Using Apogee’s Quartet with the Ensemble
Quartet’s optical connections offer 8 additional ADAT/SMUX digital inputs at samples rates up to 96kHz. With an interface like Apogee’s Ensemble connected via optical, it’s possible to record up to 12 mics at a time.
To setup Quartet and Ensemble (or any ADAT/SMUX equipped 8 channel interface) for this application:
1. Connect optical Toslink cables between the interface’s ADAT/SMUX outputs and Quartet’s Optical inputs. At sample rates of 44.1-48kHz, all eight channels are transmitted over one Toslink cable – one cable between the interface and the Optical IN 1 is sufficient. At sample rates of 88.2-96kHz, channels 1-4 are transmitted over one cable (connected to Optical IN 1) and channels 5-8 are transmitted over a second cable (connected to Optical IN 2).
2. Connect a BNC cable between Quartet’s WC Out and the Ensemble’s word clock input.
3. Setup Ensemble in standalone mode:
- Connect Ensemble and to your Mac’s Firewire ports. Once Ensemble’s settings are made in Maestro, you’ll remove the Ensemble firewire connection.
- Open Maestro 2 and make sure Ensemble is the selected device from the devices sidebar.
- In the System Setup tab window, set Clock Source to Word Clock
- In the Device Settings tab, ensure that Optical In and Optical Out are set to ADAT/SMUX
- In the Standalone Routing tab window, route analog inputs to ADAT outputs
- Make other desired Maestro settings, such as configuring inputs 1-4 as Mic inputs.
- Once Maestro settings are complete, remove Ensemble’s Firewire connection. Ensemble’s front panel Status LED will turn green to indicate that the unit is now in Standalone mode.
The gain of each mic pre may be controlled from the front panel by pressing the left hand encoder to select a pre and turning the encoder to the desired setting. The analog and headphone outputs may be controlled with the right hand encoder in a similar fashion.
4. To check input levels for Quartet, open Maestro, click the Input tab and check the ADAT (SMUX) meters.
When you need help, Sweetwater has the answers!
Our knowledge base contains over 28,000 expertly written tech articles that will give you answers and help you get the most out of your gear. Our pro musicians and gear experts update content daily to keep you informed and on your way. Best of all, it’s totally FREE, and it’s just another reason that you get more at Sweetwater.com.
Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. Select manufacturers may require that only the manufacturer’s products qualify towards the minimum purchase amount needed to be eligible for promotional financing. Otherwise, an invoice that meets the minimum purchase amount and contains at least one qualifying manufacturer product is eligible for promotional financing. No interest will be charged on promo purchase balance, and equal monthly payments are required on promo purchase until it is paid in full. The payments equal the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next whole dollar. These payments may be higher than the payments that would be required if this purchase was a non-promo purchase. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to the prior months’ rounding. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.
Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on the promo balance if you pay it off, in full, within the promo period. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo balance from the purchase date. The required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off the promo balance before the end of the promo period, depending on purchase amount, promo length and payment allocation. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases and, after promo period ends, to the promo balance. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.
The estimated required monthly payment shown which excludes taxes and delivery equals the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next cent. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to this rounding. These payments apply only with the financing offer shown. If you make these payments by the due date each month, you should pay off this amount financed within the promo period, if it is the only balance you are paying off. If you have other balances on your account, this payment will be added to any other minimum monthly payments.
Applies only to select items from this manufacturer. Ask your Sweetwater Sales Engineer for more details.