USB Isolator FAQ, troubleshooting and compatibility [FULL SPEED MODEL]
FAQ:
Will the USB Isolator get rid of my buzz noise?
Buzz noises are often ground loop problems, and this is exactly what the USB isolator will remove.
The isolator stopped working after the computer woke from sleep!
This might happen with some computer because of the way that the computers power management works. You need to unplug it and plug it back in.
What if it doesn’t work with my device?
You can send it back for a full refund if it turns out to not work or not help with your device. You’ll only pay the return postage to one of our return address worldwide.
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 does probably either requires too much power, or needs USB High speed mode (480Mbps), or low speed mode (USB1.1 – used by keyboards, mouse). Update: low speed mode now supported (since June 2015). See the instructions for how to change to low speed mode.
Some further explanation on power requirement:
- 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 draws a lot of power, then it’s probably not if it gets all it’s power from USB.
- If your DAC supports sample rates above 96/24, 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 channels, it will also require high data transfer than the isolator supports. It also doesn’t support USB low speed devices like mouse keyboard. It can be modified to support low speed devices, but then it will only support low speed, not Full speed (96/24). Update September 2015: Newly produced units have two switches inside. Move both the switches position to change to USB 1.5Mbit/s Low speed mode. Keep in mind that the isolator will not work with Full speed devices when in Low speed mode.
Possible solution to power requirement problem:
- You can connect a powered USB hub between the isolator and your device. However you might have to use a battery or other power source to remove the noise problem in this case. If you connect the hub’s power supply to the same power as the computer, then they might end up sharing the same ground.
List of devices that works with the full speed isolator:
- Most two channel DACs with a max sample rate of 96/24
- All Hifime DAC’s (high resolution DACs in Full speed mode FS / L)
List of devices that doesn’t work:
- Focusrite sound cards
We will update this link, please send us a message if you found a device that doesn’t work
Hey! After buying a new computer my komplete audio 6 dac isnt no more recoqnized by my pc when using the usb isolator
Hi, is this the old high-speed isolator? Have you tried different USB ports and tried to reboot computer ? Does it still work with the old computer?
Try both to connect it to the DAC before and after you connect it to the computer, see if that makes any difference.
I have a IOTech Personal Daq/54. This device is not seen if I use a USB isolator. I need isolation for protection and haven’t found a way around this yet. Does anyone have a solution? Tom
Hi, what USB isolator did you try it with?
That device could require USB high speed mode and wouldn’t work with the FUll Speed isolator.
Hi there! I ordered a USB isolator to help with my Playstation headphones, there is an annoying buzzing coming through when I use them. After reading some forums online, your Hifime USB isolator was recommended. Unfortunately, it didn’t resolve my issue. I was wondering if I would be able to return the isolator for a refund? Cheers!
Hi, sorry to hear it didn’t solve the problem. The noise you’re experiencing probably has another cause. You can return it for a full refund.
Please contact us through this link to arrange that:
https://hifimediy.com/contact