Sound Devices USBPre 2 USB-B Audio Interface

Vendor: Sound Devices
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...
$3,782.00
Title

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
Signal Processing
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
Connectivity
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
Performance
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)
Digital Audio
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
Audio Storage & Playback
Memory Card Slot No
Compatibility
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
Power Requirements USB Bus Power
Physical
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