Sound Devices USBPre 2

[bhadella]

My USBPre 2 just developed an issue where one of the led lights (showing Line 2s AUX being selected) always stays on.   I've heard of SD leds burning out but never staying on all the time.  I'm going to send her back in as it is still under the warranty period.   Has anyone ever encountered this before?   

[kirk97132]

DISCLAIMER:
My problem is that I need access to the SPDIF Output AND INPUT jack to allow the unit to be synced to another SPDIF signal.  If you do not care about that issue then you fine numerous right angle cords that would work for you.  Those cords all block access to the RCA SPDIF input jack.

Since I found out that it looks like all premolded right angle USB cords are laid out wrong for my uses, I thought I'd post the solution I found.   One thing that has been driving me crazy is the USB cord to poweer the unit in a bag out in the filed.  The straight plugs was always getting in the way or just applying too much interference and/or pressure on the jack.  The USBS-2.0 right angle plugs are all oriented the same way it seems.  In fact almost every right angle plug including the 3.0 versions are the same.  I found this plug:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390368013249?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
Which is actually USB-3.0 version.  This is not only a much lower profile than a straight plug it also takes full advantage of the robust 3.0 style jack SD uses AND it exits down from the jack not horizontally.  It's 10 bucks on E-bay.  I'll post some pictures on the pre once I get it in hand

[acidjack]

DISCLAIMER:
My problem is that I need access to the SPDIF Output AND INPUT jack to allow the unit to be synced to another SPDIF signal.  If you do not care about that issue then you fine numerous right angle cords that would work for you.  Those cords all block access to the RCA SPDIF input jack.

Since I found out that it looks like all premolded right angle USB cords are laid out wrong for my uses, I thought I'd post the solution I found.   One thing that has been driving me crazy is the USB cord to poweer the unit in a bag out in the filed.  The straight plugs was always getting in the way or just applying too much interference and/or pressure on the jack.  The USBS-2.0 right angle plugs are all oriented the same way it seems.  In fact almost every right angle plug including the 3.0 versions are the same.  I found this plug:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390368013249?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
Which is actually USB-3.0 version.  This is not only a much lower profile than a straight plug it also takes full advantage of the robust 3.0 style jack SD uses AND it exits down from the jack not horizontally.  It's 10 bucks on E-bay.  I'll post some pictures on the pre once I get it in hand

Nice.  I too had this issue.  I also had the issue of wanting the "big" end to be RA so I could run into a Tekkeon but also use it to power my deck.  I ended up going with a Ted custom solution after the POS movable one I bought crapped out. 

Thanks for the link.... This should also serve most folks' purposes.

[kirk97132]

Pics of USB 3.0 on the preamp. Should work great! Here is ebay link:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390368013249?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

[Charlie Miller]

Looks nice!  Isn't a TS member running one of these aready?? 

I started running the USBPre(1) back in 2001. It was very light and felt cheap, which is odd for Sound Devices. I liked the pre-amp, but ended up only using it as a Coax>USB converter. It powered off of the USB port, iirc. It also was limited to 16bit, I think.

The USBPre2 looks a lot better. Glad to see that they realized that they could do better.

[kirk97132]

Looks nice!  Isn't a TS member running one of these aready?? 

I started running the USBPre(1) back in 2001. It was very light and felt cheap, which is off for Sound Devices. I liked the pre-amp, but ended up only using it as a Coax>USB converter. It powered off of the USB port, iirc. It also was limited to 16bit, I think.

The USBPre2 looks a lot better. Glad to see that they realized that they could do better.

The Pre-1 was only able to be used with USB power and computer drivers.  It would not do standalone.

[H₂O]

When was the USBPre released?  I thought it was around 2003?

[yug du nord]

I haven't dug deep in the thread yet....   but does anyone successfully power the USBPre 2 off of the Tekkeon USB output?  Thanks.

[hi and lo]

I haven't dug deep in the thread yet....   but does anyone successfully power the USBPre 2 off of the Tekkeon USB output?  Thanks.

Yep. Acidjack has been doing this for as long as he's owned both units.

[page]

I haven't dug deep in the thread yet....   but does anyone successfully power the USBPre 2 off of the Tekkeon USB output?  Thanks.

Yep. Acidjack has been doing this for as long as he's owned both units.

I have as well. (722 off of the main out and the usbpre2 off of the usb slot)

[Charlie Miller]

Looks nice!  Isn't a TS member running one of these aready?? 

I started running the USBPre(1) back in 2001. It was very light and felt cheap, which is off for Sound Devices. I liked the pre-amp, but ended up only using it as a Coax>USB converter. It powered off of the USB port, iirc. It also was limited to 16bit, I think.

The USBPre2 looks a lot better. Glad to see that they realized that they could do better.

The Pre-1 was only able to be used with USB power and computer drivers.  It would not do standalone.

I didn't even know that '2' does that. I think I need to pick one up.

[Fried Chicken Boy]

Yup, v.2 runs circles around the original USBPre.

[page]

Yup, v.2 runs circles around the original USBPre.

which is sort of why we have a 25 page thread that needs a part 2. 

[rastasean]

I haven't dug deep in the thread yet....   but does anyone successfully power the USBPre 2 off of the Tekkeon USB output?  Thanks.

Yep. Acidjack has been doing this for as long as he's owned both units.

I have done this as well. You don't even need the tekkeon, a $5 plastic USB sled with four AA does the same thing. USB power is pretty cool!

Thanks Kirk for posting this cable, VERY handy if you don't have 1-2 feet to comfortably keep the cable and pre in a bag.

[yug du nord]

I haven't dug deep in the thread yet....   but does anyone successfully power the USBPre 2 off of the Tekkeon USB output?  Thanks.

Yep. Acidjack has been doing this for as long as he's owned both units.

I have as well. (722 off of the main out and the usbpre2 off of the usb slot)

Cool thanks fellas!  I'm thinkin about jumpin on board.
So....   this has the same (or very similar) pre amp and ADC as the 744 correct?  I'm lookin to use it for the ADC mainly.