M2Tech hi-Face EVO - Digital Audio Interface

hiFace Evo from M2Tech is a USB-to-digital audio converter housed in a compact and stylish aluminum case that is capable of flawlessly transferring audio data from a computer at up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution. Asynchronous operation is used in conjunction with proprietary drivers which allow for Kernel Streaming, Direct Sound and WASAPI operation (the latter under Windows Vista and 7).

Very high precision, low jitter crystal oscillators are used with a dedicated shunt voltage regulator to further improve their performance. The unit is powered by an external power supply (not included) to avoid noise and distortion that can be induced by the use of USB bus power. A low-pass filter is provided at the supply input to further reduce any bad influence from a power supply.

Several digital outputs are available at the same time - RCA coaxial S/PDIF, BNC S/PDIF, AES/EBU, optical S/PDIF on TOSLink, optical on ST (for high-speed operation up to 192kHz and up to 1.6km or 1 mile), and straight I²S for direct RJ-45 connection to DIY digital to analog converters. All outputs, except I²S are electrically isolated.

The AES/EBU output can be set to professional or consumer mode by an internal jumper. An external clock input is available for use where extremely precise and stable clock generators are preferred. The interface automatically senses the presence of such an external signal. Three LEDs indicate power, external clock presence, and incoming data from the computer.