Producer TECH
VERDICT BUILD QUALITY
EASE OF USE FEATURES
New DimeNsioN
Apogee’s updated Quartet audio interface and monitor controller ‘wedges’ itself nicely into any studio set-up...
AS far as professional audio interfaces are concerned, there are only a handful of brands that enjoy the kind of reputation that will satisfy the biggest names in the music production game. Apogee is one such name with a reputation for making truly world-class audio interfaces and microphone pre-amps. The Apogee Quartet is a high-end audio interface and speaker controller that will delight every Apple fan out there because not only does the updated Quartet work with Macs, it also works with iPads, making it the first truly high-end audio interface for that platform — but unfortunately PC users have drawn the short straw, as this device is not PC compatible. Even when spending big bucks on an audio interface the control panels are usually pretty sparse affairs, with the box intended to be tucked out of the way or stuck in a rack, which then leads to the need to purchase a speaker controller system to control the studio monitoring levels. However, the Apogee Quartet eliminates this problem, as it has a speaker management and input controls section built into the unit. The unique wedge shape of the Quartet is perfect for placing on a desk for easy access and the large
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knob and touch pads make for quick and painless changes to monitoring and input parameters. Visual feedback is provided via two lovely color displays which show level meters as well as parameter info to control gains, grouping, phantom power and the like.
ROCK SOLID The build quality of the Quartet is exactly what we have come to expect from Apogee. It is absolutely gorgeous with a die-cast aluminium case and control panel, with styling very similar to the Duet and Ensemble interfaces, which makes sense as the Quartet can be connected to these units to expand its input and output capabilities. The weight of the Quartet is surprisingly heavy and while this certainly adds to the high-quality feel of the unit, this combined with the size could be a little off-putting to those looking for a highly portable audio interface to use with their iPad on the road; saying that, if that is the desired use there is also the new updated Duet that would be up for the task. Given the nature of this unit, it is most likely to spend its life on a desk in a studio as the main audio interface rather than lurking at the bottom of a bag going from gig to gig.
BE PROFESSIONAL One of the easiest ways to get a bad reputation and lose gigs is to be demanding or unprofessional. Word spreads fast, so it pays to be nice and keep things professional.
The sound quality of the Quartet is nothing short of stunning. The digital-to-analogue converters are pristine and provide clear uncolored sound reproduction, as do the analogue-to-digital converters used to convert the four analog inputs to digital sound. The inputs are via four combi XLR/jack connectors which also have phantom power available for microphones that require power from an audio interface or microphone pre- amp. Next to the inputs on the rear of the Quartet are six jack outputs that can be used to drive three sets of stereo main outs, which is perfect for studios with more than one set of monitors. A further headphone output can be found on the side of the Quartet which has its own separate monitor mix available, as well as level control via the control surface.
TOP NOTCH Apogee have done a top-notch job on the Quartet which has been designed brilliantly, built beautifully and sounds absolutely stunning. For studios with fairly modest needs as far as amount of inputs are concerned, the Quartet will more than do the job of the main audio interface and if, later on down the
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Rehearsing a performance is the key to putting on a good show, this is as true for an orchestra as it is a dance act or DJ.
HYPE Some of the best audio
9.0 9.0 9.0
VALUE FOR MONEY 9.0 SOUND QUALITY
9.0
converters and mic pre-amps we have ever heard in an ultra-slick package that oozes professional quality and class.
GRIPE The Quartet will only work on
Mac and iPad, with PC users being left out in the cold.
A true professional level audio interface and speaker management system complete with a decent number of inputs, outputs and microphone pre-amps that will delight Apple aficionados.
9 /10
PRICE $1395
CONTACT
apogee.com
road, more channels are needed, then an Ensemble can be added to give a total of two inputs and eight outputs, or a Duet 2 can be connected to give six inputs and 12 outputs. Any Mac and iPad users looking for a top-notch audio interface should seek out a demo of this amazing interface so they can experience the quality for themselves.
TAKE YOUR TIME Rome wasn’t built in a day and the same is true for most great records. A polished and professional result takes time, so take things slowly and get all the elements exactly right.
djmag.com 087
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