For the audiophiles or Music Lovers Amongs us: USB AUDIO OUT works!!!
- One feature that I have always yearned for on BB10 devices is the ability to have USB audio out, whereby the audio bypasses the internal audio chip of the phone and is routed out the micro USB port to an external headphone DAC/AMP. Some headphone need a lot of power to sound good, so an amplifier is a must and the audio chip in most phones, besides the iPhone, is inadequate for that task.
I am not sure if this is a new feature with 10.3.1 but today I tried using my Fiio E17 AMP/DAC attached to my Z30 Via a USB cable to an OTG Adapter plugged into my Z30 via the micro usb port. I honestly assumed it would not work. But when I tried to change the volume on the phone it said volume.output.usb Locked. I was like WAIT A MINUTE WHAT!!?
So I plugged in my headphones into the Fiio E17 and sure enough, audio was playing! This means that the Z30 is now a very high quality music player! Anyone can plug in an external supported headphone amp/dac and get killer audio quality!
My Sony XBA Z5 in ear headphone sounds like mud out of the headphone port on my Z30, but using the method above, it sounds perfect
Now I just have to get a smaller USB cable so I can avoid carrying around a mess of cables!
Just wanted to share this with my fellow BlackBerry users and I hope this helps someone! I am loving my Z30 more and more after the new update. Feels like a new phone. I have also been using neutron music player app and music has never sounded better
Edit: Your phone must support OTG, so basically all phones Z30 and onwards. It stinks that they left it out of the Z10 and Q10 :/
Edit2: Sorry it took so long but here are pictures to better outline what I meant:
Last edited by vegetto_456; 05-08-15 at 01:12 PM. Reason: Grammar
04-12-15 11:36 AMLike 11 - One of the features that I was always wished BB10 devices has was the ability to have USB audio out, where the audio bypasses the internal audio chip of the phone is routed to the USB and out to an external headphone DAC/AMP. Some headphone need a lot of power to sound good so an amplifier is must and the audio chip in most phones besides the iPhone is garbage.
I am not sure if this is a new feature with 10.3.1 but today I tried using my Fiio E17 AMP/DAC attached to my Z30 Via a USB cable to an OTG Adapter plugged into my Z30. I honestly assumed it would not work. But when I tried to change the volume on the phone it said volume.output.usb Locked. I was like WAIT A MINUTE WHAT!!?
So I plugged in my headphones into the Fiio E17 and sure enough, audio was playing! This means that the Z30 is now a very high quality music player! Anyone can plug in an external supported headphone amp/dac and get killer audio quality!
My Sony XBA Z5 in ear headphone sounds like mud out of the headphone port on my Z30 but using the method above, it sounds perfect
Now I just have to get a smaller USB cable so I can avoid carrying around a mess of cables!
Just wanted to share this with my fellow BlackBerry users and I hope this helps someone! I am loving my Z30 more and more after the new update. Feels like a new phone.
Posted via CB1004-12-15 02:45 PMLike 0 - Nevermind, got it. I didn't know usb could deliver audio. Didn't know amps would come that way. Any difference between usb output and the 3.5?? Quality wise that is
Posted via CB1004-12-15 02:51 PMLike 0 -
As for comparison of the signal, this is based on the Fiio E17 that I am using. Before Is connected the E17 via the 3.5 port on my Z30. Comparing the 3.5 headphone port and USB, my headphone sounds a lot better. The bass doesn't sound muddy, sound is nicely balanced and soundstage is much better. I was thinking of picking up an extra DAP or music player but with this, I can just get a really dope amp/dac and get high end sound.
There are many devices you can get right now to take advantage of this feature, the cheapest of which is 30 dollars. HiFimeDIY Sabre Android DAC This one is made to work with android but it should work with BB10 devices. It sounds better than a lot of sets that are 100-200 range.
Also, I am not sure if the Q5 has OTG capability, does it? It sucks how BBRY limited it to only Z30 and onward phones :/greenpoise likes this.04-12-15 02:58 PMLike 1 - Sorry, I realize that my post is confusing without accompanying pictures, will add them tonight for sure. The thing is though, I am not sure if you can do that straight to an amp only. The Fiio is an AMP and a DAC. So I am bypassing the audio chip inside the phone completely and routing it to the Fiio.
As for comparison of the signal, this is based on the Fiio E17 that I am using. Before Is connected the E17 via the 3.5 port on my Z30. Comparing the 3.5 headphone port and USB, my headphone sounds a lot better. The bass doesn't sound muddy, sound is nicely balanced and soundstage is much better. I was thinking of picking up an extra DAP or music player but with this, I can just get a really dope amp/dac and get high end sound.
There are many devices you can get right now to take advantage of this feature, the cheapest of which is 30 dollars. HiFimeDIY Sabre Android DAC This one is made to work with android but it should work with BB10 devices. It sounds better than a lot of sets that are 100-200 range.
Also, I am not sure if the Q5 has OTG capability, does it? It sucks how BBRY limited it to only Z30 and onward phones :/
Posted via CB1004-12-15 04:48 PMLike 0 - Awesome to know! I run my laptop to DAC via usb, I had no idea this could be done by phone, I thought you needed windows drivers.
Posted via CB10vegetto_456 likes this.04-12-15 05:09 PMLike 1 - The Q5 doesn't have the USB otg capability unfortunately, but your headphone out to amp I'm sure is great. If it had USB otg you could get a separate amp and digital analog converter (dac) of higher quality that comes on the phone.
At that point you really need premium quality recordings and a good head set to make a difference which to most people would be subtle.
In my opinion of course.
Comment was in response to greenpoise
Posted via CB1004-12-15 05:16 PMLike 0 - Originally Posted by [email protected]Awesome to know! I run my laptop to DAC via usb, I had no idea this could be done by phone, I thought you needed windows drivers.
Posted via CB10
The Q5 doesn't have the USB otg capability unfortunately, but your headphone out to amp I'm sure is great. If it had USB otg you could get a separate amp and digital analog converter (dac) of higher quality that comes on the phone.
At that point you really need premium quality recordings and a good head set to make a difference which to most people would be subtle.
In my opinion of course.
Comment was in response to greenpoise
Posted via CB10
But it wont make a difference with earbuds that came with the phone, for sure. You would need decent in ears to be able to tell a difference.04-13-15 02:00 AMLike 0 - I didn't know iPhone supports USB OTG. What your are describing it just USB OTG isn't it? Z30 and Passport supports it so should work as long as the DAC supports it.04-13-15 03:54 AMLike 0
- What difference would it make putting the headphones in a USB to 3.5mm jack vs the actual 3.5mm jack?04-13-15 04:22 AMLike 0
- Besides, USB digital audio out, can't you also use HDMI or Bluetooth aptX to output high quality digital audio untouched by the phone's internal DAC?
http://www.csr.com/products/60/aptx
Posted via CB1004-13-15 04:28 AMLike 0 - Yup like that, but in this case you don't need something proprietary like the apple camera connection kit cable
Besides, USB digital audio out, can't you also use HDMI or Bluetooth aptX to output high quality digital audio untouched by the phone's internal DAC?
Bluetooth isn't as good as wired connections in my experience. And not many of the portable amplifiers and dacs support HDMI input, and I am not sure if the HMDI is bypassing the internal dac, but that would be cool
aptX� High Quality Bluetooth Music Audio Codec
Posted via CB1004-13-15 08:05 AMLike 0 - Neat. Thanks for the link. Maybe I will get one. Although the internal speakers of my passport is more than enough usually. I don't attach headset to my PP except for BT.
You headset cost more than my phone. Not sure I would spend 700$ on a pair of in ear.04-13-15 08:09 AMLike 0 - I bought a Micro USB to 3.5mm jack and it doesnt work.
Amazon.com: Universal Micro USB Interface to 3.5mm Plug Earphone Adapter (Black): Cell Phones & Accessories05-08-15 12:17 PMLike 0 - I bought a Micro USB to 3.5mm jack and it doesnt work.
Amazon.com: Universal Micro USB Interface to 3.5mm Plug Earphone Adapter (Black): Cell Phones & Accessories
I hope that helped.05-08-15 12:42 PMLike 0 - One feature that I always wished for onBB10 devices is the ability to have USB audio out, whereby the audio bypasses the internal audio chip of the phone and is routed out the micro USB port to an external headphone DAC/AMP. Some headphone need a lot of power to sound good so an amplifier is must and the audio chip in most phones besides the iPhone is inadequate for that task.
I am not sure if this is a new feature with 10.3.1 but today I tried using my Fiio E17 AMP/DAC attached to my Z30 Via a USB cable to an OTG Adapter plugged into my Z30 via the micro usb port. I honestly assumed it would not work. But when I tried to change the volume on the phone it said volume.output.usb Locked. I was like WAIT A MINUTE WHAT!!?
So I plugged in my headphones into the Fiio E17 and sure enough, audio was playing! This means that the Z30 is now a very high quality music player! Anyone can plug in an external supported headphone amp/dac and get killer audio quality!
My Sony XBA Z5 in ear headphone sounds like mud out of the headphone port on my Z30 but using the method above, it sounds perfect
Now I just have to get a smaller USB cable so I can avoid carrying around a mess of cables!
Just wanted to share this with my fellow BlackBerry users and I hope this helps someone! I am loving my Z30 more and more after the new update. Feels like a new phone.
Edit: Your phone must support OTG, so basically all phones Z30 and onwards. It stinks that they left it out of the Z10 and Q10 :/
Edit2: Sorry it took so long but here are pictures to better outline what I meant:
05-08-15 12:42 PMLike 0 - Oh no amps or anything, sorry, I just wanted to see if straight usb to headphone jack to headphones work.05-08-15 01:06 PMLike 0
- vegetto_456, Thanks for this info. Very cool stuff. I have two questions:
1) I would like to post about this on another BlackBerry site. Do you mind? I can credit you by your CB name but not the CB site.
2) Do you know if the digital stream is sent to the phone's DAC before going to Bluetooth? Or does it feed the digital stream direct to BT?
The USB to 3.5 converter needs to have a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) build in. The very inexpensive models use the computer processor to run a software DAC. They won't work on your phone because it doesn't have the app needed. The more expensive USB to DAC devices should work. Search Amazon for USB DAC.
This is the one: HiFimeDIY Sabre Android DAC
It was specifically made for phones so it won't draw too much power from the phone.
Also, @jrohland what amp/dac do you plan to use with it? Are you a headphone nut (like me :P) as well?05-08-15 01:18 PMLike 0 - I have same setup but with Passport and E17k and Momentum G1's.
Got myself a short OTG USB dongle and there are lots of short flat micro USB cables around.
Posted via CB1005-08-15 01:49 PMLike 0 -
Sweet setup! How are you liking the E17k? I had no idea about the USB audio out thing but boy does it make a difference. I ordered myself a Micro USM male to USB mini male short cable for 5 bucks online. Should cut down on the clutter by needing one cable.05-08-15 01:54 PMLike 0 - My audio files are FLAC and makes a big difference in audio.
This is now my favorite setup for listening to music on the go or laying on the couch and relaxing. Now the setup is portable enough to take on plane or long commutes in a bag.
This was one of my worries before deciding to jump from iPhone to Passport.
Posted via CB10Oshasat likes this.05-08-15 01:55 PMLike 1 - No worries Bluetooth headphones sound phenomenal these days thanks to aptx. Just out of curiosity, which other blackberry site is it if you don't mind me asking? I love reading other blackberry sites so it would be cool to check out other ones.
Sweet setup! How are you liking the E17k? I had no idea about the USB audio out thing but boy does it make a difference. I ordered myself a Micro USM male to USB mini male short cable for 5 bucks online. Should cut down on the clutter by needing one cable.
USB receiver now supports 96khz/32bit and dsd decoding.
Really great sound card for PC or Mac computer.
You can grab one of these short flat USB cables along with short OTG adapter.
http://m.aliexpress.com/item/2033304321.html
http://www.amazon.ca/StarTech-com-Mi...UvbUpU11622983
Posted via CB1005-08-15 02:02 PMLike 0 - My audio files are FLAC and makes a big difference in audio.
This is now my favorite setup for listening to music on the go or laying on the couch and relaxing. Now the setup is portable enough to take on plane or long commutes in a bag.
This was one of my worries before deciding to jump from iPhone to Passport.
Posted via CB10
Yes, it definitely makes a difference. Its such a sweet portable setup. The best part is, using file manager, I can access my whole music library on my laptop without having to use the cloud.
Do you use the neutron music player app? It has fantastic audio quality and it has a great engine that you can tweak. I run it on its highest setting and for 64 bit engine. best music player imo
The E17K is nice just added jog dial and a bit slimmer.
USB receiver now supports 96khz/32bit and dsd decoding.
Really great sound card for PC or Mac computer.
You can grab one of these short flat USB cables along with short OTG adapter.
Online Shop 2PCS 22CM Magnet Flat Short 5Pin Micro USB Data Charger Cable Cord For Samsung HTC LG sK1oFm|Aliexpress Mobile
http://www.amazon.ca/StarTech-com-Mi...UvbUpU11623003
Posted via CB10
I heard good things about the E17k, definitely one of the better devices for the money. I ended up getting this cable: https://usb.brando.com/mini-b-5-pin-...c0032d015.html
$8 USD with shipping to canada so its a sweet deal.05-08-15 02:08 PMLike 0 - Yes, it definitely makes a difference. Its such a sweet portable setup. The best part is, using file manager, I can access my whole music library on my laptop without having to use the cloud.
Do you use the neutron music player app? It has fantastic audio quality and it has a great engine that you can tweak. I run it on its highest setting and for 64 bit engine. best music player imo
I heard good things about the E17k, definitely one of the better devices for the money. I ended up getting this cable: https://usb.brando.com/mini-b-5-pin-...c0032d015.html
$8 USD with shipping to canada so its a sweet deal.
Posted via CB1005-08-15 02:13 PMLike 0
- Forum
- Popular at CrackBerry
- General BlackBerry News, Discussion & Rumors
For the audiophiles or Music Lovers Amongs us: USB AUDIO OUT works!!!
« BlackBerry ponders BlackBerry 10: National Post article
|
Anyone else's whatsapp is saying "no soup for you!"? »
Similar Threads
-
Need Client For FB messenger
By Morfiq in forum BlackBerry 10 AppsReplies: 10Last Post: 06-16-15, 05:05 AM -
Andriod app is not working
By Ajay Sagwal in forum Ask a QuestionReplies: 2Last Post: 04-12-15, 10:40 PM -
How to sync music to BB Passport?
By Stuart S in forum BlackBerry PassportReplies: 3Last Post: 04-12-15, 05:19 PM -
Why doesn't my sms work after 10.3 update on Z30?
By playzoutside in forum BlackBerry Z30Replies: 7Last Post: 04-12-15, 04:12 PM -
How can I delete or read email from Web server and sync with my Hub?
By phantomenix in forum BlackBerry 10 OSReplies: 2Last Post: 04-12-15, 11:02 AM
LINK TO POST COPIED TO CLIPBOARD