If you liked the Apogee Duet, you will like the new Duet 2 even more. Apogee Electronics introduced the Duet 2, a portable recording interface for Mac featuring USB connectivity, two inputs, four outputs, and much more.

As the company's most advanced portable recording design, the Duet 2 offers a full-color OLED display, plus balanced outputs, independent speaker and headphone outputs, configurable touch pads, and improved sound quality. The audio interface can record from sampling rates of 44.1 to 192 kHz. According to the manufacturer, the Duet 2 is based upon the research that contributed to the making of the Symphony I/O. The Duet 2 with USB connectivity is said to deliver low latency performance, higher sampling rates, and better sound quality than other units.

Mac users can use the Duet 2 to streamline their recording setups. In addition to all the features already outlined, the audio interface boasts a new breakout cable design and optional breakout box, "world class" mic preamps, and more, for putting the finishing touches on your musical projects.

Duet 2 highlights:

• Completely redesigned mic preamps and converters
• 4 Outputs, Independent speaker and headphone outs
• Balanced outputs
• USB 2.0 high speed connectivity
• 24-bit, 192 kHz recording
• Full color OLED display
• Configurable touch pads
• Maestro 2 software
• Breakout box (sold separately)
• Redesigned Breakout Cable
• Soft Limit

Full features:

• USB 2.0 Mac audio interface
• 2 Combination Line / Mic / Instrument inputs
• 2 Balanced line outputs, +20 dBu maximum output level
• 1 Independent 1/4" stereo headphone output
• 2 Microphone preamps with up to 75 dB of gain
• A/D and D/A Conversion at 24-bit, 192 kHz
• Top panel high resolution OLED display
• Multi-function controller knob
• Two assignable top panel touch pads
• Mute speakers, headphones or all outputs
• Assign headphone to outputs 1-2,3-4 or low latency mixer
• Dim speakers, headphones, or all outputs
• Sum to mono speakers, headphones, or all outputs
• Selectable 48V phantom power, Soft Limit, and phase invert

Apogee plans on shipping the Duet 2 in April, 2011, for $595 (MSRP). For more details, visit apogeedigital.com.