The Apogee Duet two channel Firewire Interface is a very convenient interface if you're using a Mac system. It is very intuitively designed, as it keeps in mind the ease of use that a Mac audio recording setup combines and works with the Mac to make the recording process even more sensible.

The I/O capabilities are designed for painless home recording and attach to the interface via a breakout cable that has two XLR inputs with phantom power, two 1/4" instrument inputs, and two 1/4" monitor outs - all grouped together and conveniently labeled.

The most intriguing feature of the Duet is the dual multi-function controller knobs that are built onto the unit. They integrate automatically with Logic Pro, Logic Express, Garageband, and Soundtrack Pro for volume and input gain control as well as assignable MIDI control. Using another DAW? Don't sweat it - the included Maestro software allows the Duet to control any other Core Audio-compliant audio application.

To use the Duet, you'll want to make sure that you're using a Mac G4 1GHz or faster, G5, or Intel CPU; have a minimum of 1 GB RAM minimum (although 2 GB are recommended); and are using OS 10.4.10 or greater. Sorry, PC users - the Duet only works on Mac computers, but you can still take solace in cursing Justin Long's smugness.