AUDIOBYTE Hydra VOX User manual

Hydra VOX DAC
Owner’s Manual - English

AUDIOBYTE Hydra VOX DAC Owner’s Manual
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Table of Contents
About this document.............................................................................................................2
Package content ....................................................................................................................3
Safety Precautions.................................................................................................................3
Functional Description ..........................................................................................................4
Detailed Specifications .......................................................................................................10
USB Configuration ...............................................................................................................11
Recommended software players: ................................................................................11
USB Driver Installation ....................................................................................................11
Audiobyte Limited Warranty .............................................................................................15
Document version and modifications description ........................................................18

AUDIOBYTE Hydra VOX DAC Owner’s Manual
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About this document
This document is the user manual for the Audiobyte Hydra VOX digital –to
analog converter, headphone amplifier and preamplifier unit.
It contains a basic overview of the device’s internal architecture, specific
handling details, functional description, safety precautions and product warranty
details. This document is not meant for service or repair operations, as these must
be carried out only by qualified personnel.
Audiobyte is a subsidiary of Rockna Electronics S.R.L., and is a registered
trademark. More information regarding Rockna Audio and Audiobyte products can
be found on-line at the websites owned and operated by the company:
https://www.rockna-audio.com
https://audiobyte.net
Rockna Electronics S.R.L.
Address: Strada Plopului, nr. 5, Suceava
ZIP Code: 720145, Romania
Phone:
[phone] –General inquires
Email:
[email protected] –Technical support
[email protected] –General inquiries

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Package content
The package you received should contain the following:
•One Hydra Vox DAC Unit (identifiable by the 7-digit serial number on the
back);
•DAC velvet cover.
Safety Precautions
1) This device is meant for indoor use only.
2) Protect device from excessive heat, humidity and liquid filled objects, such
as vases.
3) Clean only with dry cloth.
4) Use Audiobyte Hydra ZAP as power source.
5) Use Audiobyte branded or Audiobyte approved supply cables to connect
Hydra VOX to Hydra ZAP;
6) Before plugging any supply cables in the device, make sure the Hydra ZAP
is in standby.
7) Do not move the device while operational.
8) Do not disconnect cables while device is powered on.

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Functional Description
The Hydra VOX DAC requires multiple supply voltages in order to be
completely functional.
Also, the DAC is controlled by the supply unit via CAN interface, using an
Audiobyte proprietary protocol, thus it is mandatory to use the Audiobyte Hydra
ZAP as a power source. Please make sure that the Hydra ZAP is in stand-by mode
before attaching the VOX supply cables.
To connect the Hydra VOX DAC to the Hydra ZAP Supply, two cables must
be used, the 5-way analog + reference cable and 8-way digital the cable.
Connect the 5-way cable between the ZAP male header marked with (1)
(VOX ANALOG) and the VOX female header marked with (1) (ANALOG PS). Use the
guides located on both the plug and the header in order to determine the proper
rotation upon insertion. Make sure that both ends are completely fastened.
Connect the 8-way cable between the ZAP male header marked with (3)
(VOX DIGITAL) and the VOX female header marked with (3) (DIGITAL PS). Use the
guides located on both the plug and the header in order to determine the proper
rotation upon insertion. Make sure that both ends are completely fastened.

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If both supply cables are correctly attached, the Audiobyte Hydra VOX is
automatically powered-up when the Hydra ZAP is powered on (use Hydra ZAP
touch-screen). If proper communication between the two devices has been
established, a green dot will be visible near the VOX text on the Hydra ZAP main
screen.
At power-up, the Hydra VOX will briefly display the Audiobyte logo screen
and then enter the default screen.
To shut down the Hydra VOX, the user must press the stand-by button on
the Hydra ZAP main screen.
Upon shut-down the DAC saves its current settings, which are resumed at
the next start-up: current selected input, PCM and DSD filters, DSD direct state,
phase mode, headphone detect state, I2S mode and attenuation level.
If stored attenuation level is lower than -20dB (volume is too loud), the
attenuation is limited to -20dB at next start-up. Also, if mute is enabled at shut-
down, it is automatically disabled at start-up.
Use the Hydra VOX touch-screen to adjust its settings. The VOX main screen
has the following controls:
•the top-right button is used to select between the DACs three inputs
(circular selection):
oUSB;
oI2S;
oS/Pdif.
•the bottom left and right buttons are used to adjust the volume level.
Pressing once on these buttons will show the current volume level without

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changing it. Multiple press or long-press on these buttons will adjust the
volume level until the end of scale:
-127.5dB (min volume) →0dB (max volume);
•the bottom-middle button is used to set Mute ON or OFF;
•the top-left Audiobyte logo button is used to go to the menu screen;
•the center line is used by default to display the current input sample rate. If
no lock detected on current input, the “--.--" text is shown. When volume
level is adjusted, the current attenuation is displayed.
The menu screen has the following controls:
•Pressing on the lower side of the screen will cycle the output signal phase
state between Normal and Inverted;
•PCM button enters the PCM audio settings screen;
•DSD button enters the DSD audio settings screen;
•Pressing on the top-middle Settings button enters the general audio
settings screen;
•The top-right button opens the device information screen;
•The top-left button returns to the main screen;

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Use the three check-buttons on the PCM audio settings screen to select the
Phase Response:
▪Linear;
▪Minimum;
▪Hybrid;
In the DSD settings screen, when the DSD Direct button is pressed:
▪if DSD direct is activated, the volume level will be set to max and the
headphone amplifier disabled, only after OK is pressed in the
confirmation screen;
▪If DSD direct is deactivated, volume level will be applied and headphone
amplifier will be enabled.
Note: DSD phase response is currently not implemented and selection is
disabled on display.

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In the general audio settings screen the user can select if line outputs (RCA
and XLR) are to be disabled if headphones are inserted. Thus, if HP Detect is:
▪ON –line out signals are disabled when headphones are detected;
▪OFF –line out signals are enabled at all times.
I2S Mode allows the user to select between various HDMI I2S input
configurations, depending on the I2S signal source type.
The Info Screen shows device-related information as follows:
▪Hydra VOX firmware pack pseudo-name (ex: ROCKET);
▪FPGA (audio) firmware version;
▪Micro-controller (system control) firmware version;
▪User interface (touchscreen display) firmware version;
▪ZAP-VOX CAN Interface status (OK/NOT OK).
The Hydra VOX can be remotely controlled using the Hydra ZAP
Android/iOS app.
Please search for the Audiobyte Hydra Remote app on Google Play or Apple
App Store.

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Firmware Update
Each Hydra VOX firmware update wave file contains update data for all three
firmware types that the unit comprises (FPGA, Controller, Display).
In order for the update to start (the wave file is validated as update file), the
current FPGA firmware version and the update file FPGA firmware version must
be different. The other two versions can be any version.
Update and downgrade are both possible on all three firmware types. Each
wave update file is released with the FPGA, Controller, Display versions in its name,
in that order. For example, the file HVOX_111_267_118.wav has FPGA v1.11,
Controller v2.67, Display v1.18.
Follow the steps below to update your unit:
1. Download and unpack the appropriate zip file;
2. Set the DAC input on USB;
3. Make sure that on the PC side the playback is bit-perfect (attenuation is set
to 0dB, channels are not inverted, no DSP effects are added etc.);
4. Select the DAC as output device and play the .wav update track;
5. During the update process, you will see the update file play progress on
display. Let the wave file play until the end without changing the volume
level or other player parameters;
6. When update wave playback is completed successfully, you will see “Done”
on display;
7. The DAC checks received images for validity and installs them one after
another;
8. After all check are done, the Hydra VOX main menu is resumed and you can
check the new firmware versions in the info screen.

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Detailed Specifications
SUPPLY VOLTAGES:
Digital: 5.1V DC (provided by Hydra ZAP Supercapacitors Digital Supply);
Analog: ±16.5V DC →±19.5V DC (adjustable, provided by Hydra ZAP, ±18v default
recommended voltage);
Reference: 8.0V DC (provided by Hydra ZAP).
INPUTS:
I2S LVDS (HDMI connector): all sample rates
S/PDIF coaxial: up to 192k / DSD64
USB: all sample rates
OUTPUTS:
RCA single ended: 3.8V (peak)
XLR balanced: 3.8V (peak)
Headphone out: 9V (peak)
THD+N: -118 dB (0 dB)
S/N: -118 dB

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USB Configuration
For the computer playback side, please consider the following information:
Recommended software players:
1) Foobar2000
2) Jriver
3) Jplay
4) Audiogate
5) Audirvana Plus
Under Win XP environment, kernel streaming (KS) is recommended for PCM,
and ASIO for DSD playback.
Under W7/8 environment, WASAPI or ASIO mode is recommended for both
PCM and DSD playback.
USB Driver Installation
The following installation details are valid for Windows XP 32/64, Windows 7
32/64, Windows 10 32/64.
Do not connect the USB cable between the DAC and your computer before driver
installation! If you have already connected the DAC to the PC, click Cancel if an
installation screen has shown up and remove the USB cable.
1. Go to product’s page on http://audiobyte.net/products/hydra-vox.
2. Download the USB Drivers archive from the bottom of the page.
3. Unpack zip archive.
4. Enter your operating system folder.
5. Launch Setup32.exe for 32bit OS or Setup64.exe for 64bit OS.
6. After the application launches, click Next:

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7. Wait for the driver to be copied and then click Finish:

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8. Connect the DAC to the PC. If the Found New Hardware wizard starts, install the
Audiobyte hardware without connecting to Windows Update, selecting automatic
installation and pressing Continue Anyway in the Windows Logo warning window.

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Now the device should be found in the Windows Device Manager and can be
removed using the Safely Remove icon in the taskbar.

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AUDIOBYTE LIMITED WARRANTY
Three (3) Years
WARRANTY COVERAGE:
AUDIOBYTE warranty obligation is limited to
the terms set forth below.
WHO IS COVERED:
Audiobyte warrants the product to the
original purchaser or the person receiving
the product as a gift against defects in
materials and workmanship as based on the
date of original purchase from an Authorized
Dealer. The original sales receipt showing
the product name and the purchase date
from an authorized retailer is considered
such proof.
WHAT IS COVERED:
The Audiobyte warranty covers new
products if a defect arises and a valid claim
is received by Audiobyte within the Warranty
Period. At its option, Audiobyte will either
(1)repair the product at no charge, using new
or refurbished replacement parts, or
(2)exchange the product with a product that
is new or which has been manufactured
from new, or serviceable used parts and is at
least functionally equivalent or most
comparable to the original product in
Audiobyte current inventory, or (3)refund the
original purchase price of the product.
Audiobyte warrants replacement products
or parts provided under this warranty against
defects in materials and workmanship from
the date of the replacement or repair for
one(1) year or for the remaining portion of the
original product’s warranty, whichever
provides longer coverage for you. When a
product or part is exchanged, any
replacement item becomes your property
and the replaced item becomes Audiobyte’s
property. When a refund is given, your
product becomes Audiobyte’s property.
Note: Any product sold and identified as
refurbished or renewed carries a one(1) year
limited warranty. Replacement product can
only be sent if all warranty requirements are
met. Failure to follow all requirements can
result in delay.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED - EXCLUSIONS
AND LIMITATIONS:
This Limited Warranty applies only to the
new products manufactured by or for
Audiobyte that can be identified by the
trade-mark, trade name, or logo affixed to it.
This Limited Warranty does not apply to any
non-Audiobyte hardware product or any
firmware, even if packaged or sold with the
product. Non-Audiobyte manufacturers,
suppliers, or publishers may provide a
separate warranty for their own products
packaged with the bundled product.
Audiobyte is not liable for any damage to or
loss of any programs, data, or other
information stored on any media contained
within the product, or any non-Audiobyte
product or part not covered by this warranty.
Recovery or reinstallation of programs, data
or other information is not covered under this
Limited Warranty.
This warranty does not apply (a)to damage
caused by accident, abuse, misuse,
misapplication, or non-Audiobyte product,
(b)to damage caused by service performed
by anyone other than Audiobyte or

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Audiobyte Authorized Service Location, (c)to
a product or a part that has been modified
without the written permission of Audiobyte,
or (d)if any Audiobyte serial number has
been removed or defaced, or (e) product,
accessories or consumables sold “AS IS”
without warranty of any kind by including
refurbished Audiobyte product sold “AS IS”
by some retailers.
This Limited Warranty does not cover:
• Shipping charges to return defective
product to Audiobyte.
• Labor charges for installation or setup of
the product, adjustment of customer
controls on the product, and installation or
repair of systems outside of the product.
• Product repair and/or part replacement
because of improper installation,
connections to improper voltage supply,
abuse, neglect, misuse, accident,
unauthorized repair or other cause not within
the control of Audiobyte.
• Damage or claims for products not being
available for use, or for lost data or lost
firmware.
• Damage occurring to product during
shipping.
• A product that requires modification or
adaptation to enable it to operate in any
country other than the country for which it
was designed, manufactured, approved
and/or authorized, or repair of products
damaged by these modifications.
• A product used for commercial or
institutional purposes(including but not
limited to rental purposes).
• Product lost in shipment and no signature
verification receipt can be provided.
• Failure to operate as per Owner’s Manual.

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REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY FOR THE CONSUMER. AUDIOBYTE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY
ON THIS PRODUCT. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ON
THIS PRODUCT IS LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY.
Some states do not allow the exclusions or limitation of incidental or consequential damages,
or allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or
exclusions may not apply to you.

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Document version and modifications description
Version
Date
Description
1.00
02-28-2020
Initial release
1.01
04-02-2020
Modified fonts, added Rockna and Audiobyte contact information,
rearranged screen description chapter