Apogee Duet 3

The Apogee Duet 3 audio interface offers a comprehensive set of input and output options to cater to different recording and monitoring needs. It features 2x Mic/line inputs, 2x Instrument inputs, and 2x Balanced outputs, allowing you to connect microphones, instruments, and other audio sources for recording or monitoring purposes.

The interface also has 2 USB Type-C ports for seamless data transfer and power delivery to your computer.

One standout feature of the Duet 3 is its dedicated 0-ohm headphone output, which ensures optimal performance with any type of headphone, regardless of impedance. This allows for high-quality monitoring during recording or mixing sessions.

The inputs and outputs are available through the breakout cable, which includes XLR inputs for microphones or line-level sources, instrument inputs for guitars or basses, and balanced outputs for studio monitors or headphones. The interface also provides a total of four input cables, allowing you to leave microphones or instruments plugged in while recording.

In terms of specifications and capabilities, the Duet 3 offers up to 65dB of gain with its world-class microphone preamps, +48V phantom power for condenser microphones, and low-latency monitoring for real-time recording and playback. It also has a compact and portable design, making it suitable for on-the-go recording, streaming, and podcasting.

Overall, the Apogee Duet 3 audio interface provides a versatile and high-quality solution for capturing and monitoring audio, making it a valuable tool for musicians, producers, and audio professionals.

The Apogee Duet 3 audio interface is highly praised by experts for its low-latency performance when it comes to recording and monitoring. The onboard hardware DSP allows for zero-latency monitoring, meaning there is no noticeable delay or latency when recording and listening to yourself in real-time.

This is particularly beneficial for musicians who need to stay in time with the music or monitor their tone and performance accurately.

The Duet 3's low latency also enables users to shape their sound right at the input stage with zero latency, thanks to the onboard hardware DSP. This means that effects, EQ, and compression can be applied to the audio signal while recording without any delay in the monitoring process.

Overall, the Apogee Duet 3 is designed to provide a smooth and responsive recording and monitoring experience, ensuring high precision and accuracy in capturing and monitoring audio. It is particularly well-suited for musicians and professionals who require real-time monitoring and need to make adjustments to their sound during the recording process.

The Apogee Duet 3 is praised for its high-quality preamps and exceptional sound reproduction capabilities. While the specific frequency response range and noise levels of the preamps are not mentioned, the Duet 3 is known for its top-quality AD/DA conversion and pristine analog circuitry.

It features 2 world-class mic preamps with up to +65dB of gain, allowing for precise and clear audio capture, making it suitable for recording demanding audio sources.

The Duet 3 also provides +48V phantom power for condenser microphones, ensuring optimal performance with these types of mics. While specific details about distortion and harmonic distortion levels are not available, Apogee is generally recognized for its high-quality converters and preamps, suggesting that the Duet 3 delivers clean and transparent audio reproduction.

In addition to its preamp quality, the Duet 3 offers additional features that enhance the overall audio quality. It includes hardware DSP, allowing for zero-latency shaping of sound at the input stage. The onboard hardware DSP powers the Apogee ECS plugin, which provides a comprehensive set of tools, including EQ, compression, and saturation, to enhance recordings.

This feature adds flexibility and processing power to the preamps, giving users greater control over the quality and tone of their recordings.

Overall, the Apogee Duet 3 is a highly regarded audio interface with top-quality preamps, making it suitable for a wide range of recording needs, from capturing vocals and instruments to professional audio production.

The Apogee Duet 3 is equipped with onboard hardware DSP processing, specifically designed for Apogee's ECS Channel Strip plugin. This allows users to shape their sound at the input stage with zero latency, providing professional-quality sound without the need for external plugins or additional processing hardware.

The DSP processing is highly regarded for its quality and efficiency in enhancing recordings. However, it's important to note that the DSP processing on the Duet 3 is limited to the included plugin and cannot be expanded or customized beyond this. The user interface for the DSP processing is generally user-friendly, but some reviewers have mentioned that adjusting the volume can be awkward and there is no volume indicator on the unit itself without relying on the software.

Overall, the Apogee Duet 3 is a reliable and efficient option for users who prioritize high-quality DSP processing and want a convenient solution for shaping their sound.

The Apogee Duet 3 audio interface is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems. It can be used with popular Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, Cubase, and Studio One. The interface also works with iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad.

It comes with Apogee's Maestro software, which provides an intuitive interface for controlling the audio interface and integrating it with your chosen DAW.

The Duet 3 is compatible with a wide range of industry-standard third-party plugins. It utilizes the Apogee FX Rack DSP plugin platform, allowing you to run professional-quality plugins directly on the interface's onboard hardware DSP. It comes bundled with the Symphony ECS Channel Strip plugin, and you can also use other Apogee plugins compatible with the FX Rack DSP platform.

Additionally, as a USB audio interface, you can use third-party plugins from other manufacturers depending on your DAW.

There have been some reported compatibility issues with the Duet 3 when used with certain software or plugins, particularly on Windows. While the interface is compatible with Windows, there have been complaints about its performance on that platform. It is recommended to research and check with software or plugin manufacturers for specific compatibility information before purchasing.

Setting up and configuring the Duet 3 is designed to be user-friendly. It is bus-powered and connects to your computer or iOS device using the included USB Type C / Type A cable. The interface features world-class preamps, 48V phantom power, and a hardware DSP for processing and monitoring audio with low latency while recording.

Overall, the Apogee Duet 3 offers compatibility with both Mac and Windows operating systems, a wide range of DAWs, and support for third-party plugins. However, it is important to research and consider user experiences, particularly on Windows, to ensure compatibility and performance for specific use cases.

The Apogee Duet 3 has a positive brand reputation in the audio recording industry. It is considered a professional-grade audio interface and has been used on releases by major labels. Artists like Nicki Minaj and Skylar Grey have used the Duet 3, further establishing its reputation as a capable and reliable audio interface.

The Duet series, including the Duet 3, has been praised for its quality and has been trusted by many musicians and producers for professional recordings. Overall, the Apogee Duet 3 is well-regarded among professionals and consumers in the audio recording industry.