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12 IN x 8 OUT USB Audio Interface for Mac and PC

iPad and iPhone compatible. Cable sold separately.

The Ultimate Desktop Audio Interface

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.

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Play the Quartet Overview Video

See what Ric’key Pageot (Keys for Madonna & Dessy Di Lauro) says about Quartet.

Apogee Quartet 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 or PC.
  • 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.

Sound Quality

The Apogee Advantage

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

ESS Sabre32 32-bit Hyperstream DAC with Time Domain Jitter Eliminator offers unequalled dynamic range, ultra low distortion, and unmatched audio clarity free from input jitter.

ESS-Sabre-32

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.

Learn more

Apogee Quartet Product Tour

All the I/O You Need

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

See it, Select it, Dial it in

See your I/O in detail

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

QuickTouch pads for input and 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 application.

Monitor control

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.

Dial it all in

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.

Design

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.

Apogee-Assure

Apogee Maestro Software

Application for low latency monitoring
and control of Apogee audio interfaces on Mac, PC or iOS

Apogee Maestro Software

Application for low latency monitoring and control of Apogee audio interfaces on Mac, PC or iOS.

Access all control functions and settings with Maestro, Apogee’s comprehensive software control application. Maestro features a single window interface with quick access to all Apogee device settings. Select your input type, enable Soft Limit on mic and instrument inputs, and use the mixer for low latency monitoring. Maestro lets you easily configure your Apogee interface to fit your workflow.

Maestro is included in the Quartet software installer for Mac/PC. If you’re connecting Quartet to an iPhone or iPad (iOS cable sold separately), Maestro is available for free from the App store.

Learn more about Maestro
  • Logic Pro Integration

Apogee hardware control is
integrated directly into Logic Pro X

If you are using an Apogee interface, you can adjust hardware input parameters directly from the Mixer view in Logic Pro X, including mic pre gain, input type selection, 48V phantom power and more. This simplified user experience helps you focus on a single session window when recording, and offers comprehensive visibility and control of input parameters.

Control Apogee hardware and Logic Pro X from an iOS device

Apogee hardware input controls are also accessible through the Logic Remote App on iPhone or iPad, enabling Apogee users to wirelessly adjust their input levels and settings from anywhere in the studio. Drummers can adjust mic pres without having to get up from behind the kit, engineers can do a line check while still setting up mics, and home musicians recording themselves can switch between a microphone and directly connected instrument without having to be in front of their computers.

Control Apogee hardware and Logic Pro X from an iOS device

USB 2.0

High Speed, High Performance

Faster than FireWire

Quartet features USB 2.0 High-speed connectivity to Mac. 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.

…and as fast as USB 3.0

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 8 outputs, delivering exceptional audio performance without compromise.

Related Apogee Knowledgebase articles:

Apogee Quartet Artists

Ben Schneider – Founding Member of Lord Huron and Apogee Quartet

Recent Projects: Ed Sheeran, Camila Cabello, John Legend

Amy Wadge – Grammy Winning Songwriter and Apogee Quartet

Recent Projects: Ed Sheeran, Camila Cabello, John Legend

Jason Agel – Mixing and Recording Engineer

Recent Projects: John Legend, Prince, Rick Ross, Estelle, Michael Bolton, Common
“Apogee's Quartet is a great sounding interface, that enables a professional workflow in a home studio device. With excellent converters, a great stereo image, and an intuitive monitoring interface, I would recommend this interface to any producer or engineer.”
See All Quartet Artists

Apogee Quartet Image Gallery

Apogee Quartet Recordings

Recording Drums with Apogee Quartet and iPad

Recording Chelsea Williams with Apogee Quartet and iPad

Recording a band on iPad with Apogee Quartet, Duet & ONE

See All Quartet Recordings

Apogee Quartet Videos

How to Record Drums with Four Microphones

WATCH NOW

Apogee Quartet for iPad & Mac

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Professional Apogee recording with ONE, Duet & Quartet on iPad

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See All Quartet Videos

Apogee Quartet Customer Reviews

Exceptional

GoldStars

“This interface is exceptional. The pres and converters are crystal clear, and the functionality, build quality, ease of use, and features are all outstanding. If you have a budget interface, you WILL notice a huge difference with this piece of gear! I had it up and running in minutes, and it has performed flawlessly ever since.”

Matt from USA
From Sweetwater

Worth Every Penny

GoldStars

“The sound quality is amazing and the functionality is better than any other interface I’ve ever used. It’s big enough to have a presence in the lab, but small enough sit on my Avalon and still allow it to breath. I bought it as a backup and mobile solution when my Avid Omni went in the shop for repair and it hands down holds its own in comparison. It’s also extremely stable. I have to reinstall Pro Tools HD to find my Omni and thunderbolt interface quite often, but I’ve only had to do one install with this box and its ran flawlessly ever since. I buy equipment all of the time and this is the first review I’ve ever been this compelled to write. I love my Avid Omni, but us creative enthusiasts tend to appreciate when a product has a solid price to quality ratio, and this box hit the nail on the head in that regard. The Quartet lived up to the hype and exceeded all of my expectations. It is truly a beast….”

Marcus Polo from Memphis
From Sweetwater

Coming from Metric Halo and this thing is amazing!

GoldStars

“This is only the 3rd or 4th thing I have ever reviewed online because I generally think it is a waste of time. However when a product is this great it deserves recognition”

CP from San Francisco, CA
From Sweetwater

See All Quartet Customer Reviews

Apogee Quartet Press Reviews

“An extensive monitor controller to increase our workflow when mixing and mastering…also a high-quality audio interface that won’t be replaced in a few months.”

“For a remote recording rig, combined with an iPad, (Quartet) is a stellar and very compact option. This is the first USB all-in-one rig that I’ve encountered where I truly felt like I could make a record and not feel like apologizing for any audio compromises. It’s that good.”

“The preamps and converters in the Quartet don’t sound like a cheap circuit with the Apogee name; they have that Apogee sound. Rather than just being honest and transparent, it would be fairer to say that nothing is lost, but they do seem to add a little sparkle to the top end. When capturing the subtleties of the creaks and finger drags and the little details that make an acoustic performance feel real, the preamps of the Quartet and the One leave nothing to be desired. The same could be said about the way they record vocals. With all the breath and humanity that they preserve, the recorded performance is really true to itself…In general, the Quartet is a rock-solid music creation station. It’s serious, professional, looks fantastic and sounds even better. The features are just right, no frivolity. The iOS bonus just made it that much better.”

See All Quartet Press Reviews

More about Apogee Quartet

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