Apogee Electronics Quartet Professional Multi-Channel Audio Interface for iPad & Mac

The Apogee Electronics Quartet is a professional USB audio interface designed to deliver the ultimate desktop recording experience to the iPad and Mac-based studio. Featuring 4 inputs and 8 outputs of Apogee's industry-leading AD/DA conversion technology as well as 4 world-class mic preamps, Quartet bridges the gap between the 2-channel Apogee Duet and Apogee's flagship interface, Symphony I/O. Quartet for iPad and Mac features special circuitry designed to deliver professional performance for iPad use along with low latency USB 2.0 performance for Mac. Quartet's MIDI I/O connector lets you connect and power a Core MIDI compatible keyboard/controller while using Quartet with your iPad or iOS device.

Charges iOS device
Quartet charges the iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad when connected so your work is not interrupted.

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

Works with iOS and Mac
Direct connection with Lightning iOS devices (iPhone, iPod touch, iPad) and USB connection to Mac.

Maestro app for iOS and Mac
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
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A revolution in personal & professional recording
Apple's iPad is an incredible audio recording and music creation tool. Starting at $249, it is by far the most accessible, reliable and dynamic way to make music.

Setting up your studio has never been easier
iPad makes everything easier with a simplified user interface and plug and play connectivity for accessories like Apogee audio interfaces. You'll be amazed by how simple it is to set up your studio.

There's a music app for everything
There are hundreds of music apps for iOS and iPad. With multi-track recording DAWs like GarageBand and Auria, synths and drum machines like Animoog and DM1, utilities and guitar effects like Audiobus andJamUp Pro, the music creation offering for iPad is vast and varied. And most apps are more affordable than their Mac based counterparts.

Share your music
Sharing functionality is built-in to most apps, making it easier than ever to move files and collaborate on different devices including iPad to Mac.

Maestro control software for iOS
Apogee ONE, Duet and Quartet are the first audio interfaces to feature software control made for iPad and iOS devices. Apogee's Maestro lets you access all hardware parameters and monitor with a low latency mixer.

Direct digital connection to iPad
Apogee ONE, Duet and Quartet for iPad and Mac feature special circuitry that makes a direct digital connection to iPad and iOS devices and is certified by Apple's MFi (Made for iOS) program.

DC power charges iPad
In audio, adequate power is essential for excellent sound quality. With a direct digital connection and an external power source, ONE, Duet and Quartet are able to charge your iPad while you record so your work will not be interrupted.

Advanced Software Control for Advanced I/O
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 device and system 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.

All new Maestro developed for iPod touch, iPhone and iPad
Apogee's new free Maestro app for iOS brings total hardware control to iPad. Designed to create a seamless transition between Mac and iOS, Maestro's design was customized for each device; iPhone, iPad and Mac, ensuring an intuitive user interface across every platform. The app includes all the same essential functions available on the Mac including low latency monitoring. Maestro can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store on your iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad.

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.

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 Duet requires for its 2 inputs and 4 outputs, delivering exceptional audio performance without compromise.