NI Komplete Audio 6 vs. Apogee Duet 2

[Beantown]

Currently in the market for an audio interface to complete my portable setup. All things considered, I've narrowed down the selection to the Apogee Duet and the Komplete Audio 6 by Native Instruments.

There are pros and cons for both. The first consideration being the price difference. While Duet has received rave reviews, it does seem a little pricy. It'll set you back $600. For that price you could purchase an MBox with Pro Tools LE. Seems like that would be a better deal than just getting the interface alone (and still having to buy a separate DAW). Also note that the Duet 2 uses USB instead of Firewire, and has no MIDI connection. Duet 1 used Firewire 400, which I thought was cool since there are only 2 USB slots on the MBP. Of course you could always use a USB hub. But some devices aren't compatible with this setup.

Apogee Duet 2 USB Audio Interface Features

•USB 2.0 Mac audio interface
•2 analog inputs; Combination Line/Mic/Instrument
•4 analog outputs
•Balanced line outputs, +20 dBu maximum output level
•1 Independent 1/4 inch stereo headphone output
•2 Microphone preamps with up to 75dB of gain
•A/D and D/A conversion at 24-bit/192kHz
•Top panel high resolution OLED display
•Multi-function controller knob
•Two assignable top panel touch pads:
•Mute speakers, headphones or all outputs
•Assign headphones 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


On the other hand you have the Komplete Audio 6, which is about half the price of the Apogee. Also its packaged with a few extras, such as Cubase 5 LE. IMHO not top of the line, but definitely enough to get you up and running. From what I hear the Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters are not too shabby. It also has MIDI I/O and will work with both Mac and PC.

Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 Features

•4 analog inputs:
◦2 balanced mic/line/instrument (XLR)
◦2 balanced line (1/4 inch TRS)
•4 balanced analog outputs (1/4 inch TRS)
•Digital stereo input and output (S/PDIF / RCA) for lossless signal transmission
•MIDI in/out for master keyboard, Maschine or any third-party MIDI controller
•Headphone output with independent level control and source switch
•Completely USB powered, with an extra sturdy custom USB socket
•Includes Komplete Elements, with over 1000 instruments and effects
•Also accommodates DJ's looking for a DJ interface


Really what I'm asking is, do the features on the Duet justify the difference in price? Let me know what you think.

Cheers!