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."

"Evaluating Quartet's superior sound has spoiled me for my other gear, and it now sits at the very top of my wish list."

"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."

"There are a lot of details that help make the Quartet such an amazing device. It’s packed with cutting edge technology all designed with the purest audio in mind...All of this adds up to one thing: uncompromising audio quality. The difference between a device like this and other iOS audio converters is almost laughable."

"While there are many manufacturers whose audio interfaces support iOS (RME, Focusrite, and others), Apogee are arguably more serious than most about their interfaces being used with iOS devices. The Quartet (like the company's One and Duet interfaces) now comes with both 30-pin and Lightning cables, in addition to a regular USB cable for use with a Mac. And, best of all, that 30-pin or Lightning cable is also able to power and charge your iOS device. This is a really big deal since the majority of audio interfaces that can be connected to an iOS device don't have such capability, meaning you only get one charge's worth of music or audio work with the interface attached."

"You can consider the Quartet as a larger Duet 2, which is no surprise. The product is just as easy to use, well thought-out, and very attractive. Their sound is exactly the same thanks to its high-quality, low-noise preamps with 75dB of gain. Luckily, Apogee included eight ADAT channels with the Quartet."

"Apogee Quartet blew away my expectations in both build and sound quality, and in ease of use and functionality. Using the Quartet feels like you have two devices built into one: a professional 4×8 interface and a monitor control device with fantastic digital to analog conversion. Quartet connects seamlessly to Mac, iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad but still has no Windows connectivity, so if you’re a Windows user you’re out of luck for now. Digital inputs increase the value of the Quartet as you can use Apogee’s clocking and conversion to expand to up to 8 more channels. At $1395, Quartet is not cheap, but its intuitive design, superior sound quality, and seamless, integrated iOS connection make it head and shoulders above any other interface in its class and well worth the money."

"If you're really serious about capturing quality audio and you're looking for a device that works not just with your iPad, but you can also use with a Mac, you might want to consider the Apogee Quartet. The Quartet is definitely the priciest of the devices we've looked at in this series, but you can really feel the quality throughout this device. From its solid metal construction to the quality components, to the warm rich tones it captures."

"I’m not at all close to a pro-level musician, but the Apogee line has been synonymous with pro-level audio quality for a long time. Reviewing items that cost this much money are a little tough because at the back of my mind is always “it costshow much?” With the Quartet, if you need to record more than two inputs and need a portable device that works with your Mac or iOS device that gives you pro-level sound, then yes, the Quartet is worth the hefty price tag."

"In this review I went through the acrobatics of “setting aside the fact that this is an iOS-compatible gizmo” because one must first realize that the Quartet is one serious interface. Up to 12 inputs, 8 outputs, full monitor management, low-latency mixing, extremely flexible studio control, MIDI integration, and more, all combined with the sound that made Apogee famous... it all adds up to the Quartet being a very heavy hitter in the DAW-hardware arena. Once you’ve grasped that, then you can add in that it makes a brilliant portable iOS audio/MIDI solution, one that takes the iPad’s processing power seriously when paired with the right apps. Whether you believe the future is in the palm of your hand or you’re still solidly siding with the tried-and-true Mac platform... or if you want to be able to move between both worlds and rely on top-quality interfacing no matter what... then the Quartet is a sound investment that will pay major dividends in your final mixes."

"The Apogee Quartet is a solidly built, high quality, USB audio interface for those using Apple products from the iPad and iPhone to Apple laptop and desktop computers. While we can tell you all day how cool, interesting, and useful the iOS connectivity is, the barometer for quality when it comes to interfaces will always be the sound. In that regard you can’t go wrong with the Apogee Quartet with its great analog to digital converters and fantastic sounding microphone pre-amps."

"Are you a performing songwriter and Apple devotee looking to upgrade your recording setup? Perhaps you have a one or two input recording interface and would like to capture your duo or band in a more organic live setting? Or maybe you simply have outdated gear. If so, make the new Apogee Quartet your command central and don’t look back."

"The results were nothing short of spectacular. After comparison with TC Electronic, Focusrite and NI interfaces, the Apogee dusted the competition and produced a much more natural, open sound. The stereo image seemed wider, yet tighter and the overall sonic quality was actually less fatiguing over long periods."