Echo AudioFire 12 vs Apogee Duet

Question

Echo AudioFire 12 vs Apogee Duet

Hi all,

Just as the title suggests, I'm wondering if anyone has had the opportunity to make a sound comparison between these two units.

I've recently upgraded from an Echo Layla 24, Cubase and PC setup to a Mac Pro, AudioFire 12, and Logic Studio. The more I dig into Logic Studio and using virtual instruments, the more I've realized I don't necessarily need all the analog inputs I currently have. I'm interested in picking up a Duet if the quality is that much better.

So minus the on/off button, MIDI ports, 192kHz capability, and number of inputs/outputs I have on the AudioFire 12, how do these two units compare soundwise?

I know this is really an opinion based question which could be taken with a light grain or two or Sea Salt, but I'd love to hear what others may think before I purchase a Duet just to test before selling the one I wouldn't be using.

Thanks,
TR

Mac Pro Dual Quad 2.8, Mac OS X (10.5.1), ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT 2GB RAM

Posted on Feb 7, 2008 8:58 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 7, 2008 10:41 AM in response to Twisted Raven

Echo and Apogee are not on the same level. Echo has more inputs/outputs but I heard some driver problems from other users. I'd say for 2 channel audio go with Duet, for more i/o and flexibility go with Motu ultralite or traveler.

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Answer 2

Feb 7, 2008 1:12 PM in response to Twisted Raven

Hi TR,

I'm in the middle of an overdub session right now using a friends Apogee Duet. I own a Fireface 800, a 002 and an M-Audio box. I must say the Apogee slays them all. Apple and Apogee have done a remarkable job of integration between software and hardware. I recently worked in a room with Protools HD running through 4 Apogee DA 16's. This little setup sounds very similar. The clocking probably isn't quite as tight but believe me, it really sounds very good.
All the best,
Jim

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Answer 3

Feb 8, 2008 10:34 AM in response to jimdellas

Thanks for the advice, everything I've read so far regarding the Duet reiterates exactly what you both said.

So now that that's resolved, what would be a great compatible MIDI Interface box/cable for the new Mac Pros? I haven't actually used one of those since my days with the Gravis UltraSound Max soundcard.

Thanks,
TR

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Answer 4

Feb 8, 2008 12:48 PM in response to Twisted Raven

how many midi in/out do you need? Generally speaking I'd go with Motu for Midi devices for macs. There are several of them ranging from 2x2 to 16x16.

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Answer 5

Feb 8, 2008 1:21 PM in response to eric55418

I could deal with using a 1x1 but have been looking mostly at the 2x2 devices. I've found the following while researching today and have been trying to find out who has the most compatible and reliable MIDI interface for Leopard 10.5.1:

M-Audio MIDISport 2x2 Anniversary Edition
MOTU Fast Lane 2x2

There are some other MOTU MIDI interfaces but I believe the next price jump is $65 more for the MOTU Micro Lite, which is 5x5 and more than what I need. I'd happily pay more however if it means one device is 100% compatible rather than not.

Thanks,
TR

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