Apogee Electronics (www.apogeedigital.com) has announced the US$1,295 Quartet, a desktop audio interface and control center for the Mac. It features four inputs, eight outputs, MIDI, top panel display and control.
Quartet connects to any Mac via USB 2.0. Its four combination inputs offer microphone, instrument and line input with a gain range of up to 75 dB. For additional channels, Quartet’s eight digital inputs create the option of connecting an external interface, like the Apogee Ensemble.
Quartet’s six balanced outputs deliver options for the video producer to mix in surround, the live performer to send multiple mixes to monitors and front-of-house and the mixer to send a mix to outboard compressors and EQs. Using Apogee’s Maestro software, the outputs will also split into three stereo pairs for connecting three speaker sets for auditioning mixes across various types of studio monitors.
The Quartet includes a USB MIDI connection for connecting a keyboard, synth or DJ controller. This feature consolidates all gear connections away from the Mac, making Quartet the control center for any studio, says Apogee CEO and Co-Founder Betty Bennett.