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USB DACs, or digital-to-analog converters, have become an important factor in determining the quality of gaming audio. While many gamers might not think that this component is necessary for a great gaming experience, those who have tried using a USB DAC can attest to the difference it makes. Here are 10 of the best USB DACs for gaming, each with its own set of features and benefits that will appeal to different types of gamers.
What is a USB DAC?
A USB DAC is a digital-to-analog converter that takes a digital signal and converts it into an analog signal. This is useful for gamers who want to improve the audio quality of their games.
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While most gaming headsets come with built-in DACs, they are often of lower quality than dedicated USB DACs.
What are the Benefits of Using a USB DAC for Gaming?
USB DACs offer a number of benefits for gamers, including:
– Improved audio quality: USB DACs can provide significantly better audio quality than onboard sound cards.
– Increased compatibility: USB DACs are often more compatible with a wider range of devices, including consoles and mobile devices.
– More features: USB DACs often come with a range of features that can be beneficial for gamers, such as EQ presets and surround sound support.
– Easy to set up: USB DACs are typically very easy to set up and use.
The 10 best USB DACs for gaming in 2022
Mayflower Electronics Objective 2 Amplifier + ODAC – Best USB Gaming DAC
Best USB Gaming DAC with Gaming Options
The Mayflower Electronics Objective 2 Amplifier + ODAC is a great option for gamers who are looking for a high-quality USB DAC. It offers a great combination of features and performance, making it one of the best USB DACs on the market.
Some of the key features of the Mayflower Electronics Objective 2 Amplifier + ODAC include:
– A high-quality amplifier that can drive high-impedance headphones
– A great sounding DAC that can improve the sound quality of your games on Twitch
– A compact and portable design that makes it easy to take with you on the go
– A reasonable price that makes it a great value for the money
If you’re looking for a great USB DAC for gaming, the Mayflower Electronics Objective 2 Amplifier + ODAC is a great option to consider.
SoundBlaster X6 – Best Value
Sound BlasterX G6 Hi-Res 130dB 32bit/384kHz Gaming DAC, External USB Sound Card with Xamp Headphone Amp, Dolby Digital, 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound, Sidetone/Speaker Control for PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo
Best Value
If you’re looking for a great USB DAC for gaming, the SoundBlaster X6 is a great option. It’s one of the most popular options on the market, and for good reason – it’s a great performer. It’s got a lot of features, including:
– support for 7.1 surround sound
– support for high-resolution audio
– great sound quality
The only downside of the sound blaster is the sound signature can be a bit fatiguing and the build quality, but if you’re looking for the best gaming dac, it’s definitely worth the investment.
Chord Electronics Hugo 2 – Best High End DAC Audio Quality
Best High End DAC Audio Quality
Chord Electronics’ Hugo 2 is one of the best high-end DACs you can buy. It’s a great option for gamers who want the incredible audio quality in their gaming headset.
It supports up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256, and has a wide range of inputs and outputs. It also has a very low noise floor and a very low jitter. Featuring a variety of input and output modes for everything from stereo systems to gaming consoles and your gaming pc, compatibility will not be an issue.
The price is the main drawback in this audiophile DAC and it can be a bit overkill if using only for gaming.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 – Best DAC for Streamers
Best DAC / Audio Interface for Streamers
If you’re looking for the best USB DAC for gaming in 2022, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a great option. It’s a great choice for streamers because it offers excellent sound quality, low latency, and is easy to use. Plus, it’s affordable and has a wide range of features.
Add a quality microphone for streaming and all of your audio needs will be well met with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.
Schiit Modi 3 DAC – Best Price to Sound Quality Value
Best Price to Sound Quality Value
The Schiit Modi 3 DAC is our top pick for the best USB DAC for gaming in 2022. It offers great value for its price, with excellent sound quality that rivals more expensive DACs. It’s also one of the simplest DACs to set up and use, making it a great choice for gamers who are new to the world of high-quality audio.
AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt – Best Portable DAC
AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt USB Digital-to-Analog Converter
Best Portable DAC
The AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt is the best portable DAC for gaming. It is a small, lightweight, and affordable option that provides great sound quality.
The Cobalt has a USB Type-C connector and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack and comes with a carrying case.
AudioQuest DragonFly v1.5 USB DAC – Best Budget Portable / Laptop Gaming DAC
Best Budget Portable / Laptop Gaming DAC
The AudioQuest DragonFly v1.5 is one of the best USB DACs for gaming and it is also very budget friendly. This DAC is great for portable and laptop gaming as it is very small and lightweight. It also has a great sound quality and it is very easy to use.
For the price, the sound quality of the AudioQuest DragonFly v1.5 is very good and it offers a great value for its price. The treble and mids are spot on and the bass makes explosions in the game audio sound great.
Chord Electronics Mojo 2 – Best DAC Headphone Amplifier Combo
Best DAC Headphone Amplifier Combo
Chord Electronics Mojo is one of the best DAC/amp combos for gaming. It’s a great choice for gamers who want high-quality sound without breaking the bank. The Mojo offers excellent value for money, delivering great sound quality and plenty of features. It’s also easy to set up and use, making it a great choice for gamers who are new to DACs.
When testing the headphone amp against high impendence headphones such as the Sennheiser HD650, the Mojo delivered clean and powerful sound. There was no hissing or distortion, even at high volumes.
Sennheiser GSX 1000 Gaming DAC – Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
The Sennheiser GSX 1000 is one of the best USB DACs for gaming and is ideal for gamers who want to improve their audio experience. It features 7.1 surround sound, a noise-cancelling microphone, and advanced EQ controls. It also has a built-in headphone amplifier for high-quality sound.
The only drawback keeping this being one of our top rated external USB sound card was the fact that the surround sound needs manually setup. The process is cumbersome and not very user-friendly. If you take the time to properly set it up though, the results are high quality audio produced from this dedicated dac.
S.M.S.L SU-9 – Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
The S.M.S.L SU-9 is a great USB DAC for gaming. It has a great design and is very user-friendly. The sound quality is excellent, and it has a lot of features that make it great for gaming. It is also very affordable, making it a great option for gamers on a budget.
The measurements of the SMSL SU-9 were all very good. The frequency response was flat and extended, and the THD+N was very low (source).
Why Do You Need a Gaming DAC Amp?
A DAC, or digital-to-analog converter, is a device that converts digital audio data into an analog signal that can be amplified and sent to speakers. A DAC is a necessity for any PC gamer who wants to get the most out of their audio. While most motherboards come with a built-in DAC, these are usually of poor quality and can result in subpar audio. A good DAC can make a huge difference in your gaming experience, providing better sound quality and immersion.
There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a DAC, such as sample rate, bit depth, and impedance. The sample rate is the number of times per second that the DAC converts the digital audio data into an analog signal. The higher the sample rate, the better the sound quality. The bit depth is the number of bits of data that the DAC can process. The higher the bit depth, the better the sound quality. Impedance is the measure of the resistance of the DAC to the flow of current. The lower the impedance, the better the sound quality.
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When choosing a DAC, it is important to find one that is compatible with your PC. Most DACs will work with any PC, but some are designed specifically for gaming PCs. It is also important to find a DAC that is compatible with your speakers. Most DACs will work with any speakers, but some are designed specifically for gaming headsets.
Once you have found a compatible DAC, the next step is to install it. Most DACs will come with instructions on how to do this. If you are not sure how to install the DAC, you can ask a friend or family member for help.
Once the DAC is installed, you will need to connect it to your PC. Most DACs will come with a USB cable that you can use to connect the DAC to your PC. If you are not sure how to connect the DAC, you can ask a friend or family member for help.
After the DAC is connected to your PC, you will need to configure it. Most DACs will come with instructions on how to do this. If you are not sure how to configure the DAC, you can ask a friend or family member for help.
After the DAC is configured, you will need to test it. Most DACs will come with instructions on how to do this. If you are not sure how to test the DAC, you can ask a friend or family member for help.
How do I choose the right USB DAC for gaming?
When choosing a USB DAC for gaming, you’ll want to consider the following factors:
Sound Quality
USB DACs are becoming increasingly popular for gamers who want to improve the sound quality of their gaming experience. USB DACs (digital-to-analog converters) take the digital audio signal from your computer and convert it to an analog signal that can be amplified and played through speakers or headphones.
This can result in a significant improvement in sound quality, particularly if you are using high-quality headphones or speakers with a high quality dac. USB DACs can be used for other purposes as well, such as watching movies or listening to music, but they are particularly well-suited for gaming. If you are looking to improve the sound quality of your gaming experience, a USB DAC is an excellent option.
Compatibility
The DAC should be compatible with your gaming setup. It should have the right inputs and outputs for your needs. Additionally, it should work with your operating system and any other software you use.
Not all USB DACs are created equal, and compatibility can be an issue. Some USB DACs are only compatible with certain types of headsets, while others may not work with certain motherboards or sound cards. As a result, it’s important to do your research before buying a USB DAC to make sure it will be compatible with your gaming setup.
Ease of Use
The DAC should be easy to set up and use. The controls should be intuitive and easy to access. Additionally, the DAC should be easy to transport and store.
Price
The DAC should be affordable. It doesn’t need to be the cheapest option, but it shouldn’t break the bank either.
Features of the Best USB DACs for Gaming
The best USB DACs for gaming will offer the following features:
Output voltage
Output voltage is one of the most important features to consider when choosing a USB DAC for gaming. The output voltage of a Amp determines how loud the audio will be. A higher output voltage means louder audio. Most gaming headsets require a DAC with an output voltage of at least 3 volts.
Sound quality
When it comes to choosing a USB DAC for gaming, one of the most important factors to consider is sound quality. A good DAC will provide you with clear, crisp sound that immerses you in your game.
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Look for a DAC with a high bitrate and sample rate for the best sound quality. Another important factor to consider is compatibility. Make sure that the DAC you choose is compatible with your gaming console or PC.
Sample rate
When looking for a USB DAC for gaming, one of the most important factors to consider is the sample rate. The sample rate is the number of times per second that the DAC converts the digital signal into an analog signal. The higher the sample rate, the better the sound quality will be. Most gaming DACs have a sample rate of 48kHz, which is more than enough for most gamers.
Codecs
There are a few important features to look for when shopping for the best USB DAC for gaming. Firstly, make sure that the DAC supports the right codecs for your needs.
The most popular codecs used in gaming are Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, so you’ll want to make sure your DAC supports those. Secondly, look for a DAC with a high bitrate. The higher the bitrate, the better the sound quality will be.
Finally, make sure the DAC has a low latency. A low latency will mean that there will be no lag between the sound and the action on the screen.
What is a Headphone Amp and DAC?
How do Headphone Amps and DACs Work?
A headphone amplifier (amp) is a device that takes the audio signal from your music source and increases its voltage. This gives you a louder, clearer sound.
A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) converts digital audio signals into analog signals. This allows you to listen to digital music files with your headphones.
Important Terms, Explained
Impedance
Impedance is a measure of opposition to the flow of alternating current (AC) in an electrical circuit. It is a combination of resistance, capacitance, and inductance. The higher the impedance, the more the opposition to current flow.
Sensitivity (Efficiency)
Sensitivity is a measure of how much electrical current is required to produce a given sound pressure level (SPL). The higher the sensitivity, the less current is required. Sensitivity is also known as efficiency.
Frequency Response
Frequency response is the range of frequencies that a device can reproduce. The human ear can hear frequencies between 20 Hz and 20 kHz.
Bit Depth
Bit depth is the number of bits of information in each sample. The higher the bit depth, the better the sound quality will be.
Sample Rate
Sample rate is the number of times per second that a digital audio signal is sampled. The higher the sample rate, the better the sound quality will be.
What to Look for When Shopping for a Headphone Amp or DAC
When shopping for a headphone amp or DAC, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
Firstly, make sure that the device is compatible with your music source. Secondly, pay attention to the specifications of the device.
Make sure that it has a high enough power output for your needs and that it has the right connections for your headphones. Finally, take a look at online reviews to get an idea of how well the device performs in real-world situations.
Wrapping Up
We hope this guide has helped you learn more about USB DACs for gaming and how to choose the right one for your needs. When shopping for a DAC, make sure to keep in mind the sample rate, bit depth, and sensitivity. Also, be sure to check reviews to get an idea of how well the device performs in real-world situations. Thanks for reading!