The New Alpha USB Series 2

“The Berkeley Audio Design Alpha USB is a breakthrough product that not only overcomes the limitations of the USB interface, but provides a state-of-the-art method of getting audio out of a computer.”

—Robert Harley, The Absolute Sound, Issue 214

“After four months using the Alpha USB, in combination with the Alpha DAC Series 2, I'm continually astonished by its level of performance. In fact, the Alpha USB is so good I've yet to hear a better digital interface. Period.”

—Chris Connaker, The Computer Audiophile, March 2012

 
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Product Highlights

Introducing the Alpha USB Series 2

The Alpha USB Series 2 is a noise isolating, reclocking digital audio interface with asynchronous USB 2.0 High Speed Audio input software optimized to connect to modern streamer/servers with a USB 2.0 High Speed Audio output.

The Alpha USB Series 2 builds on the strengths of the Alpha USB with new proprietary USB 2.0 High Speed Audio input software optimized for modern high speed, low latency USB 2.0 High Speed Audio drivers. The result is very significantly improved audio quality.

The Alpha USB Series 2 has a USB 2.0 High Speed Audio input data connection and a switch selectable output signal type – either coaxial SPDIF using a 75Ω BNC connector or balanced AES using an XLR connector. Sampling rates up to 192kHz and word lengths up to 24-bit are supported. 

Great care was taken in the design of the Alpha USB Series 2 to isolate streamer/server noise on the USB input from the AES/SPDIF digital audio output. The USB input receiver and processor are powered by the USB input source, while the AES/SPDIF digital audio output master clocks and line drivers are powered by a separate isolated linear power supply. There is also no DC connection and a very high degree of capacitive and inductive isolation between the USB input and the AES/SPDIF digital audio output.

Three key factors combine to achieve the unmatched audio performance of the Alpha USB Series 2; new high speed, low latency input software, an unprecedented degree of electrical isolation between the USB input and the AES/SPDIF digital audio output and very low phase noise/low jitter individually tested audio output master clocks.  

The Alpha USB Series 2 is designed to work with modern Linux based music servers and Apple Macintosh and Windows PC computers. For Linux, the operating system must be ALSA 1.0.23 or above and also have the ability to select the output device. Apple computers using Snow Leopard or later operating systems interface directly with the Alpha USB Series 2 as do PC’s using Microsoft Windows 10 release 1703 and above.

A User Guide and 6’ power cord are included with the Alpha USB Series 2. 

 
 

Controls & Indicators

  • Output Select: switch selects SPDIF or AES type outputs

  • Status LED: Green indicates USB Lock, Amber indicates Standby

Specifications

  • Input: USB Audio 2.0 Standard asynchronous connection, type B receptacle

  • Outputs: switch selectable, coaxial SPDIF on 75Ω BNC connector or balanced AES on 110Ω XLR connector

  • Supported sampling rates: 44.1kHz to 192kHz

  • Supported word lengths: up to 24-bit

  • Supported operating systems: Apple, Windows and Linux

  • Enclosure dimensions: 2.3”H X 10.5”W x 5”D, 2.55”H including feet

  • Weight: 2.5 lbs.

  • Mains power: 100/120/240VAC, 50/60Hz, IEC power input connector

  • Power consumption: 3W, designed for continuous operation