Apogee finally releases Windows drivers for its (old) audio interfaces

11 Oct 2017 by Robin Vincent |

5,0 / 5,0 | Approximate reading time: 2 Minutes

Apogee Windows compatibility · Source: Apogee

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Apogee have been making high-quality audio interfaces for Apple Mac for many years. They’ve been matching Apple’s style and aesthetic and probably consider themselves the ideal pro audio partner. So it is with some astonishment that Apogee have calmly announced that they are releasing Windows 10 drivers for some of their old USB interfaces.

Apogee on Windows

Maybe Microsoft sent them a Surface Book and Apogee realised they could do product shots with a decent looking PC laptop without ruining their aesthetic. Or maybe they’ve got a warehouse full of USB audio interfaces they can’t shift because Apple users are all buying Thunderbolt. Whatever the reason Apogee are releasing Windows 10 drivers for the ONE, Duet and Quartet this November.

As a Windows user, I have long coveted Apogee products. They make great stuff. But now that they are within my grasp why am I not as excited as perhaps I should be? The Quartet was released in 2012, the Duet in 2013. The ONE was originally released in 2013 although the Windows compatible version will be the one with the Silver finish that they released last year. So these are old interfaces. Surely it would be better to release something new and exciting? This does feel a bit like they are trying to shift boxes rather than opening up their awesome products to new markets and opportunities.

That said the Duet and Quartet, in particular, are classy audio interfaces. They are right up my street in terms of form factor and functionality. I always prefer a tabletop audio interface, and those big silver knobs and the OLED display are awesome. The quality is also first class and they have a premium price tag to match. It just feels like an after-thought. But that’s no reason to reject a fabulous audio interface. So thank-you Apogee. Thank-you for thinking of us Windows users and letting us into your high-quality world of audio. I can’t wait to get my hands on a nice shiny 5-year-old audio interface.