USB Isolator is a device designed to block computer noise from getting to USB equipment which is connected to the PC. This is particularly interesting with the use of noise sensitive audio devices such us USB Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) and USB-to-S/PDIF converters (DDCs).
computers in every audio system
Digital audio playback nowadays almost always involves computers in one form or another, wheter it is a desktop PC, a laptop or a dedicated streamer – all these devices generate noise, because they are packed with switching power supplies and high frequency chips. High end music servers and streamers include some sort of filtering to minimize this harmful noise.
Music lovers who use desktop PCs can greatly enhance playback quality through the use of specialized USB Audio cards, linear power supplies and other accessories which can convert a regular desktop PC into a hi-end digital audio transport, often superior to those offered by hifi manufacturers.
the upgrade for all usb audio players
Less lucky are the owners of mini-PCs, laptops, macbooks and micro streamers that can not be upgraded like this, at least not their USB outputs. Here with the help comes the USB Isolator; being a separate device, it can be installed in any computer setup to block the noise and create a clean USB audio signal from a scratch resulting in major sound quality improvement. Plug & play; on Mac, Linux or Windows. Without installing drivers.
Few years ago the technology allowed for galvanic isolation of USB data transfers up to USB full-speed (USB 1.1) which means that all modern USB DACs could not be supported and benefit from the isolation. The USB Isolator utilizes the world’s first USB high-speed (USB 2.0) galvanic isolation technology compatible with all USB Audio Class 2 devices (UAC2), in other words; all USB DACs without limitation in digital audio formats (e.g.PCM, DSD) and sample rates.
The systems that benefit the most from the use of the USB Isolator are mini-PCs, laptops, macbooks and streamers without linear power supplies. Below you can see the USB Isolator connected to a Macbook Pro and a USB DAC.
The USB Isolator is available in our webshop.
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A recognized high-end audio consultant. Computer audio pioneer. Co-creator of the award-winning software, JPLAY. Manufacturer, curator, and distributor of high-quality audio products. Constantly strives for perfection of sound. Foundations for his breakthroughs finds in areas that others ignore.
Hi, I’m experimenting with your usb isolator but a strange thing happens:
if I connect it to any USB port on the motherboard it works, but if I connect it to your USB card, the computer no longer detects the dac and does not allow music playback.
Is this incompatibility between your two products normal?
https://jcat.eu/product/usb-isolator/
https://jcat.eu/product/usb-card-femto/
thanks and regards,
Emiliano
Hi Emiliano,
Thanks for the report. No, the products are definitely compatible. I suppose the problem is with a power supply and configuration of jumpers on the USB Card. Can you please tell me which PSU do you use with the USB Card and how is it connected to the card? I will instruct you how the jumpers on the card should be set then.
Best regards,
Marcin Ostapowicz
JPLAY & JCAT Founder
thank you. at this moment the card is powered by the motherboard but I remember that I had positioned the jumpers to power a usb socket from the outside and the other from the pc. in any case, on both, it interrupts the flow. instead if I connect the isolator to a USB socket on the motherboard it will work properly.
Thanks and regards,
Emiliano
Hi Emiliano, please check if USB memory stick is visible when inserted to the USB Card’s USB port. If in doubt, please send a mail to support with pictures of the card’s jumpers.
Best regards,
Marcin Ostapowicz
JPLAY & JCAT Founder
Good morning, I apologize if I answer only now.
Both usb outputs are set for internal power supply on the LP4 bridge, finally one has inserted the filter and the other not.
In both cases they do not seem to send the 5v power supply to the isolator which, in fact, is activated on the USB sockets of the motherboard.
Thanks and regards,
Emiliano