The first professional stereo audio interface for iPad & Mac

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2 IN x 4 OUT USB Audio Interface for iPad and Mac

Apogee Duet is an award-winning audio interface, headphone amp and MIDI interface making it easy to create professional recordings anywhere on your iPod touch, iPhone, iPad or Mac. With Apogee’s legendary digital audio conversion and world-class mic preamps, Duet is the best way to capture your music with incredible dimension and detail.

The new Duet for iPad and Mac features special circuitry designed to deliver professional performance for iPad use along with low latency USB 2.0 performance for Mac. And with the addition of MIDI I/O you can connect and power a Core MID compatible keyboard/controller while using Duet with your iPad or iOS device.

Highlights

Duet charges the iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad when connected so your work is not interrupted.
2 analog inputs with world-class mic preamps and selectable 48v phantom power for connecting microphones, instruments or line-level devices.
Direct connection with Lightning or 30-pin iOS devices (iPhone, iPod touch, iPad) and USB connection to Mac.
Software control of hardware parameters including input selection and low latency monitoring.

iOS 8 & OS X
Yosemite compatible

Works with OS X Yosemite
Works with iOS 8 on iPad, iPhone, iPod touch

*Apogee products are built in the U.S.A. using domestic and foreign parts and components.

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.

Soft Limit – Protection from digital overs

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 Elimination removes clock inconsistencies from the incoming digital data, so the converted analog output preserves the clarity and soundstage detail of the original recording.

Learn more

Apogee Duet Product Tour

Inputs & Outputs

Breakout Cable

Duet’s breakout cable includes 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 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

Duet includes 4 analog outputs. 2 1/4” balanced outputs for connection to speakers or outboard equipment and a separate, independently controlled 1/4” stereo headphone output.

With these 4 outputs it’s 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.

MIDI

Duet provides a single USB MIDI connection for your CoreMIDI compatible keyboard, synth, or DJ controller. This eliminates the need for an external MIDI interface and promotes an all-in-one music creation solution where Duet and Maestro manage all audio and MIDI. On iPad, Duet’s MIDI connection allows both Duet and a keyboard or DJ controller to be connected at the same time to the iPad’s single connector (Lightning or 30-pin).

Breakout Box Accessory

Available as a separate accessory for Duet 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 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.

Please note the breakout box does not enable extra inputs or outputs. Whether you are using the breakout cable or breakout box Duet 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).

Buy Now (U.S. only)

Control

Full Color OLED Display

The high resolution OLED screen built into Duet’s top is the main control center for Duet, 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 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 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’s design. This central control feature allows you to quickly and easily toggle through Duet’s inputs and outputs and set levels while looking at Duet’s dynamic OLED display.

Music Creation on iPad

Setting up you studio has never been easier

A revolution in personal
& professional recording

Apple’s iPad is an incredible audio recording and music creation tool. Starting at $399, it is by far the most accessible, reliable and dynamic way to make music.

iPad puts you in touch with your creativity

Interacting with iPad to make music is like playing an instrument. In fact, some apps like Apple’s GarageBand turn your iPad into a guitar or virtual instrument. Whether you are moving faders on a mixer, adjusting software parameters, or editing a waveform, iPad’s multi-touch interface is a more hands on environment and superior to mouse clicks or track pad swipes.

Setting up your studio
has never been easier

iPad makes everything easier with a simplified user interface and plug and play connectivity for accessories like Apogee audio interfaces. You’ll be amazed by how simple it is to set up your studio.

There’s a music app for everything

There are hundreds of music apps for iOS and iPad. With multi-track recording DAWs like GarageBand and Auria, synths and drum machines like Animoog and DM1, utilities and guitar effects like Audiobus and JamUp Pro, the music creation offering for iPad is vast and varied. And most apps are more affordable than their Mac based counterparts.

Share your music

Sharing functionality is built-in to most apps, making it easier than ever to move files and collaborate on different devices including iPad to Mac.

Pro I/O Meets iOS

Apogee. The first to make professional recording on iPad a reality.

Apogee pioneered studio-quality recording on iPad with JAM, the first digital guitar input and MiC the first professional digital microphone for iPad. JAM was featured in Apple’s iPad 2, GarageBand launch video. Now with ONE, Duet and Quartet, Apogee is the first to introduce professional multi-track recording interfaces to the world of iPad and iOS. These products complete this amazing platform by offering musicians, producers and engineers professional tools for music recording, production and listening.

Superior sound quality

For almost 30 years, Apogee has been setting the standard in digital audio recording technology with award-winning products.

Maestro control software for iOS

Apogee ONE, Duet and Quartet are the first audio interfaces to feature software control made for iPad and iOS devices. Apogee’s Maestro lets you access all hardware parameters and monitor with a low
latency mixer.

Learn more about Maestro

Direct digital connection to iPad

Apogee ONE, Duet and Quartet for iPad and Mac feature special circuitry that makes a direct digital connection to iPad and iOS devices and is certified by Apple’s MFi (Made for iOS) program.

DC power charges iPad

In audio, adequate power is essential for excellent sound quality. With a direct digital connection and an external power source, ONE, Duet and Quartet are able to charge your iPad while you record so your work will not be interrupted.

Apogee Maestro Software

Mac and iOS application for low latency monitoring
and control of Apogee audio interfaces

Advanced Software Control
for Advanced I/O

Access all control functions and settings with Maestro, Apogee’s comprehensive software control application. Maestro features a single window interface with quick access to all device and system settings. Select your input type, enable Soft Limit on mic and instrument inputs, and use the mixer for low latency monitoring. Maestro lets you easily configure your Apogee interface to fit your workflow.

Learn more about Maestro

All new Maestro developed for
iPod touch, iPhone and iPad

Apogee’s new free Maestro app for iOS brings total hardware control to iPad. Designed to create a seamless transition between Mac and iOS, Maestro’s design was customized for each device; iPhone, iPad and Mac, ensuring an intuitive user interface across every platform. The app includes all the same essential functions available on the Mac including low latency monitoring. Maestro can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store on your iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad.

USB 2.0

High Speed, High Performance

Faster than FireWire

Duet features USB 2.0 High-speed connectivity to Mac. Advances in the Mac’s Core Audio driver have made USB faster than FireWire 400 with incredible latency performance. And there’s a USB port on every Mac.

…and as fast as USB 3.0

While USB 3.0 offers approximately 10x the bandwidth of USB 2.0, USB 2.0 far exceeds the bandwidth Duet requires for its 2 inputs and 4 outputs, delivering exceptional audio performance without compromise.

Apogee Duet Artists

Eva Gardner – Bassist for P!nk on tour and in the studio with Duet

June 1, 2019

"The Apogee Duet is my go-to both on and off the road."

Mark Schulman – Drummer for Pink, Activational Corporate Speaker, Studio Owner on Duet

March 30, 2019

"I love the different products…the product line is important to different aspects of my studio and live setup. When you’re on the road and you respect the art and you’re with people who inspire you it feels good to be like ‘Wow, no matter where I am I’m able to create!’ When I’m traveling and in my hotel room and want to record an idea after the show, or because I’ve met a musician on the road, using something like the MiC+ and Duet is a game changer."

Madame Gandhi – Electronic Music Artist, Producer, and Activist

August 10, 2018

See All Duet Artists

Apogee Duet Recordings

Recording Acoustic Guitar with two mics and Duet

February 10, 2016

Recording Hammond B3 with Duet

January 25, 2014

Recording Drums with Apogee Duet and Beyerdynamic M88 / Neumann M49

January 18, 2014

See All Duet Recordings

Apogee Duet Videos

Apogee Meets: Madame Gandhi – Own Your Voice

July 2, 2018

Madame Gandhi - Electronic Music Artist and Activist - let us take a look at her studio in L.A.’s Downtown Arts District to discuss the importance of owning your voice, the future of feminism, and how Apogee products empower her creative process.

Bob Clearmountain Shows How to Record Drums with Two Microphones

May 4, 2015

WATCH NOW

Ilan Rubin – Recording with Apogee Duet and Logic Pro X

March 1, 2014

WATCH NOW

See All Duet Videos

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.”

E. Castagnetti
From Amazon

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.”

Jared from Seattle, WA
From Sweetwater

“Man! What a differnce!” -80’s son of a gun commercial”

“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!”

Michael from NJ
From Sweetwater

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

Love this Duet !

“This small little box sounds better than my old ProTools Rig ! As a songwriter/ producer I only record single instruments or vocals at a time so no need for a huge interface with tons of inputs and outputs. The sound is spectacular even if you just listen to iTunes through it, you miss it when you are not listening through it. I also have done several remote sessions at a singers house and used my iPhone 5S and Garageband, works perfectly !”

Meez
From Amazon

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. :-)”

Philing
From Amazon

The Apple of Audio Interfaces: A Review For Beginners

“I started with a $250 audio interface believing I needed 4 inputs. The unit worked well enough but the included software was dated and the instructions were incredibly tedious. Then I went to a $400 model, still believing I “needed” 4 inputs (stereo guitar in inputs 1/2 and stereo synth/keyboard in lines 3/4). The included software was better but the manual was over 100 pages (100 pages for a digital audio interface??).

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

Sounds INCREDIBLE

“When I began in Pro Audio back in the 80’s…I never imagined that someday I would be recording on something called an iPad or my Phone…!

but…when I heard the recordings I have made with a DUET on my iPad… using good to great microphones, from an SM-58 to a Neumann U87 (yes theres phantom power!)….I was completely amazed…I still can’t believe this is happening…I have used many many converters over the years…nothing compares to Apogee… The stereo Mic Pre alone is worth more than the cost…and I use them over many of the $2K plus pre’s I have in my rack… I wish there were 7 stars! THANKS APOGEE”

b9indifferrence
From Amazon

I want to marry this thing I love it so much!

“I’m an audiobook narrator with a home studio. I was having trouble with an M-Box that was on its last legs, and my Sweetwater rep suggested this little unit. WHOA. Easy to set up, I love the Maestro software that comes with it, love the simplicity of the design and controls, and the sound…with my Neumann TLM102 hooked up to the Duet, there is SO much more headroom!! I didn’t know there would be such a difference. After hearing what this unit can do all by itself, I not only got rid of the M-Box, I also sold a tube preamp that had been helping the M-Box limp along. The Duet is all I need for great-sounding recordings. This is one hot little piece of equipment…I am in love…you should totally get this thing. Absolutely worth the price and then some.”

Andy from Virginia, USA
From Sweetwater

Apogee Duet for iPad and Mac

“I was going to ask Marcos Sanchez, my Sweetwater guy, why the Apogee Duet was so expensive, but after we brought it in and set it up I knew the answer. The quality is second to none! It’s well built and enhances playback as well as recording. And frankly, I’ve never seen preamps with so much headroom. This little unit has truly revolutionized the way that we record and play back.”

Keith from Terre Haute, Indiana
From Sweetwater

Rock Solid

“This my first apogee interface. I own the Scarlett 2i2, Audiobox, 2 firebox, 2 Apollos, and more. I must say that this interface works great and sound good. It is easy to use and the drivers are rock solid. I bought my Duet as a portable solution with my MacBook. I’m using it with pro tools 10 and it functions well. I love my Duet and I am glad that I exchanged my Forte..”

LaSonia from Sherrill, AR
From Sweetwater

See All Duet Customer Reviews

Apogee Duet Press Reviews

Inside Audio – Apogee Duet Review

February 11, 2019

"We are blown away by the quality of the Apogee Duet. The device itself is solid and well built."

The Next Web – Truly pro audio comes to your Mac AND iOS devices

May 8, 2014

"In short, the Duet truly is a professional level audio interface. But it’s more than that; it’s somewhat future-proofing yourself. If we’re truly entering the post-PC era, then it’s time that we take our mobile devices seriously as equipment that is completely capable of (and in many cases preferred) producing incredible results that we’ve previously only seen in desktop machines. The Duet makes this possible, and right now it’s the only machine on the market of its caliber."

PC Magazine Product Review – Apogee Duet for iPad & Mac

January 20, 2014

"The Duet for iPad & Mac gives you your money's worth, thanks to its beautifully detailed audio quality, software integration, and ease of operation; you almost can't put a price tag on this level of performance."