Enable USB audio on any Android 4.0 smartphone/tablet

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic. Read 68636 times.

DanBa

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 50
If you want the USB audio enabled on any Android 4.0 device via official firmware/kernel, please vote (aka star) here:
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=24614

Star: Vote by clicking on the star



According to Android 3.1 specifications, Android 4.0 devices could support the USB audio feature, i.e. Android 4.0 devices and USB_CLASS_AUDIO compliant devices like standard USB DAC could interoperate:
http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/usb/index.html
http://developer.android.com/reference/and...bConstants.html

USB_CLASS_AUDIO compliant devices like standard USB DAC don’t need a special USB device driver.  Instead, they use an operating system standard driver. 
The Android standard USB audio driver is the generic USB Audio Driver for ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture).
And the latest Android 4.0 includes “card.c“, the USB Audio Driver for ALSA which should be compliant with USB audio class 2 devices allowing for 24 bits / 192 kHz.
https://bitbucket.org/paulobrien/android_ke...ound/usb/card.c



Android relies on Linux version 2.6 for core system services such as security, memory management, process management, network stack, and driver model. The Linux kernel also acts as an abstraction layer between the hardware and the rest of the software stack.
Thus Android handles all the things that Linux is really good at such as a vast array of device drivers, which take the pain out of interfacing to peripheral hardware.


The official Android with USB audio enabled should be used by most people, who don’t want to mod their device.

A die-hard audiophile minority should likely use audio-optimized Android kernels modded by some kernel modders.

"An interesting example is the HRT music streamer II, it IS asynchronous USB, but it is still very sensitive to what happens in the computer. On the SAME COMPUTER I can make simple changes to OS scheduling parameters and get a huge difference in the sound. At one end of the scale it’s dull, lifeless, no depth at all, at the other end of the scale it is wonderfully alive, dynamic, huge depth etc. And all this by just changing a few numbers, NO change in hardware at all."
http://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.pl?forum=pcaudio&n=101397

For example, an underclocked kernel should be better than a normal kernel to provide a lesser jittered digital audio stream to a USB DAC, because the USB transmission clock is less polluted by electric and electromagnetic interferences generated by different processors.

Android kernel modders have already enabled the USB audio feature on Nook Color tablets which are powered by Android 2.3 Gingerbread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.p...3&postcount=587



A list of standard USB DAC reportedly interworking with the Android-powered smartphone Samsung Galaxy Note II:

stock Galaxy Note II > digital USB audio out >> USB OTG cable (micro-A plug inserted in the Note II) >> standard USB DAC >> amp >> headphones

. FiiO E7 (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.headfonia.com/fiio-e7-portable-dac/
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/480#post_8771744

. GoVibe Magnum (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.head-fi.org/t/324577/review-govibe-magnum-usb-dac-amp
http://www.head-fi.org/t/633201/confirmed-list-of-usb-dacs-for-the-galaxy-s3-international-us-or-note-2#post_8809248

. HeadAmp Pico (USB DAC/amp): (via USB 2.0 hub)
http://www.headamp.com/pico/pico_dac_amp/index.htm
http://www.head-fi.org/t/625054/samsung-galaxy-note-2/30#post_8774905

. Headstage Lyrix Pro USB total (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.headphonia.com/Amps/Headstage-Lyrix-Pro-USB-total::10071.html
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/795#post_8854850

. iBasso D12 (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.ibasso.com/en/products/show.asp?ID=63
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/405#post_8750862

. Leckerton UHA-6S MKII (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.leckertonaudio.com/products/uha-6s-mkii/
http://www.head-fi.org/t/625054/samsung-galaxy-note-2/30#post_8777791

. MyST 1866 PortaDAC (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.musicaacoustics.com/wp/amplifiers/myst-1866/
http://player.ru/showthread.php?t=74459&page=34&p=1084707&viewfull=1#post1084707

. Objective DAC (ODAC):
http://epiphany-acoustics.co.uk/our-products/e-dac-24bit-miniature-usb-dac/
http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=46
http://www.headnhifi.com/index.php/shop/objective/odac
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/435#post_8758515

. ODAC+O2 (USB DAC/amp):
http://epiphany-acoustics.co.uk/our-products/ehp-o2d-miniature-desktop-headphone-amplifier-with-usb-dac/
http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=48
http://www.headnhifi.com/index.php/shop/objective/o2120527192048
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/435#post_8758515

. RSA Intruder (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.raysamuelsaudio.com/products/intruder
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/660#post_8819856

. Sony PHA-1 (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.touchmyapps.com/2012/10/09/sony-pha-1-idevice-dac-and-headphone-amp-in-review/
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/465#post_8769593

. VentureCraft Go-Dap X (USB DAC/amp):
http://venturecraft.jp/gadget_en/index.php
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/465#post_8769593


So far, like the quad-core Exynos powered Galaxy S III, the new quad-core Exynos powered Samsung Galaxy Note II can work with the FiiO E7, the iBasso D12, Leckerton UHA-6S MKII, the ODAC and the VentureCraft Go-Dap X; has some issue with the HeadAmp Pico; and doesn’t work with the FiiO E17.

So, in regard to standard USB audio, the behaviour of the Galaxy Note II is likely identical to the behaviour of the Galaxy SIII.


A list of standard USB DAC reportedly interworking with the Android-powered smartphone Samsung Galaxy S III:

stock Samsung Galaxy S III > digital USB audio out >> USB OTG cable (micro-A plug inserted in the S III) >> standard USB DAC >> amp >> headphones

. AMB Gamma 1:
http://www.amb.org/audio/gamma1/
http://www.head-fi.org/t/608535/wolfson-dac-confirmed-for-galaxy-s3/780#post_8750043

. AMB Gamma 2:
http://www.amb.org/audio/gamma2/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=27247705&postcount=279

. Apex Glacier (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.ttvjaudio.com/Apex_High_Fi_Audio_Glacier_portable_headphone_amp_p/aaa0000010.htm
http://www.head-fi.org/t/608535/wolfson-dac-confirmed-for-galaxy-s3/825#post_8776449

. Asus Xonar U3 (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.asus.com/Multimedia/Audio_Cards/Xonar_U3/
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/429589-Samsung-Galaxy-S3?p=8551119&viewfull=1#post8551119

. Behringer UCA202 (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/UCA202.aspx
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/240#post_8654226

. Behringer UCA222 (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.behringer.com/en/Products/UCA222.aspx
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/usb-audio-enabled-android-powered-samsung-galaxy-s-iii-12338/#post171651

. Beresford Caiman:
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/audio-visual/hi-fi-and-audio/hi-fi-accessories/beresford-caiman-673787/review
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/usb-audio-enabled-android-powered-samsung-galaxy-s-iii-12338/#post171651

. C-Media chipset-based sound card Dynamode 7 channel USB 2.0 (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.chinacomputerparts.com/d-p1140199199635616900-cables/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=27604946&postcount=449

. Cakewalk Sonar SPS 25:
https://www.cakewalk.com/support/kb/reader.aspx/2007013101
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/usb-audio-enabled-android-powered-samsung-galaxy-s-iii-12338/#post171651

. Corsair HS1 Gaming headset (USB DAC/amp/headphones):
http://www.anandtech.com/show/3989/corsair-hs1-gaming-headset
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=27238117#post27238117

. FiiO E7 (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.headfonia.com/fiio-e7-portable-dac/
http://www.androidnz.net/2012/07/galaxy-s-iii-real-user-review-part-2.html

. Furutech ADL Cruise (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.furutech.com/a2008/product2.asp?prodNo=399
http://www.head-fi.org/t/608535/wolfson-dac-confirmed-for-galaxy-s3/585#post_8567838

. GoVibe DAC:
http://jaben.net/forums/index.php?topic=2824.0
http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=2440879&st=500&p=53317360&#entry53317360

. GoVibe Mini USB DAC:
http://www.jaben.com.au/collections/go-vibe/products/govibe-minidac
http://www.head-fi.org/t/614111/finally-digital-out-for-galaxy-siii/15#post_8525675

. GoVibe Petite (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.head-fi.org/t/290711/govibe-petite-dac-amp-appreciation-thread-pics-little-update
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs-how-to-increase-the-issues-priority-with-google/195#post_8552452

. HRT HeadStreamer (USB DAC/amp):
http://highresolutiontechnologies.com/headstreamer
http://www.head-fi.org/t/608535/wolfson-dac-confirmed-for-galaxy-s3/750#post_8677483

. HRT Music Streamer II:
http://highresolutiontechnologies.com/music-streamer-ii
http://www.head-fi.org/t/608535/wolfson-dac-confirmed-for-galaxy-s3/465#post_8534856

. HeadAmp Pico (USB DAC/amp): (Exynos-based S III connected to Pico via USB 2.0 hub)
http://www.headamp.com/pico/pico_dac_amp/index.htm
http://www.head-fi.org/t/608535/wolfson-dac-confirmed-for-galaxy-s3/480#post_8539705
http://www.head-fi.org/t/608535/wolfson-dac-confirmed-for-galaxy-s3/750#post_8688938
http://www.head-fi.org/t/608535/wolfson-dac-confirmed-for-galaxy-s3/720#post_8638606

. HeadRoom Total BitHead (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.headphone.com/learning-center/bithead-faq.php
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs-how-to-increase-the-issues-priority-with-google/135#post_8527516

. HeadStage USB DAC cable:
http://www.inearmatters.net/2010/04/short-review-headstage-usb-dac-cable.html
http://www.headphiles.org/index.php/topic,4452.msg241979.html#msg241979

. HiFiMan Express HM-101:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/571330/hifiman-express-brand-and-hm-101-portable-usb-dac
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=27284184&postcount=291

. iBasso D-Zero (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.ibasso.com/en/products/show.asp?ID=73
http://neutronmp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=314&start=20#p1636

. iBasso D2 Boa (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.ibasso.com/en/products/show.asp?ID=30
http://www.head-fi.org/t/552014/pictures-of-your-portable-rig-part-xv/5535#post_8509186

. iBasso D2+ Boa (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.ibasso.com/en/products/show.asp?ID=42
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/usb-audio-enabled-android-powered-samsung-galaxy-s-iii-12338/#post171651

. iBasso D5 (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.head-fi.org/t/556490/ibasso-d5-hj-yet-another-usb-dac-amp
http://www.head-fi.org/t/614111/finally-digital-out-for-galaxy-siii#post_8462693

. iBasso D10 (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.ibasso.com/en/products/show.asp?ID=39
http://www.head-fi.org/t/628374/samsung-galaxy-s3-to-dac-usb-micro-b-male-to-mini-b-male#post_8735134

. iBasso D12 (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.ibasso.com/en/products/show.asp?ID=63
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=29069294&postcount=924

. iQube v2 (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.i-qube.nl/index.php?id=24
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=31207282&postcount=1268

. JH Audio JH-3A (USB DSP/DAC/amp/JH16 CIEM):
http://www.jhaudio.com/product/jh-3a-dsp-amp-jh16-pro-custom-ear-monitor
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/585#post_8799910

. Jabra GN 5035 (USB headset):
http://reviews.cnet.com/headsets/jabra-gn5035-headset/4505-13831_7-32462996.html
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=33203364&postcount=1368

. KingRex UD-01:
http://www.kingrex.co.uk/dac.html
https://www.facebook.com/headfonia/posts/352787358128700

. Leckerton UHA-4 (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.leckertonaudio.com/products/uha-4/
http://www.head-fi.org/t/536982/leckerton-audio-slimline-uha-4/1020#post_8773152

. Leckerton UHA-6S MKII (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.leckertonaudio.com/products/uha-6s-mkii/
http://www.head-fi.org/t/602493/new-leckerton-uha-6s-mkii-portable-headphone-amplifier-announced-update-user-impressions-added-july-20th-2012/435#post_8698006

. M-Audio Duo USB Audio Interface:
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct02/articles/maudio.asp
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/540#post_8788814

. Matrix Mini-i (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.headfonia.com/matrix-mini-i-balanced-dac/
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/465#post_8768166

. Meier Audio Cantate.2 (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.head-fi.org/products/meier-audio-corda-cantate-2
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/660#post_8820899

. Microsoft Philips Digital Sound System 80 (USB DAC/amp/speakers):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Sound_System_80
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1703218

. Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000 (USB headset):
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-au/p/lifechat-lx-3000/JUG-00003
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=32899845&postcount=1355

. MyST 1866 PortaDAC (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.head-fi.org/t/616889/myst-1866-bluetooth-optical-coaxial-usb-dac-headphone-amp-impressions-thread
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/795#post_8852573

. NuForce Icon HDP (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.nuforce.com/hp/products/iconhdp/index.php
http://www.head-fi.org/t/608535/wolfson-dac-confirmed-for-galaxy-s3/585#post_8567838

. NuForce Icon Mobile (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/nuforce10/mobile.html
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/435#post_8759826

. Objective DAC (ODAC):
http://epiphany-acoustics.co.uk/our-products/e-dac-24bit-miniature-usb-dac/
http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=46
http://www.headnhifi.com/index.php/shop/objective/odac
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/315#post_8707637

. ODAC+O2 (USB DAC/amp):
http://epiphany-acoustics.co.uk/our-products/ehp-o2d-miniature-desktop-headphone-amplifier-with-usb-dac/
http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=48
http://www.headnhifi.com/index.php/shop/objective/o2120527192048
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=410941392302962&id=164588276945555

. Ordnance .25 (USB DAC/amp):
http://jaben.net/forums/index.php?topic=9984.0
http://www.head-fi.org/t/614111/finally-digital-out-for-galaxy-siii#post_8462693

. RSA Intruder (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.raysamuelsaudio.com/products/intruder
http://www.head-fi.org/t/627080/new-balanced-portable-amp-from-rsa-w-dac/30#post_8781567

. RSA Predator (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.raysamuelsaudio.com/products/predator
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/150#post_8538933

. Stoner Acoustics UD100:
http://stoneracoustics.blogspot.fr/
http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=2452730&st=160&p=54596977&#entry54596977

. Syba SD-AUD20101:
http://www.sybausa.com/productInfo.php?iid=1191
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/375#post_8736082

. Topping D1 Mark 2 (USB DAC/amp):
http://bit.ly/PBMwsx
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=28673076&postcount=871

. Topping D2 (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.mightybigword.com/tnt/2012/03/topping-d2-dac-review/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=32920194&postcount=1357

. Topping TP30 (USB DAC/amp):
http://news.cnet.com/8300-5_3-0.html?keyword=Topping+TP-30
http://www.androidnz.net/2012/05/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-usb-audio.html

. VentureCraft Go-Dap X (USB DAC/amp):
http://venturecraft.jp/gadget_jp/gdx.php
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/315#post_8708233

. xDuoo XP-1 (USB DAC/amp):
http://bit.ly/UYfTGB
http://bit.ly/Yda7jf
« Last Edit: 10 Nov 2012, 01:07 pm by DanBa »

DanBa

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 50
Re: Enable USB audio on any Android 4.0 smartphone/tablet
« Reply #1 on: 13 Feb 2012, 03:32 pm »
Thank you for your votes!

The USB audio request is currently ranked 50, and there are 17550 requests.
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=24614&sort=-stars&colspec=ID%20Type%20Status%20Owner%20Summary%20Stars

In fact, it is ranked in top 10 of less than one year old requests.

DanBa

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 50
Re: Enable USB audio on any Android 4.0 smartphone/tablet
« Reply #2 on: 18 May 2012, 12:05 am »
USB audio is enabled on Texas Instruments Blaze tablet, which is targeted at developers.
http://omappedia.org/wiki/USB_on_Blaze_Tablet_with_ICS
http://www.svtronics.com/products/5-blaze-tablet-1-development-platform

"The two HS USB ports are the standard High Speed Host ports and are used for connecting devices like Mouse, Keyboard, USB stick, Camera, USB audio Headset/speakers etc. Also, many customers use the EHCI interface for Modem Connection. If you connect a camera to this port, you can browse the pics on the SD card in camera in the gallery using the PTP daemon in ICS. Also, you can connect USB Headset or speakers and play audio over USB."

"On Blaze if you plug in a USB audio device, all audio will be routed to the device."
http://music.columbia.edu/pipermail/andraudio/2012-April/000614.html


The Google issue "Enable USB audio", requesting Google to standardize USB audio on Android smartphones/tablets, is currently ranked 11 of 22,586.
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=24614&sort=-stars&colspec=ID%20Type%20Status%20Owner%20Summary%20Stars

Vote: Click on the star (it appears after signing in)

DanBa

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 50
Re: Enable USB audio on any Android 4.0 smartphone/tablet
« Reply #3 on: 2 Jun 2012, 09:25 am »
Apparently, the USB audio feature is enabled on factory Samsung Galaxy S III:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=26757706&postcount=133

"I got my sgs3 a few hours ago and just plugged it into my Topping tp30 USB DAC/amp and it's playing audio through it to my speakers!!!"


Affordable hi-fi rig:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13645_3-20058833-47.html?tag=txt;title

music stored on SGS3 > SGS3 player > digital audio stream >> USB cable >> USB DAC/amp Topping TP30  >> speakers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR6Vc28NEcc&feature=youtu.be









Keep lobbying for the Android USB audio standardisation (i.e. USB DAC as a standard USB device, like a USB mass storage device, for Android smartphone/tablet).
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=24614&sort=-stars&colspec=ID%20Type%20Status%20Owner%20Summary%20Sta  rs

Vote: Click on the star (it appears after signing in)

DanBa

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 50
Re: Enable USB audio on any Android 4.0 smartphone/tablet
« Reply #4 on: 9 Jun 2012, 08:22 pm »
Samsung Galaxy S III interworks with USB DAC/amp FiiO E7:
http://www.androidnz.net/2012/06/galaxy-s-...-it-really.html

music stored on SGS3 > SGS3 player > digital audio stream >> USB OTG cable >> USB DAC/amp FiiO E7 >> headphones


Samsung Galaxy S III triggers a new era of Hi-Fi for the masses with affordable rig:

. affordable (subsidized) smartphone

. affordable common USB DAC/amp compliant with PC or Mac, like FiiO E7 (us$80)
http://www.amazon.com/FiiO-Portable-Headph...39194973&sr=8-4
NwAvGuy geek’s verdict: "The biggest compliment I can pay the E7 is I can’t find much I would change for a portable product in this price category."
http://nwavguy.blogspot.fr/2011/05/fiio-e7-usb-dac-amp.html
"Clearly, the E7 is priced very competitively, and I consider it a good product — not some cheap Chinese stuff. Not only is the E7 packed with features, it also comes with a solid build quality, and a solid sound quality as well."
http://www.headfonia.com/fiio-e7-portable-dac/

. affordable headphones, like Digitech Pro Monitor Headphones (us$50), clone of Fischer Audio FA-003, Brainwavz HM5 or Lindy Premium Hi-Fi headphones
http://www.jaycar.us/productView.asp?ID=AA2065
"Now that I've had these for a good month I can honestly say they are my 'New' daily headphones!
I simple love the music that comes from these headphones.
They are beautifully balanced with sparkly highs that are not offensive to the ears, mid's that introduces a 'fun' factor to the music for all genres and lastly lows that are firm, bassy and goes amazingly deep with out distorting or overpowering the rest of the music.
The clarity is excellent with a very nice sound stage and for a 'closed' headphone they do sound quite open and spacious!
Isolation is fantastic especially listening to music or playing games at night.
Comfort is excellent and the 'killer' clamp grip slowly eases after regular use! I've listened to these all night and in to the early morning without wanting to take them off!"
http://www.head-fi.org/products/digitech-p...es/reviews/6900





Keep lobbying for the Android USB audio standardisation (i.e.USB DAC as a standard USB device, like a USB mass storage device, for Android smartphone/tablet).
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/de...Summary%20Stars

Vote: Click on the star (it appears after signing in)

wilbert-vanbakel

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 83
  • Photoshopped Smile
    • On Facebook
Re: Enable USB audio on any Android 4.0 smartphone/tablet
« Reply #5 on: 15 Jun 2012, 03:34 pm »
A die-hard audiophile minority should likely use audio-optimized Android kernels modded by some kernel modders.

"An interesting example is the HRT music streamer II, it IS asynchronous USB, but it is still very sensitive to what happens in the computer. On the SAME COMPUTER I can make simple changes to OS scheduling parameters and get a huge difference in the sound. At one end of the scale it’s dull, lifeless, no depth at all, at the other end of the scale it is wonderfully alive, dynamic, huge depth etc. And all this by just changing a few numbers, NO change in hardware at all."
http://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.pl?forum=pcaudio&n=101397

For example, an underclocked kernel should be better than a normal kernel to provide a lesser jittered digital audio stream to a USB DAC, because the USB transmission clock is less polluted by electric and electromagnetic interferences generated by different processors.

I got excited when I read this part, it sounds like it would be possible to tweak a few settings (I assume with sysctl) in order to gain sound quality.
Sadly, though, I found this:

Code: [Select]
You can track it down if you want the details . . .
And I miserably fail to "track it down". Why is it that people are not willing to provide useful links in their posts, but send forum members away with "If you really really want to, you find it somewhere"

johnsonbrown220

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 1
Re: Enable USB audio on any Android 4.0 smartphone/tablet
« Reply #6 on: 16 Jun 2012, 06:44 am »
MediaTek, a fabless semiconductor company, supplying chipsets to major Indian and Chinese handset manufactures to run Android operating system, has announced the availability of its third generation platform (chipset) - the MT6575, for mid and entry level Android smartphones.
Phones based on this new platform will be available in the Indian market from April onwards.

As a result of this development even low lost Android handsets, which come in the price bracket of Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 will be able to run Android 4.0 or Ice Cream Sandwich. It is not possible to do so in current low cost Android phones as the minimum system requirement is not met and even if it does meet it, performance is not up to the mark. The MT6575 platform offers a 1 GHz ARM CortexTM A9 processer, a 3G/HSPA+">HSPA modem and it runs the latest Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 smoothly, according to a release from MediaTek. :duh: :duh: :thumb: :green: :icon_lol:
http://gm.kochar.com/post/low-cost-android-40-phones-in-april.aspx

DanBa

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 50
Re: Enable USB audio on any Android 4.0 smartphone/tablet
« Reply #7 on: 27 Jun 2012, 07:46 am »
The Android-powered smartphone Samsung Galaxy S III interworks with the ODAC:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=105728.0

DanBa

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 50
Re: Enable USB audio on any Android 4.0 smartphone/tablet
« Reply #8 on: 28 Jun 2012, 08:11 am »
"Android 4.1 for Developers
New Media Capabilities
USB Audio
USB audio output support allows hardware vendors to build hardware such as audio docks that interface with Android devices."
http://developer.android.com/about/versions/jelly-bean.html#media

DanBa

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 50
Re: Enable USB audio on any Android 4.0 smartphone/tablet
« Reply #9 on: 29 Jun 2012, 01:00 am »
The USB DAC recommended by Google is a new type of device. It is not compatible with PC or Mac.
http://developer.android.com/tools/adk/aoa2.html#audio-support
http://developer.android.com/tools/adk/adk2.html#play-audio



A legacy USB DAC compatible with PC / Mac acts as a USB device, and a PC / Mac acts as a USB host.
A USB DAC recommended by Google acts as a USB host, and a Android smartphone / tablet acts as a USB device.

Personally, I prefer the legacy USB audio feature implemented by Samsung on Galaxy S III, which can interwork with a legacy USB DAC like FiiO E7 or ODAC.

The legacy USB audio feature is still specified in the Android specs:
http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/connectivity/usb/index.html
http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/connectivity/usb/host.html
http://developer.android.com/reference/android/hardware/usb/UsbConstants.html
"USB_CLASS_AUDIO USB class for audio devices"

DanBa

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 50
Re: Enable USB audio on any Android 4.0 smartphone/tablet
« Reply #10 on: 3 Jul 2012, 05:35 pm »
An Android 4.1 Jelly Bean-powered device can have both USB audio out modes: standard USB audio out and Android-specific USB audio out.
These features are at the Android kernel level.
http://developer.android.com/tools/adk/aoa...l#audio-support

"Android Open Accessory Protocol 2.0 includes optional support for audio output from an Android device to an accessory. This version of the protocol supports a standard USB audio class interface that is capable of 2 channel 16-bit PCM audio with a bit rate of 44100 Khz. AOA 2.0 is currently limited to this output mode, but additional audio modes may be added in the future.
To enable the audio support, the accessory must send a new USB control request: SET_AUDIO_MODE"






 
It should be easy to enable standard USB audio out and Android-specific USB audio out on an Android 4.1 Jelly Bean-powered device with USB host capability.

Let's keep up the pressure on Google and the Android device manufacturers for the standard USB audio out:
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/de...Summary%20Stars

DanBa

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 50
Re: Enable USB audio on any Android 4.0 smartphone/tablet
« Reply #11 on: 8 Jul 2012, 05:25 pm »
The Samsung Galaxy S III interworks with the iBasso D2 Boa:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/552014/pictures-of-your-portable-rig-part-xv/5535#post_8509186

Samsung Galaxy S III > digital audio stream >> USB DAC/amp iBasso D2 Boa >> Sennheiser HD 518






DanBa

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 50
Re: Enable USB audio on any Android 4.0 smartphone/tablet
« Reply #12 on: 15 Jul 2012, 09:41 am »
A list of standard USB DAC reportedly interworking with the Android-powered smartphone Samsung Galaxy S III for the time being:

Samsung Galaxy S III > digital audio stream >> USB OTG cable with USB Micro-A plug inserted in the S III >> standard USB DAC >> amp >> headphones

. AMB Labs Gamma2:
http://www.amb.org/audio/gamma2/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=27247705&postcount=279

. C-Media chipset-based sound card Dynamode 7 channel USB 2.0:
http://www.chinacomputerparts.com/d-p1140199199635616900-cables/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=27604946&postcount=449

. Corsair HS1 Gaming headset (USB DAC/amp/headphones):
http://www.anandtech.com/show/3989/corsair-hs1-gaming-headset
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=27238117#post27238117

. FiiO E7 (USB DAC/amp):
http://fiio.com.cn/product/index.aspx?ID=28&MenuID=020301
http://www.androidnz.net/2012/07/galaxy-s-iii-real-user-review-part-2.html

. GoVibe Mini USB DAC:
http://www.jaben.com.au/collections/go-vibe/products/govibe-minidac
http://www.head-fi.org/t/614111/finally-digital-out-for-galaxy-siii/15#post_8525675

. HeadAmp Pico (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.headamp.com/pico/pico_dac_amp/index.htm
http://www.head-fi.org/t/608535/wolfson-dac-confirmed-for-galaxy-s3/420#post_8495302

. HeadRoom Total BitHead (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.headphone.com/learning-center/bithead-faq.php
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs-how-to-increase-the-issues-priority-with-google/135#post_8527516

. HiFiMan Express HM-101:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/571330/hifiman-express-brand-and-hm-101-portable-usb-dac
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=27284184&postcount=291

. iBasso D2 Boa (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.ibasso.com/en/products/show.asp?ID=30
http://www.head-fi.org/t/552014/pictures-of-your-portable-rig-part-xv/5535#post_8509186

. iBasso D5 (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.head-fi.org/t/556490/ibasso-d5-hj-yet-another-usb-dac-amp
http://www.head-fi.org/t/614111/finally-digital-out-for-galaxy-siii/15#post_8498377

. iBasso D12 (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.ibasso.com/en/products/show.asp?ID=63
http://www.head-fi.org/t/614111/finally-digital-out-for-galaxy-siii/15#post_8525675

. Microsoft Philips Digital Sound System 80 (USB DAC/amp/speakers):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Sound_System_80
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1703218

. Objective DAC (ODAC):
http://epiphany-acoustics.co.uk/our-products/e-dac-24bit-miniature-usb-dac/
http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=46
http://www.headnhifi.com/index.php/shop/objective/odac
https://plus.google.com/107354758331405644147/posts/PCaM42irMeU

. ODAC+O2 (USB DAC/amp):
http://epiphany-acoustics.co.uk/our-products/ehp-o2d-miniature-desktop-headphone-amplifier-with-usb-dac/
http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=48
http://www.headnhifi.com/index.php/shop/objective/o2120527192048
https://plus.google.com/107354758331405644147/posts/PCaM42irMeU

. RSA Predator (USB DAC/amp):
http://www.raysamuelsaudio.com/products/predator
http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?s=5015c5a68115722e203346d99fa56b42&showtopic=2222840&st=20&p=52693606&#entry52693606

. Topping D1 Mark 2 (USB DAC/amp):
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=zh-TW%7Cen&rurl=translate.google.com&twu=1&u=http://www.tpdz.net/produce.asp%3Fid%3D25&usg=ALkJrhhte1Q6A1NnVWodszs9J4x85vGfDg
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=28673076&postcount=871

. Topping TP30 (USB DAC/amp):
http://news.cnet.com/8300-5_3-0.html?keyword=Topping+TP-30
http://www.androidnz.net/2012/05/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-usb-audio.html

django11

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 1094
  • Canuckistani
Re: Enable USB audio on any Android 4.0 smartphone/tablet
« Reply #13 on: 15 Jul 2012, 11:23 pm »
I got excited when I read this part, it sounds like it would be possible to tweak a few settings (I assume with sysctl) in order to gain sound quality.
Sadly, though, I found this:

Code: [Select]
You can track it down if you want the details . . .
And I miserably fail to "track it down". Why is it that people are not willing to provide useful links in their posts, but send forum members away with "If you really really want to, you find it somewhere"

I think this is it, after step 7 http://www.cicsmemoryplayer.com/index.php?n=CMP.10Soundcard

DanBa

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 50
Re: Enable USB audio on any Android 4.0 smartphone/tablet
« Reply #14 on: 15 Jul 2012, 11:46 pm »
The Samsung Galaxy S III interworks with the asynchronous USB DAC HRT Streamer II:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/608535/wolfson-dac-confirmed-for-galaxy-s3/465#post_8534856

Samsung Galaxy S III > digital audio stream >> USB OTG cable with USB Micro-A plug inserted in the S III >> asynchronous USB DAC HRT Streamer II >> cMoyBB headphone amplifier >> headphones








« Last Edit: 17 Jul 2012, 04:29 pm by DanBa »

DanBa

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 50
Re: Enable USB audio on any Android 4.0 smartphone/tablet
« Reply #15 on: 17 Jul 2012, 04:27 pm »
Samsung Galaxy S III interworks with RSA Predator:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs-how-to-increase-the-issues-priority-with-google/150#post_8538933

"Just purchased a usb otg cable today and tried out with my RSA predator, works without any problem.
What a suprise! the sound quality actually upgraded, from iPod classic + Predator(amp only) to SIII + Predator(DAC/amp)"

Samsung Galaxy S III > digital audio stream >> USB OTG cable >> USB DAC/amp RSA Predator >> IEM





Bonzite51

Re: Enable USB audio on any Android 4.0 smartphone/tablet
« Reply #16 on: 19 Jul 2012, 04:51 pm »

Does the whole OTG role is to earth the ''sense'' pin on S3 cable end?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COkLEJGo6vo

DanBa

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 50
Re: Enable USB audio on any Android 4.0 smartphone/tablet
« Reply #17 on: 21 Jul 2012, 03:11 pm »
The combo "Odac + Neco V3" is very well-praised:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/513233/neco-soundlabs-portable-v-2-amp/105










"ODAC + NECO V.3 + Sennheiser HD580 = A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN.
I can't tell you how beautiful this rig sounds.  We all know how well the HD580/600 scales with better sources and amps.. but synergy is often undervalued.  The ODAC is beautifully resolving and clean.. but the Neco really steals the show, IMO.
My V.3 has the 8610s & lithium battery.. and boy, does the HD580 love it.  A DEAD silent background, fantastic dynamic range.. and the artful Sennheiser sound.. on steroids!  Treble has spectacular air, crispness, and detail.. the mids are very very transparent and deep.. with the bass coming tight and punchy.  One thing I've really noticed the Senn benefits from is the V.3's dual opamp setup.. which provide fantastic channel separation, imaging, and soundstage.  It's so immersive.. I can listen to this setup for hours on end.  I like this little combo more than my desktop rig (via the tube or SS output!) and the ODAC+O2 (which is a little too clinical).  For those one the fence about this amp.. stop waffling.. it's a GEM.
I also dropped the gain jumpers in so I've got it set at low gain (2.3x) since it's being used with the ODAC (2 Vrms output). the Neco it quite ably drives the HE-500, btw. Very clean & dynamic, again.

When driving the HE-500.. I like this combo more than the O2."


The Odac USB DAC can interwork with an Android powered smartphone Samsung Galaxy S III as well as with a PC or a Mac.

Odac USB DAC:
http://epiphany-acoustics.co.uk/our-products/e-dac-24bit-miniature-usb-dac/ http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=46
http://www.headnhifi.com/index.php/shop/objective/odac

Neco V3 amp :
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/new-V3-DUAL-AMP-portable-headphone-amplifier/140802199484?ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1&ih=004&category=14970&cmd=ViewItem

DanBa

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 50
Re: Enable USB audio on any Android 4.0 smartphone/tablet
« Reply #18 on: 24 Jul 2012, 12:57 pm »
As expected, for the time being the Nexus 7 doesn't interwork with standard USB DAC like FiiO E7 or FiiO E17:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/616125/google-nexus-7-tablet-tegra-3/45#post_8525225


A stock Jelly Bean powered Nexus 7 should be able to interwork with an upcoming Android-specific USB audio out-capable USB DAC, like the Gear4 speaker dock, that acts a USB host (and the Nexus 7 as a USB peripheral).
http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/30/gear4-speaker-dock-supports-usb-audio-for-jelly-bean-at-google-i/

Nexus 7 operating as a USB peripheral > digital audio stream >> Android-specific USB DAC "Gear4 speaker dock" operating as a USB host > Gear4 speaker dock’s amp > Gear4 speaker dock’s speakers

Anyway, the Android-specific USB audio driver is included in the Jelly Bean kernel source code of the Nexus 7:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1736578
https://github.com/edoko/Air_Kernel_for_GN/blob/master/drivers/usb/gadget/f_audio_source.c#L2

2 * Gadget Function Driver for USB audio source device
4 * Copyright (C) 2012 Google, Inc.

43 .bInterfaceClass = USB_CLASS_AUDIO,
44 .bInterfaceSubClass = USB_SUBCLASS_AUDIOCONTROL,

308 .bInterfaceClass = USB_CLASS_AUDIO,
309 .bInterfaceSubClass = USB_SUBCLASS_AUDIOSTREAMING,



The standard USB audio driver is also included in the Jelly Bean kernel source code of the Nexus 7:
https://github.com/drewis/android_kernel_grouper/blob/android-tegra3-grouper-3.1-jb-fr2/sound/usb/card.c#L2

2 * (Tentative) USB Audio Driver for ALSA

174 if ((altsd->bInterfaceClass != USB_CLASS_AUDIO &&
175 altsd->bInterfaceClass != USB_CLASS_VENDOR_SPEC) ||
176 altsd->bInterfaceSubClass != USB_SUBCLASS_AUDIOSTREAMING) {

692 .bInterfaceClass = USB_CLASS_AUDIO,
693 .bInterfaceSubClass = USB_SUBCLASS_AUDIOCONTROL }


a standard USB audio-enabled Nexus 7 operating as a USB host > digital audio stream >> standard USB DAC like FiiO E7 or Objective DAC operating as a USB peripheral >> amp >> headphones


It’s up to us to require Google & Android device manufacturers to enable standard USB audio!
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=24614&sort=-stars&colspec=ID%20Type%20Status%20Owner%20Summary%20Stars

adydula

  • Restricted
  • Posts: 1995
Re: Enable USB audio on any Android 4.0 smartphone/tablet
« Reply #19 on: 24 Jul 2012, 04:19 pm »
Ok in the first post in this thread there is mention of John Swensons....results of mucking around with OS scheduling parameters??? Does anyone have any more details here?? Like what OS, what settings or parms that allow gor bit perfect playback with NO OS interferance over USB...?????

""An interesting example is the HRT music streamerII, it IS asynchronous USB, but it is still very sensitive to what happens in the computer. On the SAME COMPUTER I can make simple changes to OS scheduling parameters and get a huge difference in the sound. At one end of the scale its dull, lifeless, no depth at all, at the other end of the scale it is wonderfully alive, dynamic, huge depth etc. And all this by just changing a few numbers, NO change in hardware at all. ""

All the best
Alex