Sound Devices USBPre 2 USB-B Audio Interface
Vendor: Sound Devices
Available
Sound Devices USBPre 2 USB-B Audio Interface
The USBPre 2 is designed to be portable, with features like its 24-bit / 192 kHz converters and two high-gain discrete transistor microphone preamps. In contrast to other 2x2 interfaces, it has input pads, high-pass filters, and peak limiters to guard against overloads and guarantee clear signal recording. You have the connectivity you need for ideal routing and monitoring with balanced XLR mic/line outputs, unbalanced RCA aux outputs, S/PDIF digital outs, and two headphone connectors (1/4" and 3.5mm). In scenarios when an additional AD/DA converter or mic preamp is needed but a computer is not available, the USBPre 2 may also operate in standalone mode.
Portable High-Resolution Audio Interface
The USBPre 2 is a portable class-compliant high-resolution USB audio interface for Mac- and Windows-based computers. It boasts professional sonic performance and flexible connectivity for dynamic/condenser microphones, line-level sources, consumer audio electronics, and S/PDIF digital sources.
Precision Microphone Preamplifiers
USBPre 2 includes two discrete-transistor microphone preamps with 24-bit converters and sampling rates up to 192 kHz. These preamplifiers provide immense gain up to 80 dBu and ultralow noise of -127 dB EIN. Their topology is shared with Sound Devices' award-winning 744T digital audio recorder. Peak limiters, high-pass filters, and a -15 dB pad provide overload protection. All analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion is performed by the USBPre 2 for superior audio performance.
Computer Connectivity
The interface allows simple plug-and-play connection to computers running macOS, Windows, and Linux via the included USB Type-B to Type-A cable. There are no drivers to install for the USBPre 2 and there are no software-only features. All additional controls and settings are available on back panel DIP switches. The USB port also provides power to the unit, both when connected as an audio interface and when used in standalone operation.
As a class-compliant audio device, the USBPre 2 is limited to a maximum data rate of 24-bit / 48 kHz in Windows, Linux, and Mac OS versions 10.4 to 10.5.7. Mac OS 10.5.8 or later support the audio class 2.0 device and can address the USBPre 2 up to 24-bit / 192 kHz.
Flexible I/O
To ensure flexible input connectivity, the USBPre 2 offers balanced XLR mic inputs, balanced 1/4" line inputs, an unbalanced stereo RCA aux input, and stereo S/PDIF inputs (on coaxial and optical ports).
Its primary outputs include balanced mic- or line-level on XLR, unbalanced consumer line-level on RCA, and S/PDIF (on coaxial and optical ports). Additionally, there is an onboard headphone amplifier that feeds 1/4" and 3.5mm headphone outputs. Two output controls are provided—one controls the RCA aux and XLR main outputs, and the other controls the headphone outputs. The headphone output can be set to mono or stereo for monitoring convenience.
Informative Metering
Accurate signal level metering is essential for any sound engineer. The USBPre 2 includes a 23-segment, multicolor LED meter for precise level indication. The meter is switchable between input signal metering and playback signal metering and it indicates both VU and peak (PPM) ballistics.
Field-Tested Reliability
Like all Sound Devices products, the USBPre 2 is designed to stand up to the most demanding environments. Its extruded aluminum chassis and panels, machined knobs, metal connectors, and laser-etched nomenclature are designed to hold up to years of abuse.
Standalone Operation
The USBPre 2 can be used in standalone mode where it operates as a high-quality portable microphone preamplifier and analog-to-digital converter. Digital signals connected to the USBPre 2 are converted to analog and available at the headphone, XLR, and RCA outputs. Standalone operation requires the unit to be connected to a USB power source. Standalone mode is a great option when an additional microphone preamplifer, A-D converter, or D-A converter is required.
Features
- Field Mixers & Location Sound Recordists
- Bus Powered, Mac/Windows/Linux
- 2 Mic Preamps, 2 Line In, Stereo Aux In
- 2 Headphone, 2 Mic/Line, 2 Aux Out
- 24-Bit / 192 kHz AD/DA Conversion
- +48V, Pads, Limiters, High-Pass Filters
- Coaxial and Optical S/PDIF I/O
- Standalone Preamp/Converter Operation
- Multicolor LED Meter
Channels of I/O |
Analog: 2 Inputs / 2 Outputs Digital: 2 Inputs / 2 Outputs |
Maximum Sampling Rate | 192 kHz / 24-Bit |
Number of Microphone Inputs | 2 Preamps |
Analog Audio I/O |
2x XLR 3-Pin Balanced Mic Input 2x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Input 1x Stereo RCA Coaxial Unbalanced Aux Input 1x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output 2x XLR 3-Pin Balanced Mic/Line Output 1x Stereo RCA Coaxial Unbalanced Aux Output |
Digital Audio I/O |
1x TOSLINK Optical S/PDIF Input 1x TOSLINK Optical S/PDIF Output 1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Input 1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Output |
Host Connection | 1x USB-B (Class-Compliant) |
OS Compatibility |
macOS 10.4 or Later Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 (32-/64-Bit) Linux 2.6.0 or Later |
Power Requirements | USB Bus Power |
Channels of I/O |
Analog: 2 Inputs / 2 Outputs Digital: 2 Inputs / 2 Outputs |
Maximum Sampling Rate | 192 kHz / 24-Bit |
Number of Microphone Inputs | 2 Preamps |
Input Level Adjustment | 2x Knob |
Expansion Slots | No |
Pad |
Mic: -15 dB (Switchable per Channel) |
Gain/Trim Range |
Mic Inputs: Up to +80 dBu Line Inputs: Up to +30 dBu |
High-Pass Filter |
Mic Input: 80 Hz, 12 dB/Octave |
Solo/Mute | No |
Analog Audio I/O |
2x XLR 3-Pin Balanced Mic Input 2x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Input 1x Stereo RCA Coaxial Unbalanced Aux Input 1x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output 2x XLR 3-Pin Balanced Mic/Line Output 1x Stereo RCA Coaxial Unbalanced Aux Output |
Phantom Power | 48 V, Selectable On/Off (Selectable on Individual Inputs) |
Phantom Power Current | 10 mA per Channel |
Digital Audio I/O |
1x TOSLINK Optical S/PDIF Input 1x TOSLINK Optical S/PDIF Output 1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Input 1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Output |
Host Connection | 1x USB-B (Class-Compliant) |
Host Connection Protocol | USB 2.0 |
USB (Non-Host) | No |
Sync I/O | No |
Network I/O | No |
MIDI I/O | No |
Frequency Response | 10 Hz to 40 kHz ±0.5 dB (at 96 kHz, 1 kHz) |
Maximum Input Level |
Mic Inputs: -10 dBu +4 dBu (with Pad) Line Inputs: +28 dBu Aux Inputs: +9 dBu |
Maximum Output Level |
Aux Outputs: +8 dBu Headphone Outputs: +11 dBu XLR Outputs: +18 dBu (Balanced) |
Impedance |
Aux Inputs: 80 Kilohms (Balanced) Aux Outputs: 660 Ohms (Balanced) Line Inputs: 60 Kilohms (Balanced) Mic Inputs: 4 Kilohms (Balanced) XLR Outputs: 500 Ohms (Balanced, Line Level) 5 Ohms (Balanced, Mic Level) |
Dynamic Range |
A/D Converters: 114 dB (A-Weighted, 22 Hz to 22 kHz) D/A Converters: 112 dB (A-Weighted, 22 Hz to 22 kHz) |
THD+N |
System: 0.05% Aux Outputs: 0.009% Headphone Outputs: 0.05% |
EIN |
Mic Inputs: -127 dBu (150-Ohm Source) |
Sample Rates | 8 / 16 / 32 / 44.1 / 48 / 96 / 192 kHz |
Sample Rate Conversion | No |
Bit Depths | 8 / 16 / 24-Bit |
Sync Sources | Internal or S/PDIF |
Memory Card Slot | No |
OS Compatibility |
macOS 10.4 or Later Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 (32-/64-Bit) Linux 2.6.0 or Later |
Included Software | No |
Mobile Device Compatibility | No |
Required Hardware |
Available USB 1.1 Port or USB 2.0 Port USB Cable (Included) |
Power Requirements | USB Bus Power |
Dimensions | 7.25 x 4.25 x 1.7" / 18.41 x 10.79 x 4.3 cm |
Weight | 1.1 lb / 0.5 kg |