The Berkeley Audio Design Alpha USB is a high-performance outboard USB to AES-EBU converter and re-clocking component. When using a computer as a music server, jitter becomes an audible problem. The Alpha USB is an asynchronous High Speed USB to digital audio interface that extracts the highest possible audio quality from computer audio sources. The Alpha USB features a High Speed USB 2.0 input data connection and switch selected audio output signal type — either coaxial SPDIF using a BNC connector 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.
The two key factors that combine to achieve the excellent audio performance of the Alpha USB are the unprecedented degree of electrical isolation between the USB input connection and the 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 both Apple Macintosh and Windows PC computers. Apple Macintosh computers using Snow Leopard or later operating systems have a High Speed USB Audio Driver that interfaces directly with the Alpha USB. It is not necessary to install a special driver. Microsoft Windows PC’s require the included Alpha USB Windows driver that works with Windows XP, Vista and 7.
Specifications:
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Input: USB Audio 2.0 Standard asynchronous connection, type B receptacle
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Outputs: switch selectable, coaxial SPDIF on 75Ω BNC connector or balanced AES on 110Ω XLR connector
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Supported sampling rates: 44.1kHz to 192kHz
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Supported word lengths: up to 24-bit
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Supported operating systems: Apple, Windows and Linux
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Enclosure dimensions: 2.3”H X 10.5”W x 5”D, 2.55”H including feet
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Weight: 2.5 lbs.
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Mains power: 100/120/240VAC, 50/60Hz, IEC power input connector
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Power consumption: 3W, designed for continuous operation
