Reviews for Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface

I first started learning the ins and outs of engineering on a computer through a M-audio Mobilepre. Then, M-audio Delta 44, then the EMU-1820M, then the Motu Ultralite Mk3, then I enrolled into a school, and learned how to engineer on a SSL, a Pro Tools HDX system, and a API board. I was happy with the Motu Ultralite MK3, till I had a few hundred bucks to play with, and I found the Duet2 to appeal to my circumstances for recording rap vocals on the go. Most of my clients like to record in their private areas where they are more comfortable. I take my Neumann TLM 103 and the Duet2 to hotel rooms, houses, other studios, and where ever else my clients prefer to record. WOW. For 550 dollars, this little box DOES NOT DISAPPOINT. Cleanest, low noise pre amps, ADA conversion is TOP NOTCH, and the software is easy to use. I know most Apogee users are integrating their interfaces with Logic, but I use Protools 10 at the house. IT WORKS GREAT with Pro Tools.

1 of 1 people found this useful

I have been a hobbyist studio guy for decades now. I've had many $200 range audio interfaces over the years. I always thought "eh, how much better could the higher priced ones actually be?". Man was I missing out all of these years! It's not the sound so much (I mean it does sound amazing), but the best way I can put it is that the signal is really loud (the waveforms on your screen are huge) and the noise is non-existent compared to my old audio interfaces.

Just type in "Apogee Duet 2 vocals" into youtube (or any search like that) and listen to the acoustic guitar and singing videos and tell me they don't sound great. And it isn't just the inputs, my dance music in garageband, logic, and presonus studio one 2 sounds just like the final master ended up sounding in my car, which shocked me. Normally I mix on the computer and then go to my car and it sounds different. This may be the best $600 I've ever spent on my music hobby ever, period.

What is not to like? Well, although the thing is really "artsy" and looks cool on my desk. I would prefer separate knobs for the main volume, headphones, and inputs 1 and 2. The novelty of the "one big knob" wears off quickly, but highly useable at the same time. I actually prefer the breakout cables as all of my connections are at the back of my desk versus having wires sticking out towards me like on all of my other past interfaces. I just wish that they put the headphone jack on the back as well. The new USB 2.0 is plenty fast and I had no issues with latency, and it was able to support many tracks and effects without issue.

The unit has the option of balanced (+4) and unbalanced (-10) outs. If you have balanced inputs on your studio monitors make sure to buy TRS cables so that you get a balanced connection.

The maestro 2 software is super easy to figure out. After browsing through all of the menus I knew it in and out in about 5 minutes (the way it should be, easy to use).

Overall I am very happy that I lost my financial mind for a day and shelled out $600 on this beautiful little piece of audio bliss. Highly recommended!

4 of 4 people found this useful

I was using the mbox family interfaces since 2008, mostly because of their inexpensive prices and many models. This time I chose to spend a little more-about $600 and purchased the Apogee Duet 2. The sound quality is super sweet, my vocals have truly never sounded this good. With the Apogee Duet 2 it seems I am a far better singer than I originally thought!

9 of 10 people found this useful

I love this thing! Super versatile, clean signal, and American made. The balanced outs are a really nice touch, but the one thing I didn't expect is how well it drives my AKGs (they've never sounded better). My only gripe, no sticker! If you love your Mac and making music even more, you should get this. I'm so glad I didn't get any of the other DACs in this price range. It's a real bargain.

16 of 16 people found this useful

This device is definitely worth the price, especially if you have owned previous portable audio interfaces and are familiar with recording in a personal studio. The preamps are absolutely silent even when connected to an electric guitar (running through a POD X3) with heavy distortion and no noisegate. This is amazing on its own. Recording quality is pristine and extremely accurate, worthy of being called "professional quality". I would recommend this with Logic Studio and a Mac Pro or MacBook Pro for the ultimate setup. It is not a cheap setup, but it will last for a while and you will no longer have to worry about tweaking your configuration to compensate for poor sound quality. Just plug in and hit record and be amazed!

The device has a great user interface with the OLED display and the Maestro software. It is very easy to set up and intuitive to use. It looks very elegant, especially when next to a MacBook Pro. It has a nice weight to it and the build quality is second to none. Even playing a standard mp3 through the Duet and some studio monitors brings a whole new level of audio clarity and detail.

I have noticed an intermittent issue with the device disconnecting itself. This is nothing too concerning because it doesn't happen during recording and is very rare. A driver update should resolve this.

Once in a while, a device comes along where all the hype behind it is justified. The Duet 2 is such a device. If you are serious about your music and feel you are good at it, this interface is absolutely worth the investment.

29 of 31 people found this useful

Duet 2 is far better than any other interface even close to this in price range. Don't think about getting this, GET IT! You won't be disappointed. Far better than mbox of any generation. Apogee converters are top class in the industry. The preamps are amazing for anything from voiceovers to any sort of music. I own this and it was worth every penny. Even just using this to listen to music in iTunes is like HD for your ears.

37 of 38 people found this useful