Schematic Reference

Symmetric Output for USB Audio DAC

This simple adapter circuit is specially intended for use with the USB Audio DAC published in this website elsewhere. With an easily implemented modification, it is possible to make the output of the D/A converter pseudo-symmetric, so that it can be connected to professional equipment having XLR line inputs. This will do even more justice to the high quality of the USB Audio DAC. The modification actually amounts to just adding a single resistor (R11a) and changing the value of the existing resistor at the output of the audio DAC (R11) from 100 Ωto 68Ω. Components C14 and R12 remain unchanged. It is not difficult to make this change on the printed circuit board of the audio DAC, but a bit of improvisation is necessary. After replacing R11 with a 68-Ω version, unsolder R12 and connect R11a in series with it. Bring out the junction of these two resistors to act as the signal return connection (pin 3 of the XLR socket). The same operation must also be carried out on the right channel, where the affected resistors are labelled R16, R16a and R17.