The high-quality mic in Astell & Kern’s new USB-C DAC dongle is ideal for PC gamers By Mobile Malls December 13, 2022 0 265 views Dongle-style DACs have gotten an increasing number of widespread, however a brand new gamer-friendly characteristic on Astell & Kern’s newly unveiled HC3 could set it aside from the pack. In addition to permitting greater high quality, hi-res playback from moveable units and PCs, the HC3 has a trick up its sleeve with microphone connectivity in-built, permitting for crystal clear talkback for on-line gaming in addition to boosting the constancy of these fragging sound results.The unit boasts a pair of highly-regarded quad DAC ESS ES9219MQ chips, which ship high-quality sound, whereas nonetheless managing low energy consumption.There’s assist for audio information as much as 32-bit/384kHz PCM, native DSD256, and full MQA rendering, permitting you to take heed to Tidal’s HiFi Plus, plus a reassuringly broad frequency response of 20Hz to 70kHz. The three.5-mm plug for earphones can take 3- or 4-pole jacks, permitting headset microphone, in addition to in-line controllers for use, whereas a colour-coded LED mild on the rear of the machine shows what sort of file supply is being processed.Connectivity comes by way of your machine’s USB-C port, with a USB-C to Lightning adapter thrown in for these utilizing the HC3 with an iOS machine, however observe that there isn’t any onboard battery – the unit derives energy out of your supply machine. The HC3 is priced at £199, and is offered now on the Astell & Kern web site.Evaluation: Mic pass-through characteristic makes this greater than a run-of-the-mill DAC dongleKorean model Astell & Kern has constructed up a strong popularity for its high-end and high-priced digital audio gamers, however this hi-fi dongle marks a welcome transfer into extra inexpensive territory.It’s however nonetheless fairly a hefty asking value when lined up towards the just lately introduced iFi Uno, however that distinctive microphone enter will doubtless be sufficient to ship avid gamers and convention callers A&Ok’s approach.We will’t wait to see the way it performs, however within the meantime, you’ll find out learn how to up your audio recreation with our present record of the finest moveable DACs. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)MoreClick to print (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)