Apogee duet drivers windows

Apogee Duet – профессиональный USB интерфейс, теперь и под Windows

Максим Лядов

Американский производитель Apogee Electronics является культовой маркой в области студийной аппаратуры. Компания десятки лет специализируется на студийных конверторах, то есть устройствах оцифровки и воспроизведения. Самым популярным продуктом из всех производимых компанией является USB интерфейс Apogee Duet. Причём, производитель специально подчёркивает, что Duet разработан и произведен в США, как и вся остальная продукция компании Apogee.

С момента премьеры в 2007 году Apogee Duet успел пережить пару существенных обновлений. В 2011 году, во втором переиздании, Duet 2, появился USB разъём (вместо Firewire), балансные выходы, независимый наушниковый выход. В 2013 году, в третьем издании оставлена аналоговая начинка, но заменен внутренний процессор, что позволило подключать iOS устройства и даже заряжать их во время подключения. Для iOS есть специальное управляющее приложение. Также добавился USB вход для подключения USB-MIDI клавиатуры или диджейского контроллера. И, наконец, в 2017 году компания представила поддержку драйверов Windows10. На момент написания данного обзора в 2019 году в магазинах интерфейс продаётся под простым названием Apogee Duet и поддерживает Mac OSX, Window 10 и iOS устройства.

Duet может спокойно питаться от шины USB. Однако для работы с низкочувствительными наушниками или для подачи +48В фантомного питания рекомендуется подключить идущий в комплекте 15 Вт адаптер сети переменного тока.

Входные и выходные разъёмы вынесены на косичку. В теории существует ещё опциональный breakout box с XLR входными и выходными разъёмами.

Очень важной особенностью Apogee Duet является независимый выход на наушники. Можно назначить выход на мониторы на 1-2 канал, а выход на наушники на 3-4 канал. Это позволяет вывести отдельную фонограмму в уши исполнителю. Также это делает пригодным Apogee Duet для диджеинга.

Технические характеристики Apogee Duet

Микрофонный предусилитель:

Наушниковый усилитель:

Внутри расположилась довольно интересная начинка. Apogee не были бы американцами, если бы не использовали американский чип ЦАП ESS Sabre 32 ES9016S. Именно он отвечает за 4 независимых аналоговых выхода, 2 линейных и стереовыход наушников. За оцифровку отвечает CS5361. Операционные усилители на входах и выходах TI OPA1642.

Усилитель для наушников удивил нас своей мощностью. Громкости хватает с запасом даже для низкочувствительных наушников. По схеме там стоит умощнение выходного каскада на транзисторах. Минус только в том, что импеданс выхода составляет 30 Ом.

Device: Apogee USB ASIO Driver

Управляющее ПО от Apogee было полностью переработано Теперь для скачивания предлагается Maestro v2, вместо первой версии, которая подвергалась критике за нестабильность и анахронизм. К интерфейсам Apogee средней ценовой категории никогда не было претензий по звуку, но некоторые пользователи отмечали проблемы с драйверами и софтом. Теперь же и софт, и драйвера обрели тот уровень стабильности и функционал, которые как нельзя лучше отвечают имиджу Apogee.

Панель управления содержит все настройки в одном окне. Ненужные в данный момент настройки можно скрыть. Все каналы имеют индивидуальные пикметры. Аппаратных эффектов никаких нет. Apogee принципиально делает упор на качество оцифровки и воспроизведения.

Интересно, что в комплекте идёт драйвер и для Windows 7, но панель карты работает только в Windows 10. Панель нужна, так как только через панель можно менять режимы работы входов и включать фантомное питание. Поэтому имеет смысл пользоваться Windows 10.

Для каждого входа можно выбрать уровень сигнала или режим. Интересная настройка SL означает аппаратный лимитер с мягким порогом ограничения (soft limit), который стоит в аналоговой цепи, ДО оцифровки сигнала в АЦП. Это фирменная фича, она есть в большинстве продуктов Apogee. Конечно, лучше записывать вообще без лимитера, имея достаточный запас. Но в некоторых случаях лимитер может оказаться полезным.

Для устройства выходят обновления прошивки и драйвера. Драйвер основан на знакомом нам пакете ПО Thesycon.

Размер ASIO буфера выбирается в широких пределах на отдельной вкладке.

При буфере 64 семпла задержка составила всего 4.9 мс. Это прекрасный результат! Производитель заявляет аналогичное значение в паспорте.

Измерения в RMAA

Мы соединили линейный вход с выходом и прогнали стандартные тесты в нашей программе RMAA 6.4.5 PRO.

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Apogee duet drivers windows

Has anyone tried to use a duet 2 on a windows machine using asio4all

I know avid has drivers for their branded version and it seems asio4all works with plenty of audio interfaces

Thanks for your time and help

Thanks for the reply

I’m figuring the duet 2 is a simple usb audio device that asio4all should recognize

Or is the duet 2 completely blocked from windows machines?

Let us know how you make out with your test

Yes i did hear about what avid did

I wonder if there driver will only work with the avid branded version

And only work with protools?

Thanks for the reply

Thinking error: of course there need to be Windows drivers for the unit to be recognized by Windows. If the device is not listed in Device Manager, ASIO4ALL will not detect the unit.

Also, the more features a unit has, the less use ASIO4ALL would be even if it would work, as everything which is done by Maestro software would be required to be done by hardware, as far as it is not managed by Maestro.

The AVID drivers will only work with the AVID branded units.

Actually I have managed to have sound output with Duet2 under windows with a various limitations of course..

— had to do «forced» Avid’s driver install
— no Duet onscreen controls
— no volume control from Duet
— Avid’s control panel not working
— After windows restarts I have to reconnect usb wire to make Duet2 work again

But anyway sound goes from headphone and speaker outputs which is better than nothing

I think Avid could add all duets windows support at a drop of a hat, but probably they are interested in selling their branded apogees in the first place 🙁

Hope some day somebody with programming skills and apogee will inspect hypothetical compatibility of those drivers

I have one for my macbook pro, but it would be cool to have more control for it on windows.

Also the windows standard driver on win 10, version some what november 2017 also works the same but no 3 and 4 line outputs. So actually you could use the standard windows driver too if you don’t need output 3 and 4.

I picked all the driver files out of all the avid driver versions installation. You don’t need to install the whole package since it has no use with the apogee silver branded duet 2. Forcing driver installing is enough.

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Customer Reviews

WOW, just WOW

“I had been using the Focusrite Saffire and was beginning to think my Mackie 824s were dying. Well, with the Apogee Duet they have resurrected. Clarity and deep base. The recording of my guitar sounded better than in the studio. Midi connected with ease. This product is very intuitive and makes sense. Nothing complicated, just pristine input and output.

I am very impressed in a good way with this product. Yes, expensive, but my oh my, very perceivable upgrade from the Saffire.”

jiagap from Washington State
From Guitar Center

Audio Nirvana.

“One of the Best audio interfaces on the market, period. Paired with a pair of Dynaudio BM5 MKIII is just Audio Nirvana!! Sound is clear, accurate a detailed. I bought it mostly for music listening because the ESS Sabre 32 DAC but also to use with my Pro Tools 12 rig. One of my best audio purchases ever!! 1000% recommended.”

I love Apogee!

“This is my first Apogee device. Everything about it is amazing. It’s low latency it can go down to and the converters on this little guy are mind blowing. The preamps are super clean and sound awesome when you drive them hard with the soft limit on. Def the best small interface I have ever owned. This badboy is going to be part of my mobile rig for a long time to come.”

Phil “The Beard” from Cape Coral, FL USA
From Sweetwater

Songs Recorded with Apogee Duet

Apogee User: Ross Copperman

Role: Producer/Songwriter

Duet Used For: Recording Dierks Bentley’s vocals (from his tour bus)

Additional Gear Used: Shure SM7 microphone, used Duet’s internal mic preamp

Apogee User: Drew Taggart

Role: Songwriter/Artist/Producer

Duet Used For: Recording guitar and vocals

Additional Gear Used: Ableton Live

Apogee User: Thaddeus Dixon

Role: Producer/Songwriter/Musician

Duet Used For: Producing all instruments and recording all vocals

Additional Gear Used: Pro Tools, Blue Bluebird mic

Apogee User: Lars Stalfors

Role: Producer/Engineer

Duet Used For: Recording all vocals

Additional Gear Used: Used Duet’s built-in mic preamps

Apogee User: Butch Walker

Role: Producer

Duet Used For: Recording all instruments and vocals

Additional Gear Used: Neve 1073LB mic pre, Neve 2264a compressor, Telefunkin U47

Apogee User: Major Seven

Role: Producer/Engineer

Duet Used For: Recording guitar and playback

Apogee User: Bolo da Producer

Role: Producer/Engineer

Duet Used For: All recording, vocals recorded using Duet’s internal mic preamp

Additional Gear Used: Neumann U87 microphone

Apogee User: Dontae Winslow

Role: Musician

Duet Used For: Recording trumpet

Apogee User: Bill Reynolds

Role: Engineer

Duet Used For: Recording Ben Bridwell’s vocals

Apogee User: Aaron Harris

Role: Artist/Engineer/Mixing

Duet Used For: Recording Chino Moreno’s vocals

Additional Gear Used: Empirical Labs “Mike-E” mic pre, Shure SM7, Macbook Pro, Pro Tools

Legendary Sound Quality

The Apogee Advantage

Why Apogee Duet is the best choice
for your studio

Apogee is an award-winning industry leader in digital recording technology with over 25 years of experience. Preferred by recording pros around the world, Apogee products like Duet, Ensemble and Symphony I/O have been instrumental in creating countless GRAMMY® and OSCAR® winning recordings and have set the industry standard in professional recording for over two decades. Duet is built solidly on this reputation.

A difference you will hear

From the mic preamps to the AD/DA converters and the clocking, Duet is best-in-class and cutting-edge Apogee technology. With components carefully selected in critical listening tests and a highly efficient circuit design, Duet was built by Apogee engineers to make a difference you can hear.

Pristine, next generation
AD/DA converters

Duet’s AD/DA converters are designed to deliver the purest recordings and best listening experience possible. Duet’s efficient circuitry and state-of-the-art components provide a simplified signal path resulting in incredibly transparent recordings.

Smooth, detailed world-class
mic preamps

Much like the AD/DA converters, Duet’s mic preamps feature the latest components and offer seamless click-free transitions as the gain increases and decreases throughout the incredible range of 0-75dB. This unprecedented feature allows you to dial in the perfect level, either with the controller knob or from within software, while delivering ultra-low noise and smooth, crisp detail. Duet’s mic pres are suitable for all dynamic, condenser or ribbon microphones, allowing you to capture any sound without compromise.

Soft Limit – Protection from digital overs

An Apogee technology first introduced in 1992 on Apogee’s AD-500 converter, Soft Limit can be heard on countless platinum selling records around the world. Once a technology exclusively reserved for Apogee’s most advanced audio converters, Soft Limit is included in Duet and can be enabled in Apogee Maestro software.

This superior analog design prevents the digital clipping that causes distortion by instantaneously rounding off transient peaks before they hit the analog-to-digital converter. Soft Limit allows several more decibels of apparent level to be recorded while subtly providing an analog-like warmth to the sound.

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Legendary Sound Quality

The Apogee Advantage

Why Apogee Duet is the best choice
for your studio.

Apogee is an award-winning industry leader in digital recording technology with over 25 years of experience. Preferred by recording pros around the world, Apogee products like Duet, Ensemble and Symphony I/O have been instrumental in creating countless GRAMMY® and OSCAR® winning recordings and have set the industry standard in professional recording for over two decades. Duet is built solidly on this reputation.

A difference you will hear.

Using the very latest technology and drawing upon the experience of developing Apogee’s new flagship audio interface, Symphony I/O, Apogee engineers rebuilt Duet to achieve a difference you can hear.

From the mic preamps to the AD/DA converters, Duet 2 offers the best of everything Apogee, allowing you to capture your audio with even more clarity and dimension than the original Duet. This is professional sound quality you can take anywhere.

Smooth, detailed world-class mic preamps

The Duet 2 mic preamps feature a new design, all new components and seamless click-free transitions as the gain increases and decreases throughout the incredible range of 0-75dB. This unprecedented feature allows you to dial in the perfect level while delivering ultra-low noise and smooth, crisp detail. Most importantly, the Duet 2 mic preamps are optimized for any sound source, so no matter what you are recording you’ll capture every detail.

Pristine, next generation AD/DA converters

Much like the mic preamps, the Duet 2 AD/DA converters are an all-new design and deliver the purest recordings and best listening experience possible. This totally new design takes the personal studio to the next level with state-of-the-art components and next-generation conversion.

Soft Limit – Protection from digital overs

An Apogee technology first introduced in 1992 on Apogee’s AD-500 converter, Soft Limit can be heard on countless platinum selling records around the world. Once a technology exclusively reserved for Apogee’s most advanced audio converters, Soft Limit is included in Duet and can be enabled in Apogee Maestro software.

This superior analog design prevents the digital clipping that causes distortion by instantaneously rounding off transient peaks before they hit the analog-to-digital converter. Soft Limit allows several more decibels of apparent level to be recorded while subtly providing an analog-like warmth to the sound.

ESS Sabre32 DAC Technology

ESS Sabre32 32-bit Hyperstream DAC with Time Domain Jitter Eliminator offers unequalled dynamic range, ultra low distortion, and unmatched audio clarity free from input jitter.

While ESS Sabre32 DAC has been widely recognized and employed in the audiophile community as the next step in converter technology, Apogee is one of the first pro audio manufacturers to employ this DAC in an interface designed for audio and video professionals. ESS Sabre32 DAC technology, as employed in Duet 2, Duet for iPad & Mac, Quartet and Symphony I/O, is one ingredient in the Apogee Engineering Difference. The benefits of the ESS Sabre32 DAC include:

32-bit DAC Architecture – Compared to older 24-bit technology, the Sabre32 DAC’s 32-bit filter processing results in significantly lower noise and distortion, for a pure listening experience free from artifacts. 32-bit digital attenuation ensures that sonic purity is maintained at any listening level.

Time Domain Jitter Eliminatio n removes clock inconsistencies from the incoming digital data, so the converted analog output preserves the clarity and soundstage detail of the original recording.

Apogee Duet 2 Product Tour

Inputs & Outputs

Redesigned Breakout Cable

Duet 2’s new breakout cable is greatly streamlined with 2 combination mic/instrument connectors (XLR and 1/4”) built into a single connector and 2 balanced 1/4” connectors for speakers. The elegant single cable-to-junction design allows for easy cable management and the locking connection to Duet 2 is robust and stylish.

2 Analog Inputs

Duet’s 2 combination input connectors (XLR and 1/4”) allow you to connect microphones, guitars and keyboards or your favorite external mic preamps, compressors and EQs.

4 analog outputs –
Separate headphone and speaker outs

By very popular demand Duet 2 includes 4 analog outputs. Stereo headphones or left & right mono speaker outs can be assigned in pairs to output 1-2 or 3-4 or the low latency mixer and each can be placed in stereo, mono, muted or dimmed modes.

It is now possible for a DJ to monitor a separate mix in headphones while sending a house mix to the club, a live performer to send a click track to in-ear monitors while sending a backing track to front-of-house, and a recording engineer to send a headphone mix to the performer while dedicating the main outputs to studio monitors.

(This feature is in response to customer demand)

Breakout Box Accessory

Available as a separate accessory for Duet 2 is a solidly built, aluminum breakout box with 2 1/4” inputs, 2 XLR inputs (for 2 simultaneous channels of input) and 2 balanced XLR outputs. The Duet 2 breakout box features studio-quality I/O connectors and includes a 2 meter cable allowing you to extend your input and output connections away from your desktop and minimize cable clutter. (This feature is in response to customer demand)

Please note the breakout box does not enable extra inputs or outputs. Whether you are using the breakout cable or breakout box Duet 2 is capable of 2 channels of analog input (mic, line, or instrument) and 4 channels of analog output (left/right headphones and left/right monitor outputs).

Control

Full Color OLED Display

The high resolution OLED screen built into Duet 2’s top is the main control center for Duet 2, delivering visual feedback for multiple functions including metering, numeric value for input and output levels, input grouping, and phase, muting, phantom power and Soft Limit indication. With this display you know the status of any input and output at any given moment without having to refer to Maestro or your recording software.

High-resolution display shows all input and output details

Configurable Touchpads

Duet 2 also introduces configurable touchpads. The 2 touchpads, located on either side of the encoder knob, allow you to quickly access output functions such as “Mute Outputs”, “Dim Outputs”, “Sum to Mono” or “Toggle Headphone Source”. Each are assignable using a drop-down menu within Apogee’s new Maestro 2. This unique feature allows you to select the function you want and access it directly from Duet 2 without having to look at software.

Multi-function Controller Knob

Along with its sleek aluminum chassis, the multi-function controller knob is one of the most recognizable features of Duet 2’s design. This central control feature allows you to quickly and easily toggle thru Duet 2’s inputs and outputs and set levels while looking at Duet 2’s dynamic OLED display.

Apogee Duet Artists

Madame Gandhi – Electronic Music Artist, Producer, and Activist

Apogee Duet Image Gallery

Apogee Duet Recordings

Recording Acoustic Guitar with two mics and Duet

Recording Hammond B3 with Duet

Recording Drums with Apogee Duet and Beyerdynamic M88 / Neumann M49

Apogee Duet Videos

Bob Clearmountain Shows How to Record Drums with Two Microphones

Apogee Duet Customer Reviews

WOW, just WOW

“I had been using the Focusrite Saffire and was beginning to think my Mackie 824s were dying. Well, with the Apogee Duet they have resurrected. Clarity and deep base. The recording of my guitar sounded better than in the studio. Midi connected with ease. This product is very intuitive and makes sense. Nothing complicated, just pristine input and output.

I am very impressed in a good way with this product. Yes, expensive, but my oh my, very perceivable upgrade from the Saffire.”

jiagap from Washington State
From Guitar Center

Audio Nirvana.

“One of the Best audio interfaces on the market, period. Paired with a pair of Dynaudio BM5 MKIII is just Audio Nirvana!! Sound is clear, accurate a detailed. I bought it mostly for music listening because the ESS Sabre 32 DAC but also to use with my Pro Tools 12 rig. One of my best audio purchases ever!! 1000% recommended.”

I love Apogee!

“This is my first Apogee device. Everything about it is amazing. It’s low latency it can go down to and the converters on this little guy are mind blowing. The preamps are super clean and sound awesome when you drive them hard with the soft limit on. Def the best small interface I have ever owned. This badboy is going to be part of my mobile rig for a long time to come.”

Phil “The Beard” from Cape Coral, FL USA
From Sweetwater

Awesome!

“I upgraded from a low-level Focusrite and the difference is obvious in both my monitoring and recordings. What a difference! If you are on the fence about spending the extra hundreds I strongly suggest you find a way to make it happen. After 4 months of daily use I have yet to encounter any of the issues I was initially concerned about such as weak drivers, connection breaks, or the lack of inputs. With this interface I feel like I may be set for years to come.”

John from Southern California
From Sweetwater

Fantastic DAC/ADC

“I use the Apogee Duet primarily as a simple mono/stereo preamp and ADC for live music, and as a high fidelity DAC. It excels at both. I Also use it to rip vinyl into high resolution digital files. I never really like digital sound all that much, and still prefer vinyl/tape, but the Apogee has been An ear opener…love it.”

“This is a life changer for home studio use. Super clean recording. No buzzing like with my beginner level interfaces of the past. The instruments come alive now and punch me in the guts. Love this thing.. Can’t wait to try it with my PA for live shows.”

Jeff Hardesty from Owensboro, KY
From Sweetwater

The Duet for iPad and Mac

“I’ve been around music and recording technology for decades. I was also skeptical about any A/D converters that happened outside of the box (with a break-out cable). I’ve used Avid’s products since the AudioMedia III card and MOTU since the original 2408. So, I decided to check out Apogee. I was beyond impressed and completely blown away by the quality of the The Apogee Duet for iPad and Mac. First of all, it is build solidly and the construction is second-to-none. The ease of use with the front display is remarkable, and the Maestro 2 software is wonderful to navigate. The sound of the The Apogee Duet for iPad and Mac is pristine. This is the first review that I’ve felt compelled to do because of the quality of the unit. Apogee has surely earned its name — they are definitely at the apogee of the audio industry!”

Big Performance in a Little Package

“I record classical and acoustic performances from solo artists to large ensembles and choirs. I have the older Ensemble and thought that was marvelous, so when I needed a small interface for simple stereo recording I bought the Duet. What a great purchase. The preamps are even more nuanced than my older Ensemble and you can’t ask for a better DAC than what Apogee provides. I loved the performance so much I upgraded my Ensemble to the Duet’s newer sibling the Ensemble Thunderbolt. Great work Apogee!”

Karl Wicker from Lawrenceville, GA
From Sweetwater

oh man

“all the hype is exactly as it should be. got the duet, now i can’t wait to buy the quartet. i was a little skeptical about running maestro software and what that would be like, turns out you can totally record in pro tools without even opening maestro (it’s a neat and lightweight background program, not bad at all)”

Brandon from minnesconsin
From Sweetwater

Gives Your Music That Big Studio Edge

“The Apogee Duet is a wonderful product. I’ve been recording for years and have sung on many records, commercials and films. Apogee was part of just about every studio that I’ve recorded around the world. To take that same technology and put it in a portable unit where now it can be used with the technology of today is pretty amazing. Today’s technology with ProTools, LOGIC, Digital Performer, Reasons, etc having the Apogee Duet as a companion is well worth it. It will make your music ‘radio ready’. I’ve done many duets in the course of my career, and I’m happy to now have this ‘duet’ interface as one of my studio companions. :-)”

The Apple of Audio Interfaces: A Review For Beginners

After purchasing two mid-level audio interfaces I decided I would trade 4 inputs for just 2 if it meant I could have easy-to-use equipment and software that nearly guaranteed the highest quality. I decided to purchase the “Apple-equivalent” company and splurged for the Apogee. When I say Apple-equivalent I mean the following: 1. simple & intuitive interface, software, and manual. 2. high-quality 3. sleek design.

I’m using a 2.4GHz Intel MacBook Pro (Late 2012) running LogicPro X. I plugged in the Apogee Duet and Logic recognized the Duet immediately. I spent the next 10 minutes figuring out the correct/desired settings within the Apogee Software using the help of other users after Googling “Apogee and Logic” etc. Within 20 minutes of opening the Apogee Box I was up and recording in stereo.

Now, after using the product for nearly a month, I’m pleased with my decision. Sure, this interface is nearly 2-3 times the price of others BUT I (the novice) immediately noticed the sound quality in my recordings between this and my previous, less-expensive interfaces. Recordings felt richer, thicker, and with greater depth. I doubt I will use all the features of the Duet, but I’m pleased to know I’ve got the best-sounding portable device without the additional complications. DAW’s and home-recording is complicated enough — you don’t want to spend hours upon hours WASTED on a component designed to simply get your recordings into the DAW.”

D. Johnston from San Francisco
From Amazon

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