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Description

Step into the realm of vintage computing with the Apple Macintosh Quadra 950, a classic powerhouse that once stood at the pinnacle of digital music production. Originally released in the early 1990s, this computer was a favorite among musicians and producers for its robust performance and Motorola 68040 processor. The Quadra 950 was designed to handle demanding tasks with ease, making it a reliable choice for those looking to explore retro music software or simply enjoy a piece of computing history.

Equipped with a flexible architecture, the Quadra 950 offers ample room for expansion, allowing musicians to customize their setup with additional peripherals and audio interfaces. Its built-in NuBus slots provide compatibility with a range of expansion cards, making it a versatile hub for various musical applications. Although technology has evolved, the Quadra 950 remains a cherished artifact for enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate the blend of nostalgia and functionality.

Whether you're diving into legacy MIDI sequencing, experimenting with vintage digital audio workstations, or expanding your collection of iconic music gear, the Apple Macintosh Quadra 950 is a testament to the innovation and creativity that defined an era.

Key Features:

  • Powered by the Motorola 68040 processor for reliable performance
  • Built-in NuBus slots for versatile expansion capabilities
  • Originally configured with up to 256MB of RAM
  • Includes SCSI interface for connecting external storage and peripherals
  • Classic Apple design, synonymous with quality and innovation in computing technology
Action Retro

Action Retro

Upgrading Apple's 1992 Super-Powered BEHEMOTH, the Quadra 950!

Video thumbnail for Upgrading Apple's 1992 Super-Powered BEHEMOTH, the Quadra 950! by Action Retro

Upgrading Apple's 1992 Super-Powered BEHEMOTH, the Quadra 950!

Action Retro

Action Retro

Video thumbnail for E-WASTE TO E-WIN! The $30,000 (AFI) Macintosh Quadra 950 Setup by Retro Hack Shack

E-WASTE TO E-WIN! The $30,000 (AFI) Macintosh Quadra 950 Setup

Retro Hack Shack

Retro Hack Shack

Video thumbnail for Apple Macintosh Quadra 950 (1992) Start Up and Demonstration by Jason's Macintosh Museum

Apple Macintosh Quadra 950 (1992) Start Up and Demonstration

Jason's Macintosh Museum

Jason's Macintosh Museum

Video thumbnail for Apple Macintosh Quadra 950 (1992) Full Tour and Disassembly by Jason's Macintosh Museum

Apple Macintosh Quadra 950 (1992) Full Tour and Disassembly

Jason's Macintosh Museum

Jason's Macintosh Museum

Video thumbnail for Macintosh Quadra 950 by CASE Computer Museum

Macintosh Quadra 950

CASE Computer Museum

CASE Computer Museum

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Apple Macintosh Quadra 950.

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners suggest checking for capacitor leakage and removing batteries to avoid potential damage, as these components may have aged significantly.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Quadra 950 is highly praised for its expansion capabilities, allowing users to customize and upgrade extensively.

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  • The availability of an HDD tray/bracket is crucial, as these parts are difficult to source and essential for functionality.

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  • The original keys included with the Quadra 950 can lock the machine to prevent it from turning on or disable input, a rare feature not commonly remembered.

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Comparisons

  • The graphics card for the Quadra 950 was notably expensive, reportedly costing more than a small car at the time, highlighting its high-end positioning.

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User experience

  • Some owners reminisce about using the Quadra 950 in the 90s, emphasizing its memorable design and performance at the time.

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  • The unit's ability to pass memory tests, display video, and produce sound, despite a non-functioning floppy drive, highlights its robust build even after years of inactivity.

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Other

  • The Quadra 950 is considered the pinnacle of the Snow White design language by some enthusiasts, marking it as a standout in Apple's design history.

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Value and pricing

  • Prices for Quadra 950s can exceed $1,000 on eBay, making a $570 offer seem reasonable for a unit in good condition.

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Use cases and applications

  • Some owners consider using the Quadra 950 as an old-school server, particularly running A/UX to relive historical computing experiences.

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  • The Quadra 950 was often used in professional editing systems, such as setups with UMATIC SP tape decks and Avid MediaSuite Pro.

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Build quality

  • A pristine unit without UV yellowing is especially valuable to collectors, as die-hard enthusiasts seek perfect plastic conditions.

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Software and compatibility

  • Running A/UX on a Quadra 950 significantly enhances its appeal, allowing users to explore historical UNIX-based software experiences.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how The Future Sound of London uses Apple Macintosh Quadra 950

The Future Sound of London

Music Producer

Vangelis & The Future Sound of London

...
Source: Muzines

Accessit: RIAA amp Akai: S900, S1000, S1100, S1100EX samplers Alesis: ADAT digital multitrack (x2), BRC remote controller, AI-2 audio/video synchroniser, MIDIverb II (x2), Quadraverb (x2) Apple: Quadra 950 computer Atari: 1040ST computer running Emagic Creator sequencing software Audio Logic: 20001 digital sampler BBE: Sonic Maximiser 422A bel: BD-80 digital delay Digidesign: ProTools disk-based recording system (4-track version) Drawmer: DS201 Dual Gate E-mu Systems: Proteus/1 XR module, Vintage Keys module EMS: Synthi AKS synth Fostex: Model 3070 compressor/limiter Ibanez: DM1100 digital delay Jen: SX1000 synth Korg: DRV-1000 digital reverb, Wavestation A/D synth module LA Audio: MIDI gate Oberheim: Matrix 1000 synth module, OB8 synth OSC: Oscar monosynth Roland: D110 module, JX3P synth, MKS50 module, SH101 monosynth, TB303 bass synth, TR909 drum machine Tascam: 103 cassette deck Sony: CDP-770 CD player, DTC-1000ES DAT machine Soundtracs: IL3632 36-input mixing desk Tannoy: Little Gold monitors Technics: SL1210 Mk2 record deck Urei: monitors Yamaha: DS55 synth, NS10M monitors, Q2031 graphic EQ, SPX90 multi-FX unit, TX81Z synth module

Sony: BKE-9500 Editing Control Disk Unit Edit Desk PCM-7050 Digital Audio Recorder PVW-2650P Betacam SP Videocassette Player PVW-2800P Betacam SP Videocassette Recorder Monitors (x4)

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Apple Macintosh Quadra 950, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Korg Wavestation A/D
Korg Wavestation A/D Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1
E-mu Vintage Keys
E-mu Vintage Keys Sound Modules
1
Yamaha NS-10M
Yamaha NS-10M Active & Passive Monitors
1
EMS Synthi AKS
EMS Synthi AKS Synthesizers
1
Sony PVW-2800P
Sony PVW-2800P Cassette Recorders & Duplicators
1
Sony PVW-2650P
Sony PVW-2650P Cassette Recorders & Duplicators
1

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