USB Isolator instructions (full speed version)

Introduction

The Hifimediy USB Isolator will isolate the power from the USB host (computer) and the connected device and provide a cleaner DC voltage for the USB device. It creates a new ground for the USB device so that it doesn’t have to share ground with your computer and other devices you might have connected in the same house.

This can be used to prevent ground loops. It will also protect the USB device and host from electrical shocks or static electricity shocks. It will also greatly improve the quality of the DC power signal used to power the USB device, which can improve performance of sensitive equipment like audio converters.
This Isolator doesn’t require an external power supply. It features a isolated, regulated DC-DC module which is powered from the USB host (computer) and can give out 200mA, sufficient for commonly used USB equipment (but not all – check your device’s power requirement!). 

Specification:

  • Isolates ground to prevent noise and improves sound quality
  • Supports USB Full speed 12Mbps and Low speed (via internal switch for units produced after June 2015)
  • Does not support USB High Speed 480 Mbps (required by multi channel DACs and DAC supporting sample rates above 96/24
  • Signal Isolation 5kV
  • Voltage Isolation 1kV
  • Build in 200mA power supply
  • Power supply LC filter
  • Copper ground
  • Size: 55x35mm + cable

Compatibility:

  • Full speed USB devices requiring max 200mA.
  • Low speed devices (requires to open the case and both the switches inside)

Full speed (12 Mbps) is the most common USB mode and are used by most DACs that support up to 96Khz/24bit. Dac’s supporting 192/24 or above require USB High speed (480Mbps) will not work with the USB isolator unless they are capable of adjusting down to Full speed mode, which will then limit the output to 96/24.  Multi channel dac’s are also not supported, as they require 480Mbps speeds.

A regular USB port can output max 500mA, while the Isolator can output max 200mA. This means that devices that requires more than 200mA will not work. This is typically USB powered DACs with microphone preamps, headphone amplifiers or other power drawing features.
 Low speed devices is normally a keyboard, mouse, or some MIDI devices (USB to midi).

Instructions:

Simply Connect the isolator between the computer and your USB device. There is no driver to install, the isolator will be transparent from the computers point of view. 

For Low speed devices (advanced):

Some devices requires USB low speed (1.5Mbps), this includes mouse, keyboards and some USB to Midi devices. USB Isolators made after June 2015 can work with low speed devices. You need to open the box (while disconnected) and change the position of both the switches inside. Note: This is a quite easy task, but it’s performed on your own risk. 

See the FAQ and troubleshooting page for further help.

2 thoughts on “USB Isolator instructions

    • Hifime says:

      Hi, I assume you have the full speed isolator. It only accept Full speed data streams that can support up to 2 channels at 96/24. Your card requires USB Hi-speed mode to work normally with multi channel.

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