August 14, 2015

How to use the Aura DAC

The new Aura DAC is a USB DAC capable of decoding DSD and PCM audio files up to 11.6MHz/1bit and 192KHz/24bit (respectively).

The Aura features a Micro USB plug + USB Type-A converter so it is versatile enough to work with all your favorite devices.

Some of you may be wondering why you need a USB DAC when your computer/phone already has a built in headphone jack.

As MKBHD explains in this video, most device manufacturers skimp on DACs in order to reduce manufacturing cost.

As a result the default audio output of most computers/phones and tablets is not very good.

Using a DAC helps you get the most out of your music.

USING the AURA with iOS Devices

To use the Aura with iOS devices just connect your Aura DAC to any iOS device using Apple’s Camera Connection Kit (CCK).

*Please note that it only the official Apple CCK, generic variants will not recognize the device.

You will need to get the correct CCK based on which device you’re connecting to.

iPhone 5 / iPad 5 and newer need the Lightning CCK.
iPhone 4S / iPad 3 and older will need the 30Pin CCK.

To get the most out of the Aura DAC, we recommend using the free VOX Player App for iOS made by our friends over at Coppertino. The VOX Player App will let you listen to FLAC, ALAC, APE, WMA & CUE files.

You can find this on the iOS App Store.

USING the AURA with Android Devices
Android devices are a little bit trickier.
While you can plug the Aura directly into most Android Phones/tablets, your device has to be OS 4.2.2 (or higher) in order to work with the Aura.

In order to play Hi-Res DSD, FLAC and ALAC files with we recommend using ExtreamSD’s USB Audio Player Pro or the HiBy Music.

Both can be found on the Google Play Store.

Full Compatibility:
•   Nexus 5, 6 & 9
•   Samsung Galaxy Note 2, 3, 4 & Edge
•   Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, S5 & S6
•   Sony Xperia - Z1, Z1c, Z2, Z2c, Z3, Z3c, Z4, Z4c, Z5 & Z5c
•   LG Optimus G Pro
•   LG G2, G3, G4, G Flex2
•   HTC One X, M7, M8, M9
•   Motorola Moto G (Gen 1,2,3) & Moto X (Gen 1,2)
•   ASUS Padfone S

Partial Compatibility (Audio Works, Volume Buttons don’t work):
• HP Slate 7 Extreme tablet
• Asus MemoPad 7 ME70CX

No Compatibility:
•   Galaxy S4 Mini
•   LG Nexus 4
•   Asus Memo 7' ME173X / ME176C
•   Samsung Galaxy SII

USING the AURA with MAC OS X

To use the Aura with your Mac OS X Computer, you will need to use the included USB Micro —> USB Type-A adapter.

Mac OS X 10.6 and above natively supports USB Audio Class 2.0. What this means is setting up your Aura is a breeze!

1. Go to System Preferences > Sound. Select Cyberdrive Audio Driver Output :

2. Go to Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup:

3. Set the audio output to the desired sample rate (Use 2ch-24bit, Programs like Vox Player will dynamically adjust your Frequency Output):

To get the most out of your Aura DAC with the Mac OS X, we once again recommend the using Vox Player, made by our friends over at Coppertino.

Just go to http://coppertino.com/vox/mac to download the latest version.

The VOX Player App will let you listen to FLAC, ALAC, APE, WMA & CUE files.

For DSD playback we recommend using: Audirvana or BitPerfect.

USING the AURA with WINDOWS

To use the Aura with your Windows Computer, you will need to use the included USB Micro —> USB Type-A adapter.

You will need to download the Cyberdrive Audio Class 2.0 USB driver. Here

1. Connect the Aura to an available USB port on your computer using the included Micro USB to Type-A Adapter.

2. Download and unzip the driver. Save this to a known location on your PC, such as the Desktop. Click on 'Cyberdrive Audio Driver v3.12.0.exe':

3. Click Next to install the new USB driver, then click Install to start the update:

4. Allow the update to progress, then click Next and Finish to complete the installation:

5. Go to the Sound menu in Control Panel, and ensure that Aura DAC is set as the playback device:

6. Go to the Speakers Properties of the Aura DAC and choose the sample rate output. (For most users we recommend 44,100Hz / 24bit)

We are currently in the process of developing our very own Hi-Res Audio player which will be optimized for our full line of Upcoming DACs.

We'll let you know more about this soon!

In the meantime we recommend using Foobar2000.

Just go to http://www.foobar2000.org/ to download the latest version

If you have any questions, please use the button below to contact us.

Pratik Shah

Author

3 Comments

WilliammoF

May 19, 2016

I loved your article post. Really Great. Montagne

Scott Rusoff

August 25, 2015

The device I received in the mail the other day, has 3 buttons, and I have tested it on my Galaxy Note 3, with the included headphones, so far sounding great, the sound is very crips and clear.

Thanks and keep up the good work.

Dane Gleeson

August 24, 2015

My friend Steve Walston said that he received a email about receiving a trial DAC for ordering a pair of
the Forte Life headphones off the kickstarter campaign. I also ordered a pair of headphones and was wondering if it is possible for me to review the DAC as well. I really look forward to listening to it and reviewing it if it is possible! Look forward to hearing back from you.