Apogee Electronics is introducing its new Duet 2 ($595) USB 2 audio interface for the Mac. Duet 2 features a full-color OLED display, balanced outputs, independent speaker and headphone outputs, and two assignable touch pads on the top panel.
Duet 2 has two combination line/mic/instrument inputs, two balanced line outputs with a +20dBu maximum output level, one independent ¼-inch stereo headphone output, two microphone preamps with up to 75dB of gain, 24-bit/192kHz A/D/A conversion and a multi-function controller knob. The two assignable top panel touch pads can mute speakers, headphones or all outputs; assign headphone to outputs 1-2, 3-4, or low latency mixer; dim speakers, headphones or all outputs; and sum to mono speakers, headphones or all outputs.
Duet 2 promises extremely low latency, higher sampling rates and an improved sound quality. The new interface also offers Maestro 2 software, selectable 48-volt phantom power, a Soft Limit feature, phase invert, a new breakout cable design and an optional breakout box, which Apogee sells separately.
