Sound Devices USBPre 2 High-Resolution USB Audio Interface

The Sound Devices USBPre 2 is a portable two-channel USB audio interface for Mac, Windows, and Linux, with discrete-transistor mic preamps and conversion up to 24-bit/192 kHz.

It connects professional microphones, line-level sources, consumer gear, and S/PDIF digital sources to a computer over one USB cable, which also powers it.

Microphone Preamps

Its two preamps share their design with the 744T recorder. They supply 48 V phantom power and have peak limiters, high-pass filters, and a 15 dB pad. Each input switches between mic, line, and aux level.

Connections

Its outputs are balanced XLR at mic or line level with their own level control, unbalanced RCA, and coaxial and optical S/PDIF. It has a high-output headphone amp, and a mix control blends source and computer audio for zero-delay monitoring.

Stand-Alone Operation

Powered from a USB source, it works on its own as a microphone preamp and A/D converter. It also converts a digital signal at its input for the headphone, XLR, and RCA outputs.

Good to Know

As a class-compliant device it needs no drivers. DIP switches on the back panel set its options. Windows, Linux, and Mac OS 10.4 to 10.5.7 run it at up to 24-bit/48 kHz, while Mac OS 10.5.8 and later reach 192 kHz. For rates above 48 kHz on Windows, Sound Devices offers an ASIO driver.

Features

Two discrete-transistor mic preamps with 48 V phantom
Peak limiters, high-pass filters, and a 15 dB pad
Up to 24-bit/192 kHz; dynamic range over 114 dB
Balanced XLR, RCA, and coaxial and optical S/PDIF I/O
23-segment LED peak/VU meter
Stand-alone mic preamp and A/D converter
USB bus powered, extruded aluminum chassis
One-year warranty, two years with registration

What's Included

USBPre 2 computer audio interface
2 m USB A to USB B cable
4 × adhesive rubber bumpers

Specifications

Analog Inputs
Frequency Response	10 Hz to 40 kHz, ±0.5 dB (at 96 kHz sample rate)
E.I.N. (Mic Inputs)	−127 dBu minimum (22 Hz to 22 kHz, 150 ohm source, gain fully clockwise, pad out)
Input Clipping Level	Mic: −10 dBu Mic (15 dB pad): +4 dBu Line: +28 dBu Aux: +9 dBu
Input Impedance	Mic: 4k ohm, active-balanced Line: 60k ohm, active-balanced Aux: 80k ohm, active-balanced
Limiter Threshold	Mic: −4 dBFS
Low Cut	Mic: 80 Hz, −3 dB, 12 dB per octave
Phantom Power	48 V through 6.8k ohm resistors, 10 mA per input
Outputs
Output Clipping Level	Balanced XLR: +18 dBu (100k ohm load) Aux: +8 dBu (100k ohm load) Headphones: +11 dBu (600 ohm load)
Output Impedance	Headphone: 22 ohms Balanced XLR (line): 500 ohms Balanced XLR (mic): 5 ohms Aux: 2k ohms
Conversion
A/D Converter	24-bit, 114 dB typical dynamic range (A-weighted)
D/A Converter	24-bit, 112 dB typical dynamic range (A-weighted)
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
S/PDIF	24 or 16-bit input
Power and Physical
Powering	USB bus powered, 5 V, 500 mA maximum
Dimensions (H × W × D)	4.3 × 18 × 10 cm 1.7 × 7.25 × 4.25 in
Weight	0.5 kg (1.13 lb)
Latest Specifications	Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. For current information, visit sounddevices.com.