Sound Devices USBPre 2 User Manual
USBPre 2
High-Resolution Two-Channel Computer Audio Interface
®
Description
Sound Devices’ USBPre® 2 is high-
resolution, portable hardware interface for
Mac- and Windows-based digital audio.
The USBPre 2 interfaces professional
microphones, line-level sources,
consumer audio electronics, and S/
PDIF digital sources with Mac OS and
Windows computers via USB. Its discrete-
transistor microphone preamps with 24-
bit converters and sampling rates up to
192 kHz provide the highest performance
in a portable interface. Peak limiters,
high-pass filters, and a 15 dB pad add
overload protection. All analog-to-digital
and digital-to-analog conversion is done
outside of the computer, in the USBPre 2,
for superior audio performance.
USBPre 2 is a class-compliant audio
device for plug-and-play connection to
computers running Mac OS, Windows,
Description continued on next page
USBPre 2 Key Features
• 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 22 kHz audio
bandwidth with ultra-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, multicolor
LED peak/VU meter, selectable
between input and output sources.
• Balanced outputs on XLR connectors
with dedicated level control can be
used to drive
• 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 &
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.
300 Wengel Drive
Post Office Box 576
Reedsburg, Wisconsin 53959 USA
+1 608.524.0625 main
+1 608.524.0655 fax
Discover more about Sound Devices products at www.sounddevices.com
®
USBPre 2
High-Resolution Two-Channel Computer Audio Interface
®
[ Input Panel ]
Specifications
Frequency Response (reference 1 kHz)
10 Hz - 20 kHz, +/- 0.5 dB (any input to PC
recording)
10 Hz - 20 kHz, +/- 1.0 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 dBV 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)
Description Continued
and Linux. The USBPre 2 can be used
in Stand-Alone mode as a portable
microphone preamplifier and analog-to-
digital converter.
Powered by the USB port of notebook
or desktop computers, no additional
power source is required—the computer
provides all power needed for operation.
The durable construction and compact
size of the USBPre 2 allow no-
compromise audio I/O everywhere.
[ Back Panel ]
Input Sensitivity (typical, for 0 dBFS)
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 Clipping Level (1% THD)
Mic: -10 dBu
Mic (15 dB pad): +4 dBu
Line: +28 dBu (12.3 V rms)
Aux: +9 dBu (2.0 V rms)
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 dB FS
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)
[ Output Panel ]
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
23-segment, 44 dB total range, peak
ballistics. 0 dB on meter = 0 dBFS (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 Euro-
pean Directive 89/336/EEC.
Discover more about Sound Devices products at www.sounddevices.com
Features, nomenclature, and specifications subject to change.
© 2010, Sound Devices, LLC
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