Sound Devices
Sound Devices USBPre 2 Audio Interface
Best portable interface for professionals demanding pristine, high-resolution field recording.
The Sound Devices USBPre 2 is a professional, two-channel USB audio interface built for high-resolution recording on Mac, Windows, and Linux. It features preamps identical to the acclaimed 744T interface, ensuring exceptional audio fidelity. With 24-bit converters supporting up to 192 kHz sample rates and a dynamic range exceeding 114 dB per channel, it delivers pristine sound quality. This versatile unit also functions as a standalone microphone preamplifier and analog-to-digital converter, making it an indispensable tool for demanding audio professionals seeking portability and robust performance.
$1195.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
15
/ 439
#15 in Audio Cards & Adapters
Price vs Category Average
+6%
Above average
Channels
2
/ Dual-Channel ()
Who it's for
- Mobile creators needing reliable power for remote recording sessions
- Professional engineers demanding pristine, low-noise audio capture
- Field recordists working in demanding, rugged outdoor environments
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious hobbyists seeking affordable entry-level hardware
- Studio producers requiring extensive I/O and MIDI connectivity
- Modern users preferring deep software-based routing and control
Performance breakdown
Preamplifier Fidelity
Studio-grade circuitry delivers pristine, transparent gain for demanding professional recordings.
Build Durability
Rugged construction designed to withstand the rigors of frequent field production.
Monitoring Precision
High-output headphone amplifier provides accurate, zero-latency feedback for critical listening.
Conversion Quality
High-resolution 24-bit converters capture every nuance with exceptional dynamic range.
Portability
Compact bus-powered design makes high-end audio capture possible anywhere.
Connectivity Versatility
Comprehensive I/O options handle diverse analog and digital signal routing needs.
Key Specs
Channels
Dual-Channel (2)
Maximum Sampling Rate
192 kHz
Bit Depth
24-bit
Dynamic Range
Greater than 114 dB
Audio Bandwidth
Flat 10 Hz to 40 kHz (@96 kHz SR)
Computer Connection
USB 3.0
Input/Output Connectors
XLR, RCA, Optical S/PDIF, Coaxial S/PDIF, 1/4-inch TRS
Compatibility
Mac OS X 10.4+, Windows XP/Vista/7, and Linux (class-compliant)
Features
- Identical preamps to the 744T interface
- Zero-delay monitoring mix control
- Bus-powered via USB for portability
- Operates as a standalone A/D converter
- Includes phantom power and high-pass filters
- Precision 23-segment LED level metering
- High-output headphone amplifier
- Hardware loop-through for testing
What customers say
Users consistently praise the Sound Devices USBPre 2 for its professional reliability and exceptional audio quality. The core sentiment centers on the pristine, transparent preamplifiers, which deliver clean gain and extremely low noise, perfect for demanding field recording. Professionals value the rugged, durable construction, viewing it as a bulletproof tool for mobile work. While the price is high, the consensus is that the uncompromising fidelity and robust engineering fully justify the investment. Minor concerns about limited inputs are overshadowed by the unit's consistent delivery of studio grade results, cementing its status as a highly respected, long term professional asset.
Know before you buy
Yes, the USBPre 2 functions as a standalone microphone preamplifier and analog-to-digital converter. You can use it to feed high-quality audio into other hardware devices via its digital outputs even when it is not connected to a computer.
The USBPre 2 is bus-powered via USB, making it highly portable for field recording or mobile setups. It draws all necessary power directly from your computer, eliminating the need for an external power supply.
The unit features a hardware-based zero-delay monitoring mix control. This allows you to blend your live input signal with the playback from your computer, ensuring you hear yourself in real-time without any distracting processing delay.
Yes, the USBPre 2 utilizes the exact same microphone preamplifier circuitry found in the acclaimed Sound Devices 744T field recorder. This ensures you get professional-grade, low-noise gain and exceptional audio fidelity in a compact form factor.
The USBPre 2 is a class-compliant device, which allows it to work with a wide range of operating systems including macOS, Windows, and Linux. Because it is class-compliant, it generally does not require specialized proprietary drivers to function.
It features a precision 23-segment LED level meter on the front panel. This provides a highly accurate visual representation of your signal levels, making it much easier to monitor your gain staging compared to software-only meters.
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