Apogee Duet 2 User Manual
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Apogee Duet 2 User Manual

How to set up duet 2 with your mac, connect speakers or headphones to play back music and connect mics and instruments to record your own creations with apple’s logic pro or logic express
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Apogee Duet 2 Users Guide -
Print Version
Created: July 2011
This version of the Duet 2 Users Guide is for PRINT purposes only. The latest
and most up-to-date Users Guide is available at:
http://support.apogeedigital.com
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Summary of Contents for Apogee Duet 2

  • Page 1 Apogee Duet 2 Users Guide - Print Version Created: July 2011 This version of the Duet 2 Users Guide is for PRINT purposes only. The latest and most up-to-date Users Guide is available at: http://support.apogeedigital.com...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Quick Start Introduction! Packaging Contents! Duet 2 Panel Tour! OLED Panel Tour! Connecting to your Mac! Choosing Duet 2 for Mac Sound I/O! Configuring the Input! Using Duet with Logic! Operation Multi-Function Controller Knob! Duet’s OLED Display! Duet’s Assignable Touchpads!
  • Page 3 Device Settings Tab Window! Mixer Tab Window! System Setup Window! Menu Bar Menus! Low Latency Mixing! Connections Monitors and Headphones! Instrument and Mic! Connecting Two Microphones! Connecting Two Instruments! Powered Monitors! Connecting To A Home Stereo! Applications Using Duet with Logic! Using Duet with Apple’s GarageBand! Using Duet with Avid Pro Tools 9! Using Duet with Apple MainStage!
  • Page 4 Troubleshooting/FAQs Further Troubleshooting Resources! Specifications System Requirements Duet 2 Warranty Information and Legal Notices...

  • Page 5: Quick Start

    Quick Start Introduction Thank you for purchasing Duet 2. This QuickStart guide describes how to set up Duet 2 with your Mac, connect speakers or headphones to play back music and connect mics and instruments to record your own creations with Apple’s Logic Pro or Logic Express.

  • Page 6: Duet 2 Panel Tour

    Duet 2 Panel Tour...

  • Page 7: Oled Panel Tour

    OLED Panel Tour Connecting to your Mac System Requirements • Intel Mac 1.5 GHz or faster • MacOS X 10.6.4 or greater • 2 GB minimum RAM, 4 GB recommended...

  • Page 8: Choosing Duet 2 For Mac Sound I/O

    Install Duet Software 1. Remove the protective film from the front panel, otherwise the Touch Pads will not work 2. Connect Duet 2’s USB port to a USB port on your Mac using the supplied USB 2 cable. 3. Go to http://www.apogeedigital.com/downloads.php...

  • Page 9: Configuring The Input

    Home View and turn the knob clockwise to increase the volume. If you get a message warning about USB current draw, connect Duet 2 to the supplied Apogee AC Power Adapter. For more details about current draw on the USB bus, please see Current Draw on page 23.
  • Page 10 Connect a microphone or instrument to the breakout cable’s combo jack. Open Apogee Maestro 2 from the Applications folder and select the Input tab. Select the Analog Level setting that corresponds to the device you have connected to Duet 2’s input(s).
  • Page 11 48V box on the Input tab of Maestro 2. Phantom power is indicated on Duet 2’s display by a red dot above the microphone icon. If you have an instrument connected to the 1/4” input of the combo jack, then select “Inst”...

  • Page 12: Using Duet With Logic

    Warning! Apogee's Control Panel within Logic is not compatible with Duet 2 Go to the Logic Pro or Logic Express menu and choose Preferences > Audio. In the Core Audio pane of the Device tab, select Duet 2 for Output Device and Input Device.
  • Page 13 Click Apply Changes at the bottom of the Preferences window.   By selecting Duet 2 input and output labels in Logic, the labels you see in Logic’s Channel Strip input and output slots correspond exactly to Duet 2’s hardware inputs and outputs, making I/O assignment much easier.
  • Page 14 Now close the Logic Pro Preferences window and select New > Collection > Empty Project from the Trackmenu. If you are recording a single microphone or instrument, make the following selections in the New Tracks dialog box: Number: 1 Type: Audio Format: Mono Input: Input 1 Output: 1-2...
  • Page 15 Logic will now ask you to name the project and save in on your hard drive. Click the Record button in the transport control at the bottom of the Logic window. You’re now recording with Duet 2!

  • Page 16: Operation

    Operation Multi-Function Controller Knob Duet’s multi-function controller knob allows you to easily switch between Inputs and Outputs as well as adjust their levels. Duet’s OLED Display Duet's OLED display provides full color visual feedback and metering.
  • Page 17 Input level To change Duet’s input level (i.e the recording level of mics and instruments), press and release the encoder repeatedly until the desired input is highlighted at the top of the OLED display. Then turn the encoder until the desired recording level is obtained (as seen in your recording software).

  • Page 18: Duet's Assignable Touchpads

    Duet’s Assignable Touchpads Duet's two assignable touchpads can be assigned to control many of Duet's settings and parameters. Use them to setup advanced muting functions when recording yourself or to toggle between program and cue during a DJ set. Assigning functions to the touchpads is done on the Device Settings tab of Maestro.
  • Page 19 Dim outputs The Dim function lowers the output volume by 15 dB. This function is convenient when you want to briefly lower the playback volume in the speakers or headphones in order to hold a conversation without completely muting the output. Sum to Mono The Sum to Mono function is used to examine phase relationships on stereo tracks.

  • Page 20: Os X System Preferences

    Clear Meters The Clear Meters function will remove held peak and over indicators on software and OLED meters when Peak Hold or Over Hold (in the System Setup tab window) is set to Infinite. OS X System Preferences The OS X System Preferences Sound window provides settings to choose Duet for Mac sound input and output.
  • Page 21 Click on the Output tab and select Duet in the Device window. Click on the Input tab and select Duet in the Device window.

  • Page 22: Os X Audio Midi Setup

    OS X Audio MIDI Setup OS X Audio MIDI Setup is found in Applications > Utilities and provides control of Duet’s sample rate and output level, as well as settings to choose Duet for Mac sound input and output. To control Duet’s output level and muting from AMS or from the Mac keyboard, set Default Output to Duet.

  • Page 23: Apogee Maestro 2

    • output volume into low impedance headphones • phantom power for condenser mics. If you have Duet 2 set at a reasonable volume, you are not drawing that much power over the USB bus and you will be able to connect any microphones that require phantom power.
  • Page 24 Duet 2 has a sophisticated built-in power management system and will notify you with a message on its display when the use of the external power supply is recommended. In extreme cases (fault conditions, like accidental full volume on headphones) Duet 2 will automatically reduce the headphone output in favor of continued use of phantom power such that a possible running recording session will not be interrupted.

  • Page 25: Maestro 2

    Maestro 2 Devices Sidebar Any Maestro-compatible Apogee interfaces connected to the host computer are displayed in the Devices sidebar, regardless of whether the connection is made via Symphony PCI card, USB or FireWire. Hardware settings are displayed by first selecting one or more interfaces in the Devices sidebar and then clicking on a tab.

  • Page 26: Input Tab Window

    2. Analog Level - Use this menu to select microphone, instrument, or line input. 3. Soft Limit - Use this menu to engage Soft Limit. Soft Limit is Apogee’s proprietary analog process for taming transients before A/D conversion. By gently rounding transients in a transparent manner, it’s possible to maximize level BEFORE the A/D...

  • Page 27: Output Tab Window

    Output Tab Window 1. Device Icon & ID Button - see the description above. 2. Analog Output Meter - This meter displays the level of the analog output before D/A conversion, in the range -48 to 0 dBFS. 3. Speaker Out Selection - This menu selects the software output that is sent to the speaker outputs.

  • Page 28: Device Settings Tab Window

    Duet's top panel touch buttons may be set to engage Sum to Mono on the Speaker outputs, the headphone outputs or both at the same time. See Device Settings Tab Window. 9. Mute - Engage this to mute the output. Device Settings Tab Window 1.

  • Page 29: Mixer Tab Window

    Mixer Tab Window Use the Mixer Tab Window to adjust the Mix of input and output signals as well as configure Low Latency Mixing. 1. Device Icon & ID Button - see the description above. 2. Pan - This rotary knob pans the input signal between he left and right sides of the Maestro mixer's stereo output.

  • Page 30: System Setup Window

    System Setup Window 1. Sample Rate - This drop down selects the sample rate. Under certain circumstances, (for example, when a DAW session is open) this setting will be overridden by software sample rate settings. The following settings determine the behavior of the front panel and Maestro software level meters.

  • Page 31: Menu Bar Menus

    Mac is started. Check Display Pop-ups to show top panel encoder adjustments. Hide Apogee Maestro 2 - Choose this menu item to hide the Maestro application. Hide Others - Choose this menu item to hide all other open applications.
  • Page 32 Minimize - Choose this menu item to minimize the Maestro window to the OS X Dock. Zoom - Choose this menu item to maximize the size of the Maestro window. Choose any of the currently active tabs to open the tab window. Type Command + number to open the tab window.

  • Page 33: Low Latency Mixing

    Low Latency Mixing While recording, if you notice a delay between the moment you play or sing a note and when you hear it in your headphones you are experiencing latency. Maestro’s low latency mixer may help and can be configured by clicking the Mixer tab in Maestro. Maestro Low Latency mixing A bit of background information concerning latency and computer-based digital recording setups will help you better understand these functions.
  • Page 34 To illustrate the effect of latency, figure A depicts the typical signal path of a vocal overdub session. A vocalist sings into a microphone, which is routed to an analog to digital converter then to the audio software application for recording. In the software application, the vocalist’s live signal is mixed with the playback of previously recorded tracks, routed to a digital to analog converter, and finally to the vocalist’s headphones.

  • Page 35: Recording Software Settings

    Working with the Maestro Mixer Do I need the Maestro Mixer? The Maestro mixer serves to provide a low latency monitoring mix while recording. Therefore if you’re using Duet to listen to iTunes or audio from another program, there’s no need to use the mixer.
  • Page 36 Software monitoring - Because the signal to be recorded is monitored through the Maestro mixer, the outputs of software tracks actively recording should be muted - after all, that’s the source of the latency. Most software applications provide an option to turn off software monitoring of recording tracks.
  • Page 37 Maestro Mixer Settings Initially, set the Input, Software Return, and Mixer Master faders to 0 dB. On the Output tab of Maestro, set the speaker, headphone, or both outputs to Mixer.
  • Page 38 After making the input selection and setting gain, the signal should be displayed on both the Input and Mixer Master meters. If the Input’s Over LED lights, reduce the input gain in the Maestro Control window. If the Mixer Master’s Over LEDs light, reduce the Input fader. Now start playback in your recording software.

  • Page 39: Connections

    Connections Monitors and Headphones Connect powered monitors (Duet will not power unpowered monitors) to the 1/4” outputs with the icons labeled OUT-L and OUT-R on the breakout cable. Connect headphones to the 1/4” output with the icon. Instrument and Mic Connect an instrument to the combination jack's 1/4"...

  • Page 40: Connecting Two Microphones

    In Maestro, change Input 1 to instrument Connect a microphone to the combination jack's XLR input 2 In Maestro, change Input 2 to Mic Connecting Two Microphones Connect microphone #1 to the combination jack's XLR input 1.

  • Page 41: Connecting Two Instruments

    In Maestro, change Input 1 to Mic Connect microphone #2 to the combination jack's XLR input 2. In Maestro, change Input 2 to Mic Connecting Two Instruments Connect instrument #1 to the combination jack's 1/4" instrument input 1...
  • Page 42 In Maestro, change Input 1 to instrument Connect instrument #2 to the combination jack's 1/4" instrument input 2 In Maestro, change Input 2 to instrument...

  • Page 43: Powered Monitors

    Powered Monitors Duet is also the best way to listen to audio from your Mac, be it from your iTunes library, an Internet radio station, or CD/DVD playback. To connect Duet's line outputs directly to powered monitors (Duet will not power unpowered monitors), you'll need 2 cables with 1/4"...

  • Page 44: Applications

    Warning! Apogee's Control Panel within Logic is not compatible with Duet 2 Go to the Logic Pro or Logic Express menu and choose Preferences > Audio. In the Core Audio pane of the Device tab, select Duet 2 for Output Device and Input Device.
  • Page 45 Click Apply Changes at the bottom of the Preferences window.   By selecting Duet 2 input and output labels in Logic, the labels you see in Logic’s Channel Strip input and output slots correspond exactly to Duet 2’s hardware inputs and outputs, making I/O assignment much easier.
  • Page 46 If you are recording a single microphone or instrument, make the following selections in the New Tracks dialog box: Number: 1 Type: Audio Format: Mono Input: Input 1 Output: 1-2 Check the Input Monitoring checkbox Check the Record Enable checkbox Logic will now ask you to name the project and save in on your hard drive.

  • Page 47: Using Duet With Apple's Garageband

    Using Duet with Apple’s GarageBand Warning! Apogee's Control Panel within GarageBand is not compatible with Duet If you have Duet connected when you launch GarageBand Choose GarageBand > Preferences. Choose Duet USB for Audio Output and Audio Input...

  • Page 48: Using Duet With Avid Pro Tools 9

    Using Duet with Avid Pro Tools 9 Choose Setup menu > Playback Engine. Choose Duet for Current Engine.
  • Page 49 Set the Buffer Size to 128. Click OK.

  • Page 50: Using Duet With Apple Mainstage

    Using Duet with Apple MainStage Warning! Apogee's Control Panel within MainStage is not compatible with Duet 2 Choose MainStage > Preferences Click on the Audio/MIDI tab Select Duet in the Audio Output and Audio Input menus Set I/ O Buffer Size to 128 Close the Preferences window after making settings.

  • Page 51: Using Duet With Apple Final Cut Pro

    Using Duet with Apple Final Cut Pro Choose Final Cut Pro > Audio/Video Settings. Click on the A/V Devices tab. Select Duet in the Audio menu. Click OK.

  • Page 52: Using Duet With Apple Soundtrack Pro

    Using Duet with Apple Soundtrack Pro Choose Soundtrack Pro > Preferences. Click on the Recording tab. Select Duet in both the Input and Monitor menus. Close the Preferences window after making settings.

  • Page 53: Using Duet With Motu Digital Performer

    Using Duet with MOTU Digital Performer Choose Setup > Configure Audio System >Configure Hardware Driver In the Configure Hardware Driver window, select CoreAudio in the topmost menu. Select Duet in the device list. Set Buffer Size to 128. Set Host Buffer Multiplier to 1. Set Work Priority to Low. Click OK.

  • Page 54: Using Duet With Steinberg Nuendo

    Using Duet with Steinberg Nuendo Choose Devices > Device Setup In the Devices window, click on VST Audio System. Select Duet in the ASIO menu. Once Duet is recognized by Nuendo, select Duet in the Devices window. Click on Control Panel.

  • Page 55: Troubleshooting/Faqs

    Mac USB port.   Q: What does the display of a purple Apogee logo "A" on the top panel OLED indicate? A: The purple "A" indicates that Duet is loading its firmware. Q: When I press the encoder to select an input or output, the selection is unavailable.
  • Page 56 Find Duet USB in the USB Device Tree and click on it to display the device's properties. Verify that the properties are the same as shown below: If Duet 2 doesn't appear in the USB Device Tree 1) hotplug Duet 1) try a different USB cable or try a different USB port on your Mac.

  • Page 57: Further Troubleshooting Resources

    Further Troubleshooting Resources If you still haven't found a resolution to your issue, Apogee provides a wide range of resources to help you.   Apogee Website For any questions concerning product information, please visit our website: www.apogeedigital.com To peruse Apogee videos, including Symphony I/O Module Installation tutorials, please visit our video section: video.apogeedigital.com...

  • Page 58: Specifications

    Specifications Features Duet 2 Computer Connectivity USB 2.0 High Speed Roundtrip Latency Performance 32 buffer @ 96kHz = 3.6 ms 64 buffer @44.1 kHz = 5.8 ms Power USB Bus Power (DC power optional Bit resolution/sample rate 24-bit/44.1kHz Input Channels 24-bit/44.1kHz...

  • Page 59: System Requirements

    Features Duet 2 Dim Outputs Toggle Headphone Source Core Audio Compatible System Requirements • Intel Mac 1.5 GHz or faster • MacOS X 10.6.4 or greater • 2 GB minimum RAM, 4 GB recommended...

  • Page 60: Duet 2 Warranty Information And Legal Notices

    Duet 2 Warranty Information and Legal Notices Registration and Warranty Information Be sure to register your Duet 2, either by filling in the enclosed Registration Card or by completing the on-line registration form at our Web site: apogeedigital.com/account.php If you do so, Apogee can contact you with any update information. As enhancements and upgrades are developed, you will be contacted at the registration address.

  • Page 61: Service Information

    If you have any questions with regard to the above, please contact Apogee. In the event your Duet 2 needs to be upgraded or repaired, it is necessary to contact Apogee prior to shipping, and a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number will be assigned.

  • Page 62: Software Notice

    Software Notice Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions are met: 1. Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer. 2.

  • Page 63: Industry Canada Notice

    Règlement sur le matérial brouilleur du Canada. Declaration of Conformity – CE Apogee Electronics Corporation hereby declares that the product, the Duet 2, to which this declaration relates, is in material conformity with the following standards or other normative documents: •...

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