About the sound devices usbpre 2 audio interface sound devices usbpre 2 is a highresolution, portable hardware interface for mac and windowsbased digital audio. About 10 years ago, sound devices released the usbpre. There are no drivers to install for the usbpre 2 and there are no softwareonly features. Its sound devices so i expected it to be well designed and sounding unit. The usbpre will not function without a usb equipped mac. And because duet 2 is portable you can take it anywhere your creativity takes you. The duet usb audio interface for ipad, mac and windows 10 from apogee is a portable audio interface that builds on the success of the duet 2 by adding compatibility with windows 10, mac, and ios devices. The slim design fits right on your desktop, and the iosusb connection makes it easy to connect to computers and ios devices. Made for the musician, producer and engineer that wants the ultimate sound quality and elegant simplicity, duet features legendary apogee adda conversion, 2 worldclass microphone.
All of them should sound broadly similar in terms of audio quality. This interface is capable of making studio quality recordings of vocals. Jun, 2011 the apogee duet 2 is the obvious winner in terms of sound quality apogees digital to analog converters and preamps are legendary but for durability, inputoutput options and great sound i think the komplete audio 6 and saffire pro 14 are both really nice pieces of gear. Activepassive pickup switches, class a mic preamp, and included software suite. The apogee duet 2 is the worlds bestsounding and most convenient computer dac for desktop audio. The apogee duet is clean and i mean clean and has a lot of gain, but i really hated the breakout cable. I realize apogee is a great company but the duet design seems weak to me. Its also a professional monitor controller and headphone amplifier, and all sits on your desk with one big, beautiful knob for easy fingertip control. The usbpre 2 offers numerous io options and records at up to 192 khz. The accompanying audio control software apogee maestro 2 is very primitive and leaves a lot to be desired. There is no way to save any configurations and some very weird stuff happens when opening cubase 6.
But as we all know the manufacturers software isnt always that great and accessible. Would it be correct to say that the audio interface with firewire connectivity vs. Its more than a usb mic preamp, offering some of the. Nov 28, 2016 since the usbpre 2 can be powered by almost any usb devices, it needs 5v current and 500ma max, it can be powered by any computer usb port and even a usb hub. Twochannel, portable, highresolution usb audio interface for mac os and windows. The sequel, usbpre 2, is as new and improved as youd expect, but sells itself short in its name. Oberklasse, cakewalk, sonar vstudio vs700, 4518, sehr gut uberragend, 072009. Stable drivers, clean and very linear pres, low latency, very well engineered, and so on. Ob rytm ad conversion vs duet 2 overbridge elektronauts.
Duet includes a sturdy breakout cable that keeps your desktop organized, putting your 2 in4out connectivity where you need it. The original duet is known to be one of the best values for sound quality and apogee claims they have rebuilt the device from groundup. For greater savings check out our used apogee duet 2 usb audio interface and get a great deal today. Used apogee duet 2 usb audio interface guitar center. Sound devices, llc page 7 the usbpre relies on the usb port of the mac for its interface to the computer.
Jan 01, 2015 sound devices usbpre 2 is a highresolution, portable hardware interface for mac and windowsbased digital audio. The usbpre 2 from sound devices is a highresolution, portable interface that connects professional microphones, linelevel sources, consumer audio electronics and spdif digital sources with mac os x and windows computers via usb. We have no time to lose, so lets get down to it by comparing the komplete audio 6 with the apogee duet. Highly recommended companion for your laptop studio. I personally have the babyface and highly recommend it. The usb pre 2 features clean mic pres, ad and da converters, high quality audio playback of up to 192k 24 bit, a vast array of inputs and outputs including xlr, line level, rca, toslink, and spdif, as well as the ability to interface with many devices from ipads to cdburners. The usbpre 2 is the industrys highest performance and most flexible portable interface, connecting professional microphones, linelevel sources, consumer audio electronics, and spdif digital sources with mac os and windows. The listening tests are not based on measurements so only by listening to music. The usbpre 2 is the industrys highest performance and most flexible portable interface, connecting professional microphones, linelevel sources, consumer audio electronics, and spdif digital sources with mac os and windows computers via usb.
The special thing about this interface is that its just plug and play. Its an audio interface, but also works in standalone mode to serve as a set of quality mic pres. Apogee duet sets the industry standard for portable professional audio recording on mac and ipad. Sound devices usbpre 2 usb portable high resolution stereo audio interface. It has enhanced my mixdowns though its top notch adda converters, allowing me to hear sounds and frequencies in the sonic field that i. Sound devices has introduced the usbpre 2, an allnew version of its popular usbpre computer audio interface. I would say that it actually packs more of a punch with the robust sound it provides. Feb 21, 2012 this is the same software used with apogees other interfaces such as the symphony io, and offers the user a subset of the features relevant to the more limited duet 2. If youre looking for something to use more as an io interface, and youre only considering these two units, the usbpre2 is going to be a better choice.
Drivers never gave me a problem and apogee maestro is simple to use. The sound devices usbpre 2 is a complete, portable, hardware interface for computerbased digital recording. The m2 is a 2in2out usbc audio interface for mac, windows and ios that offers. The apogee duet 2 is the obvious winner in terms of sound quality apogees. I was sooooo sick of stupid drivers that cause me headache, this preamp. The apogee duet 2 is without question, the best audio interface for any producer looking for first class preamps and a transparent listening experience. Overall, the usbpre 2 is of extremely high quality. Before obtaining the usbpre 2, i listened to a few other interfaces in its price range if not class including, apogee duet for ipad and mac and the rme babyface, and while both of these produced surprisingly high quality sonic representations, both were slightly diminished compared to the usbpre 2 in both high and mid sonic representation. Available as a separate accessory for duet is a solidly built, aluminum breakout box with 2 14 inputs, 2 xlr inputs for 2 simultaneous channels of input and 2 balanced xlr outputs. Apogee is known for very high end digital to analog dac converters and preamps and the duet 2 is no exception. Oberklasse, unique recording software, mix series eq, 210, sehr gut, 072007. Fapo mic earthworks sr77 auralex mudguard macbook pro 8,1 i5 imac 9,1 dualcore 2,67ghz if you enjoy, you can download my album here. It offered a multitude of io options and clean micline gain.
The duet breakout box features studioquality io connectors and includes a 2 meter cable allowing you to extend your input and output connections away from. Comparablesuperior to apogee duet 2 and rme babyface, and far more robust. Amphenol brand audio connectors and hirose edge connector. The app allows you to assign inputs and set the output bit depthsample rate. Software applications used with the usbpre have their own requirements. While i prefer the apogee adda for recording and mixing, i definitely prefer to rely on the usbpre2 in critical mastering situations because of its superior detail and honesty. Sound devices usbpre 2 user manual and technical information. Sound devices usbpre 2 comparisons i was wondering if anyone had a chance to compare sound devices usbpre 2 converters with those on various lynx or apogee duet cards. The sound devices usbpre 2 is an outstanding two channel, portable mic pre that connects directly to computers via usb. This is the same software used with apogees other interfaces such as the symphony io, and offers the user a subset of the features relevant to the more limited duet 2. Usbpre technical information and user guide sound devices.
Apogee duetworked better without any custom software getting in. For mac users, it provides a direct digital lightning connection that allows for dc charging of the apple device. Oberklasse, sound devices, usbpre 2, 890, sehr gut, 022011. The most popular audio interfaces for mac now compatible with pc. For sure, youre getting the top of the line sound that sound devices is known for. Apogee duet sets the industry standard for portable professional audio recording. I have not been using the duet 2 that long less than 1 year. With sound devices renowned preamplifiers, the usbpre 2 provides the highest performance in any portable interface. Setting up the duet was easy with the help of apogees maestro 2 app from the mac appstore or ios appstore. Sound devices usb pre2, rme babyface, apogee duet 2 and the motu ultralite mk3.
Unlike the competition has no pita software configuration. For anything relating to musicmaking on windows computers, with lots of faqs. The twochannel usbpre 2 offers professionals a powerful yet easytouse, portable interface to interconnect audio sources to mac os and windows computers over usb. According to isoiec guide 22 sound devices, llc 300 wengel drive reedsburg, wi 53959 usa declares that the product, usbpre 2 portable computer audio interface is in conformity with and passes. Still, i felt that both the apogee duet for ipad and mac, and the rme babyface marketing. Balanced mic, line, coaxial and optical spdif io, with up to 24 bit192 khz resolution. Sep 09, 2010 sound devices has introduced the usbpre 2, an allnew version of its popular usbpre computer audio interface. Apogee duet lets you effortlessly capture brilliant recordings on your ipad. Sound devices usbpre 2 audio interface for mac os and windows. Apogee duet 2audiophiles have been eagerly anticipating the release of this box which is due on shelves any day now. Made for the musician, producer and engineer that wants the ultimate sound quality and elegant simplicity, duet features legendary apogee adda conversion, 2 worldclass microphone preamps, usb midi io and ess sabre32 dac technology. The firewire apogee duet was something i found and bought after doing a lot of research. The usbpre 2 is the industrys highest performance and most flexible portable interface, connecting professional microphones, linelevel sources, consumer audio electronics, and s.
With its design being mainly input on the left and outputs on the right, the usbpre 2 can be quickly and simply configured on a table for a temporary setup in standalone mode. This tiny silver looking box comes with 2 microphone inputs with phantom power delivering world class apogee preamps, 2 linelevel inputs and 2 monitor outputs, all bundled and tied up together in a single breakout cable. Apogee s one, duet and quartet have been industry standards for professional quality recording on mac and utilized by countless professional artists to record hit songs over the past 10 years. En551031, 1997 emcproduct family standard for audio, video, audiovisual and entertainment lighting control apparatus for professional use. Sound devices usbpre 2 highresolution usb audio interface. This is not cheap, but it offers excellent ad and da converters. However, in my experience with software development, most if not all commercially. Intro specs performance measurements usage recommendations more. It quickly and easily interfaces studio microphones, linelevel sources, musical instruments, and consumer audio electronics with personal computers and professional, balanced linelevel input equipment. Apogee audio interfaces interface at sound devices parramatta, sydney. Made for the musician, producer and engineer that wants the ultimate sound quality and elegant simplicity, duet features legendary apogee adda conversion, 2. A good number of inputs and outputs, sound quality on par with more expensive high standard converted and fairly easy to operate. This tiny silver looking box comes with 2 microphone inputs with phantom power delivering world class apogee preamps, 2 linelevel inputs and 2 monitor outputs, all bundled and tied up together in. The requirements below outline the minimum configurations for windows computer systems with usbpre hardware.
As duet 2 is powered through the usb connection, the displays home view will illuminate, indicating that duet is now powered on. Rme babyface pro fs desktop usb audio interface with software suite. The usbpre 2 is high performance and flexible portable interface, connecting professional microphones, linelevel sources, consumer audio electronics, and spdif digital sources with mac os and windows computers via usb. After finding out that the usbpre was not compatible with windows 10, i decided to purchase its predecessor the usbpre 2. Compatible with almost all recording software for mac and windows. The duet 2s back panel features sockets for usb and power and a connector for the included breakout. Twochannel, portable, highresolution usb audio interface. Apogee announces windows 10 compatibility for one, duet. I like the sound of the audient just a bit better, thats why i bought its big brother. With duet 2, make studio quality recordings of vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, drums, and anything musical. Apogee 049100190008 breakout cable for duet 2duet iosmac. Duet 2 is the best solution for capturing your music to your mac.
Apogee duet 2 in x 4 out usb audio interface with waves silver plugin bundle from apogee. If youre looking for something to use more as an io interface, and youre only considering these two units, the usbpre 2 is going to be a better choice. Nov, 2010 its an audio interface, but also works in standalone mode to serve as a set of quality mic pres. Apr 01, 2011 the usbpre 2 offers numerous io options and records at up to 192 khz. Discover the best mac audio interfaces to buy in 2020.
Out of the box, the duet 2 comes with a quick start guide, the usb2 and breakout cables and a switchmode wallwart psu with us, eu and uk plugs, but no software is supplied youll find that as a download on the apogee web site. Choosing duet 2 for mac sound io after restarting your mac, a dialog box will prompt you to choose duet 2 for mac sound input and output. Very mobile and works in standalone mode with 5v usb power pack. The front panel of the usbpre 2 has the following features.
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