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Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface

The Apogee Duet 2 is a portable audio interface designed for Mac computers and features professional sound quality, full color OLED display, configurable touch pads, and much more. 18 People rated this product: Rate and Review This Product
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Product Description

Apogee's Duet is the most respected portable audio interface ever. Along with receiving many industry awards, Duet has also been instrumental in the creation of numerous GRAMMY winning records. While others have been trying to emulate its sound quality, ease of use and innovative design, we have been busy making an even better Duet. The Apogee Duet 2 builds on the incredible success of its predecessor by incorporating customer feedback, adding advanced new features and delivering even better sound quality than the original.

Turn your Mac into a professional recording studio

The Apogee Duet 2 is the best solution for capturing your music to your Mac. With the Apogee Duet 2, make studio quality recordings of vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, drums, and anything musical. And because the Apogee Duet 2 is portable you can take it anywhere your creativity takes you. When it's time to mix, Apogee Duet 2's output quality lets you hear your recordings with incredible detail and dimension allowing you to put the finishing touches on your musical project like a pro. The Apogee Duet 2 sounds so amazing you won't want to listen to your iTunes library without it.

Better sound quality. A difference you will hear.

Using the very latest technology and drawing upon the experience of developing Apogee's new flagship audio interface, Symphony I/O, Apogee engineers rebuilt Duet to achieve a difference you can hear.

From the mic preamps to the AD/DA converters, Duet 2 offers the best of everything Apogee, allowing you to capture your audio with even more clarity and dimension than the original Duet. This is professional sound quality you can take anywhere.

Smooth, detailed world-class mic preamps

The Apogee Duet 2 mic preamps feature a new design, all new components and seamless click-free transitions as the gain increases and decreases throughout the incredible range of 0-75dB. This unprecedented feature allows you to dial in the perfect level while delivering ultra-low noise and smooth, crisp detail. Most importantly, the Duet 2 mic preamps are optimized for any sound source, so no matter what you are recording you'll capture every detail.

Pristine, next generation AD/DA converters

Much like the mic preamps, the Apogee Duet 2 AD/DA converters are an all-new design and deliver the purest recordings and best listening experience possible. This totally new design takes the personal studio to the next level with state-of-the-art components and next-generation conversion.

Full Color OLED Display

New to the Apogee Duet 2 is a full color OLED display. This high resolution screen is the main control center for Duet 2, delivering visual feedback for multiple functions including metering, numeric value for input and output levels, input grouping, and phase, muting, phantom power and Soft Limit indication. With this display you know the status of any input and output at any given moment without having to refer to Maestro or your recording software.

Configurable Touch Pads

The Apogee Duet 2 also introduces configurable touch pads. The 2 touch pads, located on either side of the encoder knob, allow you to quickly access output functions such as "Mute Outputs", "Dim Outputs", "Sum to Mono" or "Toggle Headphone Source". Each are assignable using a drop-down menu within Apogee's new Maestro 2. This unique feature allows you to select the function you want and access it directly from Duet 2 without having to look at software.

Redesigned Breakout Cable

The Apogee Duet 2's new breakout cable is greatly streamlined with 2 combination mic/instrument connectors (XLR and 1/4") built into a single connector and 2 balanced 1/4" connectors for speakers. The elegant single cable-to-junction design allows for easy cable management and the locking connection to Duet 2 is robust and stylish.

Made for the Mac, Core Audio compatible

Designed exclusively for the Mac and made for GarageBand and Logic, the Apogee Duet 2 is the perfect centerpiece for any personal, Mac-based studio. Duet 2 is also Core Audio compatible making it ideal for other music creation apps like Pro Tools, Ableton Live and Cubase.

All new Maestro 2 control software

The Apogee Duet 2 not only benefits from Symphony I/O's sound quality development, it has been integrated into the completely redesigned Maestro 2 as well. This full version update features a new look and familiar single window, multiple tab interface for quick access to all device and system settings.

It also includes touch pad assignment, Soft Limit selection, output assignments, dim and mute output selection, sample rate selection and an improved low latency mixer. Now all Duet 2 parameters and functions are packaged into a single window design for the most streamlined and user-friendly experience.

Soft Limit for protection from digital overs

An Apogee technology first introduced in 1992 on Apogee's AD-500 converter, Soft Limit can be heard on countless platinum selling records around the world. Once a technology exclusively reserved for Apogee's most advanced audio converters, Soft Limit is now available in Duet.

This superior analog design prevents the digital clipping that causes distortion by instantaneously rounding off transient peaks before they
hit the analog-to-digital converter. Soft Limit allows several more decibels of apparent level to be recorded while subtly providing an analog-like warmth to the sound.

Separate headphone and speaker outs

By very popular demand Duet 2 includes 4 analog outputs. Stereo headphones or left & right mono speaker outs can be assigned in pairs to output 1-2 or 3-4 or the low latency mixer and each can be placed in stereo, mono, muted or dimmed modes.

It is now possible for a DJ to monitor a separate mix in headphones while sending a house mix to the club, a live performer to send a click track to in-ear monitors while sending a backing track to front-of-house, and a recording engineer to send a headphone mix to the performer while dedicating the main outputs to studio monitors.

(This feature is in response to customer demand)

Breakout Box Accessory

Available as a separate accessory for Duet 2 is a solidly built, aluminum breakout box with 2 1/4" instrument inputs, 2 XLR microphone inputs and 2 balanced XLR outputs. The breakout box features studio-quality I/O connectors and includes a 2 meter cable for connection to and from Duet 2. (Sold separately)

(This feature is in response to customer demand)

Balanced Outputs

Duet 2 offers balanced outputs for connection to any studio monitor or outboard equipment. There are many benefits to balanced outputs including the ability to run cabling long distances, reduced susceptibility to external noise, as well as simply offering compatibility to a much wider variety of audio equipment over unbalanced connections.

(This feature is in response to customer demand)

Multi-function Controller Knob

Along with its sleek aluminum chassis, the multi-function controller knob is one of the most recognizable features of Duet's design. This central control feature allows you to quickly and easily toggle thru Duet 2's inputs and outputs and set levels while looking at Duet 2's dynamic OLED display.

Features

USB 2.0 Mac audio interface
2 analog inputs; Combination Line/Mic/Instrument
4 analog outputs

- Balanced line outputs, +20 dBu maximum output level
- 1 Independent 1/4" stereo headphone output

2 Microphone preamps with up to 75dB of gain
A/D and D/A conversion at 24-bit/192kHz
Top panel high resolution OLED display
Multi-function controller knob

Two assignable top panel touch pads:
- Mute speakers, headphones or all outputs
- Assign headphones to outputs 1-2, 3-4 or low latency mixer
- Dim speakers, headphones or all outputs
- Sum to mono speakers, headphones or all outputs

Selectable 48v phantom power, Soft Limit and phase invert zZounds is an authorized dealer of Apogee products.

System Requirements

Computer: Intel Mac 1.5GHz or faster
Memory: 2 GB RAM minimum, 4 GB recommended
OS: 10.6.4 or greater
Connection and Power: USB, powered by any available USB port on the computer (DC power optional)

Compatible Software:
Compatible with any Core Audio compliant application including:
- Logic
- GarageBand
- MainStage
- Soundtrack Pro
- Pro Tools 9
- Albeton Live
- Cubase

In the box:
- Duet 2
- Breakout Cable with:
- - 2 Combination Line/Mic/Instrument Inputs
- - 2 Balanced Line Outputs
- 2 Meter USB Cable
- Universal Power Adapter for US, UK and EU
- Quick Start Guide
- Software download and installation instructions
Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item
Shipping Weight: 2 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 4 in
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Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 (18 ratings) Rate and Review This Product
Apogee Duet2 USB Audio Customer Review
Sound: You know how there are 'truth monitors' that tell you exactly what's in a mix? Well the Duet 2 is a 'truth interface' because both input and outputs are surgically precise and honest regarding the source and mix. The preamps are truly fantastic, very pristine. Gain does indeed go up to 75dB without any noise or hiss. Sure there are other preamps known for their warmth, but keep in mind they are colored, and colored preamps only work well on certain sources. For instance, you wouldn't want a warm preamp on a dark source, as that will make things even muddier. The Duet 2 being neutral, transparent, and clear will work on *any* source, and allows the signal to then be processed further "in the box" in whatever color you like. I'd rather have that. As for the output DAC (digital analog converter) that's what Apogee is known for, and indeed you get smoother highs, clearer lows, more accurate mids, and better image separation and 3D depth. If you're moving up from a lower cost interface, you'll likely hear things in music that you didn't notice before. This makes the Duet 2 essential for better monitoring. Overall, compared to cheaper interfaces or the stock Apple headphone out, moving to the Duet 2 is like going from 128kbps MP3s to 320kbps MP3s. Anyone who complains the Duet 2 sounds "sterile" is like someone who complains the best studio monitors are "flat sounding" compared to his colored and deceptively flattering "hi-fi" speakers. If you want truth in recording and mixing, the Duet 2 is your interface. Lastly, I tried and SM7B with the Duet 2 and vocals were sparkling clear and awesome sounding. Bass guitar is fine, true to the source. Duet 2 doesn't do any coloring or hyping, keep that in mind. Feature: As an independent artist doing home recording, this has everything I need and nothing I don't. Definitely a quality over quantity device. It doesn't have optical outs, MIDI in, or loopback functions like other interfaces, however. Luckily I don't need those. I just use a mic for vocals and acoustic guitar, and plug my guitar and bass into the Duet 2, and for that application it's perfect. Soft limit is an excellent feature, though it only works for quick clipping transients and not for a signal that is constantly overloud. Ease of Use: Maestro 2 is a breeze to use. I haven't even needed to use the manual to figure things out, but will be reading it anyway during my downtime. The Duet 2 itself is a piece of cake. You press the wheel to switch between 1 of 4 sound channels (2 ins, 2 outs) and can then adjust the volume for each. The two touch sensitive buttons are pretty convenient. That's all there is to using it. Quality: If an Apple Macbook Pro is a 10 in terms of build quality, I'd rate the Duet an 8. The chassis is solid aluminum but the black top is glossy plastic that can scratch. I think plastic was necessary for the touch buttons to work. Also in a way I'd rather have it scratch that shatter if it were glass. A couple nitpicks: the rotary wheel on mine was *slightly* wobbly, but it doesn't affect function and Apogee states it's not a defect. And the rubber backing on the bottom had a thin line of clear adhesive transgressing out from one side. These are all minor cosmetic issues, and the only issues really. Hence an 8 versus Apple's 10. The unit itself feels hefty and solid though, and looks darn nice overall. Value: Yes, six hundred bucks is quite a bit for a USB audio interface. On the bright side, I don't have to reboot my system when plugging/unplugging the Duet, like you must with some Firewire devices. So anyway, it seems like not a great value UNTIL you realize that it has among the best preamps and DAC converters under $1700 *and* that it squeezes them all into something highly portable *and* that it has a graphic interface to boot! Mostly though I care about sound quality going in and out, and the Duet 2 delivers. Saves me from having to buy a separate preamp and separate headphone amp to use with a crappier interface. I can honestly say that, there is no other interface under six hundred bucks that delivers such quality in both looks and function. Manufacturer Support: Haven't had to use it yet, but Apogee is respected for their excellent support. The Wow Factor: It's slick and beautiful, well proportioned, and quite a revolutionary design for an audio interface, though I can't give Apogee all the credit for originality since it seems to have taken much of its inspiration from Apple. You know, if it looked pretty but had crappy converters then I'd agree there's some fanboism happening here, but here the looks are superseded by even better performance. That's total gear appeal right there. Overall: The Duet 2 meets and exceeds all my recording needs and expectations. It was a worthwhile purchase and I won't be getting anything to replace it until I start needing more ins/outs, then I'll probably upgrade to a portable Metric Halo unit for three times the price. I'm glad to say that, with the Duet 2, I didn't have to make any compromises as with lower end interfaces, you know where the preamp might be good but the headphone out sucks, or vice versa, etc... the Duet 2 is something I can feel proud to own for a long time time come.
Style of Music: Classical, Metal
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zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us. This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful. "Yes, it's worth the money."
Sound: The Apogee Duet 2 is without question, the best audio interface for any producer looking for first class preamps and a transparent listening experience. It has enhanced my mixdowns though it's top notch A/D-D/A converters, allowing me to hear sounds and frequencies in the sonic field that I was unable to hear before. And when plugging in an electric guitar, the recording quality and ZERO latency are a musicians wet dream. Feature: Super clean appearance along with the amazing OLED screen and touch pads make this interface extremely functional and aesthetically pleasing. The Maestro 2 software is simple to use, and the Duet 2 seamlessly integrates with Logic. Ease of Use: Plug and play, it doesn't get easier than this. No complex routing, no abundance of knobs that have no use - no B.S. If you don't know how to use it, you shouldn't be making music. Quality: This thing is built like a brick, though when I travel with it I still keep it in secure case. No loose parts or blemishes. The breakout cables are a bit of a mess, but in all honesty, it doesn't matter. Value: I was skeptical to drop this amount of money on a simple audio interface. However, with the payment plan offered by zzounds.com, I couldn't resist. Now I don't know what I would do without this thing in my possession. You truly pay for what you get, and what you get is the best sound in this price range and beyond. Manufacturer Support: We're talking Apogee here. I doubt this product will fail. The Wow Factor: It's aesthetically pleasing, it's easy to read the colored meters, and switching between sound sources is cake. Did I mention you can map different functions to the touch pads like "sum to mono?" Yeah, this thing is sexy. Overall: I won't be searching for another product because no other company can touch Apogee's technology. If I do get another product, it will be from Apogee. The cost of admission is worth it.
Style of Music: Electronic: House, Drum & Bass, Electro, Dubstep
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