DOUK AUDIO U2 - User Manual

U2 / U2 Pro Mini XMOS USB to
Coaxial /Optical Converter
Thank you very much for choosing our products,
please read this manual carefully before using.
How to use
Introduction
Warm tip: 1.3.8 version FOOBAR player is recommended, the
player settings of differnt version players will be a little different.
1. Install the ASIOProxyInstall-0.7.1.2.exe program in the foobar
components file, and follow the prompts to complete.
2. Install the sacd plug-in and ASIO plug-in, as shown below:
(The plug-in is in the foobar components file )
3. Click “Output” on the left side and then select
“ASIO:foo_dsd_asio”
on the right side as the following picture shows:
4. Click “Output” --- “ASIO” on the left side, and then double click
“foo_dsd_asio” just as the following picture shows：
After double click “foo_dsd_asio”, the following menu will appear
and please set as it indicates，(Note: must set as the following
picture if want coaxial and optical to output DSD.)
How to play DSD music
This is a USB to Toslink optical / coaxial / 12S(U2 PRO) audio
converter, a pure digital sound card, support common losselss
playback, suitable for PC computer, notebook, mobile phone,
set-top box, rock 64, raspberry pi and so on, it can provide better
sound quality than their own sound card.
3. After installing the driver, the computer will prompt and display
the device "XMOS XS1-U8 DJ" in the device manager.
②
④③
①
1. Connect U2/U2 PRO to the USB port of the computer with a
USB cable, and the computer USB port can be used for power
supply, for U2 pro version you also can use external DC 5V
power interface.
2. After connecting to the computer, the computer will prompt that
the USB device has been found, and then please install the
driver of this device: XMOS-Stereo-USB-Audio-Class2-Driver-
3004_v4.13.0.exe, please choose different versions of drivers
according to the computer system.

Summary

Introduction to the USB Audio Converter

How to Use the USB Audio Converter

Connect and Install Driver

Connect the device via USB and install the XMOS USB Audio Class 2 driver.

Configure ASIO Output

Select 'ASIO:foo_dsd_asio' as the audio output in foobar2000 preferences.

Playing DSD Music with Foobar2000

Install Foobar2000 DSD Plugins

Install ASIOProxy and SACD plugins for DSD playback in foobar2000.

Configure DSD Playback Settings

Set DSD Playback Method to DoP Marker 0x05/0xFA for DSD output.

Product Specifications and Compatibility

Device Parameters

Details on supported audio inputs, outputs, sampling rates, and bit depth.

System Compatibility

Information on driver installation for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.

Contact Information

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Douk Audio U2 / U2 Pro Mini XMOS USB to Coaxial/Optical Converter is a versatile audio device designed to enhance the sound quality of various digital sources. It functions as a pure digital sound card, converting USB audio signals into Toslink optical, coaxial, or I2S (U2 PRO) outputs. This converter supports common lossless playback, making it suitable for a wide range of devices including PC computers, notebooks, mobile phones, set-top boxes, Rock 64, and Raspberry Pi. Its primary purpose is to provide superior sound quality compared to the built-in sound cards of these devices.

Function Description:

The core function of the Douk Audio converter is to act as an intermediary between a digital audio source and an audio output system, such as a DAC or amplifier. It takes a digital audio stream from a USB port and converts it into various digital audio formats, allowing for flexible integration into different audio setups. The U2 PRO version specifically offers I2S output, which is known for its high-fidelity audio transmission, making it compatible with PS decoders that utilize an HDMI interface for I2S.

Usage Features:

1. Simple Connectivity: To begin using the converter, simply connect it to the USB port of your computer using a standard USB cable. The computer's USB port will typically provide the necessary power. For the U2 PRO version, an external DC 5V power interface is also available for alternative power supply.

2. Driver Installation: Upon initial connection, your computer will detect the new USB device. To enable full functionality, you will need to install the provided driver, "XMOS-Stereo-USB-Audio-Class2-Driver-3004_v4.13.0.exe." It is crucial to select the correct driver version compatible with your computer's operating system. Once installed, the device will appear as "XMOS XS1-U8 DJ" in your device manager, confirming successful setup.

3. DSD Music Playback: The converter is capable of playing DSD (Direct Stream Digital) music, offering a high-resolution audio experience. For optimal DSD playback, the manual recommends using FOOBAR player version 1.3.8, though settings may vary slightly for other player versions.

   • Component Installation: To enable DSD playback in FOOBAR, you must first install the "ASIOProxyInstall-0.7.1.2.exe" program from the foobar components file. This is followed by installing the sacd plug-in and ASIO plug-in, also found within the foobar components file.
   • Output Configuration: Within FOOBAR's preferences, navigate to "Output" and select "ASIO:foo_dsd_asio" as your output device. Double-clicking this option will open a configuration menu where specific settings must be applied. For coaxial and optical output of DSD, ensure the "DSD Playback Method" is set to "DoP Marker 0x05/0xFA," and both "DSD to DSD Method" and "PCM to DSD Method" are set to "None." The "DSD/PCM Transition" should be set to "50 ms."
   • SACD Settings: Finally, go to "tools" – "SACD" in FOOBAR's preferences and select "DSD" in the "ASIO Driver Mode." Click "Apply" to save these settings.

4. Volume Control for DSD: When playing DSD music, it is essential to set the volume of your computer or mobile phone to its maximum (100%). Failure to do so may result in no sound output.

5. Sampling Rate Support: The U2 PRO version supports all sampling rates via its I2S output. For S/PDIF output (coaxial/optical), it supports up to 192KHz and DOP DSD64. To play DSD256 music with the U2 PRO, you will need to install a native driver, which can be found on the provided CD or downloaded from the manufacturer's website.

6. System Compatibility:

   • Windows: For 32/64-bit Windows 7, 8, and 10 systems, a specific driver installation is required. The manual provides a Google Drive link for downloading and installing this driver.
   • Mac OS: Native Mac OS 10.6 and above can utilize the system's own driver, eliminating the need for additional installations.
   • Linux: Native Linux systems with a UAC2 compliant kernel can also use their own drivers. The device has been tested on Ubuntu and Daphile systems running on INTEL X86.
   • Android: Generally, USB input defaults to Android 5.0 systems. Android 4.2 and above phones require OTG functionality. For playing DSD music on Android, the use of a Hiby player is recommended. An OTG cable (for Android) or a camera kit (for iOS) must be prepared separately.

Maintenance Features:

The manual does not explicitly detail maintenance features beyond driver installation and software configuration. However, as a digital audio converter, general best practices for electronic devices apply:

• Keep Clean: Ensure the device and its ports are free from dust and debris to maintain optimal connectivity and performance.
• Proper Storage: Store the device in a dry, cool environment away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
• Careful Handling: Handle the device with care to prevent physical damage to its casing or internal components.
• Software Updates: Regularly check the manufacturer's website for updated drivers or firmware, which can improve performance, add new features, or resolve compatibility issues.

DOUK AUDIO U2 Specifications

General

Input	USB
Output	Coaxial, Optical, IIS
Weight	120g
Chipset	XMOS XU208
Sampling Rate (Coaxial/Optical)	44.1kHz - 192kHz
Sampling Rate (IIS)	44.1kHz - 384kHz
Power Supply	DC 5V
Supported Formats	PCM/DSD