DESCRIPTION:

As its name suggests, the Whistle Rock Audio USB-DAC is a simple and compact USB audio DAC. It is the easiest way to add a quality audio output to your MAC or PC (no drivers needed!). Whether it's to replace your average built-in audio sound card or add an extra stereo output to your computer, the USB-DAC will fit the bill.

Connectivity on the USB-DAC is straight forward: a Mini-B USB connector on one end and a standard 3.5mm audio output jack on the other. The USB connection interfaces with the host computer and provides power to the device. The audio output jack lets the DAC drive headphones (down to 32 ohms) directly or feed a line level input with the necessary adapters. An optional SPDIF digital output is also available on a two-pin header.

The heart of the USB-DAC is the Texas Instruments PCM2704C, a wonder chip which can deliver up to 16bit/48KHz audio quality and can sound better than many 24bit/96KHz internal sound cards (the kind built-in to the computer's motherboard and ridden with high-frequency electrical noise!). The PCM2704C is USB 2.0 compliant and implements TI's SpAct™ which recovers the audio sampling clock from the USB packets and utilizes an on-chip analog PLL to minimize clock jitter during playback. The TI chip also provides a minimal HID interface that allows the USB-DAC to control the playback volume and sound mute functions at the host OS mixer level. Three on-board tactile switches provide access to these functions for the user's convenience.

Small and light, the USB-DAC is also ideal for mobile use. The surface mount parts keep it compact while saving PCB real-estate. In fact, the finished module only measures 2.575" x 1" with a overall height of 0.325".

NOTE: This kit does not include the SPDIF output headers.

USB-DAC FEATURES:

• Mini-B USB connection to PC/MAC supports up to 16bit/48KHz,
• Simple design and easy to use,
• No driver needed, just plug and play on both MAC and PC,
• 3.5mm output jack for driving headphones down to 32 ohms,
• SPDIF output via two-pin headers,
• Tactile switches on-board for Volume Up, Volume Down and Mute,
• Active indicator to confirm connection to host,
• Small footprint; measures only 2.575"X1"x0.325".

DIY KIT FEATURES:

• All components are chosen to maximize the circuit's analog performance,
• Quality components throughout from TDK, Vishay, Susumu and Nichicon, etc.,
• High-quality PCB with immersion gold finish,
• PCB layout designed for SMT beginners,
• All passives are 0805 size minimum,
• Components footprints are comfortably spaced for hand soldering work,
• Great way to introduce yourself to SMT assembly,
• Instant gratification when build is completed; just plug it in and enjoy!

WHAT ELSE WILL YOU NEED?

• Fine solder (0.02" or finer) or solder paste,
• A fine screw-driver tip soldering iron,
• A pair of ESD-safe tweezers,
• Solder wick,
• A steady hand.