Podcast Academy

Heard of Sound Devices? If not, allow me to enlighten you. This company is responsible for a world class group of portable recorders that are used extensively in sound effects gathering, feature film production, and broadcasting. They also live up to the strict requirements that are necessary in acoustical testing and measurement sessions.

At last year’s Podcast and New Media Expo, I met a gentlemen who is a recordist here on the east coast. In his possession was one of the Sound Devices recorders. He was nice enough to allow me to check it out. I was very impressed with its features and exceptional build quality.

One thing - remember that quality = $$. I have no problem with this. I’m a firm believer in you get what you pay for. The base recorder is priced just shy of $2K.

Enter the SD USBPre. This is a $550 USB interface that offers a host of great features for the serious computer recordist. This piece includes two XLR mic inputs with available 48V phantom power, dual 1/4″ inputs, and a set of standard RCA inputs. Output support includes two headphone jacks [1/8-inch, 1/4-inch], PC audio output, S/PDIF I/O, and a USB bus that also draws from the computer to power the unit. The front of the device sports excellent monitoring meters, a headphone output adjustment, and a mix level control that blends source audio and computer audio.

Sample Rates/Bit Depths:

• Recording: 8, 16, or 24-bit at 32, 44.1, 48 kHz

• Playback: 8, 16-bit at 5 to 55 kHz, will play back 24-bit sources at 16-bit

The USBPre is housed in a high-strength extruded aluminum chassis, and weighs a mere 1.2 lbs.

Computer Support:

• OS X Core Audio, PowerPC or Intel-based Mac

• Windows 98, ME, 2000, and XP

Based on the performance and reputation of the coveted Sound Devices recorders, I think it is safe to assume that the USBPre is a hot ticket. If you are in the market for a professional recorder or interface, take a look at what they have to offer. Cool Stuff …

One last note: the graphic above is a bit misleading. The lower images that display the I/O panels are actually located on the sides of the unit, not the back.