Apogee duet3 User manual

duet3users guide
User’s Guide v1.0
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Apogee Duet 3 User’s Guide
Contents
Contents 2
Overview 4
Introduction 4
Features 4
Navigating This User’s Guide 5
In the Box 6
Available Accessory (Sold Separately) 6
System Requirements 6
Register your Product 6
Duet 3 Panel Tour 7
Getting Started 8
Installing Apogee Control 2 Software 8
macOS Installer 8
Windows 10 Installer 9
Firmware Update 9
iPad Pro/iPhone 9
Connecting Duet 10
Connecting to a Mac or Windows computer 10
Connecting to an iPad Pro (USB-C) 10
Connecting to an iOS Device 10
Configure OS to use Duet for Audio I/O 11
macOS 11
Windows 10 12
Apple iOS 12
Connecting Your Studio 13
Duet Top Panel Features 15
Apogee Apogee Control 2 Software 16
Primary Window 16
Toolbar 17
System Settings Sidebar 17
Channel Section 18
General Settings 18
Analog IN Channels 1-2 18
Playback Channels 19
Mixer Section 20
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Apogee Duet 3 User’s Guide
Monitor/Output Section 21
Choose Your Duet Workflow 22
A Glossary of Important Workflow Concepts 22
Monitoring Workflows 24
Software Monitoring 24
Direct Monitoring 25
Working with Onboard Hardware DSP 26
Configuring Your DAW 29
Apple Logic Pro 29
Avid Pro Tools 31
Ableton Live 33
Troubleshooting 35
Warranty Information and Legal Notices 35
Declarations of Conformity 36
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Apogee Duet 3 User’s Guide
Overview
Introduction
In 2007, the original Apogee Duet shattered the expectations of what a home studio interface could
be. Professional, personal and portable, Duet revolutionized independent recording and empowered
musicians, producers and engineers with legendary Apogee sound quality, elegant design and
effortless ease of use. Now, the all-new Duet 3 brings next-generation Apogee performance and
features to a beautiful ultra-low profile scratch resistant glass and aluminum case.
Duet 3 includes on-board hardware DSP that powers the Symphony ECS Channel Strip* for
zero-latency recording with FX. Tuned by Bob Clearmountain, the ECS Channel Strip includes
presets custom crafted by the legendary mixer so you can dial in a pro recording sound instantly.
Ideal for music creation, voice recording, streaming and even gaming, you can use Duet 3 with your
Mac or Windows workstation in your studio or on the go. Take your Duet 3 to the next level with the
sleek Duet Dock accessory for the ultimate ergonomic desktop experience.
Features
● Best-in-class Apogee AD/DA conversion
● 2 world-class preamps
● 2×4 USB Type C audio interface
● Low profile design with aluminum body, Scratch resistant top
● Precision balanced backlit knob
● Input and output connections via breakout cable:
○ 2x ¼” Instrument inputs
○ 2x Mic/line inputs
○ 2x ¼” Balanced outputs
● ⅛” Stereo headphone output
● On-board hardware DSP powers Symphony ECS Channel Strip FX for low-latency
recording with FX
● 2 USB Type C ports for connection and external power as needed
● Bus powered
● macOS and Windows 10 compatible
● Optimized for Apple Logic Pro X and compatible with all popular audio software
● Add the Duet Dock accessory for the ultimate desktop studio experience
● Stylish padded travel case included
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Apogee Duet 3 User’s Guide
Navigating This User’s Guide
A computer-based audio production system built around the Duet 3 includes the following
components:
● Duet Hardware Interface
● Apogee Control 2 software application
● Integrated Symphony ECS Channel Strip plugin
● Mac, Windows or iOS device plus a Digital audio workstation (DAW) software application
● Microphones and instruments for recording plus speakers and headphones for listening
This User’s Guide will take you through the following steps to integrate the components of your
system into a powerful and efficient audio production environment. When text is highlighted in blue, it
may be clicked to link to further information in this Guide.
● Download and run the Duet Installer, which installs the Apogee Control 2 application (and
driver if required) on your computer (link).
● Configure your computer’s operating system (OS) to use Duet for audio input and output
(link).
● Configure your DAW to use Duet for audio input and output (link).
● Connect microphones, instruments, headphones, speakers and other audio hardware to Duet
(link).
● Use Duet’s top panel Control Knob to adjust gain on the Inputs and level for the headphones
and speaker outputs. The Controller Knob can also be set to toggle between i/o and mute
outputs. (link).
● Use Apogee Control 2 software to navigate all settings, including direct monitor mixing and FX
(link).
● Choose a Monitoring workflow and configure your DAW and Duet (link).
● Set up FX Processing according to your preference (link).
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Apogee Duet 3 User’s Guide
In the Box
● Duet 3
● USB-C > USB-C/USB-A cable
● Breakout cable - 2 XLR inputs, 2 ¼” inputs, 2 ¼” outputs
● Travel case
● Warranty Booklet
Available Accessory (Sold Separately)
● Duet 3 Dock
System Requirements
● macOS 10.14.6 or greater
● Windows 10 Anniversary update or later
● iOS 13 or greater
● Mac & Windows: 4GB minimum RAM, 8GB Recommended
Register your Product
● Access Apogee’s expert Technical Support for free
● Receive important product update information by email
● Take the Customer Satisfaction Survey for a chance to win Apogee gear!
Register Now: www.apogeedigital.com/support/register
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Apogee Duet 3 User’s Guide
Duet 3 Panel Tour
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Apogee Duet 3 User’s Guide
Getting Started
Installing Apogee Control 2 Software
To register your product and receive the Duet Installer, learn the most up-to-date information on new
releases, and view Interactive tutorials, click the link below.
www.apogeedigital.com/support/duet3
Once you’ve registered your Duet, you’ll receive an email with links to Mac and Windows versions of
the Duet Installer download.
macOS Installer
Once downloaded, double-click the .dmg file
to display the contents:
● Apogee Control 2 Software Installer
● Extras - for Symphony Desktop only
● User’s Guides
● Apogee Control 2 Uninstaller
To install Apogee Control 2 Software:
1. Double-click the Apogee Control 2
Software installer.
2. A dialog box will appear with a series of
steps to complete the installation.
3. You will be required to restart your
computer.
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Apogee Duet 3 User’s Guide
Windows 10 Installer
1. In your Downloads folder, double-click the .zip file
to extract it, then double-click the .exe file to start
the installation process.
2. Click Next through all steps, then click Finish at
the final step.
3. You should restart your computer immediately.
Firmware Update
If Duet’s firmware requires a firmware update, the
notification at right is displayed after the
installation. Follow the instructions - Duet will
re-boot after the firmware update.
iPad Pro/iPhone
There is no software to be installed when using Duet with an iPad Pro or other iOS device like your
iPhone.
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Apogee Duet 3 User’s Guide
Connecting Duet
Connecting to a Mac or Windows computer
Note: the supplied USB-C to USB-C/USB-A cable includes an integrated
USB-C to USB-A adaptor, as shown at right. Remove the USB-A adaptor
to connect to USB-C devices.
Using the supplied cable, connect either of Duet’s USB-C ports to a USB
port on your Mac or Windows computer.
Connecting to an iPad Pro (USB-C)
Using the supplied USB-C to USB-C/USB-A cable, connect either of Duet 3’s USB-C ports to the iPad
Pro’s USB-C connector.
Connecting to an iOS Device
Using the supplied USB-C to USB-C/USB-A cable, connect either of Duet’s USB-C port to an Apple
Camera Connection Kit, supplied separately. The Camera kit’s Lightning connector is then connected
to your iOS device.
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Apogee Duet 3 User’s Guide
Configure OS to use Duet for Audio I/O
macOS
To choose Duet as the audio interface for Mac applications that don’t have specific audio hardware
preferences, such as Safari, Spotify, Voice Memos and others:
1. Open System Preferences by choosing Apple
menu > System Preferences.
2. Click the Sound icon to open the Sound
preferences panel.
3. Click the Output tab, then click Duet 3 in the
devices list.
4. Click the Input tab, then click Duet 3 in the
devices list.
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Apogee Duet 3 User’s Guide
Windows 10
To choose Duet as the audio interface for Windows
applications that don’t have specific audio hardware
preferences, such as Google Chrome, Spotify, and others:
1. Type Control Panel in the Windows search bar to open
the Control Panel. Double-click the Sound icon.
2. Click the Playback tab and select Speakers-Duet.
3. Click Properties, then click the Advanced tab.
4. Uncheck Exclusive Mode checkboxes. When using a
DAW and apps like Spotify simultaneously, match the
Default Format sample rate with the rate of the DAW
session.
5. Click Apply.
6. Click the Recording tab and repeat steps 2-5
Apple iOS
Apple iOS automatically chooses the most recently connected audio interface as the audio I/O device
for all applications. Simply connect Duet to your iOS device’s Lightning or USB-C port as described
here.
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Apogee Duet 3 User’s Guide
Connecting Your Studio
To connect inputs and outputs using the included breakout cable, first connect the breakout cable’s
multi-pin connector to the Duet 3 rear panel.
A wide range of devices, including dynamic & condenser microphones, electric instruments,
speakers, and headphones may be connected to Duet.
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Apogee Duet 3 User’s Guide
1. Connect the included breakout cable to the rear panel multi-pin connector.
2. Connect microphones and line level audio gear to the XLR inputs.
● Connect dynamic and condenser mics to XLR inputs, then set Analog Level to Mic from
Apogee Control 2 (link). When using condenser mics, be sure to engage 48v phantom power.
● Connect analog line level audio gear line outputs to the XLR inputs using the appropriate
adaptor if required. Set Analog Level to +4 dBu for professional sources, set to -10dBV for
consumer level sources.
3. Connect synthesizers and keyboards to the ¼” inputs 1 & 2, then set Analog Level to Instrument
from Apogee Control 2.
4. Connect Main outputs 1-2 directly to active speakers. If your speakers are equipped with XLR
inputs, use a ¼” TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) to XLR male adaptor cable. If using passive speakers,
connect the Main outputs to the speaker’s amplifier inputs.
5. Connect headphones to the front panel ⅛” connector.
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Apogee Duet 3 User’s Guide
Duet Top Panel Features
With Duet’s top panel Control knob, you have the most important settings right at your fingertips. Set
Input gain plus Speaker and headphone listening level.
Tap the top panel Control knob to toggle the knob focus (i.e. the parameter being controlled by the
knob) through this sequence:
1. IN 1 - set Analog In 1 Gain
2. IN 2 - set Analog In 2 Gain
3. SP - set the stereo Speaker Out level
4. HP - set the stereo Headphone Out level
The selected input or output signal level is displayed on the top
panel peak meters.
To mute and unmute the Speaker and Headphone outputs,
toggle the knob focus to an output, then press and hold the
Control knob. When the output is muted, the corresponding
LED flashes.
When 48 volt phantom power is engaged on Analog In 1 or 2,
the corresponding LED’s brightness pulses slowly.
When the on-board ECS plugin is engaged on Analog In 1 or
Analog In 2, the FX1 or FX2 LED illuminates.
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Apogee Duet 3 User’s Guide
Apogee Apogee Control 2 Software
The Apogee Apogee Control 2 application provides access to all settings, including System setup,
direct monitor mixing, hardware DSP and Monitor controller functionality.
Primary Window
The Apogee Control 2 software interface consists of the following sections:
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Apogee Duet 3 User’s Guide
Toolbar
1. Show/hide System Settings sidebar
2. Clear Meters
3. Mute All Outputs
4. Open the Hover Help window
System Settings Sidebar
Provides System-wide settings that apply to your recording system as a whole.
1. System Status Display - Displays the status of the connected hardware.
●Green - System is ready: Hardware is connected and recognized over
USB.
●
2. Device - When multiple Apogee devices are connected to the same host,
select the device in focus (i.e. under control of the software) in the Device
dropdown.
3. Sample Rate - Set Duet 3’s sample rate. In some cases this setting may be
overridden by software running on the computer (e.g. when a DAW session
is open).
4. Peak Hold - Set the time that peak indications are held on the level meters.
5. Over Hold - Set the time that over indicators are held on the level meters.
6. OS Volume Control - Choose the Duet 3 analog outputs (either Speaker or
Headphones) to be controlled by the operating system audio volume
control.
7. Brightness - Set the brightness of top panel LEDs individually: Controller
Ring, Meters and Status Icons.
8. Mixer View - Show/hide the Direct mixer in the Primary window.
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Apogee Duet 3 User’s Guide
Channel Section
This portion of the Primary window displays channels for Analog and Playback inputs.
General Settings
1. Channel View Button - click to show/hide Playback channels. The Analog In channels are always
shown.
2. Channel Label - Indicates the channel type - Analog In or Playback. Analog IN labels are
transmitted to your DAW.
3. Input Channel Level Meter - displays the digital signal level of the channel. The Analog IN channel
levels are post A/D conversion.
4. ECS FX On/Off - Toggle on/off the ECS FX plugins.
5. Show/Hide ECS FX window - Click to show/hide the ECS FX window.
Analog IN Channels 1-2
Analog IN channels represent inputs from microphones, instruments and other analog sound sources.
● Analog inputs are routed to software (DAW) inputs 1-2 as well as Mixer inputs 1-2.
6. Analog Level - choose the analog reference level for Analog inputs 1-2.
● Choose Mic when connecting microphones or direct boxes to the XLR input.
● Choose Inst when connecting a guitar or keyboard, or any high impedance (Hi-Z) instrument
to the 1/4” input (balanced TRS or unbalanced TS).
● Choose +4dBu when connecting “pro” gear with a nominal +4 dBu output level (such as an
external mic pre, compressor, or EQ) to the XLR input.
● Choose -10dBV when connecting “semi-pro”, hi-fi, or musical instrument gear with a nominal
-10dBV dBu output level to the XLR input.
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Apogee Duet 3 User’s Guide
7. Gain Control - Adjust the gain of the preamp, when Analog Level is set to Mic or Instrument. Gain
Control is hidden when Analog Level is set to +4dBu or -10 dBV line input.
8. Input Settings - Provides options for the various inputs:
●48V - Enable 48 volt phantom power on the corresponding Analog In channel. Visible only
when Analog Level is set to Mic. Most condenser mics require 48 volt phantom power to
operate.
●Group - Link the Gain Controls for each Analog In channel. Visible only when Analog Level is
set to Mic or Instrument. Gain offsets that exist before grouping channels are preserved.
● Soft Limit - engage Soft Limit on each analog input. Soft Limit is an analog circuit that begins
to attenuate transient peaks at a threshold of -4dBfs, replicating the transient softening of
analog tape.
●Polarity Invert - Invert the polarity of the analog input signal. When a single sound source is
picked up with 2 transducers, inverting the polarity of one transducer results in a fuller sound.
For example, if a drum is captured with a mic on each drumhead, inverting the polarity of one
mic results in a fuller sound with more low end. The same principle applies when capturing an
electric instrument with a miked amp and a direct injection feed.
Playback Channels
1. Playback channels represent the playback signal from your audio software (DAW) outputs. How
the Playback channels are used depends on your monitoring workflow, as described here.
● When your system is configured for software monitoring, set the Speaker and HP outputs to
Playback 1-2 to route DAW outputs directly to hardware outputs.
● When your system is configured for direct monitoring, set the Speaker and HP outputs to
Mixer 1, then balance the Mixer Playback 1-2 input with the direct signal from Analog In 1
and/or 2/
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Apogee Duet 3 User’s Guide
Mixer Section
The mixer section provides a mixer for blending Analog and Playback inputs.
● Route mixer outputs to Main and headphone outputs for low latency direct monitoring while
recording;
● Route mixer outputs directly to audio software inputs.
1. Channel Pan Control - Set the left-right placement of the channel signal in the mixer stereo
output.
● Option-click to reset the pan to center (0)
● Option+Command-click to set all pans in that mixer to center (0).
2. Channel Fader - Set the level of the channel signal in the mixer stereo output.
● Option-click to reset the fader to 0dB.
3. Channel Mute button - Mute the signal to the mixer stereo output.
● Command-click to mute all channels
4. Channel Solo button - Solo the channel - all other channels are muted (unless their Solo button is
engaged).
● Command-click to solo all channels.
● Control-click the Solo button to engage Solo-Safe mode, where the channel remains unmuted
regardless of the Solo status of other channels.
5. Assign to SW Inputs
● Assign the output of the Mixer to software inputs. Signal from the Mixer Master output is
routed to DAW inputs, replacing the signal from Analog In 1-2.
6. Mix Master Output Fader - Set the output level of the Mixer.
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