Blackstar Polar 2 2-Channel USB Audio Interface for Guitar Recording
The Polar 2 is an audio interface designed around the problems guitar players run into when recording: input levels that clip, tracks that sound dull, and DI tones that feel nothing like an amp. It is a 2-in and 4-out interface with two FET based input channels.
- Two FET based input channels with high headroom and impressively low noise.
- 81 inspired microphone preamps with a character reminiscent of the legendary British consoles of years past.
- +48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
- Per channel Enhance switch: activates a clip proof input setting, adds an amp like feel for instruments and extra air and clarity for microphones.
- Separate headphone and line level outputs so studio monitors and headphones can be used at the same time.
- Software bundle included: Ableton Live Lite, Relab LX480 Essentials and the Polar control software.
A practical desktop interface for tracking guitar, vocals and anything else you put a microphone in front of.
Tailor made for guitar players, the Blackstar Polar 2 is an audio interface designed to make recording easier rather than to pile on channel counts. It has two FET based input channels armed with 81 inspired microphone preamps and +48V phantom power, and it is a 2-in and 4-out box.
The right building blocks
The high headroom, FET based inputs offer impressively low noise, which is the foundation for a clean track. The 81 inspired preamps add a characterful flavour reminiscent of the legendary British consoles of yesteryear, so a plain source arrives with some personality already attached. Phantom power at +48V covers condenser microphones. Separate headphone and line level outputs mean you can run studio monitors and headphones at the same time instead of unplugging one to use the other.
The Enhance switch
Three problems come up again and again for guitarists who record: a lack of amp like response, difficulty setting input levels without clipping, and dull sounding tracks. The per channel Enhance switch addresses all three. Engaging it safeguards against clipping to give a foolproof input setting, makes an instrument input behave more like a valve amplifier, and adds extra air and clarity when you are recording with a microphone.
What comes with it
- Ableton Live Lite for recording and arranging.
- Relab LX480 Essentials reverb.
- Polar control software for the interface itself.
Who it suits
If your recording setup is a guitar, a microphone and a laptop, the Polar 2 covers it without asking you to learn a mixer first. Two inputs is enough for an amp mic plus a vocal, or a DI plus a mic on a cab, and the Enhance switch removes most of the reasons a first take gets thrown away.