Berkeley Audio Design Alpha USB Interface
Convert the noisy USB output of your streamer into low-noise, low-jitter AES/EBU or S/PDIF for your standalone DAC
“A breakthrough product that not only overcomes the limitations of the USB interface, but provides a state-of-the-art method of getting audio out of a computer. Switching over to the Alpha USB system was like sharpening the focus on a camera; very-low-level detail that had been just a bit indistinct or smeared snapped into vivid clarity.”
The Alpha USB is an asynchronous USB Audio 2.0 to digital audio interface designed to provide the highest possible audio quality from computer and music server audio sources.
The Alpha USB has a USB Audio 2.0 Standard input and switch-selected digital audio output signal type, either coaxial S/PDIF using a BNC connector or balanced AES using an XLR connector. Sampling rates up to 192 kHz and word lengths up to 24 bit are supported.
Great care was taken in the design of the Alpha USB to isolate the noisy computer/USB environment from the digital audio output. The USB receiver and processing are powered by the computer, while the output master clocks and line drivers are powered by a separate isolated linear power supply. There is no DC connection and also a high degree of capacitive and inductive isolation between the USB input and the digital audio output.
Two key factors combine to achieve the excellent audio performance of the Alpha USB; the unprecedented degree of electrical isolation between the USB input connection and the digital audio output and the very low noise/low jitter performance of the individually tested audio output master clocks.
The Alpha USB is designed to work with Apple Macintosh and Windows PC computers and Linux-based music servers. For Linux, the operating system must be ALSA 1.0.23 or above. It must also have the ability to select the output device. Apple computers using Snow Leopard or later operating systems also interface directly with the Alpha USB. It is not necessary to install a USB Audio 2.0 Standard driver for those operating systems.
PC’s using Microsoft Windows 10 release 1703 and above do not require installation of the Alpha USB Windows driver and the driver provided with Windows should be used. Only Microsoft Windows PC’s using Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 and earlier versions of 10 require the Alpha USB Windows driver which is available on the Downloads page.
A 6′ power cord is included. It is recommended that the USB cable be sited as far away from the DAC as reasonably possible.
Specifications
Input: USB B Audio 2.0 Standard asynchronous connection
Outputs: Coaxial BNC S/PDIF , AES XLR
Sampling rates: 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz, up to 24 bit
Supported operating systems: Apple, Windows, and Linux
Dimensions (WHD): 10.5″ x 2.5” x 5”
Weight: 2.5 lb
Fast Shipping and Professional Packing
Because of our long-standing partnership with UPS, FedEx, DHL as well as a range of other top global carriers we are able to offer a variety of shipping options. Our warehouse personnel will pack each item according to our strict specifications. Your items will undergo an extensive inspection and will be properly secured before they are delivered. Every day, we send hundreds of packages to our customers across many countries. This shows that we're committed to be the largest retailer online in the world. We have distribution centers and warehouses located in Europe as well as the USA.
Please note that orders with multiple items are given a processing time according to the particular item.
Before shipping, we will conduct a thorough inspection of the items you've ordered. Most orders are delivered within 48 hours. The expected delivery time is between 3-7 days.
Returns
Due to multiple parties such as the factory and the warehouse, we are unable to fully manage stock. The actual levels of stock can change at any point. Be aware that it is possible that your order will be out of stock after you have made the order.
Our policy lasts for thirty days. We cannot exchange or refund your order after 30 days from the date of purchase.
In order for your item to be eligible for return, it must be unopened and in the same condition as when you received it in. It must also be returned in its original packaging.
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