Roland Duo-Capture EX Reviews

The title says it: this is the best USB audio interface I have owned and I would recommend it to anyone, especially studio beginners such as myself. It is also very easy and intuitive to use and does not require any special software in addition to the recording program you like to use. As soon as I connected the device to my Windows 10 laptop, it downloaded the drivers and after a minute I was recording a sample with Audacity, which also recognized the device right away. The sound quality is excellent and I can't hear any white noise/hisses/buzzes.
The device is very sturdy, yet lightweight and small in size, with many switches for e.g. monitoring, sample rate and +48V phantom power for condenser mics. It also gets power from the USB cable (or batteries) which is a very good thing. I could even use this product without a D/C power supply with my Roland GO:KEYS portable keyboard which also works on battery power.

I'm using this for a stereo feed to an iPad for recording video. It's a great box and works perfectly.

I went on line to Sweetwater to purchase the Roland Duo-Capture audio interface. Yes it was in stock, but,
The price had change originally discounted to XXX.XX the interface was now XXX.XX ( A GOOD DEAL)
Doing the on line moves as necessary, purchased the unit and was promptly notified that the free shipping would have my purchased delivered to my home, sure enough, right as rain, Thursday as indicted the interface arrived at my door step.
The service was perfect, hassle free, prompt and without a hitch.
Thanks to the crew at Sweetwater for doing a fine job. Customer service gets a 10 out of a possible 10 once again.
Oh, yes before I end I would replace the Roland Duo-Capture EX immediately if it were lost/stolen.
Great sound , no hassle set up. ,three easy steps and I've got a crystal clear recording of my slightly out of tune strat.
BINGO as agent Stansfield would say, BINGO.
This was such an easy way to do things, I'll be back, again.

Not the least expensive, but a great value, though, especially given Roland's penchant for quality of construction. Excellent sound quality, Midi I/O and 1/4" outs for monitors make this a no brainer...

This unit looks really nice for entry level computer recording, and apparently will work well with PC, Mac, and iPad. However, it has two major failings: Unlike the Griffin StudioConnect, it will not charge the iPad while recording, even when plugged into its own optional power supply. And an optional power supply, the Duo-Capture's batteries die in 1.5 hrs (along with the iPad itself several hours later). This is ridiculous! Second, unlike the new FocusRite iDock, the duo-capture does not have a midi-USB IN slot, and thus will not allow direct recording from a USB Keyboard. Only the much bally-hoo'd Griffin StudioConnect HD promises all those things ....but after nearly TWO years of promises, that device is still not in production!. Despite the availability of very powerful new iPads (four, and air), and impressive multitrack recording software for them (Cubasis, MultiTrackStudio, Auria, etc.), it seems like no manufacturer (Rolond, Edirol, Alesis, Prosonus, FocusRite, Griffin, Tascam, etc. etc.), can actually wise up and provide one fully functional interface that does exactly what recording musicians want, armed with the extremely powerful new iPad platforms.....what a pity! I guess I just keep waiting for the Griffin StudioConnect HD!

Portable and economic. It goes to the point. I Love it.

The duo ex appears to work fine with an Earthworks mic also purchased from Sweetwater, hence the high rating. However, the Sonar LE is difficult to use. I collect audio data in parallel with running a Matlab application and for some reason Sonar kept bombing out while the Matlab script was doing its thing. I ended up tossing Sonar and used Audacity to record and the process the recording. Audacity does not interact with the Matlab app. Recommend using Audacity.

This is a fine product. Mic pres are pretty low-noise considering the price. USB/battery and wall power options are great.

48k sample rate is touted in all marketing materials. It does 48k when connected to a computer. In the manual, you'll find that in "TAB" (tablet mode) it is limited to 44.1k.

Not a deal breaker for me but I want others to be aware of this limitation - especially video folks.

I bought this unit to work on my iPad for remotes
The manual was very iOS light for information through out manual
and the addendum cared the most useful info.
Roland Website product page as well regarding iOS and interfacing also light on info.
The "TAB" selector switch on mine needed some electronic cleaner.
While sliding 44/48 over to TAB position poor contact making errors
on the iPad appear regarding USB device
"The connected USB device is not supported"

Works now with all my fav apps
Audio Input is very sensitive with Condenser Microphones / phantom
Dynamic mic worked great
Line in ... worked great
MIDI worked great

On a Mac Book Pro with Logic & Pro Tools worked very well.
I suggest follow the read me directions for driver install.

This is a solid piece of machinery. Extremely well built with very pristine preamps. A perfect mobile unit.

As a beta tester for Auria, MusicStudio, Arctic Keys, just to name a few, this thing is an absolute dream with Cubasis.

Been beating it around for over 3 wks now, & it works with all my iPad music or sound apps on both the iPad 2 & 3! It also works nicely with both my PowerBooks.

For such a rich sound, the size will blow you away. Recorded files are easily imported into Pro Tools for more work.

BTW, the midi is sweet also.

As a long-time musician new to recording, this is exactly what I was looking for. I did a lot of internet research before deciding on this interface, and I couldn't be happier.

What I love:
1. Solidly constructed and easy to use.
2. Hi-Z input so I can plug the electric guitar into the interface directly, without having to mess with miking the amp.
3. Cakewalk Sonar X1 LE is included. I don't have much experience with the other software out there (like ProTools), but Sonar is very capable and easy to use.
4. Portable, so I can move it with the laptop I use for recording.

For the price point, you'll be very happy with this product. I don't think you'll find a better two-input interface anywhere.

Manufactured in China of course, but this baby is well built and rock solid. The sound is excellent. This product had me sold when I saw it could be battery powered, AC, or usb and has all the inputs I need for a mobile studio. This thing was built for ultimate portability in mind and I believe this will suit me very well for producing/recording anywhere and everywhere. Drivers were a breeze to install with the included CD which has the latest drivers already. Also, this unit works perfectly with Windows 7 x64 and Ableton Live. If you're planning on getting an interface for around $200, I highly recommend this interface..