User Manual

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INTRODUCTION:
The USB Dual Pre is a full-featured high quality dual portable preamplifier and computer interface
packed into a compact rugged case. It is designed to work over a wide variety of applications from
remote field recording to desktop/studio tracking. Each of the two low noise input channels has up to
48 dB of clean gain with signal present and clip LED indicators. Inputs can be either XLR balanced or
1/4-inch TRS. Each of the 1/4-inch TRS outputs is buffered low impedance balanced.
The USB Dual Pre can be externally powered from the mains via a wide range of external power
adapters, or from an internal 9 Volt battery, or from the USB bus itself, or any combination of these
power sources. When running off of the battery alone, you should get in excess of 50 hours of opera-
tion when phantom power is off. Battery life drops to around 20 hours (depending on microphone)
when phantom powering from the battery alone (still enough time to get through a session).
The built-in low noise +48 Volt phantom power supply allows you to power up to 2 microphones as
well as the preamplifier when running from any power sources including the USB bus.
For monitoring, an 1/8-inch TRS mini headphone jack with level and monitor mix controls on the rear
allow for latency free local monitoring of the inputs while recording as well as playback monitoring of
the USB bus. The monitor mix is also routed to the ¼-inch TRS balanced outputs. This lets you use
the 1/4-inch outputs as either a preamplifier out or as the monitor feed to your powered monitors.
The USB interface is fully compliant with the USB 1.1 specification and uses USB adaptive mode for
playback and USB asynchronous mode for record. It will work with the USB audio device drivers built
into Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Vista 32bit and Apple OS9.1/OSX computers with native USB
support. No special drivers are needed.
The compact black anodized all aluminum case with rubber sides makes for a rugged design. The
USB Dual Pre will provide years of trouble free service and its high quality audio channels and
versatile powering options make the USB Dual Pre the obvious choice in a wide variety of applica-
tions from Podcasting/Broadcasting to Tracking and Monitoring.
With the USB Dual Pre, your laptop, and a pair of quality microphones you can do some serious
remote recording.
Key Features Include:
USB Connectivity to Desktop and Laptop Computers
Low Noise Fully Balanced XLR and 1/4-inch TRS “Combo” Inputs
Up to 48 dB of Clean Gain
Built-in Low Noise +48 Volt Phantom Power Supply
Latency Free Monitoring Mix and Level Controls
Independent Channel Gain Controls
1/4-inch TRS Balanced Monitor and 1/8-inch Headphone Monitor Outputs
Includes Recording & Production Software
Compact, Stackable all Aluminum Chassis
Flexible 3-way Power from USB, External Supply, or 9 Volt Battery