The Apogee Quartet Lightning Audio Interface for iOS & Mac is a multi-channel USB 2.0 Audio Interface with Lightning Connector Cable. The Quartet provides four-inputs and eight-outputs and MIDI, which when paired with an optional ADAT Lightpipe equipped expander, allows for streaming up to twelve channels of audio into an Apple computer, iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. It features four microphone preamps with 75 dB of gain and combo XLR/TRS inputs for connecting microphones, instruments, or line-level signals.
Two TOSLink optical inputs, besides providing the option of eight-channel ADAT Lightpipe input, when used together, support SMUX for higher sample rate audio transfer. The rear panel houses six analog 1/4" TRS line-level outputs, a Wordclock output, and dual USB ports. One USB port is for connection to the Mac or iOS device, and the other supports USB MIDI input and output. A USB to Lightning cable is included for connecting to Lightning connector iOS devices such as the iPhone5, iPhone5c, iPhone5s, iPad Air, and 2nd generation iPad Mini. A side panel 1/4" TRS jack provides independent headphone output.
The balanced 1/4" outputs allow for referencing audio on up to three separate sets of monitors. Three "QuickTouch Pads" with LED highlight rings above the main controller knob can be assigned to different functions, such as mute and sum-to-mono. They can also be used to switch the analog outputs on or off, facilitating sound comparison on different kinds of speakers. Two color OLED displays supply detailed metering and other information, including gain level, headphone volume, and phantom power status.
Apogee Maestro software for Mac and iOS provides low latency monitoring and control of Quartet. The unit features special circuitry that makes a direct digital connection to iPad and iOS devices and is certified by Apple's MFi (Made for iOS) program. The Quartet is also able to charge an iPad for uninterrupted recording and mixing. With hundreds of music apps for iOS and iPad available and plug-and-play functionality, making music on these portable devices is easier than ever.
Quartet Features at a Glance
Multi-channel audio interface for iPad
Direct digital connection to iPod touch, iPhone, iPad
Works with new iPhone 5, iPad (4th generation), iPad mini (Apple Lighting cable included)
Works with GarageBand, Auria, MultiTrack and any Core Audio compliant app on iOS
Works with GarageBand, Logic, Pro Tools, Ableton and any Core Audio compliant app on Mac
Low-latency monitoring, complete input/output control with Apogee's Maestro software (iOS and Mac)
MIDI input/output (USB-A type connector)
DC power supplies charge to iPod touch, iPhone or iPad
USB 2.0 audio with 24-bit/192 kHz A/D and D/A conversion
Four analog inputs with microphone preamps and selectable 48V phantom power
ADAT/SMUX digital inputs
Monitor control of up to three speaker sets
Independent 1/4" stereo headphone output
QuickTouch pads for input/output selection and advanced control
Built with die-cast aluminum, steel and a scratch-resistant display panel
Maestro Software
Input type selection and level control
Microphone preamp level control
Speaker, headphone selection, and volume control
Low-latency monitoring
Clock source, sample rate setting
Minimized tool bar view with System Status, volume controls, mute and clear meters buttons
Comprehensive metering
Intuitive audio routing
Soft Limit and phase invert on each input
Complete Connections
Connect up to four microphones, instruments, keyboards or line inputs
Plug in a MIDI controller or keyboard
Expand with up to eight digital inputs via ADAT Lightpipe
Monitor and mix in stereo with up to 3 sets of speakers, or in 5.1 surround
USB 2.0 Interface
USB 2.0 high-speed connectivity
With advances in the Apple's Core Audio driver, USB 2.0 performs faster and with lower latency than FireWire 400
While USB 3.0 offers approximately ten times the bandwidth of USB 2.0, USB 2.0 far exceeds the bandwidth Quartet requires for its potential twelve inputs and eight outputs
Creative Control
Ergonomic, angular design and intuitive user interface make the unit a perfect studio control center for a Mac computer or iOS device
Dual full-color screens for critical input and output detail
QuickTouch Pads for easy I/O selection
Single, large controller knob
AD/DA Converters
Converters designed to deliver unadulterated recordings and a stellar listening experience
Efficient circuitry and state-of-the-art components provide a simplified signal path that results in transparent recordings
Mic Preamps
Feature the latest components and offer seamless click-free transitions as the gain increases and decreases throughout the 0 to 75dB gain range
Allows for dialing in the perfect level, either with the controller knob or from within software
Deliver ultra-low noise and smooth, crisp detail
Suitable for all dynamic, condenser or ribbon microphones
Digital Connections
Eight channels of digital input via two ADAT optical connectors
Connect an additional analog-to-digital converter with microphone preamps for additional inputs
SMUX support for higher sample rate digital audio
Wordclock output for synching an external A/D converter to Apogee's clock
Analog Outputs
Six balanced 1/4" TRS outputs allow for listening and comparing stereo mixes on up to three sets of speakers
Mix audio or Final Cut video projects in 5.1 surround
In live situations use all three stereo sets on stage, sending signal to the performer, the monitor mixer and front-of-house
Studio-quality 1/4" headphone output independently adjusts headphone levels separate from the main outputs
MIDI
Dedicated USB MIDI I/O connection for connecting a CoreMIDI compatible keyboard, synthesizer or DJ controller
Leaves a USB port available on a Mac for external hard-drives and other devices, eliminating the need for an external MIDI interface
USB Aggregation with Apogee Duet 2
Duet 2 users can add more channels of Apogee conversion to their existing setups by adding Quartet
Connect both Quartet and Duet 2 to a Mac's USB ports and aggregate the two devices for a combined total of six analog inputs and twelve analog outputs
Displays
Two high-resolution OLEDs deliver all the visual feedback critical for recording and monitoring
Without looking at a computer, Quartet displays metering, levels, grouping and phase, muting, phantom power and Soft Limit for all inputs and outputs
QuickTouch Pads
Easily access all important recording and monitoring functions
Tap a QuickTouch Pad on the top panel to select an input or output and easily adjust level with the controller knob
All input and output touchpads feature an LED highlight ring (the ring of the active touchpad is brighter)
ABC
Three additional configurable touchpads (labeled A, B, C) allow for quick access to 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 2 application
A, B, C selectors can be configured in Apogee's Maestro software to switch between up to three pairs of speakers allowing the Quartet to function like a standard monitor controller
Soft Limit
Prevents digital clipping that causes distortion by instantaneously rounding off transient peaks before they hit the analog-to-digital converter
Allows for several more decibels of apparent level to be recorded while subtly providing an analog-like warmth to the sound
$1,395.00