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An introduction to Apogee Duet 3, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
What is Duet 3?
The Duet 3 is a 2-in 4-out USB-C audio interface from Apogee. It keeps the compact, portable concept of the original Duet with a redesigned look.
It has Apogee AD/DA converters and mic preamps and supports up to 24-bit / 192 kHz, aimed at music production, voice recording, streaming and game streaming.
The low-profile body uses an aluminum base with a Gorilla Glass top panel and knob covers, and the connections are gathered on a breakout cable. The optional Duet Dock lets you build the same setup at the studio and on the go.
It includes hardware DSP with the Symphony ECS Channel Strip supervised by Bob Clearmountain. Everything is controlled with Apogee Control 2, which also offers a separate monitor mix per output.
2-in 4-out over USB-C
Two mic/line inputs, two Hi-Z instrument inputs, two balanced outputs and a headphone out, covering a basic home-recording setup such as vocal plus guitar.
Apogee converters and preamps
Dynamic range is listed as 119 dB (AD) and 124 dB (DA, A-weighted). The preamp has up to 65 dB gain with 48 V phantom power, soft limit and polarity reverse.
Hardware DSP
Processing such as the Symphony ECS Channel Strip runs in the unit, an option for shaping the sound while recording without extra computer load.
Low-profile body and large knob
A Gorilla Glass top and large knob control gain, volume, input/output switching and mute. Size is 150 x 102 x 30 mm and weight 340 g.
Apogee Control 2
All functions are operated from the dedicated software, and the built-in mixer makes a monitor mix per output.
Bus power and external power
Two USB Type-C ports; it runs on bus power and can also use external power via USB-C.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| I/O | 2 in 4 out (2 mic/line, 2 Hi-Z, 2 balanced outs, headphone) |
| Max sample rate | 24-bit / 192 kHz |
| AD dynamic range | 119 dB (A-weighted) |
| DA dynamic range | 124 dB (A-weighted) |
| Mic preamp max gain | 65 dB |
| EIN | -129 dB (60 dB gain, 150 ohm) |
| THD+N (AD) | -103 dB |
| THD+N (DA) | -110 dB |
| Headphone max output | 300 mW (30 ohm) / 63 mW (600 ohm) |
| Dimensions | 150 x 102 x 30 mm |
| Weight | 340 g |
What is included and system requirements
- Duet 3 unit
- Breakout cable
- Travel case
- USB Type-C / Type-A cable
- Requirements: macOS 10.15+, Windows 10 Anniversary Update+, iOS 9.3+
How to use it
- Connect to the computer with the USB-C cable.
- Install Apogee Control 2.
- Attach the breakout cable to the unit.
- Connect a mic to a mic input and enable 48 V if needed.
- Connect headphones and set the volume.
- Select Duet 3 as input/output in your DAW.
- Set the gain.
- Use the Symphony ECS Channel Strip if desired.
Vocal recording
With its preamps and built-in channel strip, it may suit singers who want to shape sound while recording.
Vocal plus instrument
Hi-Z inputs may let you record a guitar and a vocal together.
Streaming
The built-in mixer makes a per-output monitor mix, which may be worth trying for stream monitoring.
Portable production
It is compact and includes a travel case, so it may suit people who work on the go.
Who it may suit
- People seeking a portable high-end interface
- Those recording two sources such as vocal and guitar
- Users who want DSP processing while recording
Good to know before you buy
- Supported: macOS 10.15+, Windows 10+, iOS 9.3+.
- The Duet Dock is sold separately.
Price
Please check the official page for the price.
See Duet 3 on the product page
Sources: minet.jp (checked 2026-10-27)
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