Quartet for iPad & MacThe first professional multi-channel audio interface for iPad & MacPrice: $1395
|
Apogee 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 Duet with your iPad or iOS device.
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 been instrumental in creating countless GRAMMY® and OSCAR® winning recordings and have set the industry standard in professional recording for over two decades. Quartet is built solidly on this reputation.
I already own Quartet can I upgrade for iPad compatibility?
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.
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.
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.
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.

Interacting with iPad to make music is like playing an instrument. In fact, some apps like Apple’s GarageBand turn your iPad into a guitar or virtual instrument. Whether you are moving faders on a mixer, adjusting software parameters, or editing a waveform, iPad’s multi-touch interface is a more hands on environment and superior to mouse clicks or track pad swipes.
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 and JamUp Pro, the music creation offering for iPad is vast and varied. And most apps are more affordable than their Mac based counterparts.
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.
Sharing functionality is built-in to most apps, making it easier then ever to move files and collaborate on different devices including iPad to Mac.

Apogee pioneered studio-quality recording on iPad with JAM, the first digital guitar input and MiC the first professional digital microphone for iPad. JAM was featured in Apple’s iPad 2, GarageBand launch video. Now with ONE, Duet and Quartet, Apogee is the first to introduce professional multi-track recording interfaces to the world of iPad and iOS. These products complete this amazing platform by offering musicians, producers and engineers professional tools for music recording, production and listening.


For almost 30 years, Apogee has been setting the standard in digital audio recording technology with award-winning products.
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.

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.
*Connection to iOS devices with a Lightning port requires the
Lightning to 30-pin Adapter.

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.



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.

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.

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. 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.

Quartet provides Word Clock OUT for synching an external A/D converter to Apogee’s superior clocking technology.

Quartet provides a single USB MIDI connection for your CoreMIDI compatible keyboard, synth, or DJ controller. This eliminates the need for an external MIDI interface and promotes an all-in-one music creation solution where Quartet and Maestro manage all audio and MIDI. On iPad, Quartet’s MIDI connection allows both Quartet and a keyboard or DJ controller to be connected at the same time to the iPad’s single 30-pin dock port.
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 (8 with mic pres) along with Quartet’s 8 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.
Duet users can add more channels of high-quality Apogee conversion to their existing setups by adding Quartet. Connect both Quartet and Duet 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.
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.
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.

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.


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.
![]()
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.
![]()
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.
![]()

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.
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.
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.
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.
Using Apogee ONE, Duet and Quartet, along with Auria and iPad, Erick Serna and the Killing Floor recorded "Whiskey Song". Erick recorded his guitar and vocals using ONE, and then exported from Auria into Dropbox. Julio and Cliff then downloaded the session from Dropbox onto their iPad and recorded bass and drums using Quartet. Julio recorded his bass direct. Cliff's drums were recorded with a Neumann U67 over the kit and another in front, a AKG D112 on kick and a Shure SM57 on snare.
In this video Diplo talks about how Quartet brings his personal studio (former Beastie Boys studio "G-Son") to a professional level. Music: DIPLO "Express Yourself" featuring Nicky Da B.
Apogee Quartet is everything you need to make professional, studio quality recordings at home on your Mac... as Vonda Shepard shows us in this video. The Boesendorfer piano was recorded with an AKG C24 stereo microphone going into the pristine mic pre amp and conversion of the Quartet. Vonda's vocals were recorded with a Neumann M49, also using the incredible Quartet mic pre amp and A to D converter.
The ultimate desktop studio interface and control center for Mac
Apogee Quartet is a professional USB audio interface designed to deliver the ultimate desktop recording experience to the 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 the 8-channel Apogee Ensemble.
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.
Recording Piano and Vocals with Apogee Quartet - Vocal Mic: Neumann M49 - Boesendorfer Piano Mic: AKG C24 stereo microphone
|
|||||
Recording a Band with the Apogee Quartet
|
|||||
Recording Drums with the Apogee Quartet
|
|||||
Recording a Hammond B3 with the Apogee Quartet Microphones used
|
|||||
Recording Electric Guitar with the Apogee Quartet Microphones used
|
|||||

iPod touch* (5th generation)
iPhone 5*
iPad* (4th generation)
iPad mini*
* Requires Apple’s Lightning to 30-pin adapter. Sold separately.
iPod touch (4th generation)
iPhone 4s
iPhone 4
iPad (3rd generation)
iPad 2
iPad
![]()
"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."
"Evaluating Quartet's superior sound has spoiled me for my other gear, and it now sits at the very top of my wish list."
"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."

"When judging the value of something like the Quartet, you have to factor in what it might cost you to add decent mic preamps to a more mundane interface and also the cost of a separate monitor controller. You also have to consider logistics — where is everything going to fit? Quartet provides a compact solution capable of true 'big boys' performance "
See a preview of the review here>
See the full review in Sound on Sound November 2012 edition
Coming from Metric Halo and this thing is amazing!"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 |
I Love it!!!"I had doubts spending all this money at first, but after using it for a couple of months....I'm glad that I bought it. Best upgrade to my aging M-audio fastrack interface. Simple, reliable, great quality in build and sound, preamps are amazing and now it is compatible with iOS"
Alex from Lexington Park, MD |
Worth Every Penny"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 |
Love it!!!"This unit is worth every penny. I upgraded from a Duet 2 to the Quartet largely to gain the two extra Apogee mic preamps (which sound excellent) as well as the ADAT inputs. Money well spent.”
Todd from IL |
Exceptional"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 |
Clear as Never Heard Before"Justified, you will feel a true difference. you will hear what you were lacking don't think here and there just go for it !!!!! it worths your single penni !!!!!!! The converters are so damn good i don't believe that this small Machine can turn you Mixes Big ..........”
Ali Mustafa from Pakistan |
A GameChanger"Coming from the Motu 828mk2 the Apogee One sounded amazing. However, mid day we received the Quartet and swapped out the One and was completely shocked at how detailed the low frequencies were. From top to bottom the Quartet is detailed, punchy, and super clean sounding. Operation is a pleasure with the touch screen, stereo to mono, dim, and much more.”
Mac |
Apogee gear for music creation on a Mac, iPad and iPhone |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
JAM |
Studio quality guitar input
|
$99 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MiC |
Studio quality microphone
|
$199 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ONE for iPad & Mac
|
2 IN x 2 OUT USB audio interface/microphone
|
$349 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Duet for iPad & Mac
|
2 IN x 4 OUT USB audio interface for iPad & Mac
|
$649 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Quartet for iPad & Mac
|
4 IN x 8 OUT USB audio interface and studio control center for iPad & Mac
|
$1395 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ONE for Mac |
1 IN x 2 OUT USB Microphone and Audio Interface
|
$249 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
GIO |
1 IN x 2 Out USB guitar interface and software controller for Mac
|
$395 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ensemble
|
8 IN x 8 OUT FireWire audio interface for MacAll-in-one FireWire audio interface for MacThis product is no longer in production Check the Apogee Store for refurbished Ensembles> |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Symphony I/O
|
2-to-32 channel modular audio interface for Mac
|
Starting at$2495 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Symphony I/O | ThunderBridge
|
64-channel Thunderbolt audio interface
|
$995 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||