About the Sound Devices USBPre 2 USB Audio Interface
The Sound Devices USBPre 2 is a professional, portable USB audio interface designed to deliver broadcast-quality sound for field recording, location sound mixing, podcasting, and mobile music production. It functions as a high-performance external sound card, converting pristine analog audio signals into digital data for a computer via USB, while also providing high-quality digital-to-analog conversion for monitoring. Renowned for its robust construction and exceptional preamplifier design, the USBPre 2 is built to withstand the rigors of remote work, offering studio-grade audio performance in a compact, road-ready package. Its primary appeal lies in its combination of ultra-low-noise, high-headroom analog circuitry with straightforward, reliable USB connectivity, making it a trusted tool for audio professionals who require reliability and sonic transparency outside of a controlled studio environment.
The interface provides two microphone/line/instrument input channels, each equipped with premium, digitally controlled microphone preamplifiers that offer a wide gain range, phantom power, and flexible impedance settings to match a variety of microphones. These preamps are derived from Sound Devices' flagship field recorders, known for their clarity, low noise floor, and ability to handle high sound pressure levels without distortion. The unit also features two balanced analog outputs for connecting studio monitors, a dedicated high-power headphone amplifier with independent level control, and comprehensive metering via a multi-segment LED display for accurate level monitoring. Advanced routing and mixing capabilities are managed through intuitive front-panel controls or accompanying software, allowing for zero-latency monitoring with effects from the computer or direct monitoring of the inputs.
Housed in a durable aluminum chassis, the USBPre 2 is designed for both desktop use and integration into mobile kits. It can be bus-powered via USB for maximum portability, though an optional external power supply is available for situations where bus power is insufficient. The interface supports a wide range of sample rates and bit depths, ensuring compatibility with modern recording software and archival standards. By bridging the gap between the demanding requirements of professional location sound and the convenience of computer-based recording, the Sound Devices USBPre 2 offers a singular solution: a portable, interface that doesn't compromise on the audio quality, build quality, or features expected by audio engineers in film, broadcast, and music.