USBPre 2

The USBPre 2 from Sound Devices is a high-resolution, portable interface that connects professional microphones, line-level sources, consumer audio electronics and S/PDIF digital sources with Mac OS X and Windows computers via USB. The unit includes two discrete-transistor microphone preamps with 24-bit converters and sampling rates up to 192kHz. The preamp topology is shared with the company's premier 744T digital audio recorder and includes peak limiters, high-pass filters, and a 15dB pad for overload protection.

The interface is a class-compliant audio device, allowing for simple plug-and-play connection to computers running Mac OS X, Windows and Linux operating systems. There are no drivers to install and no software-only features, with all additional controls and settings 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. All analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion is performed by the USBPre 2.

When used in stand-alone mode, the unit operates as a high-quality, portable microphone preamplifier and analog-to-digital converter. Incoming digital signals are converted to analog and available at the headphone, XLR and RCA outputs. This mode is a great option when an additional microphone preamplifer, A-D converter, or D-A converter is required.

The unit includes numerous output connection types, including balanced microphone 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. The USBPre 2 includes an accurate 23-segment, multi-color LED meter for precise level indication. The meter is switchable between input and output signal metering. The meter indicates both VU and peak (PPM) ballistics.

The interface 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.