Apogee Duet: Quick review

[cubbie5150]

Yes it can feed an amp, which is exactly what I plan to do with it. With the output all the way up it's effectively a line out with unity gain (no attenuation). Most amps take RCA cables and the Duet only has quarter inch so you'll need two 1/4inch to RCA adapters. Mine arrives in the week. Can't ****ing wait.

Over at head-fi I was advised that the mini-dac doesn't sound as good as the duet. What's interesting to observe is that you can get them second hand (I almost did) but no one is selling a duet.

Because I'm a relative newb, can you clarify a bit for me please? Just to be certain, when using an amp w/ the Duet, you mean the volume of the Duet should be maxed? Volume would then be controlled via the amp? By extension, since I have only powered speakers right now, should I also max out the volume of the Duet & control volume via the powered speaker volume knob, assuming the first part is correct?

 

[RedRedBlockhead]

Happy to help Cubbie.
In theory, having the Duet's volume knob at max for its output will deliver the best sound quality as it's only an attenuator (it just reduces the signal). This means you'll get the cleanest possible signal from the dac section by having the volume control on max.

However it's there for a reason, and that is powered speakers. Running it at max is advised for people who used separate pre amps. However if you can run the duet output hot with your powered speakers then it's probably better to do so. But check with your own ears. Sometimes the volume pots on devices are inaccurate in the early part of their travel, meaning the L and R channels may not be at quite the same volume. And please, if it's too loud, turn it down. The ear is a delicate organ.

 

[Sir Cecil]

RedRedBlockhead... I've been checking in to see if the arrival of your Duet lived up to all expectations. I'm keen to hear your opinions now you've had time to evaluate it.

 

[RedRedBlockhead]

It's fantastic bit of kit! Sound quality is way better than my mbox 2. My friend and I compared his £1000 CD player w/ digital inputs with the duets outs and whilst there were differences, neither seemed to have the edge. I have only done a little bit of recording with it so can't really give the full story on them. The headphone amp in it is really good as well. I used to use a very nice outboard which I'm now selling as this drives my hd600s fine.

 

[Sir Cecil]

I've ordered mine. It's due to arrive this morning. I'm looking forward to a nice weekend introducing myself to its qualities!

 

[ausdave]

Me got me one too!

I bought a Duet on the w'end (and got quite a deal i think), and just wanted to add my own 2cents.

I absolutely love the unit!

The sound is fantastic (way better than anything else i've seen, or heard lol, in the same price range).

It also feels very solid and well built.

I would highly recommend this unit to anyone.

 

[epoophoron]

Duet + Logic Pro 8

Hi, I am a total newb at both Logic and the Duet. I have been playing around with some loops in Logic and have audio out of my internal speakers. I set the input and output sound in my system preferences to be out of the Duet though. iTunes plays through the Duet, but Logic does not. I'll be hitting up both sets of manuals shortly, but thought I would see if anyone could point me in the right direction. Thanks.

20" iMac 2.4GHz dual core - 4GB ram

 

[ausdave]

Hi, I am a total newb at both Logic and the Duet. I have been playing around with some loops in Logic and have audio out of my internal speakers. I set the input and output sound in my system preferences to be out of the Duet though. iTunes plays through the Duet, but Logic does not. I'll be hitting up both sets of manuals shortly, but thought I would see if anyone could point me in the right direction. Thanks.

20" iMac 2.4GHz dual core - 4GB ram

The Duet manual explains how to do this... its easy to follow.

 

[Plumbstone]

Hi, I am a total newb at both Logic and the Duet. I have been playing around with some loops in Logic and have audio out of my internal speakers. I set the input and output sound in my system preferences to be out of the Duet though. iTunes plays through the Duet, but Logic does not. I'll be hitting up both sets of manuals shortly, but thought I would see if anyone could point me in the right direction. Thanks.

20" iMac 2.4GHz dual core - 4GB ram

In logic go to prefernces/audio (there is a drop down menu near the top left)

You should see a drop down menu labelled "device" from there you simply select your Duet...

 

[ZiggyPastorius]

Not meaning to hijack the thread or anything, I'm just letting everybody know that after months and months of waiting, I am finally going to order my Duet today after school Today's my birthday, so I'm using my birthday money to help pay for it, and hopefully, it's as worth it as I think it will be! I'll let everyone know my experience with it once I get it, if anyone cares

 

[nomadxjess]

Duet Frustrated newbie here... Need some help from you guys...

I'm using Logic Pro 8 - G5 dual 2.0 w/ 4gb ram

I've gone thru the setup according to the manual. Selected the duet as my device. But when I go to the "apogee control panel" in Pro 8, it won't let me select "Instrument" "xlr" etc.. Logic pro recognizes the Duet, but I'm lost as to why it won't let me "select" my input source to record.... Can anyone offer a possible reason for this ??? Thank you .......

 

[ZiggyPastorius]

Duet Frustrated newbie here... Need some help from you guys...

I'm using Logic Pro 8 - G5 dual 2.0 w/ 4gb ram

I've gone thru the setup according to the manual. Selected the duet as my device. But when I go to the "apogee control panel" in Pro 8, it won't let me select "Instrument" "xlr" etc.. Logic pro recognizes the Duet, but I'm lost as to why it won't let me "select" my input source to record.... Can anyone offer a possible reason for this ??? Thank you .......

Well, you use Maestro to choose your input method. If you're using input 1 for one of the 1/4" inputs, click the drop-down menu in Maestro under input 1 and choose "instrument," or do the same for Mic. if you're using the Mic. inputs. In Logic, you go to preferences->Audio and then go to Devices->Core Audio and there will be a drop-down menu called "Device," choose Duet instead of built-in input or microphone. Logic should ask you to make it your default input/output device automatically when you connect, but that's how to do it in case it doesn't. If that doesn't work, perhaps someone else can chime in...

 

[nomadxjess]

Ziggy .......

Thanks .... I hadn't loaded Maestro. I figured as I was using Logic as my sequencer I wouldn't need it .. I was wrong in that.. I loaded Maestro per your post and voila !!! I'm up and running .. Thanks much

 

[pournam]

Hi All!
I need a hint regarding Duet.
I'm going to switch to Mac after a lot of frustration with pc's, latency and crappy sound.
Will get a Macbook to record and compose through MIDI with a digital piano, have been recommended to get Duet but I don't know why.
What will it do for me if I don't use a mic or a guitar, etc.
Just piano thrugh USB to use with Logic.
Will it benefit me in some way? would it serve as a soundcard? I have no Idea how Mac's work.
I used an M-Audio frewire device for my Pc setup... but using it as a sound card.

I am very illiterate with this stuff but extremely picky with quality, I can't work with something that is half way there.... as close as professional as possible.
Will the Duet add quality to the sound? or would it just work as an amplifier for my 'out'.

Thanks!!!

 

[ausdave]

Hi All!
I need a hint regarding Duet.
I'm going to switch to Mac after a lot of frustration with pc's, latency and crappy sound.
Will get a Macbook to record and compose through MIDI with a digital piano, have been recommended to get Duet but I don't know why.
What will it do for me if I don't use a mic or a guitar, etc.
Just piano thrugh USB to use with Logic.
Will it benefit me in some way? would it serve as a soundcard? I have no Idea how Mac's work.
I used an M-Audio frewire device for my Pc setup... but using it as a sound card.

I am very illiterate with this stuff but extremely picky with quality, I can't work with something that is half way there.... as close as professional as possible.
Will the Duet add quality to the sound? or would it just work as an amplifier for my 'out'.

Thanks!!!

Hi there.

Yes it will act as your soundcard (and a very good one at that).

I mainly use mine for this purpose, and it will sound far batter than any M-audio interface I have heard.

I compared the Duet to other interfaces before I purchased, and found that it sounded as good or better than all the other interfaces I tested, and most were almost double the price.

The drivers are also rock solid, and I have had no issues using the device with my iMac.

Highly recommended.

 

[logic pro]

So what are the specs of this unit?, and why does apogee not publish them?

specifically: THD, Dynamic range, Jitter...

equivalent to a ultralite or mbox mini thats why, the name sells though, everything Apple backs up is all looks and hype now days., they target newbies for suckers and it seems to be working extremely well., they seem to switch there tunes from PC to mac or something to blabber about as in the DUET which if you compare to a Rossetta and "even" Ensemble is not even close to any Appogee convertor made., but all newbies want is something that works, while they like the same problems to solve as when they chit chatted over there PCs, its no wonder Apple focussed on the Entertainment biz side and investing in a hollywood music image., this type of marketing called FISHING suckers works.

 

[ausdave]

equivalent to a ultralite or mbox mini thats why, the name sells though, everything Apple backs up is all looks and hype now days., they target newbies for suckers and it seems to be working extremely well., they seem to switch there tunes from PC to mac or something to blabber about as in the DUET which if you compare to a Rossetta and "even" Ensemble is not even close to any Appogee convertor made., but all newbies want is something that works, while they like the same problems to solve as when they chit chatted over there PCs, its no wonder Apple focussed on the Entertainment biz side and investing in a hollywood music image., this type of marketing called FISHING suckers works.

So are you trying to say that anyone who buys a Duet is a sucker?

For the price I got it ($150+ cheaper than I could get the ultralite)... its an awesome bit of kit (and it sounds every bit as good as the ultralite, which had lots of stuff I don't need).

To compare it Apogees other units is just daft. Thats like comparing an Audi TT with an A3... the A3 is a great car, lovely to drive... but of course it doesn't compare to a TT. They are made for different markets.

The Duet sounds soooooo much better than anything else I've heard in that price range (and as good as many I've heard that are almost twice the price), and yes it just works, which is important to lots of people (no point having the best sounding converters in the world, if you can't use them, lol).

 

[logic pro]

So are you trying to say that anyone who buys a Duet is a sucker?

For the price I got it ($150+ cheaper than I could get the ultralite)... its an awesome bit of kit (and it sounds every bit as good as the ultralite, which had lots of stuff I don't need).

To compare it Apogees other units is just daft. Thats like comparing an Audi TT with an A3... the A3 is a great car, lovely to drive... but of course it doesn't compare to a TT. They are made for different markets.

The Duet sounds soooooo much better than anything else I've heard in that price range (and as good as many I've heard that are almost twice the price), and yes it just works, which is important to lots of people (no point having the best sounding converters in the world, if you can't use them, lol).

well its the C SUCKERS that ruin everything all the time., a EMU interface sounds better then the DUET., so yeah, a SUCKERS MARKET is out there., people fall for the name, look and hype., not to forget also that APPLE chooses if a product works perfect on there platform, if they want to be biatchtes to there competition they can be and it was fun watching them torture M-audio and digidesign, haha.

You want to know what sounds good, my grammer for one, its called the pro engineer language man, i work in post production, we have the biggest advertising clients in the US and they shape the politics all around us., if i wanted to really impress you i would of asked our secretary to write this in the language you (Consumers) UNDERSTAND like they do in the White house, but i could care less about all that as long as you get the point., so don't let your feelings get hurt if you heart is set on a popular product you BELIEVE everyone praises:

Top list of audio interfaces for Macs (solid and secure)!
pay up and you get it all:
1-Digidesign HD systems
2-Metric Halo (any)
3-RME FF800 or 400
4-Apogee Ensemble (noisy but solid)
5-M Box Pro (firewire)

Everything else:
Firewire: risky and un stable
USB: (PC works fine) but on mac FORGET IT if you plan to record anything more then 30 seconds, issue arise just from heating., especially portables (macbook and MBP)

Think about it, its a fact that the DUET causes KERNAL PANICS when switching between applications or coming out of sleep in Leopard, Apple does not care cause they know most of the owners probably have a DUET and never use it for recording., if anything they listen to mp3s like the rest of the wanna bes., but you wont see this posted here cause they want to believe they own a high end apogee product!

 

[logic pro]

yea yea yea,

All that jazz will not help you PROVE that the Apogee DUET works in LEOPARD jack., ---> Kernel panics and freezes coming out of sleep has NOTHING TO DO with your opinion about anyone's grammar or will it help anyone honestly decide if it lives up to it's expectations as ADVERTISED!

As i see it your only proving that your been a hypocrite here if your not going to provide facts and stick to the subject., maybe the grammar used by Apogee about the product suckered you into believing that you are getting "Class A" Apogee convertor in the DUET, but if your not using your ears your better off giving your parents back the money for this if you think you can convince anything sounds good on paper, and where are the jitter specs?, a EMU interface sold at 1/4th the price sounds better.

FACTS: the DUET is limited, no digital i/o, no Apogee convertor (no specs prove this), more facts, the Apogee "Ensemble" does not sound as clean as a "Apogee mini" and its the only product by Apogee that provides "class A" Apogee convertors under $4000, your a SUCKER if your gonna go out of your way to argue that the "DUET" even sounds as good when the specs for it are hidden from there site!

 

[hakukani]

yea yea yea,

All that jazz will not help you PROVE that the Apogee DUET works in LEOPARD jack., ---> Kernel panics and freezes coming out of sleep has NOTHING TO DO with your opinion about anyone's grammar or will it help anyone honestly decide if it lives up to it's expectations as ADVERTISED!

As i see it your only proving that your been a hypocrite here if your not going to provide facts and stick to the subject., maybe the grammar used by Apogee about the product suckered you into believing that you are getting "Class A" Apogee convertor in the DUET, but if your not using your ears your better off giving your parents back the money for this if you think you can convince anything sounds good on paper, and where are the jitter specs?, a EMU interface sold at 1/4th the price sounds better.

FACTS: the DUET is limited, no digital i/o, no Apogee convertor (no specs prove this), more facts, the Apogee "Ensemble" does not sound as clean as a "Apogee mini" and its the only product by Apogee that provides "class A" Apogee convertors under $4000, your a SUCKER if your gonna go out of your way to argue that the "DUET" even sounds as good when the specs for it are hidden from there site!

Where can I hear your productions? Sounds like you got it down, at least the yammering part...

...and your handle is very creative.

 

[Joko]

Hey what's going on here? Logicpro your negativity is not welcome. We are here because we like the Duet for what it is. Is a great piece of kit for the price. No kernel panics since update, and even before then hardly any.

Besides, we don't need to defend our purchases to you.

 

[Luap]

Everywhere you look the Duet has great reviews. Yes it's been unstable, but this has been addressed in a software update. As any good company would do.
My only concern is the slight lack of published specs. But still, the good feedback from users and numerous reviews should tell you enough.

 

[Drumjim85]

my issue with logicpro is that he was so eager to mention how much of a professional he was

 

[logic pro]

Hey what's going on here? Logicpro your negativity is not welcome. We are here because we like the Duet for what it is. Is a great piece of kit for the price. No kernel panics since update, and even before then hardly any.

Besides, we don't need to defend our purchases to you.

Who is we, you need to back each other up to prove one guy wrong, if that is the case why do you have this product then?

READ, i don't need to show you the hundreds of platinum records i sat in as a engineer to prove that Apogee DOES NOT USE there "Class A" components in a DUET, DO I?, what does one thing have to do with the other, My point is that i use this stuff every day and speak to the developers., i prefer Apogee does not know who i am posting here anyway, AND i will tell you this, no one could not pay me enough to disclose the truth about the scams developers pull in the computer age we live in these days., we have to get tighter laws., the best thing that has ever happens since computers and macs is this "mac-rumor forum", hope your also here for the same reasons to SUPPORT the users cause now days we do not have any say on the developer's forums , they obviously erase and ban your posts of they prove them wrong doing.

My point was clear from the start, cut the BS and get to the specs, my quote to the guy who asked about the specs and that he made a good point by proving Apogee did not want to disclose the specs is becoming a struggle now with certain people here who take it personal, the fact that the DUET is not anything like there Rossetta or other high end audio AD/DA gear is beyond me why some of you think you even have a argument about this point i made earlier to back that guy up., Fact is that your not really buying a Apogee product but a 2 channel interface Apogee kind of put there name on it, its like buying a FIREBOX or M-Box Pro when it comes to specs.

Lets be honest here people, maybe your the ones who are to proud to admit that some of you do not have any experienced comparing to know, and i am telling you i do and where to look!

So again, lets cut the BS and hype about a Apogee products and the name, no company provides only high end products no days do they? worse off what is scary for example is what apple did recently by replacing aluminum keyboards on MBP with plastic ones while still charging people like me 3000€., is it not why we have these forums, to EXPOSE what is going on?

 

[Xander562]

Fact is that your not really buying a Apogee product but a 2 channel interface Apogee kind of put there name on it, its like buying a FIREBOX or M-Box Pro when it comes to specs.

Isn't the M-Box Pro more expensive than the Duet? I still don't know what you're trying to prove here.

You're right, the Duet probably isn't a professional studio quality interface. But then again, the people who are buying it aren't looking for scientifically accurate professional studio quality anyway... So doesn't it match what it claims?

I'm so sorry you have to stoop down to our level to "warn" us about the lack of specs on Apogee's website...