Sound Devices USB Pre 2

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 add overload protection. All analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion is performed by the USBPre 2 for superior audio performance.

Computer Connectivity

USBPre 2 is a class-compliant audio device. This allows for simple plug-and-play connection to computers running Mac OS, Windows, and Linux (see note to the right on Class-Compliant Drivers). 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.

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

Stand-Alone Operation

The USBPre 2 can be used in Stand-Alone 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. 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.

Field-Tested Reliability

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

Specifications
 

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

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.

Certifications

Meets FCC Part 15 Class B
Complies with the Requirements of European Directive 89/336/EEC