miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong /
www.minidsp.com
/ Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice
6
1
P
RODUCT
O
VERVIEW
Thank you for purchasing a miniDSP
USBStreamer
USB audio interface. The USBStreamer comes in two versions.
The box version can be used in two modes by loading different firmware:
•
Eight channels of input/output via optical (ADAT) connectors (this is the default when the USBStreamer B box
version is shipped from miniDSP), or
•
Two channels (stereo) input/output via optical (TOSLINK) connectors
The kit version can be used in three modes:
•
Eight channels of input/output via I2S header pins, and two channels of input/output via optical (TOSLINK)
connectors (this is the default when the USBStreamer kit board is shipped from miniDSP), or
•
Eight channels of input/output via optical (ADAT) connectors, or
•
Eight channels of input/output via I2S header pins, with support for sample rates as low as 8 kHz
Typical applications for the USBStreamer include hi-fi systems and recording studios. The kit version can be built into
multichannel DACs, ADCs and digital audio interfaces, with connection to the USBStreamer via the I2S headers.
1.1
F
IRMWARE VERSIONS
The function of the USBStreamer depends on the specific firmware version loaded into it. There are three firmware
versions in the software download zip file. Please confirm that your USBStreamer has the correct firmware for your
application prior to use.
ADAT
These versions of the firmware will receive and transmit eight channels of audio in ADAT format via
the input and output optical connectors. The sample rate can be 44.1 or 48 kHz. This is the firmware
loaded into the USBStreamer B (box version) when it is shipped from miniDSP.
I2S/TOSLINK
These versions of the firmware will receive and transmit eight channels of audio over the I2S
headers and two channels over the optical connectors. The sample rate can be 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96,
176.4, or 192 kHz. (All channels must run at the same sample rate.) This is the firmware loaded into
the USBStreamer circuit board (kit version) when it is shipped from miniDSP.
Low Sample Rate
These versions of the firmware will receive and transmit eight channels of audio over the I2S
headers. (The optical connectors are not active.) They will support low sample rates, down to 8 kHz,
as well as all standard sample rates up to 192 kHz.
TDM
The Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) format packetizes multiple channels of audio in one frame. It’s
similar to I2S but in multichannel .The TDM format is for 8ch audio in/out at 44.1/48k.
Each firmware version includes files with two different IDs. If two USBStreamers are to be connected to the same
computer, make sure that each has firmware with a different ID.
