Duet2 UsersGuide Print PDF
Duet2 UsersGuide Print PDF
Duet2 UsersGuide Print PDF
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
1
Quick Start
5
Introduction! 5
Packaging Contents! 5
Operation
16
Multi-Function Controller Knob! 16
OS X System Preferences! 20
Apogee Maestro 2! 23
Maestro 2
25
Devices Sidebar! 25
Connections
39
Monitors and Headphones! 39
Powered Monitors! 43
Applications
44
Using Duet with Logic! 44
3
Troubleshooting/FAQs
55
Further Troubleshooting Resources! 57
Specifications
58
System Requirements
59
Duet 2 Warranty Information and Legal Notices
60
4
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.
Packaging Contents
The following items are included in the Duet 2 box.
Software and Firmware for this Apogee Product is available online only at http://
www.apogeedigital.com/downloads.php
• Duet 2
• QuickStart Guide
• Breakout Cable
• USB Cable
• Universal Power Adapter for US, UK and EU
5
Duet 2 Panel Tour
6
OLED Panel Tour
7
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
4. Follow the onscreen steps to get the latest Duet 2 software installer.
5. Once you have downloaded the package, double-click the open box icon to run the
installer.
6. You will be required to restart your computer after the install is complete.
As Duet 2 is powered through the USB connection, the display’s Home View will illuminate,
indicating that Duet is now powered on.
8
Check Audio Playback in iTunes
To verify Duet 2’s output, open iTunes (found in your Mac’s Applications folder), choose a
song, and click Play.
Adjusting Volume
To adjust the volume, press Duet 2’s Multi-function Controller Knob until the speaker or
headphone icon is lit on the display’s 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.
9
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).
For example, if you have a microphone connected to the XLR input of the breakout cable’s
combo jack, select “Mic” from the Analog Level menu.
10
Note: If you are using a condenser microphone that requires phantom power, then select
the 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”
from the Analog Level menu.
Push the Multi-function Controller Knob until the microphone or instrument icon is lit on the
Duet 2’s display and turn the knob to raise or lower Duet 2’s input level*.
*See the Duet 2 User’s Guide for a more detailed description of setting recording levels.
11
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.
12
Set the I/O Buffer Size to 128.
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.
1. In Logic, choose Options > Audio > I/O Labels.
2. Select the labels in the Provided by Driver column.
3. Close the IO Labels window.
13
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
Check the Input Monitoring checkbox
Check the Record Enable checkbox
14
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.
15
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.
16
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).
17
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.
Mute outputs
To mute the speaker and headphone outputs, assign one of the user assignable
touchpads in Maestro 2 to the desired mute function.
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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. When
it is engaged, phase errors become more noticeable. See Sum to Mono (as link) for more
information.
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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. If you didn’t choose Duet for Mac sound I/O in step 3 of the
Quickstart guide, you may do so in this window.
Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences. Open the Sound preference window by
clicking on the speaker icon.
20
Click on the Output tab and select Duet in the Device window.
Click on the Input tab and select Duet in the Device window.
21
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.
22
Apogee Maestro 2
Apogee Maestro software provides the most complete control of Duet, including;
• Control of all settings
• Store/recall of configurations
• Low latency mixing
If the "Connect AC adaptor" warning is displayed on the top panel OLED, or the "USB
current limit" warning (shown below) appears on the Mac desktop, connect the supplied
AC adaptor between Duet's DC power input and a standard wall socket. The AC adaptor
may be connected to any AC voltage between 100 and 240 volts AC, thus making it
compatible with virtually any wall socket in the world. Also included with the AC adaptor
are NEMA (North America), "Europlug" and British "BS 1363" plug adaptors.
Duet 2 is easily powered by any available USB port on your Mac in most applications.
However there may be scenarios where connecting the external AC power adaptor is
preferred or required.
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. When you are using low impedance headphones and your volume is very high you
are drawing more power over the USB bus and may need the AC adaptor to use power
hungry condenser mics.
23
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.
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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.
A device icon and ID button is placed adjacent to each row of parameters to identify the
hardware unit to which the row belongs. By clicking on the ID button, the corresponding
hardware unit’s front panel will illuminate. Each hardware unit is assigned a Peripheral
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Prefix (A-Z, found in Maestro’s Device Settings tab window) which is displayed on the ID
button.
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Output Tab Window
27
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.
28
Mixer Tab Window
Use the Mixer Tab Window to adjust the Mix of input and output signals as well as
configure Low Latency Mixing.
29
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.
2. Peak Hold - This pop-up menu sets the time that peak indications are held on
software and front panel meters.
3. Over Hold - This pop-up menu sets the time that over indications are held on software
and front panel meters.
4. Keyboard Volume Control - Peripheral, Audio Output - These drop down menus set
the hardware output to be controlled by the Mac keyboard’s volume control. First,
select the hardware peripheral that includes the desired output using the Peripheral
drop down then select the specific audio output using the Audio Output drop down.
30
Menu Bar Menus
About Apogee Maestro - Choose this menu item to display version information.
Preferences - Choose this menu item to display Maestro’s Preference panel.
Check Launch Maestro automatically when connecting a device to launch Maestro when
the 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.
Show All - If any open applications have been hidden, choose this menu item to reveal all
open applications.
Quit Apogee Maestro 2 - Choose this menu item to quit Maestro.
Close - Choose this menu item to close the Preferences panel when opened.
Rescan - Choose this menu item to re-initialize the link between Maestro software and
Apogee hardware connected to the Mac, in the case where the hardware is correctly
connected and powered on but not detected in Maestro.
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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.
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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.
33
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. A slight delay
accumulates at each conversion stage, while a much greater amount of delay occurs
through the software application, resulting in the vocalist hearing his performance in
headphones delayed by several milliseconds.
By routing the hardware input directly to the hardware output and mixing in playback as
shown in Figure B, it’s possible to provide the vocalist a headphone monitoring signal with
a much shorter delay.
First, the signal being recorded (in this case, a vocal mic) is split just after the A/D stage
and routed to both the software application for recording and directly back to the hardware
outputs without going through the latency-inducing software. This creates a low latency
path from mic to headphones. Next, a stereo mix of playback tracks is routed to the low
latency mixer and combined with the hardware input(s). This allows the performer to hear
himself while listening to playback tracks without a confusing delay in order to comfortably
record overdubs.
Note that the software application’s mixer is used to set a stereo mix of playback tracks
while the low latency mixer is used to set the balance between the stereo playback mix
and the hardware inputs.
34
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. Leave the outputs set to 1-2 or 3-4 to disable the mixer.
It’s possible that the latency of your particular recording system is low enough to be
unnoticed. The system latency is determined by the recording software’s buffer setting,
and if your Mac is powerful enough, it’s possible to set the buffer to a lower value (shorter
latency) without encountering clicks and pops in the audio output. If the latency doesn’t
pose a problem while recording, the mixer may be disabled by simply leaving the outputs
set to 1-2 or 3-4.
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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. In Logic Pro, for example, the software monitoring
option is found in the same Audio preferences window used to select Duet as the
hardware device (Logic Pro menu > Preferences > Audio). Uncheck the Software
Monitoring box.
Playback mix - In your recording software, set up a mix of all playback tracks and route it
to Out L-R. If a master fader controls the global output of the mix, it’s suggested to set the
fader to 0 dB.
36
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.
37
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. The playback signal should be displayed
on the Software Return and Mixer Master’s meters. Use the Software Return and Input
faders to establish your desired balance between the input and playback signals. If you’ve
found a good balance but the Mixer Master’s Over LEDs light, reduce the Mixer Master
fader.
38
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.
39
In Maestro, change Input 1 to instrument
40
In Maestro, change Input 1 to Mic
41
In Maestro, change Input 1 to instrument
42
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" tip-ring-sleeve plugs on one end to
connect to Duet's OUT-L and OUT-R jacks and the appropriate connector on the other
ends to connect your monitors.
When connecting to a home audio system, set Duet’s output to 0 dBFS (i.e full volume)
and use the receiver’s volume control to set playback level.
Once audio connections have been made, connect Duet’s USB port to your Mac using the
provided USB 2 cable. Once connected, the dialog box shown below will appear. Click
Yes to choose Duet for Mac sound output and input.
This selection may also be made in the System Preferences > Sound > Output panel.
In iTunes, select Computer as the sound output. Any audio that is played back in iTunes
will now be routed to Duet and the output will be available on your home audio system.
43
Applications
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.
44
Set the I/O Buffer Size to 128.
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.
1. In Logic, choose Options > Audio > I/O Labels.
2. Select the labels in the Provided by Driver column.
3. Close the IO Labels window.
45
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.
Click the Record button in the transport control at the bottom of the Logic window.
46
Using Duet with Apple’s GarageBand
Warning! Apogee's Control Panel within GarageBand is not compatible with Duet
2
47
Using Duet with Avid Pro Tools 9
Choose Setup menu > Playback Engine.
48
Set the Buffer Size to 128. Click OK.
49
Using Duet with Apple MainStage
Warning! Apogee's Control Panel within MainStage is not compatible with Duet 2
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.
Click on the Audio tab. Select CoreAudio in the Driver Type menu. Select Duet in both the
Audio Input Device and Audio Output Device menus. Set Buffer Size to 128. Close the
Preferences window after making settings.
50
Using Duet with Apple Final Cut Pro
Click on the A/V Devices tab. Select Duet in the Audio menu. Click OK.
51
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.
52
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.
Set Host Buffer Multiplier to 1. Set Work Priority to Low. Click OK.
53
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. In the ASIO Settings pop-up, set Buffer Size to 128 and click OK.
In the Device Setup window, click OK.
54
Troubleshooting/FAQs
Q: What does the display of a white Apogee logo "A" on the top panel OLED
indicate?
A: The white "A" indicates that USB is disconnected. Connect USB, try a different USB
cable or a different 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.
Why?
A: When the inputs are set to XLR line, the encoder is disabled.
Q: I’ve connected my guitar, but I’m not getting any input. What should I check?
A: On the Input tab of Maestro, be sure to set Analog Level to Instrument (Inst).
Q: I’m not getting any output from audio software applications. What should I
check?
A: If you have chosen Mixer for the output then the Software Return fader must be raised
to send audio software application outputs to Duet’s outputs.
Q: I want Maestro to open automatically each time I connect Duet. What should I
set?
A: Open Maestro > Preferences and check the Launch Maestro automatically when
connecting a device checkbox.
55
Click on the Devices tab, then the Core Audio tab. Uncheck Enabled, then re-check it.
4) In iTunes, stop then re-start audio playback.
Symptom: The touch buttons don't work consistently.
Solution: Be sure that the top panel protective film has been removed.
Symptom: Duet isn't recognized in System Preferences, Maestro or my DAW application.
Solution: Here are the steps, in order, to check if Duet isn't recognized:
Open System Profiler by choosing About This Mac under the Apple menu and clicking
More Info…
In System Profilers Contents column, open the Hardware disclosure triangle and click
USB.
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:
56
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
For more technical information, including FAQs, User Guides and downloads, please visit
the support section: support.apogeedigital.com
Apogee Support
Apogee's Support department may be contacted via email, telephone or Live chat. In
order to provide you with the most efficient technical support, we ask you to register your
Apogee product before contacting us, at: apogeedigital.com/account.php. Also, it's best
to have the Apogee product on-hand and operational when calling Support.
Email: [email protected]
Phone support is available from 7am to 7pm (19h00) Pacific Standard Time at: +1 (310)
584-9394
Live chat is availabe from 10am to 4pm (16h00) Pacific Standard Time - please go to
support.apogeedigital.com
Fax Apogee Support at: +1 310 584-9385
57
Specifications
Features Duet 2
Microphone Preamps 2
OLED Display
Touch pads
Phantom Power
Soft Limit
Group Inputs
Mute Outputs
Sum to Mono
58
Features Duet 2
Dim Outputs
System Requirements
• Intel Mac 1.5 GHz or faster
• MacOS X 10.6.4 or greater
• 2 GB minimum RAM, 4 GB recommended
59
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. Firmware
updates are free for the first year of ownership unless otherwise stated.
Please address any inquiries to your dealer or directly to Apogee at:
60
USA: Some states do not allow for the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or
liability for incidental or consequential damage, so the above exclusion may not apply to
you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary
from state to state.
Service Information
Warnings
FCC warning
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to take
whatever measures necessary to correct the interference at his own expense.
Copyright Notice
Duet 2 is a computer-based device, and as such contains and uses software in ROMs.
This software, and all related documentation, including this User’s Guide contain
proprietary information which is protected by copyright laws. All rights are reserved. No
part of the software and its related documentation may be copied, transferred, or modified.
You may not modify, adapt, translate, lease, distribute, resell for profit or create derivative
works based on the software and its related documentation or any part thereof without
prior written consent from Apogee Electronics Corporation, U.S.A.
61
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. Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright notice, this list of
conditions and the following disclaimer in the documentation and/or other materials
provided with the distribution.
Declarations of Conformity
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful inteference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
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:
• EN50081-1/EN55022; 1995
• EN50082-1/IEC 801-2, 3, 4; 1992
following the provisions of:
• 73/23/EEC – Low Voltage Directive
89/336/EEC – EMC Directive
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