Apogee Duet: Quick review

[hakukani]

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...

Why would a pro feel the need to post crap on a website anyway? If you want to post on an unmoderated forum, go to usenet.

Logic Pro: Aren't you too busy making those platinum records?

Methinks I smell a troll...

 

[Drumjim85]

just for reference, a platinum record only means 1 million sales if you are in the US. everywhere else it is a lot lower, as little as 3,000... Granted I don't have one, I have sold a lot more than 3,000 records.

 

[junior]

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?,

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!
*Breathes*
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!


I like this guy.

 

[Luap]

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!
*Breathes*
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!


I like this guy.

I chuckled at that too

I don't think he realises he's sitting in the corner on his own fighting a losing battle either. Theres enough users and reviews to back up the Duet as being a great audio interface. It may lack features. But not everyone needs every feature, and would rather have quality instead. Which evidently it has.
And no, I don't have one. But am thinking seriously about getting one

 

[ausdave]

Oh man.

This thread is the best laugh I've had in ages.

LogicPro (I use that term loosely, lol)... you're a crack up!

It appears that you're arguing with yourself... no-one has made any of the claims that you seem to be discussing.

 

[cassnate6259]

Hi all, I just joined the forum after becoming interested in the Duet as a longtime Logic user.

I've been reading about this little guy all over the web, and even though I'm disappointed that the specs aren't listed at the moment, I have come to a realization: If it sounds amazing, then it must be good enough!

I am also a little disappointed that it is lacking a few features such as running all four inputs simultaneously, balanced monitor outs that are independent of the headphone out, and midi I/O. But even so, if this unit sounds even close to as good as everyone is talking it up to be, then I just look at it as if I am getting a great mic pre for $250 per channel that just so happens to have great converters and firewire connectivity.

I would be curious to hear this guy in an A/B comparison with both a lower-end interface, such as a firebox or similar M-audio unit, and then also compared with a high-end pre such as a Grace, to see how it compares. I would also be curious to compare the converters to the high-end Apogee gear, or similar products from Lynx or others similar.

As I was saying earlier, I prefer to approve gear with my ears rather than by specs alone. Two mic pres could have nearly identical specs and still sound significantly different!

That being said, I can't wait to try out the Duet!

Could anyone give a more descriptive idea about what they think of the sound quality? Is it very transparent, thick, warm, clean, clear, etc.. (whatever description you think fits)
Does it remind you of other pre's or sound much better or possibly not as good as other pres that you've compared it to? Sounds clips would be even better! I just checked out the Phantom Planet one on the Apogee website, which was pretty helpful.

Thanks!

 

[logic pro]

LOL,

I read all these posts and they are funny, i am amazed at how marketing can brainwash people into believing this DUET sounds better then a MBOX Po when Apple and Apogee uses the exact parts and share the same SPECS.

But with no SPECS your all paying LIP SERVICE and me proving you wrong will expose a few interesting things,
One: is who are the Suckers,
Two: who are the employees who are supporting the reputation of products ( on going thing online now days).,
Three: one of you should make a deal with me if your really sure this is not a M Box Pro IF YOU HAVE THE GUTS!!

So i will make a deal with you, lets see if you got the guts to back up your word., if i prove that the specs show identical parts and that it is a MBox pro will one of you give up your Duet to me, and who will it be?

BTW, while it means nothing to me i like to point to the guy who posted in regards to platinum records sold in he US as to Europe, who knows why he compared that (maybe a red neck who looked at my IP)., FYI, the people i work for sold over 600 million plus to date in the US of A, i aint here to use that in order to slam Apogee, i love there PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS and use them, i hear the difference, it is the only reason i share this info with you guys.

So let the games begin kids., cut the jive, who's DUET will it be?

 

[cassnate6259]

I read all these posts and they are funny, i am amazed at how marketing can brainwash people into believing this DUET sounds better then a MBOX Po when Apple and Apogee uses the exact parts and share the same SPECS.

That doesn't make sense. Apple and Apogee? The M-box is made by Digidesign and the Duet is made by Apogee but sold in Apple stores because it is so integrated into Logic software, unlike the M-box that will only run on PTLE. Aside from that point, I have SERIOUS doubts that Digidesign and Apogee would somehow have the exact same specs for two completely different products from different companies, so go ahead and prove me wrong.

But with no SPECS your all paying LIP SERVICE and me proving you wrong will expose a few interesting things,
One: is who are the Suckers,
Two: who are the employees who are supporting the reputation of products ( on going thing online now days).,
Three: one of you should make a deal with me if your really sure this is not a M Box Pro IF YOU HAVE THE GUTS!!

So i will make a deal with you, lets see if you got the guts to back up your word., if i prove that the specs show identical parts and that it is a MBox pro will one of you give up your Duet to me, and who will it be?

haha! I get it, this is just an elaborate ploy to make someone give you a Duet because you want one so badly! So you're saying that everyone here is brainwashed to think that the Duet is ripping everyone off with their "insane" $500 price point? I just read a review from a guy who used it and said he loved it so much that he'd pay twice as much for it. I don't see how that guy is such a sucker.

BTW, while it means nothing to me i like to point to the guy who posted in regards to platinum records sold in he US as to Europe, who knows why he compared that (maybe a red neck who looked at my IP)., FYI, the people i work for sold over 600 million plus to date in the US of A, i aint here to use that in order to slam Apogee, i love there PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS and use them, i hear the difference, it is the only reason i share this info with you guys.

So let the games begin kids., cut the jive, who's DUET will it be?

I love this. So we're all redneck hicks who don't have ears because you might have worked in a studio. But here's the problem: If you held a position of any importance at the studio, or worked at one at all, you wouldn't need to come on here and brag to a bunch of strangers and call us suckers.

Finally, I hate to be a grammar guy, but when you say "I love THERE professional products" it really doesn't make you look any more legitimate.

 

[Drumjim85]

You can run other software with digi hardware, you can't run protools le on non digi hardware.

 

[cassnate6259]

You can run other software with digi hardware, you can't run protools le on non digi hardware.

Really? Is this something different with the newer M-boxes? I always thought all digi hardware was only PT compatible.

I know for sure that the Digidesign HD system at the university I went to was only PT compatible.

 

[ausdave]

LOL,

I read all these posts and they are funny, i am amazed at how marketing can brainwash people into believing this DUET sounds better then a MBOX Po when Apple and Apogee uses the exact parts and share the same SPECS.

But with no SPECS your all paying LIP SERVICE and me proving you wrong will expose a few interesting things,
One: is who are the Suckers,
Two: who are the employees who are supporting the reputation of products ( on going thing online now days).,
Three: one of you should make a deal with me if your really sure this is not a M Box Pro IF YOU HAVE THE GUTS!!

So i will make a deal with you, lets see if you got the guts to back up your word., if i prove that the specs show identical parts and that it is a MBox pro will one of you give up your Duet to me, and who will it be?

BTW, while it means nothing to me i like to point to the guy who posted in regards to platinum records sold in he US as to Europe, who knows why he compared that (maybe a red neck who looked at my IP)., FYI, the people i work for sold over 600 million plus to date in the US of A, i aint here to use that in order to slam Apogee, i love there PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS and use them, i hear the difference, it is the only reason i share this info with you guys.

So let the games begin kids., cut the jive, who's DUET will it be?

Ha Ha!

If only any of that actually made any sense in English.

I would think that if you had the specs that you would have already posted them... but wait... you don't!

I would happily give you my Duet if you can prove me wrong (although if what you're saying is that they use the same AD or DA converters, then that wouldn't be surprising... but it doesn't make them the same product in anyones language as many brands use some of the same parts).

The only thing I'm worried about with giving my Duet to you is that you'd hurt yourself with it by trying to insert it into your ear or something very unintelligent like that!

But hey... there (please note correct usage of 'there', what you meant is 'their', ie the possessive pronoun) might be some upsides... Maybe it could improve your typing skills???

Hmmmmm... maybe not... but I do live in hope for a better world.

 

[Drumjim85]

Really? Is this something different with the newer M-boxes? I always thought all digi hardware was only PT compatible.

I know for sure that the Digidesign HD system at the university I went to was only PT compatible.

sorry, should have been more clear, the HD world is a bit different (no other program can take use of the HD Cards, but for things like the M-box and 003 you can run other software..

When i had a 002r i was running nuendo all the time.. since then I've sold that and moved to a m-audio pro-fire-lightbridge (and using mytek converters)

 

[junior]

Really? Is this something different with the newer M-boxes? I always thought all digi hardware was only PT compatible.

I know for sure that the Digidesign HD system at the university I went to was only PT compatible.

Absolutely not. All digidesign hardware have always worked with any sofware, at least for the last 10+ years I've been in the business.
You've got it the wrong way round. Most hardware will not work with Pro Tools, though there are obviously some DA/AD converters, syncs, and Audio interfaces that can be used, and are often better, than the original Digi interfaces. You need the main DSP hardware hoever to be able to use those interfaces.

 

[junior]

sorry, should have been more clear, the HD world is a bit different (no other program can take use of the HD Cards, but for things like the M-box and 003 you can run other software..

When i had a 002r i was running nuendo all the time.. since then I've sold that and moved to a m-audio pro-fire-lightbridge (and using mytek converters)

No, all apps work through the core audio driver. Logic and DP can also make use of the DSP chips and use TDM pugins (in Logic, going into this mode takes away AU compatibility though).

 

[cassnate6259]

Absolutely not. All digidesign hardware have always worked with any sofware, at least for the last 10+ years I've been in the business.
You've got it the wrong way round. Most hardware will not work with Pro Tools, though there are obviously some DA/AD converters, syncs, and Audio interfaces that can be used, and are often better, than the original Digi interfaces. You need the main DSP hardware hoever to be able to use those interfaces.

Wow.. I can't believe I didn't realize that! I just always associated Digi hardware with PT software. I guess that makes me like them a little more, then

Thanks for clarifying.

 

[logic pro]

Apple and Digidesign DO NOT MAKE THERE OWN HARDWARE, they get it made in Asia kids, think again........ all the chips, convertors are made in Japan, put together who knows where.


The DUET was a marketing idea between Apple and Apogee, the Ensemble was and is pricey, oh, i also notice the DUET is quieter then a Ensemble here


So yes, anyone can order the same AD/DA parts, for example MOTU uses cheap Sony convertors while Digi used higher quality ones Apogee used on there first MBox, these companies downgrade on there later versions to make more profit with out telling us, the DUET does not contain Apogee parts found in there known higher end products as claimed.

 

[logic pro]

Why would a pro feel the need to post crap on a website anyway? If you want to post on an unmoderated forum, go to usenet.

Logic Pro: Aren't you too busy making those platinum records?

Methinks I smell a troll...

Either you guys are ignorant or trolls by flooding the posts from exposing the fact that allot of these interfaces use the same hardware components.

for example, Metric Halo ULN2 uses the same convertors as a Mbox 1.

Later, Digi downgraded there MBox's by using the same cheap convertors as Motu uses by SONY in the 80s.

These "down grades" are the very things this site should also monitor apple on as well, Seems that companies do this after the products are popular to make more profit.

The DUET, identical quality as the latest MBOX PRo (FW) has less ins and outs while the MBox Pro offers digital i/o as well as way more i/o., plus Pro Tools LE.

I have DUET guys, not saying its a bad unit, in fact i do not need more i/o and i use big rooms for more i/o, its perfect for me and Logic Pro.

But the facts are facts and these should be known.

 

[junior]

Either you guys are ignorant or trolls by flooding the posts from exposing the fact that allot of these interfaces use the same hardware components.

for example, Metric Halo ULN2 uses the same convertors as a Mbox 1.

Later, Digi downgraded there MBox's by using the same cheap convertors as Motu uses by SONY in the 80s.

These "down grades" are the very things this site should also monitor apple on as well, Seems that companies do this after the products are popular to make more profit.

The DUET, identical quality as the latest MBOX PRo (FW) has less ins and outs while the MBox Pro offers digital i/o as well as way more i/o., plus Pro Tools LE.

I have DUET guys, not saying its a bad unit, in fact i do not need more i/o and i use big rooms for more i/o, its perfect for me and Logic Pro.

But the facts are facts and these should be known.

Are you talking about a specific motu interface or ALL of them.
If you're implying the latter, I think I could prove you wrong.

 

[ausdave]

Apple and Digidesign DO NOT MAKE THERE OWN HARDWARE, they get it made in Asia kids, think again........ all the chips, convertors are made in Japan, put together who knows where.


The DUET was a marketing idea between Apple and Apogee, the Ensemble was and is pricey, oh, i also notice the DUET is quieter then a Ensemble here


So yes, anyone can order the same AD/DA parts, for example MOTU uses cheap Sony convertors while Digi used higher quality ones Apogee used on there first MBox, these companies downgrade on there later versions to make more profit with out telling us, the DUET does not contain Apogee parts found in there known higher end products as claimed.

I wouldn't expect it to contain the same parts as their higher end models... thats not to say that it isn't good quality (especially compared to anything else in the price range).

Also, FYI, the Duet is made in the USA... not Asia... but yes you can be pretty sure that all or most of the components are made in Asia (thats true for most electronics now days, but you can still make good quality products in Asia... often the difference is in Quality Control not the actual manufacturing process).

 

[ausdave]

Are you talking about a specific motu interface or ALL of them.
If you're implying the latter, I think I could prove you wrong.

I'm sure you can too... "LogicPro" hasn't actually substantiated any of his claims, or proven anything yet... he's just full of hot air... no facts, figures, photos to prove his points.

 

[Luap]

I think I could prove you wrong.

We all did that already, and he's not having it. I don't think this fool has been anywhere near a music studio. Unless his job is to sweep the floor of one

 

[logic pro]

We all did that already, and he's not having it. I don't think this fool has been anywhere near a music studio. Unless his job is to sweep the floor of one

You guys just do not want users to know the truth about all scams on pro-sumer products., how much profit do they make of low end audio stuff anyway, can you tell me?

Should i get into this market and lie on forums as well., or are you guys lying to yourselves., at least you admit you never worked in a pro environment and by your post at no doubt admit i do, or else you would of proved me wrong a long time ago

I'm sure you can too... "LogicPro" hasn't actually substantiated any of his claims, or proven anything yet... he's just full of hot air... no facts, figures, photos to prove his points.

So where are the Specs ?

let me get this straight, your claiming to be a amateur but knows better to tell who is a pro and who is not?

If you do not know better what is your point? you want to drag this out, no specs no facts

Why is Apogee concealing the DUETs specs., when you can compare the specs and prove me wrong ill back you up no problem kido., you know you can not argue with that so until you cut the BS and provide the specs you or the millions of suckers who shop by name brands like you have nothing to prove me wrong., does not matter how many people do not like hearing the truth WHEN the truth is what never changes while some try to lie to avoid it for a while, sooner or later they get caught.

 

[ausdave]

So where are the Specs ?

let me get this straight, your claiming to be a amateur but knows better to tell who is a pro and who is not?

If you do not know better what is your point? you want to drag this out, no specs no facts

Why is Apogee concealing the DUETs specs., when you can compare the specs and prove me wrong ill back you up no problem kido., you know you can not argue with that so until you cut the BS and provide the specs you or the millions of suckers who shop by name brands like you have nothing to prove me wrong., does not matter how many people do not like hearing the truth WHEN the truth is what never changes while some try to lie to avoid it for a while, sooner or later they get caught.

Um... I'm not the one that was complaining about the quality of the unit (I really don't care what the specs are, i know what my ears hear). Now... a few points...

1. I don't buy units based on specs, I use my ears and buy the best sounding unit within the price range I want to spend.
2. Anyone who says that a particular unit is better than another based on specs is an idiot... I trust my ears better with audio than my eyes.
3. I DO NOT buy products based on name brands... I did a lot of research into my purchase before I purchased the Duet and I made my decision based on the features, the quality and the price.
4. I never claimed to be an amateur... so please don't make assumptions there.
5. Just because something is better on paper and costs twice as much, doesn't make it a better product. I often hear people crapping on and big noting about how such and such is better because it uses this convertor, blah blah... but when given a blind A/B comparison between products they describe as rubbish and products they describe as amazing they either a) can't tell the difference, or b) pick the "rubbish" unit as the better sounding.

If you think that the Duet sounds crap... thats fine... I have no issues with your opinion... no two people are the same and we are allowed to have differing points of view (thats what makes life interesting).

However in your earlier posts you described people who purchased the unit as suckers (you then said you have one later on though???)... this is what I am not happy with. I (as most people who purchased the unit i'm sure) would describe the unit as very good value when you take into account the cost vs quality and features.

Yes, I would agree that a Metric Halo unit does sound better than the Duet... but it is also twice the price, and outside my price range for my home set-up.

So my point... if you have anything to substantiate your claims that we are suckers, then please supply it... otherwise... please refrain from verbally bashing the unit or people who purchased it.

Regards,

Dave.

 

[cubbie5150]

So where are the Specs ?

let me get this straight, your claiming to be a amateur but knows better to tell who is a pro and who is not?

If you do not know better what is your point? you want to drag this out, no specs no facts

Why is Apogee concealing the DUETs specs., when you can compare the specs and prove me wrong ill back you up no problem kido., you know you can not argue with that so until you cut the BS and provide the specs you or the millions of suckers who shop by name brands like you have nothing to prove me wrong., does not matter how many people do not like hearing the truth WHEN the truth is what never changes while some try to lie to avoid it for a while, sooner or later they get caught.

Why do you seem to have such a vested interest in this? Just curious... Lots of vitriol; makes me wonder what your agenda is.

 

[logic pro]

Why do you seem to have such a vested interest in this? Just curious... Lots of vitriol; makes me wonder what your agenda is.

You ask what is my Agenda, haha LOL, good one, i see your a marketing representative from the way you use words., as if people should not know what they are paying for, is that a problem for you?

Here is what i will do on my own time ( and i will not accept any bribery to avoid this)

I have a DUET and will open it to take some pictures and post them here.

I am trying to get a hold of a friends "MBox Pro" and also take pictures of whats inside not only to show you all the parts Apogee uses as well but compare it to another first generations 2007 MBox pro which sounds even better and the parts used in it where not the same at all, Digidesign also did this with there first mbox, the convertors in the Mbox sound really good, they are the same ones used by Metric Halo today, there UL2 i believe although i will check if anyone cares.,

My point is companies change there parts with out telling us all, Digidesign never publicly announced that they downgraded the Mbox 1 during there second factory orders, making a killing on the costs while even the chips for the units dropped in prices over in Japan., meanwhile users think they have a Mbox they tried which was a previous model., and Apogee claims your getting that Apogee sound when its the same guts in a Mbox Pro., are you a SUCKER or will you help stop companies from this abuse?

Ill be back in a week with fotos and my review.