[john61ct]

That is bizarre. I wonder if the USB-C standard even allows it. They cut cost by leaving out some wires.

That can't be why!

Maybe cuts down on jitter etc interference, cleaner signal if you're only doing USB Audio out, no return mic signal?

 

[Nolbert0]

It sounds like it's a usb2 otg cable with type c connectors. Otg cables has always been one directional.

 

[john61ct]

It sounds like it's a usb2 otg cable with type c connectors. Otg cables has always been one directional.

Really? What about USB DACs like Schiit HEL that support the two-way microphone comms required for phone headsets?

 

[ClieOS]

Really? What about USB DACs like Schiit HEL that support the two-way microphone comms required for phone headsets?

Not the same thing.

OTG cable is the result of smartphone that doesn't quite have the full USB driver that a full OS will have. So an OTG cable is internally wired slightly different in order to trigger the host device into host mode. PC on the other hand just use software to detect whatever USB device it is connected to. Normally type-C implementation should have made OTG a thing of the past, but unfortunately smartphone OS haven't quite catch up yet.

 

[john61ct]

Sorry, I don't follow.

Are you saying that

Schiit HEL's microphone integration (USB DAC mode only) cannot be made to work with Android?

Or that it will work with some newer Android phones that do not require OTG but can work with normal USB cables?

Or that OTG can be two-way?

OTG cable is the result of smartphone that doesn't quite have the full USB driver that a full OS will have. So an OTG cable is internally wired slightly different in order to trigger the host device into host mode.

 

[ClieOS]

Sorry, I don't follow.

Are you saying that

Schiit HEL's microphone integration (USB DAC mode only) cannot be made to work with Android?

Or that it will work with some newer Android phones that do not require OTG but can work with normal USB cables?

Or that OTG can be two-way?

HEL's microphone does not rely on its USB DAC but on its ADC - whether it will work depends on whether your smartphone's OS has the relevant USB ADC (mic) driver built in or not. But IIRC, Android does include the generic driver for USB mic. As long as HEL ADC is compatible with generic driver, you should be OK.

OTG on the other hand is more about whether a specific device can be powered by the smartphone or not. If the slave device is fully self-powered, OTG cable might not be needed if the receiver chip is configured correctly.

 

[john61ct]

HEL's microphone does not rely on its USB DAC but on its ADC

What I meant was, between the two HEL input modes, analog line in, and USB DAC, the microphone input is only enabled with the latter. Schiit failed to include a pass-through function for say a TRRS plug, their mic preamp/ADC functionality get disabled completely when you switch to analog input.

HEL does use USB for power, but Schiit recommends using a separate hub or wall wart since it really needs a full 2.1A of current.

I cannot find any confirmation that the HEL 2-way USB comms will work with Android.

From Schiit's website:

Digital: You can connect our DACs to many Android devices using a USB On The Go cable. Devices that shipped with Android M or N stock probably won't need additional player software, but earlier devices may need USB Audio Player Pro to play music. Some Android devices will need to be connected through a USB powered hub, since they cannot supply enough power to run the DAC.

_______
So, I infer from what you say, that yes it is true OTG means one-way only. Please someone confirm this explicitly.

If true, then as you say, HEL working with an Android device, would depend on the latter's ability to do USB Audio via a regular USB cable, not requiring OTG.

I have never heard of such a phone myself, so am pessimistic about HEL's microphone support working with Android smartphones.

I've sent an email to Schiit support, but with the holiday weekend. . .

 

[Pro-Jules]

Ordered one from a dealer on eBay in Poland. Should be here with me in the UK later this week.

 

[john61ct]

Marek Raczyński
AudioHeaven.eu
info@audioheaven.eu

Plenty of units currently in stock, seems very responsive

$125 to the US including UPS express shipping and full insurance

Besides Qudelix, also exclusive dealer in Poland for

iBasso, Dekoni, Spinfit, xDuoo, Oriolus, Moondrop, SatinAudio, VENTION, Dunu, TinHifi, HELM Audio, Fidue, VJJB, Miter, Earstudio, Anew, Sonicast, VE

 

[rkw]

Or that OTG can be two-way?

Absolutely. Such as connecting on OTG to an external storage device.

 

[john61ct]

Whew, thanks!

 

[rkw]

Otg cables has always been one directional.

USB (whether OTG or not) requires a two-way protocol between master and slave. Of course while streaming audio, the data will be moving primarily in one direction, but on USB you cannot simply push data out like SPDIF.

 

[john61ct]

Thank you for clearing that up!

 

[letlive]

I'm planing to use the 5K in USB mode. Does EQ works in the USB mode? And does it have a self-powered mode like the ES100 (not charging in USB mode)?

 

[ClieOS]

I can confirm that EQ will work on USB DAC mode. You can use Qudelix app on your smartphone to change the EQ even in USB DAC mdoe.