Blackstar Polar-2

Description

POLAR 2 is a 2-channel USB audio interface designed by and for guitarists. It features 2 FET instrument, line, and mic input channels, a headphone amplifier, +48V phantom power for condenser microphones, balanced outputs for professional monitoring, visual level meters, and Blackstar's unique 'Enhance' switch.
Engaging the 'Enhance' switch activates unique electronics in the signal path that replicate the input stage of tube guitar amplifiers.
This circuit mimics the behavior and characteristics of tube amplifiers, enhancing the sound, feel, and response.
When the POLAR 'Enhance' feature is activated, Blackstar's innovative input stage never suffers from digital clipping. No more messy recordings, no more hassle, and no more confusion when it comes to setting the 'right' levels. POLAR allows the musician to control the interface like the preamp gain of a real amplifier.
Features
2-channel audio interface designed for guitar recording.
FET input stage improves sound and signal quality and is suitable for a wide range of instruments, effect pedals, and microphones.
The 'Enhance' feature introduces electronics into the signal path that replicate the sound of a guitar amplifier.
The 'Enhance' feature completely avoids digital clipping on instrument inputs. Use this interface as if it were a real amplifier and don't worry about setting the right levels.
The 'Enhance' feature on microphone or line inputs provides natural clarity and airiness to vocal and acoustic guitar recordings.
Enhance eliminates the need for additional hardware and an expensive DI to capture a high-quality guitar signal. All integrated into POLAR.
Includes ST.James Suite, Ableton Live Lite, ReLab LX480 Essentials Reverb, Melodyne Essential, and more*.
Headphone and monitor outputs, with independent control for monitors and headphones.
Microphone preamp based on the most famous vintage studio preamps.
Includes 'POLAR Control' software for level, panning, and monitor routing control.
Works with USB 3.0 bus power, with a +48 V switch for microphones requiring phantom power.

Specifications:



Overview:


Number of mic preamps 2


Phantom power Yes, 48V


Instrument inputs 2


Line inputs 2


Line outputs 2


Headphone outputs 1


Loopback Yes


USB connectivity USB Type-C


USB Protocol 2.0


Form Factor Desktop


4 x 4 Simultaneous I/O (including loopback inputs)


A/D Resolution 24 bit/192 kHz


Bus powered Yes (960 mA)


Supported sample rates 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz


Microphone inputs:


Frequency response 20-20kHz ±0.1dB


Dynamic range 109 dB (A-weighted)


THD+N -101dB (-103dB A-weighted), 0dB gain, 950mVrms, 20Hz-24kHz bandwidth


EIN noise -121dBu (A-weighted)


Maximum input level 2dBu


Gain range 53dB

Impedance 3.3kΩ


Line inputs:


Frequency response 20-20kHz ±0.2dB


Dynamic range 112 dB (A-weighted)


THD+N -85dB (-85dB A-weighted), 8dB gain, 380mVrms, 20Hz-24kHz BW


Maximum input level 10dBu


Gain range 55dB


Impedance 500kΩ


Instrument inputs
:

Frequency response 20-20kHz ±0.2dB


Dynamic range 112dB (A-weighted)


THD+N -82dB (-81dB A-weighted), 3dB gain, 630mVrms, 20Hz-24kHz bandwidth


Maximum input level 10dBu


Gain range 46dB


Impedance 500kΩ


Line outputs (balanced):


Frequency response 20-20kHz ±0.15dB


Dynamic range 93dB
THD+N -80dB


Maximum output level 12.8dBu


Impedance 1k


Headphone outputs:


Frequency response 20-20kHz ±0.15dB @ 33Ω / 300Ω


Dynamic range 110dB @ 33Ω
107dB @ 300Ω
THD+N -83dB @ 33Ω
-85dB @ 300Ω


Maximum output level 7dBu @ 33Ω
15.2dBu @ 300Ω


Maximum output power 85mW @ 33Ω
66mW @ 300Ω


Impedance 10Ω


Analog-to-digital converter:


THD+N -100dB THD+N


Dynamic range 114dB


Digital-to-analog converter:


THD+N -100dB THD+N


Dynamic range 114dB


Power supply:


USB 960 mA
External (optional) 4.8 W
Accessories USB A to DC cable, USB A to C cable