All user reviews of 2/5 for the Apogee Duet

I need a card with very good converters and preamps good, the reputation of apogee not to the point of convertos, I cracked ... Indeed on this point it does not disappoint.
No noon, two inputs simultaneously ... I return below.
I'm on MacBook Pro / iMac in firewire.

UTILIZATION

The drivers are very stable with Logic (the platform for which this map was made), but once you want to change software, ouch ... Especially with Live (I use a lot), we can practically do not catch line or mic because of a bunch of small Artefac (cracking, etc.) that come from drivers of entry. What makes the card almost useless for anyone not using (or little) logic.
There is (that) two inputs simultaneously (if not all four in, two line inputs and two microphone). The entrance is through a kind of intrigue cable super cheap and very poorly insulated (we hear noises when you move the joints) which tends to add a lot of buzz when you plug a guitar in, for example (I even managed to capture the buzz with double coils). The solution is the Duet breakout, a connection box (very expensive) cobbled together by a band of American Electronics resolving all these problems. Anyway, the solution to 300 euros, that's a price to pay. Otherwise, if you're handy, you can always make your own. Me is not my case.
Of course, not noon, it would have been too good.
Most converters = high quality (apogee anyway) and preamps as I've never seen in any other card, very transparent, powerful, much better than any card in the same range prices. good but the "less" are too disabling to really enjoy it.

GETTING STARTED

Very simple installation, configuration childish way to handle the volume very intuitive and well done, nothing wrong with that side.
Incompatibilities ... Um, see above.
Manual is very clear.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for two years. I bought it because a friend had the version above (the one with eight inputs and outputs) and I was really amazed by the quality of the machine. Now it serves me more than listening system hi-fi, task indeed I think it falls very very good.
In short:
- You need a card easy to carry, strong, you're on mac, YOU DO THAT LOGIC: Yeah, it can go, but it's still a bit expensive for a card that does not even manage MIDI (not not tell me about USB noon, all the people who use this stuff every day you say we get much lower latency with MIDI input directly into the card, firewire requires).
- You use Live, Nuendo, DP, in short any other software that logic: go your way.
- You are looking for an audiophile and high-end card to play your CDs or MP3s on your system, super high-end lamps (some do) look no further, you've found (plus it's nice).
For my part (I'm computer music all day) I bought a MOTU ultralite mk3 and, even if the preamp is far below, frankly, plenty of inputs / outputs, the south is stable for not much more expensive ... A word ...
Balance 400 for a card frankly very good on some points but downright mean, even super poor on lots of other, well do as you like, eh, it's your money! But hey it's true she is super pretty with her look 70's amp Silverface.