6
USB Input Module and Quad USB
The USB Inputs are the most advanced MSB produces.
The hardware is able to handle audio data and DSD up
to 32 bit, 384 kHz and native DSD up to 256x. Both
operate the same.
Apple MAC OS
On the MAC the USB is plug and play. The MAC
will recognize the USB DAC and its capabilities
and will allow the output to be set to any sample rate
desired. The bad news is, with certain programs such
as iTunes, the output
sample rate has to be
set manually when
the file sample rate
changes. So if you
set the output for
192kHz, and played a
192 kHz file, it would
play perfectly, but
if you then played
a 44.1 kHz CD, the
MAC OS would
upsample that file to
192 kHz. Computer
upsampling is not too bad, but does not compare at all with the quality of the upsampling done by MSB.
Better to change the output to 44.1 kHz and play the file bit-perfect. Fortunately there are apps and
programs that will automatically change iTunes to always play files at the native resolution. Then the
MAC running iTunes with the MSB USB 2 is perfection itself. The world of applications is always changing. Check the MSB web
site for more up-to-date information.
The Apple Audio MIDI Setup screen is shown above. Notice that the presence of the MSB USB Signature DAC has allowed 352.8 and
384 kHz sample rates to show up on the menu. Normally they are not present. iTunes will play at whatever sample rate you select in
this setup.
Windows OS
The amazing thing about the MSB USB 2 input with Windows is that once you
get it set up it works completely and absolutely perfectly, with every file playing
bit-perfect at its native sample rate up to 384 kHz with no user intervention. Just
pick the song and play. The rest is automatic and works perfectly. This is a first
for any Windows machine I have seen and a dream come true. The bad is that
MSB drivers will have to be installed, and your music must be played with a
properly set up player program like Foobar. Its a small price to pay for perfection,
and MSB will help walk you through the process.
First, install the supplied MSB drivers from the included USB 2 drivers CD or
from our website (not necessary for USB 1 operation). So with a PC, there are two
possible play modes. The “advanced speaker properties” window lets you set up
Windows output sample rates up to 192k as shown to the right. Any audio played
by an audio program would be output at this sample rate. Specialty programs
like Foobar can be modified with a plug-in, like ASIO (http://www.foobar2000.
org/components/view/foo_out_asio) which allows Foobar to interact directly
with the MSB DAC to play every music file at its
native sample rate bit-perfect. Foobar over-rides
all windows settings and is quite amazing.
There are many other players that will also work
perfectly with the MSB input. See the MSB web
site for the latest details.
Balanced Digital input Module
This input module contains an XLR balanced input. It is limited to 24 bit x 384 kHz.
S/PDIF input Module
This input module contains both an RCA and Optical input. Both are limited to 24 bit x 384 kHz. Even
though both share a module, each can be selected individually.