2" Tape tracks through mixer onto a laptop--Apogee Duet?

[Shaft]

I'm tracking onto an MX-80 and mixing back through a 1604 VLZ (I know... until I can get a real console)
and would like to use the main mix out to dump into a Mac laptop so I can burn CDs, etc.--not serious mastering or anything.

Would an Apogee Duet be good for this?

Until I can pony up for a UA 2192, Rosetta 200 or 2 channels of Mytek AD does the Duet make sense or
am I wasting money on the Pres when I just need 2 channels of AD?

Can the Duet's Pres be useful or a problem or can I bypass them?

Still a newbie and appreciate your suggestions--thx, Slutz!

[Clawson]

Hi Shaft,

You can set Duet to "XLR Line +4dbu" and this will bypass the mic pre's, giving you a balanced line level input.

Duet can also come in handy for capturing quick idea's (way faster than setting up a tape machine )
In fact master recordings have been made using Duet. Butch Walker used Duet and an SM7 to record part of the last Pink record.

Apogee Electronics > Videos Click on the Butch Walker video and he will tell you all about it.

If you have any other questions please let me know. You can also contact our tech support at support@apogeedigital.com or call them (310)584-9394

Chris Lawson
Apogee Electronics

[Shaft]

Originally Posted by Clawson

Hi Shaft,

You can set Duet to "XLR Line +4dbu" and this will bypass the mic pre's, giving you a balanced line level input.

Duet can also come in handy for capturing quick idea's (way faster than setting up a tape machine )
In fact master recordings have been made using Duet. Butch Walker used Duet and an SM7 to record part of the last Pink record.

Apogee Electronics > Videos Click on the Butch Walker video and he will tell you all about it.

If you have any other questions please let me know. You can also contact our tech support at support@apogeedigital.com or call them (310)584-9394

Chris Lawson
Apogee Electronics

Thanks, Chris!

For dumping a stereo mix into GarageBand from my 2", would there be a considerable difference in the DA between the Duet and say your Rosetta 200?

And, can I use a different Mic Pre, like my Pacifica, and just use the Duet's AD into GarageBand?

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by Shaft

can I use a different Mic Pre, like my Pacifica, and just use the Duet's AD into GarageBand?

Yes.

[Clawson]

Originally Posted by Shaft

Thanks, Chris!

For dumping a stereo mix into GarageBand from my 2", would there be a considerable difference in the DA between the Duet and say your Rosetta 200?

And, can I use a different Mic Pre, like my Pacifica, and just use the Duet's AD into GarageBand?

Yes the Rosetta 200 would be a noticeable difference over the Duet, they are really at two different levels. However, I think Duet is great way to go if that is what your budget allows for at this time. And like I said earlier, it will still prove to be a very useful song writing, portable recording tool, even after you upgrade to a Rosetta 200.

Yes you can use any external pre amp you like with Duet.

Chris Lawson
Apogee Electronics

[DanRock101]

For SIMPLE stuff: Duet is an excellent choice for something simple and that sounds great and clean!

For LITTLE MORE: If you need more monitoring and I/O capabilities (ie inserting a Master Buss, like an API etc), and equal quality, go Metric Halo ULN2, no question.....PLUS with Metric Halo, you have the best external DSP available.

Good luck!

[Shaft]

Thanks, All--I really appreciate it.

Okay, Chris--I watched all the videos and get it now.
Funny, the transferring vinyl and tapes was ultimately the video that showed me how I'd dump my MX-80 tracks through the 1604 into the Duet and GarageBand.

I think quality and price-wise it'll do what I'm looking for.

Still open to alternate suggestions that would be Duet's price or lower.