version of Apogee's Maestro application for controlling audio interface settings and low latency monitoring. All the same functionality available to Mac and iOS users is now available to Windows 10 users and the same interface can be used on either Mac, PC or iOS.

Mac OS:
Computer: Intel Mac 1.5GHz or faster
Memory: 2 GB RAM minimum, 4 GB recommended
OS: 10.6.8, 10.7.5 or greater
Connection and power: Any available USB port on a Mac
Power: DC Power supply included

Windows:
OS: Windows 10 Enterprise, Pro or Home Editions (64-bit)
Anniversary Update or greater
Driver: Apogee Maestro & Apogee USB ASIO driver
Computer: Windows PC with Intel Core i3 processor or greater
Memory: 4 GB RAM minimum, 8 GB Recommended
Connection: USB port on computer
Power: External power supply (included)

iOS:
iOS version: 6 or greater
Connection: Lightning connector
DC Power supply included

iOS device compatibility:
iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 7,
iPhone SE, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5,
iPad Pro (9.7-inch), iPad Pro (12.9-inch), iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad (4th generation), iPad mini 4, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2, iPad mini, iPad (4th generation), iPod touch (6th generation), iPad touch (5th generation)

Compatible Software:

Mac
• Any Mac Core Audio compatible application
• Recommended apps: Logic, GarageBand, MainStage, Final Cut, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Digital Performer, Studio One, Cubase, and Nuendo
Windows
• Any ASIO compatible application or DAW
• Recommended apps: Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Studio One, Cubase
iOS
• Any iOS Core Audio compatible app. Recommended apps: GarageBand, Auria

In the box:
• Quartet
• USB Cable (Lightning and 30-pin cables sold separately)
• Universal Power Supply with standard 3 pin-IEC cable
• QuickStart Guide
• Instructions for download of software and complete documentation

Media


Quartet 12 In x 8 Out USB Audio Interface with Waves Gold Plugin BundleWatch Video
Youtube video product demo
Quartet 12 In x 8 Out USB Audio Interface with Waves Gold Plugin BundleWatch Video
Youtube video product demo

Q & A


There are currently no questions for this product.

Reviews


23.22.23.162
claudebot
Apogee Quartet 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
Features  
Quality  
Value  
Overall  
Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Halifax, Nova Scotia
Having owned a number of Digidesign, MOTU and Apogee products over the years, Duet, Mic, Ensemble and the studio AD16 and DA16, I have to say I love this interface. Though it might seem pricey you get Apogee quality, in both sound and build, and the 3 speaker pair option saves you from having to get a dedicated speaker control unit. It's a winner.
Posted by Kevin Evans on Feb 13, 2015
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The Best 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
Features  
Quality  
Value  
Overall  
Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Toronto (Bloor St.), Ontario
By far the best audio interface I have used, its crisp and clean, the design is amazing
Posted by masi on Feb 3, 2015
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Excellent I/O for hoe recording and listening. 3 of 3 customers found this review helpful
Features  
Quality  
Value  
Overall  
Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Calgary Chinook, Alberta
I had been using a small mixer for my I/O that had limited USB capabilities when a friend said he was buying a new I/O. I thought it was about time for an upgrade myself so I headed to L&M with the intent of buying Ableton Live and Push, and then would have a look at I/O options. I had looked up the Apogee Symphony devices and felt they were a bit too pro-level for my needs. I saw the Solo and Duet devices on the shelf, and inquired about the Quartet. The sales guy said it would be a good fit for my set-up so I bit the bullet (it's not cheap!) and added it to my purchase. Wow was I impressed. Right out of the box I plugged it in, registered it and it synched up with my Mac and virtually replaced the sound card. The two touch control buttons on the device are assignable through a slick on-screen interface, making it easy to mute or dim the volume. But what was even more impressive is the sound. Sweeeet sweet sounds that I had never heard before in favorite jazz recordings were making themselves heard through my M-Audio BX 8 monitors. Highly recommend the Quartet if it fits your budget, or is just above it, it's worth the stretch.
Posted by Torval on Nov 21, 2014
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Performance Warranty Banner

Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty

A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.

Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.

How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
  • Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
  • Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
  • No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
  • Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
  • Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
  • Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
  • Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
  • Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
  • Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
 

Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.

Purchasing additional years of coverage

Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.

If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:

  • NEW products: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
  • USED products: 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. 4% for each additional year.
  • GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
  • BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.