Berkeley Alpha USB Series 2
The highest possible audio quality from computer and music server audio sources.
Introducing The Alpha USB Series 2
- 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
- Unbalanced analog output level: 3.25Vrms maximum, 2Vrms or lower recommended
- Digital volume & balance control: 0.1dB/step with .05dB/step L/R gain trim, 60dB range
- Frequency response at ≥ 88.2kHz sampling rates: ± 0.1dB from < 0.1Hz to 35 kHz, – 3dB at 59kHz for 176.4kHz and 192kHz sampling rates
- Distortion at recommended levels: all products ≤ -120dBFS
- THD+N at maximum level: < -110dBFS
- Firmware is upgradeable through signal inputs
- Enclosure dimensions: 2.3”H X 16.7”W x 10.6”D
- Weight: 11.6 lbs.
- Mains power: 100/120/240VAC, 50/60Hz
- Power consumption: 25W
Berkeley Alpha USB Series 2
Product Highlights
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.
Berkeley Alpha USB
Controls & Indicators
- Output Select: switch selects SPDIF or AES type outputs
- Status LED: Green indicates USB Lock, Amber indicates Standby
Request an Audition
Hear the Berkeley Alpha USB Series 2. Request your audition today!
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Call us at (703) 532-7239, e-mail us at info@commandav.com, or use the form below. We are committed to a no-pressure environment and to providing the very best in customer service before and after you make your choice. We look forward to seeing you!