Sound Devices USBPre 2 - Microphone Interface for Computer Audio

Comments about Sound Devices USBPre 2 - Microphone Interface for Computer Audio:

We use if to reduce noise as we sometimes have to use the Mac headphones output and this works great. Really useful and easy to use.

Comments about Sound Devices USBPre 2 - Microphone Interface for Computer Audio:

I'm using this with a Macbook Pro Retina and Logic. Perfect! The audio quality is outstanding, no drivers, lots of in and outs, the best metering in a small interface... If you are looking for the ultimate traveling interface for studio quality 2 channel recording, this is it.

Comments about Sound Devices USBPre 2 - Microphone Interface for Computer Audio:

This is a great mixing interface to use between a mic and computer; probably the best out there. I also use a Sound Devices 442 mixer in my work and I can attest to their build quality.

I gave them a 5 out of 5 stars but, I do have a couple of issues with the Pre2: One: The XLR inputs are mic-in only; not switchable between mic/line like their other mixers. Two: there are no limiters on line inputs, again, like there are in the other Sound Devices mixers.

That said, this very relible and sturdy interface is worth every penny.

Comments about Sound Devices USBPre 2 - Microphone Interface for Computer Audio:

Small but powerfull for pro audio and audiophile users.

Comments about Sound Devices USBPre 2 - Microphone Interface for Computer Audio:

..every input and output one could ever need on the road or at home in the studio -- very well built, and with first-rate sound quality; I've had this unit for a couple weeks, and I love it; the learning curve on the back 'pins' is quick for any experienced engineer, and they are easy to set once you get used to them; converters are great, and headroom is outstanding; the size of a direct box with so many features! I'm glad I came across this unit in my research for a new interface, and I know I made the right choice -- highly recommended

Comments about Sound Devices USBPre 2 - Microphone Interface for Computer Audio:

I purchased the Sound Devices USBPre2 for use in my home studio, used mainly for my own voiceover work. My hope was also to be able to use it as a portable recording solution along with my laptop, so I could take the studio on the road and record and edit wherever I need to.

Well, I'm happy to report it works PERFECTLY in both scenarios. With the USBPre2, I can record, edit and mix no matter where I am, at a consistently high quality. The preamps are clear, honest, and gorgeously detailed, and the A-D and D-A conversion are stellar. Because it is a USB class-compliant device, it instantly works when plugged into any computer-- Mac, Windows, even Linux-- no drivers to install (though for the highest sample rates, Windows users may choose to install the ASIO driver).

Zero-latency monitoring comes courtesy of a "mix" knob on the front of the unit. Turn it farther left to hear more direct signal of the live mic, turn right to hear more PC playback.

One note about using it in a Linux-based OS: each time you connect the USBPre2 to the USB port of your Linux machine, you have to hold down one of the front panel buttons to put the device into the right mode. It took me two days of needless troubleshooting to realize that... it was right there in the manual all along. :-)
The USBPre 2 also works in "standalone" mode, without a computer. It still has to be powered by USB (there are good ways to do this without a computer). I have not used this feature, but a film director friend may be borrowing it soon to get great location audio into his camera.

All in all, this little guy is amazing. Instantly available, crystal-clear, detailed sound, anywhere there's a computer with an available USB slot.

Comments about Sound Devices USBPre 2 - Microphone Interface for Computer Audio:

This thing is great. It's extremely portable, sounds great, has no latency issues over USB (2011 macbook air). I was using MOTU before, and the sound of this unit is so much more revealing and rich than the mk2 i had before. That coupled with the build quality you expect from sound devices makes me say this thing is a STEAL at [$]. Strictly in terms of build quality, duet 2, rme stuff are like toys next to this thing (though they of course offer more channels). I'm using mac os 10.7 and it's been mostly smooth, although I do occasionally have wake-from-sleep issues, which necessitate unplugging and re-plugging the unit. Other than that, I'd give 10 stars if I could, I'm extremely happy with my purchase.

Comments about Sound Devices USBPre 2 - Microphone Interface for Computer Audio:

Two big thumbs up so far. Quality sound. Take it anywhere. Connecting's not difficult, considering that you only have to glance at the standard options to set it up. I'm upgrading from a Line 6 KB37 on an older pentium based desktop to a newer laptop recording rig--so this is a giant leap. I can now use the Line 6 for sketching ideas, which is right where it belongs.

I see the bpre2 as a perfect solution for myself and other people who want to rise up off a sonic plateau and aren't tied down to any particular, traditional notions of what and where a recording, listening, mixing, etc. experience should be. Yes, it's only two channels--but if deciding how to sum down to two at a time isn't your idea of fun--why not hire a studio instead of buying an audio interface?

For big-budget, fashion-concerned recording engineers, ultra high-end equipment choices will certainly provide for a degree of better convenience, performance, and bling--but where this box could potentially take you as someone who'd like to make the best recording possible no matter your privilege level--then with some carefully selected techniques and decent associated equipment it's likely way further than any other product in its price range--and possibly to a point approaching what the big, giant piles of money can do--for a couple of good reasons: no-nonsense conversion and preamps.

The DA converters are clear enough to get you in the accuracy ballpark. These simply push beyond the boundaries of typical prosumer-level interfaces (with SD's reputable circuit design choices, wise elec component choices, and so on). I have a work-in-progress mixing room, a reasonable quality, dedicated stereo listening room, a typical home theater set up, and sometimes get to hear really good high end equipment in great rooms. My ears are only just slightly golden. That said, here's my first impression of the bpre2 output.

After about an hour of routine set-up activity, I (usb) plug the bpre2 into a late model 64 bit laptop PC (running Reaper 32) in my well-treated mixing room (mineral wool) with a modest set of powered monitors (original Event 2020 bas) and I play a few favorite 24/96 tracks. Aha! Dry resolution, depth, seperation, and all the audiophile goodness that we seek (and may have heard on better systems) are immediately present. Not a perfect sound, but I'm there within a few percent instead of a few dozen. My mixing room components are at least reasonably matched--no more overwhelmingly weak link. I can clearly envision certain recording consoles, appreciate finer texture and seperate subtones in inst's, and relish in the glorious tube equipment (RCA I think) used on a great set of Elvis tracks burned from vinyl.

A couple days later I do a recording test to look at the AD conversion and mic preamp character.

I set up a trusted guitar rig (I own one good preamp, a few mics, cymbals, drums, guitars--you get the idea): a Telecaster through a 36 watt Marshall clone w an SM57 close-mic'd on a celestion Gold and a ribbon about nine feet out in a foyer area adjacent to my living room. I feed in one mic per channel to the usbpre2 mic inputs, adjust levels w headphones, and hit record. After a few minutes of aimless chording/riffing, I carry the laptop and interface (in about 20 seconds!) to my mixing room, make some minor pan/phase adjustments in Reaper, and play the test back: same fine results as first basic listening test. The amp speaks for itself, but what I got right (and what I didn't) with mic placement, eq, etc. are instantly apparent. Note: the 24/192 setting does function as advertised with the driver download; I'm saving it for a special occaision.

With only two basic tests completed, I'm sold on this SD product. I'll be experimenting (and hopefully improving as a recordist) with different mixing/summing equipment into the bpre2 inputs, as well as recording other players' takes in various spaces, and I've no doubt the unit will perform flawlessly. Thank you Sound Devices.

Comments about Sound Devices USBPre 2 - Microphone Interface for Computer Audio:

The most affordable SD product and the most useful! Sounds incredible as all SD products do, use it as a DAW with a laptop on the go, it is light and sturdy. Fits perfectly in the Petrol PS607 bag. The SPDIF connects seamlessly to the Tascam digital in and with the Tekkeon USB power units I get hours and hours of Phantom powered recording. If you do not like to fuss with your settings too much this is for you, if you require more flexibility and more extensive limiters and filters then buy a 702 :)

Comments about Sound Devices USBPre 2 - Microphone Interface for Computer Audio:

The USBPre2 is one of the most fun and satisfying purchases in my 30+ years of being both an audiophile & audio professional. This is easily the highest quality, most portable, and convenient audio multi-tasker I have ever used.

SERIOUS TOOL:
• It's more compact than I expected - a good thing for portability.
• The A to D and D to A conversion are absolutely superb.
• The microphone preamps are dead quiet with good headroom & gain. They bring out the best in my Sennheiser and Neumann mics.
• The limiters work well and sound seamless.
• The meters are accurate, helpful & easy to read.
• The headphone amp sound quality & power is outstanding. This will easily drive any serious pro headphones... even very high impedance cans.
• It has all the heavy-duty pro connectors I need, but it also has all of the consumer connections if needed too. I especially appreciate it having both coaxial and toslink digital jacks, and also both quarter inch and eighth inch headphone jacks - so I don't have to mess with adapters in either case.

SERIOUS FUN:
• After work is done in capturing Voice-Overs and Interviews, I use this to have some fun enjoying listening to music or recording live music.
• I use it for portable music listening - and also for live music recording - powered by a portable battery via USB - and by toslink to a Sony PCM-D50. With high-res music files - 24bit/96khz - the sound is really stunning - and it's much more compact than dragging around a laptop.
• Going out of a Macbook Pro via USB, the unit is bus powered - and through really good headphones, the sound quality is FANTASTIC. It easily competes with my "audiophile" head amp/dacs that cost much more. Very honest, clean, liquid & effortless sound. It really makes listening to music fun again... even on the go in a messenger bag.

Comments about Sound Devices USBPre 2 - Microphone Interface for Computer Audio:

I use this as the front end of my Pro Tools 9 system which i run off a MacBook Pro. It seamlessly integrates into the software. It also works with any other app that you run, including the system. When using Pro Tools, all system sounds still come from the computer, and not thru the box, which is great.

The box is extremely sturdy, knobs feel great, and the metering is wonderful. The mic pre's are super clean. All these things i expect from Sound Devices.

The unit receives power thru the USB Port, so no added power supplies.

Minuses: i wish it had an AES/EBU digital input / output. It's got SPDIF and Optical, but i use AES more.

Comments about Sound Devices USBPre 2 - Microphone Interface for Computer Audio:

I am a new owner of the USBPre 2 from Sound Devices. I use this device in the field to make audio recordings. I am very happy with the quality and build of the product and am finding many ways to use the device.
1. I use this primarily as a microphone pre amp. So microphones are connected into the USBPre 2,where 48 volts of phantom power are supplied by the USBPre 2 and then output to a high quality ADC (analog to digital converter) and from there the output goes via S/PDIF cable as a digital stream to a recorder.
2. Mics are run to the USBPre 2 as above, but then digitally output via S/PDIF or optical output using the USBPre 2's own built in ADC to digitally stream to a recorder.
3. I can make 2 recordings to two different recorders using both methods above at the same time, giving me the advantage and sound differences of two different ADC's.

I feel like I have only scratched the surface of what this machine can do.

Comments about Sound Devices USBPre 2 - Microphone Interface for Computer Audio:

The USBPre2 is one of the best audio interfaces that I have ever used! I have owned dozens of other interfaces and the USBPRe2 is easily the best one I have ever had. THIS THING IS AMAZING!!!

Comments about Sound Devices USBPre 2 - Microphone Interface for Computer Audio:

This interface is the best I have tried. It just works beautifully, gets out of the way so you can hear what you're recording. The preamps are the quietest I've used, and the LED level indicators are really what's required to know where you are when recording.

I've used it for both live recording with microphones and recording from phonograph records (had to put a pad in there, too much gain on the preamp) and cassette tapes. The results were excellent in both cases.

I've used the E-mu 0404 USB, the m-audio transit, and the compact Roland USB interface. This is far better than any of those - quieter, smoother, easier to control and get the results I wanted. I guess it's the difference between a professional device and those consumer devices. This one really does the job right. Worth every penny.

Comments about Sound Devices USBPre 2 - Microphone Interface for Computer Audio:

This thing crushes my old Presonus. The mic preamps have zero audible noise and incredible gain. Over 1/2 gain the mic input starts clipping. I switched on the built-in Limiter to help with that. Maybe that means I can shell out some money on a higher impedance mic. The headphone output has great gain too - awesome for monitoring.

The only slightly annoying thing is that you can't fit your finger in where the DIP switches are, so you need to use a tool (screwdriver, pen, toothpick, key, whatever).

Shipping from B&H was fast and their return policy gave me confidence to try this out.

Comments about Sound Devices USBPre 2 - Microphone Interface for Computer Audio:

I'm working with test and measurement, and the features it's complete to do it. Besides that, it's a premium mic preamp, with one of best qualities interfaces of the market.

Comments about Sound Devices USBPre 2 - Microphone Interface for Computer Audio:

Built like a tank, sounds great, no drivers needed on XP, Win7, OSX and iPad.
Particularly interested in the standalone mode.
I use it to provide first class preamps to consumer grade digital recorders with S/PDIF digital input.

Comments about Sound Devices USBPre 2 - Microphone Interface for Computer Audio:

I wanted to use this to dj from my laptop. But to do that you need 4 channels of output not just 2 as on the USBPre 2. So I returned it. But I really wished I hadn't had to; it's DtoA output and AtoD inputs are amazing, it has more ins and outs than any other device I researched (plus 2 headphone jacks), and the build quality is easily the best I've ever seen. If you only need 2 channels of output, and you want to input mics or instruments, buy this, it's the best.

Comments about Sound Devices USBPre 2 - Microphone Interface for Computer Audio:

I am using the USBPre 2 as a phono preamp, ADC and DAC in my home sound system. This unit amplifies the signal from my low output MC cartridge (an Ortofon A90) and converts the amplified analog signal to 192K / 24 digital. This data stream is sent to my computer via USB. The computer handles storage and RIAA equalization using Pure Vinyl software. The USBPre 2 also handles conversion back to analog, which is sent to my conventional sound system (preamp, amplifier, speakers) for playback.

I am simply amazed at the sound this unit produces. Its performance is actually better than what I can achieve by playing vinyl directly through a conventional high quality phono preamp.

When used as a DAC, I can not tell the difference between it and my tubed stand-alone DAC.

I am making these comments based on listening through a high end sound system (preamp, tube mono bloc power amps, and monitor speakers) that is very capable of resolving subtle differences in source components. So, I feel pretty comfortable in recommending this unit.

Not much more I can say. since this is my first experience with computer audio. Others have compared this unit favorably to the highly regarded Lynx sound card, which is high praise indeed.

Comments about Sound Devices USBPre 2 - Microphone Interface for Computer Audio:

Easy to use right out of the box. I like flexible configuration options (via dip switches), stand-alone capability, and excellent metering. The built-in headphone amplifier makes monitoring very easy.

Worked flawlessly on a Windows XP 32-bit laptop, but I had some trouble with the class compliant drivers when connecting to a USB 3.0 port on a Windows 7 64-bit laptop. Installing the ASIO drivers for Windows 64-bit solved my issue and now everything is working well.