Sound Devices USBPre 2 Audio Interface

Overview
The USBPre 2 from Sound Devices is a high-performance, portable hardware interface for digital audio on Mac and Windows computers. It features extended bandwidth and low-noise microphone preamplifiers with 48 V phantom power, limiters, high-pass filters, and 15 dB pad. With a dynamic range greater than 114 dB and a flat audio bandwidth of 10 Hz to 40 kHz, the USBPre 2 delivers exceptional sound quality with very low distortion. It also has a range of features including a precision LED meter, headphone amplifier, and mix control for zero-delay monitoring. It can be powered via USB and used as a standalone microphone preamplifier and analog-to-digital converter.

The USBPre 2 offers flexible connectivity options with its various output types, including balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA, and S/PDIF coaxial and optical. It also has a durable and reliable design, making it suitable for use in demanding environments. The USBPre 2 can be used with Mac, Windows, and Linux computers without the need for additional drivers, and its back panel DIP switches allow for easy control and settings adjustments. With its high-quality components and versatile features, the USBPre 2 is a top choice for professional audio recording and production applications.

Included in box
1x USBPre 2
1x USB-A to USB-B cable
4x Adhesive Rubber “Bumpers”
1x Product registration card
1x Quick Start Guide
1x Full-line Audio Catalogue

About the Sound Devices USBPre 2 Audio Interface
Sound Devices’ USBPre 2 is a high-resolution, portable hardware interface for Mac- and Windows-based digital audio. The USBPre 2 is the industry’s highest performance and most flexible portable interface, connecting professional microphones, line-level sources, consumer audio electronics, and S/PDIF digital sources with Mac OS and Windows computers via USB.

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 the highest performance in any portable interface. 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 analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue conversion is performed by the USBPre 2 for superior audio performance.

Computer Connectivity

USBPre 2 allows for simple plug-and-play connection to computers running Mac OS, Windows, and Linux. 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 Stand-Alone 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 and higher support the audio class 2.0 device and can address the USBPre 2 up to 24-bit, 192 kHz.

To enable higher sampling rates in Windows OS, download the available Windows ASIO driver.

Output Connectivity Flexibility

To interconnect with sound systems big and small, the USBPre 2 includes numerous output connection types, including balanced mic- or line-level on XLR, unbalanced consumer line-level on RCA, S/PDIF coaxial (RCA) and optical (Toslink). The outputs have their own, dedicated front-panel level control. Use the balanced line-level signals to connect to powered loudspeakers. Use the optical S/PDIF to connect to hi-fi systems. Use the coaxial S/PDIF output in Stand-Alone mode for a portable microphone preamplifer with digital output for any production application.

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. The meter indicates both VU and peak (PPM) ballistics.

Field-Tested Reliability

Like all of Sound Devices products, the USBPre 2 is designed to stand up to the most demanding environments. Its extruded aluminium chassis and aluminium panels, machined knobs, metal connectors, and laser-etched nomenclature are designed to hold up to years of abuse.

Stand-Alone Operation

The USBPre 2 can be used in Stand-Alone mode where it operates as a high-quality, portable microphone preamplifier and analogue-to-digital converter. Digital signals connected to the USBPre 2 are converted to analogue and available at the headphone, XLR, and RCA outputs. Stand-Alone operation requires the unit to be connected to a USB power source. Stand-Alone mode is a great option when an additional microphone preamplifer, A-D converter, or D-A converter is required.

Frequency Response (reference 1 kHz, at 96 kHz Sample Rate) 10 Hz – 40 kHz, ± 0.5 dB (any input to PC recording)
10 Hz – 40 kHz, ± 0.5 dB (PC source to AUX output)
THD+N (22 Hz – 22 kHz measurement bandwidth) 0.05% max (any input to PC recording, gain control at min, input driven to -6 dB FS)
0.009% max (AUX output, 0 dB V output, 100 ohm load)
0.05% max (HEADPHONES output, 2 V rms output, 600 ohm load)
E.I.N. (MIC inputs) -127 dBu min (22 Hz – 22 kHz bandwidth, 150 ohm source, gain control fully clockwise, 15 dB pad out)
Input Clipping Level (1% THD)
Mic -10 dBu
Mic (15 dB pad) +4 dBu
Line +28 dBu (19.45 V rms)
Aux +9 dBu (2.18 V rms)
Input Sensitivity (typical, for 0 dB FS)
Mic -9 dBu min, -60 dBu max
Mic (15 dB pad) +6 dBu min, -58 dBu max
Line +29 dBu min, +10 dBu max
Aux +12 dBu min, -7 dBu max.
Input Impedance (actual)
Mic 4k ohm, active-balanced
Mic (15 dB pad) 4k ohm, active-balanced
Line 60k ohm, active-balanced
Aux 80k ohm, active-balanced
Input Limiter Threshold
Mic -4 dBFS
Low Cut
Mic 80 Hz, -3 dB, 12 dB per octave
Output Clipping Level (1% THD, PC-controlled output levels at max)
Balanced XLR +18 dBu with 100k ohm load
Aux +8 dBu (2.0 V rms) with 100k ohm load
Headphones +11 dBu (2.75 V rms) with 600 ohm load
Output Impedance
Headphone (Actual) 22 ohms
Balanced XLR (Line level) 500 ohms
Balanced XLR (Mic level) 5 ohms
Aux 2k ohms
S/PDIF Digital 24 or 16 bit input
A/D Converter 24-bit resolution. 114 dB typical dynamic range (22 Hz – 22 kHz bandwidth, A-weighted)
D/A Converter 24-bit resolution. 112 dB typical dynamic range (22 Hz – 22 kHz bandwidth, A-weighted)
Sample Rates / Bit Depths
Recording 8, 16, or 24-bit at 8, 16, 32, 44.1, 48, 96, or 192 kHz
Playback 24-bit at 8, 16, 32, 44.1, 48, 96, or 192 kHz
Master Clock Crystal based, low jitter
Metering 48 segments, 44 dB total range, peak ballistics. 0 dB on meter = 0 dB FS (0 dB referenced to full scale digital)
Phantom Power 48 V through 6.8k ohm resistors. Each mic input will supply 10 mA
Powering USB bus powered, soft-start meets USB hot-plugging power requirements (5 V, 100 mA max current drawn during enumeration)
5 V, 500 mA max current from USB port (USBPre 2 will not function if connected through a passive USB connection or hub)
Dimensions (unpackaged) 4.3 cm x 18 cm x 10 cm (H x W x D)
1.7 in. x 7.25 in. x 4.25 in. (H x W x D)
Weight 0.5 kg
1.13 lbs

Extended bandwidth, low-noise microphone preamplifiers with 48 V phantom, limiters, high-pass filters, and 15 dB pad.
Dynamic range greater than 114 dB (in 24-bit operation).
Flat 10 Hz to 40 kHz (@96 kHz SR) audio bandwidth with very low distortion characteristics.
Each input individually selectable between microphone, line, and aux level signals (both channels selected simultaneously for S/PDIF connections).
Precision, 23-segment, multicolour LED peak/VU meter, selectable between input and output sources.
High-output headphone amplifier can drive a wide range of headphones.
Balanced outputs on XLR connectors with dedicated level control can be used to drive line- or mic-level inputs.
Mix control enables zero-delay monitoring of source audio, computer audio, or a mix of both source and computer audio for multitrack recording or computer telephony.
Phono (RCA) jacks connect Aux Output to external loudspeakers or preamplifiers.
Bus powering via USB for convenient, single-cable connection to the computer.
In Stand-Alone mode the USBPre 2 operates as a microphone preamplifier and analog-to-digital converter.
Hardware loop-through for test and measurement to send computer audio directly back to an input.
High-strength extruded aluminum chassis.
Mac OS X 10.4+, Windows XP/Vista/7, and Linux, class-compliant audio device.
Additional features controlled by hardware DIP switches on the back panel; no software-only features and no control panel.