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Average Price: $84

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$150

$501+

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High-end

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Description

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.

Unbox Therapy

Unbox Therapy

Apogee Duet 2 Unboxing & Overview

Video thumbnail for Apogee Duet 2 Unboxing & Overview by Unbox Therapy

Apogee Duet 2 Unboxing & Overview

Unbox Therapy

Unbox Therapy

Video thumbnail for Apogee Duet 2 demo by Sweetwater

Apogee Duet 2 demo

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Apogee Duet 2 by B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

Apogee Duet 2

B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

Video thumbnail for Apogee Duet 2 Overview | UniqueSquared.com by UniqueSquared

Apogee Duet 2 Overview | UniqueSquared.com

UniqueSquared

UniqueSquared

Video thumbnail for Apogee Duet 2 Audio Interface | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Apogee Duet 2 Audio Interface | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for KAOS Gear Review - Apogee Duet 2 by KAOS MUSIC CENTRE

KAOS Gear Review - Apogee Duet 2

KAOS MUSIC CENTRE

KAOS MUSIC CENTRE

Video thumbnail for Apogee Duet 2 USB 2.0 Audio Interface at Soundsliveshop.com by SoundsLiveShop

Apogee Duet 2 USB 2.0 Audio Interface at Soundsliveshop.com

SoundsLiveShop

SoundsLiveShop

Reviews

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

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

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

    Source
  • 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

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

    Source
  • 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

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

    Source

Comparisons

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

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

    Source

Other

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

    Source

Features and functionality

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

    Source

Use cases and applications

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

    Source
  • 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

  • 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

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

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
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 25 Reviews and 151 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
spectre

Excellent sound quality and convenient headphone monitoring

Excellent sound quality and preamps. I especially like how there is no need for a breakout cable to monitor with headphones while traveling.

envizion

Won't record ANYTHING without this

djstevehaines

Excellent interface

The best audio interface I have owned so far. Excellent sound and nice mac integration. Great headphone output also.

D

Use it to record guitars and vocals plus everything else!

guimopg

GREAT!!

Honestly, the best interface I have ever used.

neryko

The best portable/small studio audio card out there, if you can afford it do not hesitate!

I use it on my macpro with krk's and a rode vocal mic, the sound is absolutely beautiful!!!

N

Perfect for traveling with excellent converters

Main audio interface on the road - great for traveling and great converters!

cranioex

Audio Clear

Gosto muito dessa placa de audio apesar da minha estar com o display apagado!!!

W

Amazing

Just added this little monster to my travel setup let thy carnage begin!

globalghost

Best Soundcard

This is the best Soundcard in the World.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Martin Garrix uses Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface

Martin Garrix

Music Producer

AREA21

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:15 you can see an Apogee Duet 2 to the left of a KRK monitor in Garrix's studio

See how Skrillex uses Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface

Skrillex

Music Producer

From First to Last

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:27, the Duet 2 is seen connected to Sonny's laptop in this video.

See how Deadmau5 uses Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface

Deadmau5

Music Producer

BSOD

...
Verified via YouTube

Joel can be seen using an Apogee Duet at 1:20

See how Hardwell uses Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface

Hardwell

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

From an 2011 interview, when asked what equipment he uses to produce: "I’m using Logic 9 on my Mac Pro and Apogee Duet soundcard."

In a 2013 video, at the 3:58 mark, Hardwell is asked by a fan what sound card he would recommend for a starting producer. Hardwell responds by saying "A sound card I can recommend is this one, the Apogee Duet, I've used this one for almost 5 years, and it's definitely one of my favorite sound cards."

See how Zedd uses Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface

Zedd

Music Producer

ARE WE DREAMING

...
Verified via Twitter

While Zedd seems to be having some fun with his chair, we spotted the awesome Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface in his studio setup.

See how David Guetta uses Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface

David Guetta

Music Producer

Africanism All Stars

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, David shows his studio. At the back and to the left of the Macbook pro, from 0:37 you can see the Apogee Duet 2 audio interface.

See how Nicky Romero uses Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface

Nicky Romero

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

The Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface can be seen in a photo (to the right of the keyboard) Nicky Romero posted of his studio gear setup.

See how Alesso uses Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface

Alesso

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

Alesso's apogee Audio Interface is standing next to the mouse on the right!

See how Flume uses Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface

Flume

Music Producer, DJ

What So Not

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo of Flume's "TOUR BUS STUDIO", the Duet 2 can be seen on the right-hand side of the desk, bottom-center of the shot.

See how Tim Henson uses Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface

Tim Henson

Guitarist, Music Producer

Polyphia

...
Verified via YouTube

In this studio tour video to celebrate 100k subscribers on YouTube tim shows us that he uses an apogee duet usb audio interface at the 1:11 timestamp he also jokingly made a side note saying @apogee : pay me

See how Kaskade uses Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface

Kaskade

Music Producer

Late Night Alumni

...
Verified via Photo

The Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface can be spotted in a photo of Kaskade's live setup.

See how Grimes uses Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface

Grimes

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Instagram

The audio interface can be seen on the desk in this picture from Grimes' instagram.

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 Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Apple iMac (General)
Apple iMac (General) Computers & Peripherals
3
Avid Pro Tools
Avid Pro Tools DAW Software
3
Apple Mac Pro (2006-2012)
Apple Mac Pro (2006-2012) Computers & Peripherals
2

Community setups

Show yours
gchiaren

gchiaren

Gear IQ 37552

andrea_corbucci

andrea_corbucci

Gear IQ 191

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