Hifimediy USB Isolator (Full Speed, High Current version)

This is our regular $29 Full Speed Isolator with upgraded High Current DC supply. It can supply the connected device with 400mA (or 500mA if the USB port it’s connected to can supply more than 500mA). The regular isolator can supply 200mA.

This makes it compatible with some Full Speed devices that require more power. For example, devices with phantom power, or a power CPU that requires more power than the regular version can supply.

This isolator DOES NOT support High-Speed, which is required by all sound cards that support 192kHz (and above) and/or multi-channel sound cards.
This isolator supports full-speed devices (max supported sample rates 96kHz/24bit and two channels). Also look at our High-speed isolators, and read our guide on choosing the right isolator.

Full Speed USB Isolator

The Hifimediy USB isolator is used to prevent ground loop noises and increase sound quality. It works by creating a new ground for the USB device so it doesn’t have to share ground with your computer and other devices that you might have connected in your house. This will prevent ground loops (but not all noises you might experience as not all noises are caused by ground loops).

It will also protect the USB device and host from electrical shocks or static electricity shocks. It can improve the quality of the DC voltage that powers the USB device. This can improve performance of sensitive equipment like audio converters.

This Isolator doesn’t require an external power supply. It features an isolated, regulated DC-DC module which is powered from the USB host (computer) and can give out 200mA 400mA.

It features a professional-grade isolation chip, ADUM4160, and with an optimal layout, it features signal isolation capability of 5000V and voltage isolation of 3000V.

A low noise regulator is used to power ADUM4160 and low noise DC-DC converter gives a clean 5VDC power to the connected USB device. USB Full Speed 12Mbps is sufficient for samples rates up to 96kHz/24bit. It will not work with DACs supporting 192kHz/24bit sample rates as this requires USB “High Speed” 480Mbps. High-Speed isolator available here: Hifime High-Speed USB Isolator.

Features

• Signal Isolation 5kV
• Voltage Isolation 3kV
• Built-in 600mA power supply from USB bus (no external power supply required). About 400mA-500mA available for connected device.
• Power supply LC filter
• Copper ground
• ADUM4160 Support USB full-speed 12Mbit/s, but not hi-speed 480 Mbit/s.
• Also supports USB “Low speed” 1.5Mbit/s (two internal switches need to be moved to L position). – Alternatively look here for the hi-speed version that also supports low speed natively.
• Size: 55x35mm + cable 10cm

Compatibility

• Works with stereo DACs that support sample rates up to 96kHz/24bit and that don’t require too much power.
• Supports other USB devices that run on USB Low or Full speed modes. High Speed mode 480Mbit/s is not supported (see here for other version).
• This isolator is confirmed to be working with Presonus Audiobox.
• DOES NOT WORK WITH high resolution 384kHz or 192kHz DACs (they require USB High speed mode) – even when you play only 44.1kHz files. High-Speed isolator here: Hifime High-Speed USB Isolator.
• DOES NOT WORK WITH multi-channel DACs/sound cards. They will also require High speed mode.
• Supports Low speed devices (mouse, keyboards, some MIDI converter) through internal switch. You need to open the box and move both switches to the L position.
• Some computers will not wake up the isolator after sleep/standby; requires you to disconnect and reconnect the isolator.
• Works with M-Audio MKII card, and most USB mics. Confirmed working with Prophet 12 synthesizer and other synthesizers (for MIDI).
• Does not work with Focusrite sound cards!

FAQ

Will the USB Isolator get rid of my noise?

Buzz noises are often ground loop problems, and this is exactly what the USB isolator will remove. However, the noise you’re experiencing might be caused in another way and might not be removed by the isolator. We do accept returns when it doesn’t work or remove the noise from your device.

Will it work with my DAC?

It works with DACs that support up to 96kHz/24bit, but it does not work with 192/24 sample rates. New High-Speed isolator available here: Hifime High-Speed USB Isolator  (supports sample rates above 96/24)

Do you offer warranty?

Yes, we offer a 1-year warranty on all our products. We will ask you to pay shipping cost for sending the item back. We have return addresses in the USA, UK, Germany, and China.

Troubleshooting: 

It doesn’t work, do I need to install a driver?

The USB isolator is “transparent” for the computer, so there are no drivers to install. However, it doesn’t work with all USB devices. Your device likely either requires too much power or needs USB High speed mode (480Mbps).

Some further explanation (also see our USB isolator guide):

• USB ports can supply up to 500mA of power, while the USB isolator will output max 200mA. Some devices will require more than 200mA and will not work with the USB isolator. If your sound card has mic preamps or other features that draw a lot of power, then it probably will not work if it gets all its power from USB. This version supplies 400-500mA, enough for most devices.
• If your DAC supports sample rates above 96kHz/24bit, then it will require USB High Speed (USB Audio class 2) and will not work with the isolator. Also, if you have a 96/24 sound card with 4, 8, or more channels, it will also require USB High speed mode.

Model: ISO-2