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Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface

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Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface

^# 6

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$89.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (151)

3 Critic Reviews

25 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Apogee Duet 3

$533.00 - $948.50

5.0 (1)

Find out who is using Apogee Duet 2 USB

2 community setups

283 wishlisted

529 saved

Page last updated Jun 21, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 21, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (24)

$89.00 27 available Used

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Average Price: $89

Budget/Beginner

$150

$501+

Price Tier

In the Audio Interfaces category, Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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High-end

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Description

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Introduce yourself to the Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface, the ideal companion for professional musicians and home studio enthusiasts alike. Building upon the acclaimed legacy of its predecessor, the Duet 2 takes you to new sonic heights. This audio interface retains the simplicity and superior preamp quality of the original Duet, while integrating a seamless USB compatibility for effortless integration into any digital workspace.

Key Features:

USB 2.0 High-speed Mac audio interface
2 analog inputs with world-class mic preamps and selectable 48v phantom power for connecting microphones, instruments or line-level devices
4 analog outputs - 2 balanced 1/4” outs for speakers or outboard gear, 1/4” stereo headphone output
ESS Sabre32 DAC technology for premium sound quality
Multi-function controller knob for volume and input/output control
Full color OLED display for visual feedback
Compatible with Mac OS X and iOS devices
Made in the USA

Product specs

Brand	Apogee
Model	Duet 2 USB Audio Interface
Finish	Black
Year	2011 - 2012
Made In	United States
Categories	Audio Interfaces
Bit Depth	24-bit
Bus-Powered	Yes
Compatibility	macOS
Computer Connectivity	USB
Electronics	Analog, Digital, Solid State
Format	Desktop Standalone
Number of Analog Inputs	2
Number of Analog Outputs	4
Number of Channels	6
Number of Digital Inputs	0
Number of Digital Outputs	0
Number of Headphone Outputs	1
Number of MIDI Inputs	1
Number of MIDI Outputs	1
Number of Mic Preamps	2
Sample Rate	192 khz

FAQs

Is the Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface compatible with Windows?: The Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface is primarily designed for macOS, but it can also be used with Windows when the appropriate drivers are installed.
How many inputs and outputs does the Apogee Duet 2 have?: The Apogee Duet 2 features 2 analog inputs and 4 analog outputs, making it suitable for small studio setups requiring high-quality audio capture and playback.
What is the maximum sample rate supported by the Apogee Duet 2?: The Apogee Duet 2 supports a maximum sample rate of 192 kHz, allowing for high-resolution audio recording and playback.
Does the Apogee Duet 2 require an external power supply?: No, the Apogee Duet 2 is bus-powered via a USB connection, eliminating the need for an external power supply and enhancing portability.
Can the Apogee Duet 2 be used with iOS devices?: Yes, the Apogee Duet 2 can be used with iOS devices, making it versatile for mobile recording setups.

Videos

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Unbox Therapy

Apogee Duet 2 Unboxing & Overview

Unbox Therapy

Apogee Duet 2 demo

Sweetwater

Apogee Duet 2

B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

Apogee Duet 2 Overview | UniqueSquared.com

UniqueSquared

Apogee Duet 2 Audio Interface | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

KAOS Gear Review - Apogee Duet 2

KAOS MUSIC CENTRE

Apogee Duet 2 USB 2.0 Audio Interface at Soundsliveshop.com

SoundsLiveShop

Reviews

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PROS

Preamps provide rich, musical sound quality
Compact and sleek design, great for desktops
Intuitive software makes operation easy
Durable build quality for longevity
Excellent A/D and D/A converters for pristine sound
Good for recording guitars, vocals, and more
Great headphone output for monitoring
Compatible with Mac, enhancing integration
Ideal for mobile recording and travel setups
Offers sound quality comparable to more expensive interfaces

CONS

Limited Windows compatibility with potential software issues
Requires proprietary cables for some connections, adding extra cost
Cumbersome 'octopus' cable can be unsightly and unwieldy
Some units have durability issues, like lights burning out
Headphone amplifier not as flat as some may prefer
Connection cables can be weight sensitive and insecure
Not compatible with PC, limiting user options
Some features (e.g., OLED display) considered unnecessary by some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface.

Software and compatibility

0 0

Apogee Duet 2 requires the Control 2 software for compatibility with macOS Ventura and Apple Silicon, replacing the older Maestro 2.
Source
0 0

The Duet 2 is incompatible with Windows; it requires firmware 0.1.38 or later for optimal performance on macOS.
Source
0 0

The Duet 2 for iPad, identifiable by a USB-A port on the left side, is the model compatible with Windows.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Users experience issues with Control 2 not saving 'default' settings, necessitating manual loading and saving of snapshots on macOS Ventura.
Source
0 0

Users note issues with direct USB-C cables, recommending the use of Apogee's USB-A cable with a USB-C adapter for better reliability.
Source

User experience

0 0

On an M1 iMac, unplugging and replugging the Duet 2 can resolve screen freezing issues, specifically when stuck on the 'A' logo.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

One user switched back to Apogee Duet 2 from an Audient interface, citing superior sound quality with the Duet 2.
Source
0 0

Users transitioning from the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 1st gen notice a significant improvement in sound quality with the Apogee Duet 2, even in the same recording environment.
Source
0 0

Former Duet 2 owners report switching to the Apollo Twin for better reliability after encountering operational issues with the Duet 2.
Source

Other

0 0

The breakout cable for the Duet 2 is difficult to source, especially in the UK, impacting usability.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The Duet 2's preamps are described as clean and crystal clear, enhancing clarity in recordings, which is valued by users for post-processing flexibility.
Source
0 0

The Duet 2 effectively drives high-impedance headphones, such as 250 ohm models, with its excellent D/A conversion.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The Duet 2 enhances mixing enjoyment on headphones due to its superior converters, making it suitable for detailed audio work.
Source
0 0

The Duet 2 is favored for on-the-go recording needs, especially when only 1-2 channels are required, due to its portability and solid performance.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Purchasing a used Duet 2 for $89, especially with breakout cables included, is considered an excellent deal by experienced users.
Source

Critic Reviews

Apogee Duet 2

soundonsound.com

Apogee's Duet 2 is a visually stunning and sonically impressive USB audio interface, tailored for Mac users. It boasts superior sound quality with revamped mic preamps and converters, user-friendly controls, and a sleek OLED display. However, the breakout cable might not suit everyone, and the short PSU lead is a minor gripe. Overall, it's a top-notch choice for those seeking high-quality audio performance and seamless Mac integration, justifying its premium price. If you’re a Mac-based musician, the Duet 2 is a worthy investment.

positive

Full Review

Apogee Electronics: Duet 2 USB audio interface | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Apogee Duet 2 USB audio interface is heralded for its superior A/D conversion, sleek design, and reliable performance, making it a standout for home and project studios. Its audio clarity and precise frequency representation elevate mixing and tracking, while its intuitive controls and stable connectivity enhance workflow. Though some users may miss MIDI and S/PDIF connections, and encounter occasional initialization hiccups, these are minor in light of its overall capabilities. The Duet 2 is a recommended upgrade, promising professional results without the need for high-end studio gear.

positive

Full Review

Apogee Duet 2 Review | PCMag

pcmag.com

The Apogee Duet 2 delivers pristine sound quality with transparent, warm mic preamps and a user-friendly interface, making it a top-tier choice for Mac users. Its sleek design and effective front-panel metering add to its appeal. However, it's limited by its single headphone jack and lack of Windows compatibility, and users may encounter occasional connection glitches and pops. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a strong contender in the audio interface market, especially for those prioritizing sound quality over additional features. Just be aware of its competition, which offers broader compatibility options.

positive

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 25 Reviews and 151 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

karl321

557

over 8 years ago

Apogee Duet

Compared to the Apollo, they deliver the almost the exact same sound and this one is a little bit cheaper. Actually, this might even be better than the Apollo if you want to use it for driving monitors. Overall, the design of the duet looks better to me too.

The advantage of the Apollo is that you can buy the Marshall and Neve plug ins, that sound better than the ones by Waves. If you do go with the duet, you can get the plug-ins from Softube and Kush to get the same quality sound.

Now for the cons, my duet did not last long at all, after two years the lights burnt out, but the recording functions still worked fine on the computer. I regret not just buying another one, because after hearing some of the others, I believe this is the best recording unit you can get for under $1000. It was good enough for Leonard Cohen, so, it's good enough for me.

genericmeds

181

about 7 years ago

The mighty duet. I guess.

It's good. It sounds sexual whether you're monitoring or recording in..

but...........

I've had the duet 1 w/ firewire. Sure it doesnt sound as crisp, but the difference is 10%. Sound would even call it "warmer".

You can get a used duet 1 for like 100-200.

You do the math. I think they should take of oled display and make it cheaper. Nevertheless,

I do use mine regularly for recording in and monitoring. Sounds great. Soft clip coming in sound great as well with transient heavy signals

jauquanturnup

115

over 6 years ago

Audiophile Clarity!

The apogee duet is a pristine piece of technology. The build quality is very durable and the design is sleek and intuitive. The ease of installation was also great. When you send audio through the apogee duet you get immaculate digital to analog and vis-versa sound quality. I have no plans on changing this out in my home recording studio.

thatlkjguy

4735

almost 10 years ago

Set for life I think

Though the headphone amplifier is not as flat as the Apogee Groove's, the Duet obviously is designed to be a lot more than a headphone amplifier. I can rest in peace as far as interface buying goes, knowing how many pros swear by this thing. Just wish the connecting cable weren't so weight sensitive (doesn't do the best job locking)...

Roles:

Composer Music Producer DJ

Genres:

Electronic Techno Progressive house

banstyle

342

almost 13 years ago

Portable and stylish audio interface for travel production needs

I had a remix due and my RME got fried in a thunderstorm so this guy came to the rescue. Love it, sounds amazing and has the looks to match. Definitely has that Apple aesthetic going on. Now I use it to produce when I travel, it's perfect on the go.

fiddler

479

over 12 years ago

Professional converters with style and reliability

Apogee Duet 2 has professional A/D D/A converters, amazingly sexy and reliable.

Roles:

Audio Engineer

mitch_peters

169

over 6 years ago

Good but only for Mac

Perfect product for home recording... unfortunately it is only compatible for Mac and doesn't work on PC.

xaqary

5455

over 9 years ago

A+ converters-Excellent for mobile recording

Love this guy. I've got a larger set up in my studio but this guy is indispensable. Love it. Great for on the go & you've gotta get an idea down or totally go nuts & finish a song-Apogee converters got ya covered.

jessico

5926

almost 11 years ago

really good equipment!

it's expensive but have top quality and is so sexy hahah -_-

thetimeripper

218

over 12 years ago

Sleek design and intuitive software make this audio interface a winner

So simple and easy to use, it's sleek in design and the software is very intuitive. I love this Audio Interface, my first one and my last (for now) it does everything I need it to do.