I really wanted to like the Duet 3 but... no screen, no control without Software and no Software for iOS. Well, with all the love for Apogee... that's not a iOS SoundInterface. And for the Desktop, the price is in the range of a Apollo Solo and others... - But great review, you answered a lot of my questions in your video.
I just discovered your channel and thx for the variety and honesty! SO what would you go with in the $300-$600 range in 2023, and is Symphony worth a double price? I have a 20% off I can use at Apogee, too. @@iPadBeatMaking
@TheSponky welcome to the channel! In the 300-600 I’ve really been enjoying the utility of the Rodecaster. But the Audient id14mk 2 I found is surprisingly good for the price, as long as u aren’t trying to drive dynamics that require a lot of gain (such as the SM7b etc). In terms of the symphony being ‘worth it’ I’d say it is, especially at 20% off. It’s a really great interface, assuming you’ve got the other elements in place such as enviroment, mics, monitoring etc
I've owned Apogees from the past and the 3. If you want great flat response recording get the Focusrite units...They are hands down the best, most reliable and their customer service is second to none. I have called apogee with very simple questions and I get a secretary who has to transfer me to others, I leave a message and in the next 5-10 business days they might get back to me...Focusrite answers the phone and solves the problem. Don't be fooled by the higher prices and midrange hump in the Apogee that make it seem clearer in the demos on UA-cam. The 3 is more abrasive than the original units and the 2. All you have to do with the Focusrite is use your ears and mix your songs correctly and they'll sound better than ever...
Thanks for watching! I think the preamps are nice! I'm gonna have to spend some time trying different mics on them and saying how they stand up, got any beats lol?
I had an apogee one can't turn off the mic while recording on the other channel. And the software is an annoyance not usable at all. The new SSL2+ is good works well with my iPad Pro 2020 Looking at the Universal Audio interfaces that are IOS compliant
@@iPadBeatMaking i wish lol but i do plan to pick up a new 11” ipad pro & im thinking a irig keys 2 aswell since they have the headphone port built in have you ever tried it?
Great video man! Very informative! I was also sad to find out that the second USB port didn't work with my external drive plugged in. I was also looking to try it with my iPad next, and glad you shared the info about that. I hope they get that updated soon.
Thanks 🙏 Ya it’s very unfortunate as that was biggest thing I was hoping for after seeing 2 usb-c ports on it. When u try it on your iPad, can u check out different sample rates in a iOS DAW and see how it monitors/records inputs at like 96k? Does everything work fine in your headphones when u do?
@@iPadBeatMaking Ok so I'm sure you will find this very useful info. So I have a lightning bolt iPad, I think 2020 model. According to the manual you need the apple usb 3 to lightning bolt camera kit adapter. It just mentions plugging it into that and doesn't show using external power. So I got the adapter today and tried it out. Epic fail! LOL It didn't power on. So I figured plugin the iPad power supply to the adapter as it mentions you need to do for some interfaces. It powered on and connected for a moment. As soon as I played audio through it, it crackled and powered off. I contacted support and they mentioned and referred to an article that mentions you needing a powered hub to power the duet 3 via usb-c and then connect that to the camera kit adapter, and then to your lightning bolt device. Little bummed about that. I believe they mentioned that an iPad Pro will power the duet 3 without the external power supply since usb-c is enough to power it standalone. Of course they have major updates for iOS with the software they are working on and may solve the power distribution issues in the future.
Should of made it a direct competitor to the UAD Solo and had a similar price at $400 to $500 also could of did away with the useless usb c and added a volume meter instead. I do like the form factor and aesthetic and wish others made more portable units like this.
Kept this thing for 3 months & it blew my DT 770 Pro’s and the interface had bad distortion. Duet 3 is not ready for prime time, sent it back to Sweetwater.
I'm lost in the jungle of bad interfaces! :/ I just want a decent audio interface, that i can use for my home studio (Windows) to record bass, guitar and some midi keys. I want DSP to lighten the burden of the computer and a plus would being able to use it with my iPad for live situations.... since i'm almost certainly going to return the Duet 3 as soon as it arrives i am thorn between going for the RME Babyface Pro FS (which could work for both my Windows and iOS needs) or going for a more stationary solution: Steinberg UR816C USB 3 Audio Interface. What do you think Mr iPad Beat Maker? :)
If you want DSP I would recommend the Apogee Symphony Desktop, Antelope, or the UAD stuff. If u don’t mind not having DSP I really think the Audient idmk2 line is pretty incredible for the price. Sounds similar to the duet 3 to my ears
Nice! In my humble opinion, it Might be a better jump (if possible) to go to a symphony desktop, that way u get some dsp (not uad of course) and the higher sound quality. I don’t know how much ‘better’ the duet 3 would be from that interface. Plus you’ve got uad dsp plugins on it, which I’m sure are great. The duet 3 is bus powered though, so if u want that portability, it might be it
What is the comparison between the Focusrite Clarett, Universal Audio Volt, SSL 2+ and Apogee Symphony? I’m trying to choose a good interface when I get my MacBook Max Pro and I’m not sure if my Apogee Mini Me is going to work with it. I like the Anubis interface, but it costs close to $3,000.00. The Zen Go or Tour might be pretty good as well.
Hey what did you end up going with, one year later? I'm in that same looking around for the current best value best sound thing. I have an SSL2 and its a bit "eh"
@TheSponky I returned the duet and now use a bunch of interfaces from the symphony desktop, to Audient id14mk2, to the Rodecaster and Centrance Mixerface. Depending on my location and task that day they all have specific applications they do well.
You forgot the live streaming option , make an update video please explaining the live streaming is it really worth it, it also masters sound I believe
Your audio sounds great!! Is there a night and day difference between the duet 3 and duet 2 for video dialogue voiceover In your opinion? Thanks for your time!
It’s a bad interface I don’t recommend it I just bought it and I’m having problems with static noise with the mic and and headphones volumen and I can’t record for that problem idk what can I do
Yes that ipad lightning switch to Usb-c issue with Apogee products is unfortunate. Hopefully they can earn back your trust in them at some point in the future. What interface are you using currently?
Thanks for the video. For the price its not worth it. You many competitors out there now a days. Universal audio stepped up with the volt and I think they will crush the competition in the lower end spectrum of low budget recording and Os and IOS.
Just returned a Volt 476, useless on Windows :/ Might be driver/firmware issue.... i now have a Duet 3 coming in... :p Might be the fastest return ever :D
@@iPadBeatMaking Better Latency, Lifetime Drivers, Jitter Immunity,it’s D/C wall powered for more power and it’s USB powered as well, it also has DSP a compressor, reverb and so on. I could go on and on and on and on and on.
@@iPadBeatMaking YES!! It actually does!!! You can use total mix for DSP effects on your iPhone and iPad and all its great!! may be expensive but just get the UCX II and if its too expensive wait for the Motu Ultralite MK5 everybody wants that interface but its out of stock due to the shortage I don't trust Apogee when it comes down to their drivers and all. If I would ever buy an Apogee I would spend on their Symphony line up tbh.
Do you recommend Motu Ultralite MK5? Because I ordered a Duet 3 yesterday but I might be regret to get it idk. I already have a Motu M2. It’s sound weird and Muddy! All those things are good except the preamp quality in my M2. But I need to a good preamp
I was super bummed when I also found out that the second usb c port was only for additional power. I really thought it was for connecting midi devices, just like on the previous duet. I almost pulled the trigger but now I’m not sure if i should get it. I was mainly going to use to it for church gigs since I have the Symphony Desktop for my studio. For a bus-powered interface, is the DA worth it compared to previous gen duet? If not, I might as well just purchase the older duet since it’ll mainly be for sending output to FOH. Or what other bus-powered interfaces do you recommend for my application?
YES!! Totally wasteful of a perfectly good usb port, hopefully they'll change that in an update. Are you going to be using the D/A for speakers or headphones mostly? If you aren't 'mixing' with the D/A I don't know if it's worth paying the premium over a budget interface, you know? If you do grab it, i'd like your thoughts on how it compares to the symphony desktop!
@@Payan8 Agreed. Maybe they're worried about the possibility of 'powering' the usb-midi device on the same bus and it messing with the Duet's workflow. Hopefully they can do a software update to change it
I want to switch my Apollo solo for a duet 2, if you know where I can still find it, I had it for years and it was perfect! UAD kept giving me headaches
If you’re using computer, the apogee element 24, 46, or 88 would be a better move for the price! The element was a very special interface, and it even has some DSP to host apogee plugins!
@@iPadBeatMaking I am just seeing this comment now, I bought the duet 3 which costed me $23 since I was able to sell my UAD CAD$700 and negotiate a Black Friday pre price to the retailer and he said yes so the Apogee at the end costed me $723 tax in. Pretty good move and producing with it, its very smooth, no issues so far
@@ZenMountain That's why I hate Apogee they never support their products! UAD and Apogee are headaches. I would rather spend on a Motu Ultralite MK5, RME Babyface Pro FS and the RME Fireface UCX II
Sorry to hear that!!! No they absolutely do NOT sound the same. The Duet 3 kind of reminds me of the Audient id14 mk2 which is a really good interface for the price ($300) but it makes the duet seem ultra overpriced. The symphony desktop is bigger in every way! Preamps are much better (IMO) and I don’t even need to use outboard preamps with it! Things are more 3D overall and for the money…I’d spring for the apogee symphony desktop every time. It’s good deal for the price. On a budget I’d do an Audient, it’s actually really really good for the price.
What are your needs exactly? Walk me through your setup please. Also, Are you recording vocals, live instruments or mainly doing stuff inside the computer/ipad?
The Duet 2 is a better device in terms of features onboard (flawless iPhone integration, led screen, usb midi port, higher mic preamp gain, etc) and the Duet 3 sounds a bit better.
I’ve been looking at this for a while before it was released, I’m curious though if the DAC sounds similar to the duet 2? , I HATED it because it sounded like they slapped a highshelf on and you would get ear fatigue so easily because of it, but I Enjoyed the preamps just would have to mix with an Audient id4 , I’m hoping the 3 isn’t like the 2 for that
I hate to bring you bad news, but in my opinion, the Duet 3 definitely has that ‘Apogee sound’. Personally, I’ve always liked it, and how my mixes translated, but I can understand it isn’t for everyone. Are you on the audient mk1 or 2? Are the preamps on the audient not to good?
@@iPadBeatMaking oh Damn! Maybe I could try it again and see , maybe just gotta get used to it, and I have the old Audient and new Audient , the old one sounds sorta like a vintage pre and the new one well sounds more clear for sure , and I honestly am not a fan of them , to me they sound like a toy for little kids ( not sure if that’s a great way to explain it lol ) they are to upfront sounding, bright and not natural, also they give a weird sounding sibilance that is annoying I have found
Any idea what roundtrip latency does it have in Logic? Critical for whether I buy it or not - can't find the information anywhere. I can't use direct monitoring exclusively, need to also track guitar through native plugins. Thanks!
Although you can plug all those in at once, It’s not a 4 input interface. It’s a 2 input interface. You have to toggle the inputs (mic, instrument, line)
Definitely not they stuff doesn’t hold up anymore, There pricing products off a old reputation of quality which they no longer have. Also they all use the same chip components as the cheapest A/D converters .
@@iPadBeatMaking I had a Rosetta 200 and 800 those are great 👍 But the One stop working out of nowhere on IOS I called them they said it was my cable but it worked on my old iPhone . I also have the Element the head phone port just make noise also there late to the game with thunderbolt ports .
@@iPadBeatMaking considering the quality of the apollo twin duos and what you get with it Apogee should have just given the symphony desktop at a price similar to those of the apollo twin duos or X especially since theres a ton used and can be found in the $500-600 range.
Wow… such a disappointment and to be honest, this is pretty much what I expected. Ive been a loyal Apogee customer since 2009; I’ve owned a Duet since that time starting with the first one released up to Duet iOS. Too bad they haven’t continued the momentum. I still have an Element, a HypeMic, and a Groove but i think I’m closing the book on apogee after this disappointment. I want a product that is stable both in operation, software implementation and longevity. Ive already started my Transition to RME. Apogee is not what they used to be, in my opinion, the decline started with the demise of the Element series. What a shame.
Hey what do you think of the apogee duet 2 these days for vocal recording? I used it a while back and really liked it paired with a sm7b… thinking of getting the duet 2 again and play with a sm7b and a baby blue bottle…. Any suggestions for other interfaces these days in the same price range ?
@@EM-km8em I think the Duet 2 would sound fine today. I enjoyed mine and made lots of money with it. The issue is with apogee keeping the drivers current in accordance with current operating systems. In my opinion, they’re having issues with that very thing. Even with this latest Duet, they have serious issues with OS. I personally have had enough of apogee after what they did to the Element series…. I’m done with them.
I wouldn’t buy the Duet 2 again *today* but it’s definitely good enough for vocal recording, no question. It’s just not worth paying so a high price on such an old product. I really like the Motu M4. It is just the best interface for under $300 period. I think you should either stay around that area in price $200-400 or shoot up to $1200-1500 interfaces like the Symphony Desktop where you’re getting that next level.
@@iPadBeatMaking how would you compare the clarette vs the m4 ? And also what differences would i notice on the $1200-500 range of interfaces such as the symphony desktop for vocal recordings only ? Keeping in mind im using a sm7b and baby blue bottle
For my money I’m buying an m4. No knock on the clarette just what I would (and did) do. Better pres on the symphony with a hybrid built in dual plugin emulation right on the interface. I don’t know what differences you’d hear on a dynamic mic such as the sm7b to be honest. I’ve never tried it out in a music setting, only the re20, which is ok but I really dig different condensers where I feel like you really hear the difference due to it capturing more information in the recording over a dynamic. But the sm7b is great, just don’t know what differences you’d hear in the recording. The D/A on a the symphony is also going to be better for your mix phase. Do you need a symphony? No, of course not. Hits were made on much less. And, All these interfaces are great nowadays, you really can’t go wrong. I just think after the $400 level of them for 2 channels on I/O, you’re in no mans land until +$1000 in terms of really hearing a major difference. Hope this helps.
@@iPadBeatMaking I used to own a Pro Audio Store, I’m glad you asked..... considering the Black Lion Audio is as good or better for $399 retail and $299 B-Stock...The Duet is worth between $350 and $450, with the plugins thrown in...it’s buggy, like all their plugs (and why doesn’t it come with at least 1 plugin???), it’s software dependent, the accessories are wayyyy too pricey. They try to brand themselves similar to Apple but the thing about Apple...is that Apple is actually a GAME Changer and a Paradigm Shifter... What did Apogee change with this....NOTHING, it’s a beautiful design and that’s it, their digital mic pre is good also I’ll give them that but They think that b/c the Babyface is selling at a much higher price that they can adjust the price and charge for the plugs and accessories and still have a product comparable to the BF....But RME wins b/c with the hardware and TotalMixFX (that includes FX and Loopback), and the rock solid drivers RME has carved out something unique for themselves. Their Element series B-Stock was the best thing they ever made at the lower tier and the Apogee Symphony Desktop is a winner also if you can get it close to $1000, simply b/c high end desktop conversion has not really taken shape yet in the market except for Prism Sounds Lyra which sounds amazing. Anyway that’s my take.
@@bigdap100 interesting. When you mentioned that you like the Apogee, Symphony- were you mentioning the first gen? Or talking about the newer desktop version?
@@jesslucio3104 the desktop Symphony is a better option over the first gen Symphony and a really good deal and an innovative concept for Apogee (props to Apogee for that) considering a Prism Lyra 1 is over $2k and has only 1 mic pre and a slower USB connection. And even Apogee’s current flagship offering is not bad considering you can put the old cards in them but what’s better is Prism Sounds Atlas preowned, 2 HP amps and 8 super transparent mic pres and you can get it for less than 3k if you’re patient ( I purchased an Atlas and a Lyra 1 years ago, they actually cost MORE now than they did 5 years ago). The Apogee sounds high end no doubt but The Prism sounds better in my opinion, more life like.
@@iPadBeatMaking No, it doesn't worth $600. In a reality where UAD Apollo Solo exist. Apogee Symphony Desktop is more reasonably priced, also there's an Apogee Boom...
I really wanted to like the Duet 3 but... no screen, no control without Software and no Software for iOS. Well, with all the love for Apogee... that's not a iOS SoundInterface. And for the Desktop, the price is in the range of a Apollo Solo and others... - But great review, you answered a lot of my questions in your video.
We sent Ours back. If you want apogee go symphony desktop, it’s great, otherwise there so many ‘good enough’ interfaces in the sub $500 range
I just discovered your channel and thx for the variety and honesty! SO what would you go with in the $300-$600 range in 2023, and is Symphony worth a double price? I have a 20% off I can use at Apogee, too. @@iPadBeatMaking
@TheSponky welcome to the channel! In the 300-600 I’ve really been enjoying the utility of the Rodecaster. But the Audient id14mk 2 I found is surprisingly good for the price, as long as u aren’t trying to drive dynamics that require a lot of gain (such as the SM7b etc). In terms of the symphony being ‘worth it’ I’d say it is, especially at 20% off. It’s a really great interface, assuming you’ve got the other elements in place such as enviroment, mics, monitoring etc
I've owned Apogees from the past and the 3. If you want great flat response recording get the Focusrite units...They are hands down the best, most reliable and their customer service is second to none. I have called apogee with very simple questions and I get a secretary who has to transfer me to others, I leave a message and in the next 5-10 business days they might get back to me...Focusrite answers the phone and solves the problem. Don't be fooled by the higher prices and midrange hump in the Apogee that make it seem clearer in the demos on UA-cam. The 3 is more abrasive than the original units and the 2. All you have to do with the Focusrite is use your ears and mix your songs correctly and they'll sound better than ever...
I feel the same but what about the low mic input. Are you using a cloud lifter.
I love the Duet 3, I think it's awesome.
Interesting device. Thanks for the information on the Duet 3. The vocals sound good on it.
Thanks for watching! I think the preamps are nice! I'm gonna have to spend some time trying different mics on them and saying how they stand up, got any beats lol?
@@iPadBeatMaking what mic do you use in that video, will be excited if you answered *)
Thanks for the great question! The mic used was a Manley Gold
I had an apogee one can't turn off the mic while recording on the other channel.
And the software is an annoyance not usable at all.
The new SSL2+ is good works well with my iPad Pro 2020
Looking at the Universal Audio interfaces that are IOS compliant
Ya the only apogee device I can recommend for iOS is Symphony Desktop. Will you be grabbing the new UA interface?
good review thx for keeping IOS production alive 👍🏿.
Thanks for checking out the video bro, and your support! Are you in the market for an interface?
@@iPadBeatMaking i wish lol but i do plan to pick up a new 11” ipad pro & im thinking a irig keys 2 aswell since they have the headphone port built in have you ever tried it?
Which iPad are you on currently?
@@iPadBeatMaking i have the 12.9 with 64gigs 2018 version i need more memory lol
You going M1 or Air? Air is on sale like $100 off right now, but that’s the 64 which does u no good
M4 will be my interface
Amazing review my friend!
Thank you!! 🙏 😊
Great video man! Very informative! I was also sad to find out that the second USB port didn't work with my external drive plugged in. I was also looking to try it with my iPad next, and glad you shared the info about that. I hope they get that updated soon.
Thanks 🙏 Ya it’s very unfortunate as that was biggest thing I was hoping for after seeing 2 usb-c ports on it.
When u try it on your iPad, can u check out different sample rates in a iOS DAW and see how it monitors/records inputs at like 96k? Does everything work fine in your headphones when u do?
@@iPadBeatMaking yep I’m hoping to get an adaptor soon and give it a shot
@@iPadBeatMaking Ok so I'm sure you will find this very useful info. So I have a lightning bolt iPad, I think 2020 model. According to the manual you need the apple usb 3 to lightning bolt camera kit adapter. It just mentions plugging it into that and doesn't show using external power. So I got the adapter today and tried it out. Epic fail! LOL It didn't power on. So I figured plugin the iPad power supply to the adapter as it mentions you need to do for some interfaces. It powered on and connected for a moment. As soon as I played audio through it, it crackled and powered off. I contacted support and they mentioned and referred to an article that mentions you needing a powered hub to power the duet 3 via usb-c and then connect that to the camera kit adapter, and then to your lightning bolt device. Little bummed about that. I believe they mentioned that an iPad Pro will power the duet 3 without the external power supply since usb-c is enough to power it standalone. Of course they have major updates for iOS with the software they are working on and may solve the power distribution issues in the future.
Should of made it a direct competitor to the UAD Solo and had a similar price at $400 to $500 also could of did away with the useless usb c and added a volume meter instead. I do like the form factor and aesthetic and wish others made more portable units like this.
💯
Kept this thing for 3 months & it blew my DT 770 Pro’s and the interface had bad distortion. Duet 3 is not ready for prime time, sent it back to Sweetwater.
Yikes…. Ours got sent back as well… it isn’t ready for primetime at all, doesn’t work at 96k on iOS, and a bit overpriced IMO
I'm lost in the jungle of bad interfaces! :/ I just want a decent audio interface, that i can use for my home studio (Windows) to record bass, guitar and some midi keys. I want DSP to lighten the burden of the computer and a plus would being able to use it with my iPad for live situations.... since i'm almost certainly going to return the Duet 3 as soon as it arrives i am thorn between going for the RME Babyface Pro FS (which could work for both my Windows and iOS needs) or going for a more stationary solution: Steinberg UR816C USB 3 Audio Interface. What do you think Mr iPad Beat Maker? :)
If you want DSP I would recommend the Apogee Symphony Desktop, Antelope, or the UAD stuff. If u don’t mind not having DSP I really think the Audient idmk2 line is pretty incredible for the price. Sounds similar to the duet 3 to my ears
A little off topic but that is a nice and well-rounded voice, brother.
Thank you 🙏 Will you be grabbing a duet 3?
@@iPadBeatMaking i was thinking of switching from an apollo twin x to the duet 3
Nice! In my humble opinion, it Might be a better jump (if possible) to go to a symphony desktop, that way u get some dsp (not uad of course) and the higher sound quality. I don’t know how much ‘better’ the duet 3 would be from that interface. Plus you’ve got uad dsp plugins on it, which I’m sure are great. The duet 3 is bus powered though, so if u want that portability, it might be it
Great review - thanks!
Thank you 🙏 😊
Excellent Review! Thanks
What is the comparison between the Focusrite Clarett, Universal Audio Volt, SSL 2+ and Apogee Symphony? I’m trying to choose a good interface when I get my MacBook Max Pro and I’m not sure if my Apogee Mini Me is going to work with it. I like the Anubis interface, but it costs close to $3,000.00. The Zen Go or Tour might be pretty good as well.
Hey what did you end up going with, one year later? I'm in that same looking around for the current best value best sound thing. I have an SSL2 and its a bit "eh"
@TheSponky I returned the duet and now use a bunch of interfaces from the symphony desktop, to Audient id14mk2, to the Rodecaster and Centrance Mixerface. Depending on my location and task that day they all have specific applications they do well.
You forgot the live streaming option , make an update video please explaining the live streaming is it really worth it, it also masters sound I believe
What’s the ‘live streaming option?’
Great review!
Thank you! 🙏 😊 Will you be grabbing a Duet 3?
Your audio sounds great!!
Is there a night and day difference between the duet 3 and duet 2 for video dialogue voiceover In your opinion?
Thanks for your time!
Night and day? No, not at all. And the duet 2 actually has more preamp gain I believe, which is great for pushing a dynamic
It’s a bad interface I don’t recommend it I just bought it and I’m having problems with static noise with the mic and and headphones volumen and I can’t record for that problem idk what can I do
I’m sorry to hear that. Did u tell apogee?
I rather get focusrite clarett+
Great review 🔥🔥🔥!!
Thank you 🙏
Never getting an Apogee device again. It’s been 3 years now and Apogee can’t fix the Apogee one to work on usb c iPads Pro.
Yes that ipad lightning switch to Usb-c issue with Apogee products is unfortunate. Hopefully they can earn back your trust in them at some point in the future. What interface are you using currently?
Thanks for the video. For the price its not worth it. You many competitors out there now a days. Universal audio stepped up with the volt and I think they will crush the competition in the lower end spectrum of low budget recording and Os and IOS.
Just returned a Volt 476, useless on Windows :/ Might be driver/firmware issue.... i now have a Duet 3 coming in... :p Might be the fastest return ever :D
Wow that’s crazy…I’ve also heard duet 3 can have issues with windows too…but maybe they’ve fixed it 🤞
@@iPadBeatMaking Apogee=Apple
Thanks this review. I was between the Duet 3 and Babyface Pro FS. Think I'll go with RME here.
Glad you found it useful! What do you prefer about the RME?
@@iPadBeatMaking Better Latency, Lifetime Drivers,
Jitter Immunity,it’s D/C wall powered for more power and it’s USB powered as well, it also has DSP a compressor, reverb and so on. I could go on and on and on and on and on.
The RME has DSP that works with the iOS?
@@iPadBeatMaking YES!! It actually does!!! You can use total mix for DSP effects on your iPhone and iPad and all its great!! may be expensive but just get the UCX II and if its too expensive wait for the Motu Ultralite MK5 everybody wants that interface but its out of stock due to the shortage I don't trust Apogee when it comes down to their drivers and all. If I would ever buy an Apogee I would spend on their Symphony line up tbh.
Do you recommend Motu Ultralite MK5? Because I ordered a Duet 3 yesterday but I might be regret to get it idk. I already have a Motu M2. It’s sound weird and Muddy! All those things are good except the preamp quality in my M2. But I need to a good preamp
Using windows 11. Facing crakling sound.
Wow. That’s unfortunate. What interface would u recommend?
I was super bummed when I also found out that the second usb c port was only for additional power. I really thought it was for connecting midi devices, just like on the previous duet. I almost pulled the trigger but now I’m not sure if i should get it. I was mainly going to use to it for church gigs since I have the Symphony Desktop for my studio. For a bus-powered interface, is the DA worth it compared to previous gen duet? If not, I might as well just purchase the older duet since it’ll mainly be for sending output to FOH. Or what other bus-powered interfaces do you recommend for my application?
I agree that no MIDI through usb is a BIG bummer. Especially since it’s a bus powered device. Seems like they really didn’t think it through.
YES!! Totally wasteful of a perfectly good usb port, hopefully they'll change that in an update.
Are you going to be using the D/A for speakers or headphones mostly? If you aren't 'mixing' with the D/A I don't know if it's worth paying the premium over a budget interface, you know? If you do grab it, i'd like your thoughts on how it compares to the symphony desktop!
@@Payan8 Agreed. Maybe they're worried about the possibility of 'powering' the usb-midi device on the same bus and it messing with the Duet's workflow. Hopefully they can do a software update to change it
@@iPadBeatMaking how would you compare the duet 3 vs 2 for vocal recordings ? Is the sound quality close or a big step up ?
I’d say close. It’s not way different and I believe duet 2 has more preamp gain by 10 db
I want to switch my Apollo solo for a duet 2, if you know where I can still find it, I had it for years and it was perfect! UAD kept giving me headaches
If you’re using computer, the apogee element 24, 46, or 88 would be a better move for the price! The element was a very special interface, and it even has some DSP to host apogee plugins!
@@iPadBeatMaking Apogee element series has been discontinued by Apogee. Soon there won't be any support or future updates.
Tragedy
@@iPadBeatMaking I am just seeing this comment now, I bought the duet 3 which costed me $23 since I was able to sell my UAD CAD$700 and negotiate a Black Friday pre price to the retailer and he said yes so the Apogee at the end costed me $723 tax in. Pretty good move and producing with it, its very smooth, no issues so far
@@ZenMountain That's why I hate Apogee they never support their products! UAD and Apogee are headaches. I would rather spend on a Motu Ultralite MK5, RME Babyface Pro FS and the RME Fireface UCX II
I own a duet2 but its now dead after 8 years. Does the duet3 and the desktop symphony have the same preamp and the same converters?
Sorry to hear that!!! No they absolutely do NOT sound the same. The Duet 3 kind of reminds me of the Audient id14 mk2 which is a really good interface for the price ($300) but it makes the duet seem ultra overpriced. The symphony desktop is bigger in every way! Preamps are much better (IMO) and I don’t even need to use outboard preamps with it! Things are more 3D overall and for the money…I’d spring for the apogee symphony desktop every time. It’s good deal for the price. On a budget I’d do an Audient, it’s actually really really good for the price.
Is there an alternative sound card I can get close to it
What are your needs exactly? Walk me through your setup please. Also, Are you recording vocals, live instruments or mainly doing stuff inside the computer/ipad?
do you know if there's a lot of differences between apogee 2 / apogee 3?
The Duet 2 is a better device in terms of features onboard (flawless iPhone integration, led screen, usb midi port, higher mic preamp gain, etc) and the Duet 3 sounds a bit better.
Small headphone jack output? Count me out!
Seems likely a customer convenience decision, and to keep the height of the duet 3 small. But the dock gives u 1/4
Can I use the Apogee Duet 3 plugins of this sound card during mixing on any mixer line in FL Studio?
Good question, I haven’t used it with FL studio so Id recommend reaching out to apogee directly and asking them.
The DSP plugin for Duet 3, ECS Channel Strip, can be used on the analog inputs. All of our plugins are very CPU friendly and can be used in any DAW :)
I’ve been looking at this for a while before it was released, I’m curious though if the DAC sounds similar to the duet 2? , I HATED it because it sounded like they slapped a highshelf on and you would get ear fatigue so easily because of it, but I Enjoyed the preamps just would have to mix with an Audient id4 , I’m hoping the 3 isn’t like the 2 for that
I hate to bring you bad news, but in my opinion, the Duet 3 definitely has that ‘Apogee sound’. Personally, I’ve always liked it, and how my mixes translated, but I can understand it isn’t for everyone. Are you on the audient mk1 or 2? Are the preamps on the audient not to good?
@@iPadBeatMaking oh Damn! Maybe I could try it again and see , maybe just gotta get used to it, and I have the old Audient and new Audient , the old one sounds sorta like a vintage pre and the new one well sounds more clear for sure , and I honestly am not a fan of them , to me they sound like a toy for little kids ( not sure if that’s a great way to explain it lol ) they are to upfront sounding, bright and not natural, also they give a weird sounding sibilance that is annoying I have found
Any idea what roundtrip latency does it have in Logic? Critical for whether I buy it or not - can't find the information anywhere. I can't use direct monitoring exclusively, need to also track guitar through native plugins. Thanks!
Hey there! Unfortunately I have no idea as I’ve been using it on iOS, and I think I’m gonna have to send it back
hi , thanks , can you plugin 2 mics + 2 instruments at the same time ,as I'm looking for a 4 in for live ,thanks
Although you can plug all those in at once, It’s not a 4 input interface. It’s a 2 input interface. You have to toggle the inputs (mic, instrument, line)
@@iPadBeatMaking thanks , what interface do you think is good with 4 inputs , thanks
The new UA volt 476 looks interesting but I haven’t heard it. The Motu M4 is good also. Maybe the Motu Ultramix 6 would be a good move
@@iPadBeatMaking thanks , just watched a video on the UA volt. looks great ,thanks
Are you grabbing one? If not, which interface did you decide on?
Definitely not they stuff doesn’t hold up anymore, There pricing products off a old reputation of quality which they no longer have.
Also they all use the same chip components as the cheapest A/D converters .
Thanks for that perspective! Why do you say their stuff doesn’t hold up anymore? What’s been your experience with what piece of equipment?
@@iPadBeatMaking I had a Rosetta 200 and 800 those are great 👍 But the One stop working out of nowhere on IOS I called them they said it was my cable but it worked on my old iPhone . I also have the Element the head phone port just make noise also there late to the game with thunderbolt ports .
Is it as trash on Windows as people are saying?
I haven’t tried it on windows but there’s repeatable sample rate issues at 96k on iOS. I’ve gotta send it back
Hello Sir i'm from India and i'm gonna buy apogee duet 3 should i buy it ?
I wouldn’t. But it depends on your circumstances. I’d go for the symphony desktop or Audient id14
@@iPadBeatMaking how's audient id14 will it run long time ?
To be clear I’m referring to Audient id14 Mkii. What do u mean by run a long time?
@@iPadBeatMaking i meant i'll use it for long time i won't change it. one time investment
Ideally it’ll be a while before you outgrow it
Soundstage??????
Overall it sounds similar to the id14 mk2 to me
I dowloaded control 2, buy dont Sese mi duet 3
it’s been like ten years! And it is even not as good as the duet2!
OMG, who can explain what the Apogee company is thinking?
What would you have liked to see on the duet 3? What would have made this a winner?
Maybe they’ll incorporate your feedback into the duet 4!
@@iPadBeatMaking considering the quality of the apollo twin duos and what you get with it Apogee should have just given the symphony desktop at a price similar to those of the apollo twin duos or X especially since theres a ton used and can be found in the $500-600 range.
@@iPadBeatMaking TBH Apogee should make a new Quartet
Wow… such a disappointment and to be honest, this is pretty much what I expected. Ive been a loyal Apogee customer since 2009; I’ve owned a Duet since that time starting with the first one released up to Duet iOS. Too bad they haven’t continued the momentum. I still have an Element, a HypeMic, and a Groove but i think I’m closing the book on apogee after this disappointment. I want a product that is stable both in operation, software implementation and longevity. Ive already started my Transition to RME. Apogee is not what they used to be, in my opinion, the decline started with the demise of the Element series. What a shame.
Hey what do you think of the apogee duet 2 these days for vocal recording? I used it a while back and really liked it paired with a sm7b… thinking of getting the duet 2 again and play with a sm7b and a baby blue bottle…. Any suggestions for other interfaces these days in the same price range ?
@@EM-km8em I think the Duet 2 would sound fine today. I enjoyed mine and made lots of money with it. The issue is with apogee keeping the drivers current in accordance with current operating systems. In my opinion, they’re having issues with that very thing. Even with this latest Duet, they have serious issues with OS. I personally have had enough of apogee after what they did to the Element series…. I’m done with them.
I wouldn’t buy the Duet 2 again *today* but it’s definitely good enough for vocal recording, no question. It’s just not worth paying so a high price on such an old product. I really like the Motu M4. It is just the best interface for under $300 period. I think you should either stay around that area in price $200-400 or shoot up to $1200-1500 interfaces like the Symphony Desktop where you’re getting that next level.
@@iPadBeatMaking how would you compare the clarette vs the m4 ?
And also what differences would i notice on the $1200-500 range of interfaces such as the symphony desktop for vocal recordings only ?
Keeping in mind im using a sm7b and baby blue bottle
For my money I’m buying an m4. No knock on the clarette just what I would (and did) do.
Better pres on the symphony with a hybrid built in dual plugin emulation right on the interface. I don’t know what differences you’d hear on a dynamic mic such as the sm7b to be honest. I’ve never tried it out in a music setting, only the re20, which is ok but I really dig different condensers where I feel like you really hear the difference due to it capturing more information in the recording over a dynamic. But the sm7b is great, just don’t know what differences you’d hear in the recording. The D/A on a the symphony is also going to be better for your mix phase.
Do you need a symphony? No, of course not. Hits were made on much less. And, All these interfaces are great nowadays, you really can’t go wrong. I just think after the $400 level of them for 2 channels on I/O, you’re in no mans land until +$1000 in terms of really hearing a major difference. Hope this helps.
It is extremely overpriced. If SSL can make reasonable albeit slightly expensive interfaces then so can Apogee.
Apogee hurt their brand with this Duet 3.
How is it a DSP interface but does not come with ANY free plugs?? 👎🏾 Greedy.
This is not worth the price 👎🏾
What price do u feel it’s worth?
@@iPadBeatMaking I used to own a Pro Audio Store, I’m glad you asked.....
considering the Black Lion Audio is as good or better for $399 retail and $299 B-Stock...The Duet is worth between $350 and $450, with the plugins thrown in...it’s buggy, like all their plugs (and why doesn’t it come with at least 1 plugin???), it’s software dependent, the accessories are wayyyy too pricey. They try to brand themselves similar to Apple but the thing about Apple...is that Apple is actually a GAME Changer and a Paradigm Shifter...
What did Apogee change with this....NOTHING, it’s a beautiful design and that’s it, their digital mic pre is good also I’ll give them that but They think that b/c the Babyface is selling at a much higher price that they can adjust the price and charge for the plugs and accessories and still have a product comparable to the BF....But RME wins b/c with the hardware and TotalMixFX (that includes FX and Loopback), and the rock solid drivers RME has carved out something unique for themselves.
Their Element series B-Stock was the best thing they ever made at the lower tier and the Apogee Symphony Desktop is a winner also if you can get it close to $1000, simply b/c high end desktop conversion has not really taken shape yet in the market except for Prism Sounds Lyra which sounds amazing.
Anyway that’s my take.
@@bigdap100 interesting. When you mentioned that you like the Apogee, Symphony- were you mentioning the first gen? Or talking about the newer desktop version?
@@jesslucio3104 the desktop Symphony is a better option over the first gen Symphony and a really good deal and an innovative concept for Apogee (props to Apogee for that) considering a Prism Lyra 1 is over $2k and has only 1 mic pre and a slower USB connection. And even Apogee’s current flagship offering is not bad considering you can put the old cards in them but what’s better is Prism Sounds Atlas preowned, 2 HP amps and 8 super transparent mic pres and you can get it for less than 3k if you’re patient ( I purchased an Atlas and a Lyra 1 years ago, they actually cost MORE now than they did 5 years ago). The Apogee sounds high end no doubt but The Prism sounds better in my opinion, more life like.
@@bigdap100 is the apollo twin duo mk2 up there with the symphony desktop ?
Worse audio interface ever
Why is that?
Short answer is - NO.
No duet 3 for u?
@@iPadBeatMaking No, it doesn't worth $600. In a reality where UAD Apollo Solo exist. Apogee Symphony Desktop is more reasonably priced, also there's an Apogee Boom...
Good points!
Great vid. What's with the thumbs tho ..look weird.