Ratoc Systems RAL-KEB03 User manual

RAL-KEB03
Setup Guide
Rev. 1.0 01/Feb./2016
RATOC Systems, Inc.
www.ratocsystems.com
Osaka,Japan

RAL-KEB03 User's Guide Rev. 1.00 01/Feb./2016 2
Index
1. Introduction
1-1. Features
2. System requirements
2-1 PC running on Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 ( 32/64bit)
2-2 Mac Book with MacOS X 10.7 or newer
2-3 iOS devices, iPhone, iPad and iPod.
2-4. Android devices, phone or tablet.
2-5 Stereo Headphones, Earphones.
3. Package contents
4. Front Panel, Rear panel layout
4-1 Front Panel
4-1-1. Power & Volume Level
4-1-2. PW/LB LED
4-1-3. 33.5mm mini Jack
4-1-4. 2.5mm micro Jack ( L –BAL –R/AK)
4-2. Rear Panel
4-2-1. USB Digital Audio Stream Input
4-2-2. DC +5V power input for charging
4-2-3. S/PDIF optical input
4-2-4. LEDs
4-2-4-1. USB(Green)/ OPT(Red)
4-2-4-2. PCM(Green)/ DSD(Red)
4-2-4-3. EXTP(Green) / Charge(Red)
4-3. Select USB-DAC mode or OPTICAL input mode.
4-3-1. Use Optical Digital input mode
4-3-2. Use USB input mode

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5. Setting up Mac/MacOS X
5-1. Connecting RAL-KEB03 to Mac USB port
5-2. Setting 'Sound Effects' output to other devices than RAL-KEB03
5-3 Setting RAL-KEB03 as an Audio Output
5-4. Setting up 'Audio MIDI Setup' Application.
5-5. Launch and play iTunes or other Music Player application
6. Connecting to iPhone, iPad, iPod.
7. Setting up Windpws PC.
7-1. Installation of USB Audio Class 2.0 Driver
8. Grade up setting for Windows
9. Connecting to Android devices, phone and tablet.
10. Specifications.
iPod.iPad,iPhone, MacOS X are registered trade mark of Apple Inc.

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1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing RAL-KEB03 portable USB_DAC. We are confident that you will
enjoy listening Hi-Res music at anywhere, outdoors and in home with your PC audio system,
Mac Book, iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android phones and WALKMAN. RAL-KEB03 receives
High-Resolution digital audio data stream through USB High Speed mini-B port. KEB03
accepts LPCM format up to 24bit/384kHz from 16bit/44.1kHz and DoP(DSD over PCM
Standard 1.1 compatible) format DSD digital music stream up to DSD11.2MHz. KEB03
passes the DSD stream to DSD Direct enabled DAC (ESS ES9018K2M) and creates clear
and natural sound. RAL-KEB03 is fully compatible with iOS USB Host mode Audio. The Host
mode enables Lightning Direct connection with Lightning to mini-B cable (*note 1), without
Apple Lightning USB Camera Adapter. The Host mode also enable to play back High-Res and
DSD native music with popular Music Player Applications, such as Audirvana Plus on MacOS
X, foobar2000 with foo_asio_dsd, JRiver Music Center , HQPlayer and JPLAY on Windows
PC,' music' AP and ONKYO HF Player on iOS devices, Android phones and tablets.
RAL-KEB03 also has Optical(Toslink) input port and accepts S/PDIF Digital Optical music
stream from Digital Audio Players or CD Players. It accepts 2ch. PCM 16bit/32, 44.1, 48, 88.2,
96, 176.4 and 192kHz, 24bit/32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz. ( * note 2 )
*note 1 : Must use bundled Lightning to mini-B cable or moon-audio Lightning to min-B cable.
KEB03 does not work properly with other cable.
*note 2: Signal quality of high sampling rate such as 96kHz or higher depends on Optical
cable quality. Must use high quality cable.
- "Made for iPod", "Made for iPhone" and "Made for iPad" mean that an electronic
accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPod, iPhone, or iPad,
respectively, and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance
standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance
with safety and regulatory standards. Please note that the use of this accessory with
iPod, iPhone, or iPad may affect Wireless performance
- AirPlay, iPad, iPhone, iPod, iPod classic, iPod nano, iPod touch, and Retina are
trademarks of Apple inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPad Air, iPad mini,
and Lightning are trademarks of Apple inc. The trademark "iPhone" is used with a
license from Aiphone K.K.
- "RAL" is a Registered Trade Mark of RATOC Systems, Inc. in Japan, USA and Taiwan.
- "ESS", "SABRE32" and "ES9018K2M" are trademarks of ESS TECHNOLOGY, Inc..

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1-1 Features:
USB_DAC mode
●Fully compatible with USB 2.0 (HS 480Mbps) Specifications.
●Fully compatible with USB Audio Class 2.0.
●Accepts DoP Standard 1.1 compliant DSD 11.2896/5.6448/2.8224MHz data
and L-PCM 24bit/16bit:
384kHz/352.8kHz/192kHz/176.4kHz/96kHz/88.2kHz/48kHz/44.1kHz (2ch).
●Fully compatible with MFi iOS USB Host mode Audio specification.
*** This mode requires Lightning equipped iOS device and Lightning to mini-B cable.
●Compatible with:
-iOS devices with Lightning connector.
- Lightning connector models.
iPod touch(5
th generation)
iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S,iPhone 6,iPhone 6 Plus
iPad(4
th generations), iPad mini, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3
iPadAir,iPadAir 2
- Digital Audio streaming format.
L-PCM 16/24/32 bit, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz
192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz
DSD64:2.8MHz, DSD128:5.6MHz, DSD256:11.2MHz (DoP 1.1 format)
* Player Application (ex. ONKYO HFplayer) is required for playing back music files
of 88.2kHz or upper sampling frequencies and DSD (DoP format).
-Mac OSX 10.8 or newer.
Mac Book Pro, Mac Book Air, New Mac Book, Power Mac and iMac.
-Windows PC
Windows10, Windows 8.1, 8, Windows 7.
** USB Audio Class 2 Driver must be installed to use RAL-KEB03.
Download the driver at
www.ratocsystems.com/english/audio/dl/
-Android phone or tablet.
Android 5.0 or newer.
USB Audio Class 2 driver must be included and USB high-Speed(480MHz) base OTG
must be equipped.

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Optical Digital Input mode
●Optical(Toslink) Digital Audio input.
●Accepts S/PDIF L-PCM 2ch. format.
●16bit/24bit 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz and 192kHz.
*** High-quality optical cable required to playback Hi-Rez music over 96kHz.
*** KEB03 might not play back properly Hi-Sampling rate music with Low-quality cable.
●Automated detection and configuration. Remove USB mini-B cable, connect Optical cable
and turn on KEB03. KEB03 will start Optical Digital Input mode.
DAC, amp and Output.
●Includes ESS SABRE32™ ES9018K2M Audio file class DAC.
●Fully balanced circuit and three balanced earphone output.
RAL original mode( two monaural 2.5mm).
Astell&Kern AK240/Ak120II mode( 2.5mm 4P)
SONY PHA-3 compatible mode( two 3P monaural.)
two SONY PC-262S 2.5<->3.5 adapter required.
●Fully independent Stereo 3.5mm mini earphone output.
Other
●Includes reliable 3.7V/3000mAh Li-Polymer Battery.
●Quick Charging time (4.5hr) and 14hr operating time.
●32bit Multi Thread processor and three independent X-Tal oscillator modules
(24.576MHz, 22.5792MHz and 80MHz) are included.
The silicon and oscillators brings Low jitter accurate Audio Master Clock for ES9018 DAC
and brings clear sound.

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2. System requirements
2-1. PC running on Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 32/64bits
●One USB 2.0 HS(480Mbps) enabled Host port.
●Internet access to download USB Audio 2.0 Driver for Windows.
●RAL USB Audio Class 2.0 Driver installation required.
*** RAL USB Audio Class 2 Driver was updated on 10/Feb./2016 to support
Windows10, 8.x and 7.
●User's Guide, Setup Guide and Grade up Guide are available for download from
RAL_Audio site.
Note) The knowledge and experience regarding 'Control Panel' for 'Sound Audio
Device', 'Device Manager', Audio Music Player application such as foobar,
MediaPlayer, iTunes and CD Ripping applications are required to use
RAL-KEB03. Refer to the User Guide, Instruction Guide or Online Help
of these Applications.
2-2. MacOS X 10.7 or newer
●One USB 2.0 HS(480Mbps) enabled Host port.
or USB 3.x port which supports High-Speed Isochronous transfer mode.
●MacOS X 10.7 or newer.
*** These versions already include USB Audio Class 2 Driver.
You don't need to download and install the driver.

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2-3. iOS Devices, iPhone, iPad and iPod
Must use Lightning equipped iOS device and connect it to KEB03 with bundled Lightning
to mini-B cable. KEB03 will not work properly with other cable.
compatible with:
- Lightning connector models.
iPod touch(5
th generation)
iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S,iPhone 6,iPhone 6 Plus
iPad(4
th generations), iPad mini, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3
iPadAir,iPadAir 2
*** iAP such as "ONKYO HF Player" is required to play back High-Res and DSD music.
2-4. Android device
- USB OTG equipped USB high-speed port.
- Android 5.0 or newer but USB Audio Class 2 driver must be included. Please check
vendor's HP of your device.
- OTG cable ( micro to mini-B) or OTG exchange adapter ( micro to USB-A female) is
required to connect KEB03.
2-5. Stereo Earphone
●Stereo earphone equipped with Standard 3.5mm mini Stereo Phone Plug.
●Stereo earphone equipped with balanced cable and Standard 2.5mm mini-mini
phone plug.(RAL compatible mode).
●Stereo earphone equipped with balanced cable and Standard 2.5mm mini-mini
4-P phone plug.( Astell & Kern AK240 compatible mode).
●Impedance 8-Ohm to 110-Ohm

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[***Important notice***]
*1. The 2.5mm balanced output is not available at 3.5mm plug is being plugged in.
KEB03 shuts down the power to the balanced amplifiers while 3.5mm stereo plug is
plugged in. You must remove 3.5mm plug to use 2.5mm balanced output. KEB03 is
designed to save energy by cutting power to idling circuits.
*** 3.5mm Stereo Single End Output has a priority to 2.5mm Balanced output.
2.5mm balanced outputs are disabled while 3.5mm plug is being plugged in.
*2. Plug AK240 Compatible 2.5mm/4-P cable to R/AK marked jack. And must not plug
any 2.5mm plug to L jack. L jack must be OPENed when you use AK240 compatible
cable.
*** Must open both 3.5mm jack and 2.5mm balanced output L ch. Jack to use 2.5mm / 4-P
AK240 compatible balanced cable

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3. Package contents
RAL-KEB03 package includes:
●RAL-KEB03 : 1pcs.
●USB 2.0 Cable ( USB-A to mini-B ) for USB_DAC mode : 1pcs.
●USB-A to micro-B Cable for charging : 1pcs.
●micro-B to mini-B USB OTG cable for Android device : 1pcs. (0.1m)
●Lightning to mini-B cable (0.1m) for iOS device : 1pcs.
●Silicon Band to bundle iPod/iPhone with KEB02iP.
** AC adapter (DC +5V/1A) is not included in the package, sold separatetly.
** S/PDIF Optiocal cable, earphone cable and Headphone cable are not bundled in the box.

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4. Front Panel, Rear Panel Layout
4-1. Front Panel
4-1-1. Power & Volume Level
Power off : Turn Counter Clock wise to 7 O'clock position and check Click sound and
lighting off PW/LB LED.
Power on: Turn Clock wise from 7 O'clock position and check Click sound and lighting on
PW/LB LED.
Volume level control: adjust Headphone output level to your favorite level.
4-1-2. PW/LB LED
Light on to indicate the operating state. Green light indicates Battery level is over 3.4V
and Red light indicates Low Battery state below 3.4V. In this case, charging is required.
4-1-3. 3.5mm mini Jack
Stereo analog audio output for headphones. Supports 8 Ohm to 60 Ohm impedance.
4-1-4. 2.5mm micro jack ( L –BAL – R/AK )
Analog Audio Balanced amp output to drive 4-wire ( 2 wire for L, 2wire for R or AK240
compatible 4-P ) type earphone.

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4-2. Rear panel
4-2-1. USB Digital Audio Stream Input
USB mini-B Connector : Compliant with USB 2.0 High-Speed(480Mbps) Spec. and
USB Audio Class 2 Audio Spec.. KEB03 also works as iAP2 and USB Audio Class 2
compatible High Speed (480Mbps) device with iPod/iPad/iPhone. (*Must use the bundled
Lightning cable). In this case, iOS device works as an USB Host and supports USB Host
mode Digital Audio.
*KEB03 does not use USB Bus Power through Pin #1 at USB mini-B connector and
does not provide charging power to other device through the pin.
4-2-2. DC+5V power input for charging
USB micro-B Connector : Must connect DC+5V( +0.25V, -0.25V, 0.5A minimum )
Power supply unit to charge internal battery with USB-A to micro USB-B cable.
4-2-3. S/PDIF optical input
Use this connector to receive S/PDIF Digital Audio stream from Digital Audio source
device such as AK100. KEB03 firmware sets up S/PDIF input mode as a default after
Power-ON starting up. To use this S/PDIF input mode, don't connect any USB Host devise
such as iOS devices,Mac or PC after Power ON and connect optical Digital Audio cable to
this connector. This port supports PCM 16/24bit, 44.1kHz to 192kHz. Does not support
DSD(DoP) , PCM 352.8kHz and 384kHz PCM.

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4-2-4. LEDs
4-2-4-1 USB(Green)/ OPT(Red)
Lights on Red when succeeded to detect OPTICAL S/PDIF Digital Data input.
Lights on Green when KEB03 is configured successfully and ready to work as USB
Audio Device.
4-2-4-2 PCM(Green)/DSD(Red)
Lights on Red when receiving DSD(Dop) stream from Host.
Lights on Green when receiving PCM stream from HOST.
4-2-4-3 EXTP(Green)/ Charge(Red)
Green indicates External DC+5V Power source is being supplied and KEB02iP is
working by the external power source.
Red indicates internal battery is being charged with the external power.
* Use DC+5V(+0.25V -0.25V)/1 to 2A Switching type AC adaptor or USB port of
PC/Mac.

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4-3. Select USB-DAC mode or OPTICAL input mode.
KEB03 has automated Mode Selection function to select Digital input source, USB or
OPTICAL S/PDIF signal. The operation mode is selected as an OPTICAL Digital Input
mode at Power ON default status.
4-3-1. Use Optical Digital input mode.
Connect Digital Audio device which has Optical output such as CD Player, Digital
Audio Player or MD player to KEB03 with OPTICAL Digital Cable. Don't connect any
USB Host device to mini-B USB input. And then turn Power on.
Once Optical input mode is selected and enabled, OPT LED lights on RED.
4-3-2. Use USB input mode.
Don't connect OPTICAL cable to OPTICAL Digital input port. Connect KEB03 to USB
host such as PC or Mac with USB-A to mini-B cable. Or iOS device with Lightning to
mini-B cable. Or Android device with micro-A to mini-B (USB OTG) cable. And then turn
Power on KEB03. KEB03 works as an USB DAC/HPA.
If you would like to switch to OPTICAL input mode, turn Power off, remove USB cable,
connect OPTICAL output equipped device with OPTICAL cable and turn Power on again.
Once USB DAC mode is selected and configured by USB Host successfully, USB LED
lights on Green.

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5. Setting up Mac/MacOS X
5-1. Connecting RAL-KEB03 to Mac USB port
Getting started with setting up your Mac/MacOS X 10.7 or newer.
(1) Turn off Power and confirm OPTICAL cable is removed. And then turn on Power.
(2) Connect RAL-KEB03 to Mac USB port with USB-A to mini-B cable.
The cable should be compliant with USB High-Speed(480Mbps) certification.
(3) MacOS X will detect and recognize RAL-KEB03.
(4) Click on the "System Preferences" app on Dock.
(5) Click on the "Sound" icon at the Hardware row.

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5-2. Setting 'Sound Effects' output to Internal Speakers
Click on the "Sound Effects" tab to prevent alerts and effect sounds such as "e-mail
received notification sound" from being routed to Audio System.
Set Play sound effects through 'Internal Speakers' or 'Digital Out'.

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5-3. Setting RAL-KEB03 as an Audio Output
Click on the "Output" tab and select "RATOC RAL_KEB03 Audio Out".
This selection will route the sound from iTunes or other Audio Applications to your Audio
system.

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5-4. Setting up 'Audio MIDI Setup' Application
(1) If "Audio Midi Setup" application is not found on Dock, open the Hard Disk icon and
open the "Applications" folder.
You can find the "Audio Midi Setup" application at the "Utilities" folder.
(2) Open the "Audio Midi Setup" application and select "Audio Devices".
(3) Click on "Output" tab. Select "RATOC RAL_KEB03 Audio Out" for the "Default
Output" to send the sounds from iTunes or other applications to Audio system.
(4) Select "Built-in Output" for the "System Output" to route system alert sound such as
"new mail received" sound to built-in speaker.
(5) Select "RATOC RAL_KEB03 Audio Out" and then select your desired sample rate such
as 192000 Hz. at "Format".
(6) Important notice for Mac OS X 10.9.x or newer.
MacOS X 9.x or newer set this sample rate to 705600 Hz at the first time, but KEB03
does not support L-PCM 705.6 kHz. This sample rate must be set below 384000 Hz prior
to start playing back music.
If sample rate which is not identical to the sample rate of original music file itself is selected,
MacOS X Audio driver will execute sample rate conversion. As this conversion will affect
audio quality, we recommend to select adequate sample rate which is identical to one of
music file at this field.

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5-5. Launch and play iTunes or other Music Player application
Launch iTunes or other Music Player application. Start it and select Music file. You will listen
and enjoy fine and clear sound from your Audio system. To learn more about Music Player
application, refer to User Guide or Online Help of the application.

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6. iPhone, iPad, iPod with Lightning to mini-B
cable.
Connections and Operating instructions
1. Check PW/LB LED of the front panel is lit off and confirm KEB03 is in
Power_OFF state.
2. Connect Headphone/earphone to Audio Out jacks at front panel.
* 3.5mm Single-end Stereo output jack and 2.5mm balanced Stereo output jacks are not
enabled at the same time to save battery energy.
* 2.5mm balanced output is disabled when Single-end stereo headphone is connected to
3.5mmJack.
3. Turn Volume Knob clockwise to turn Power ON.
If PW/LB LED does not light on, turn Volume Knob counter clockwise to set
Power off and connect DC+5V Power Adaptor to Micro-USB connector at
Rear panel. Turn Power ON again and check PW/LB LED lights on.
4. Hook up iPod/iPhone/iPad with the bundled Lightning to mini-B cable.
5. Check KEB03 is being recognized and configured by iOS device.
Touch and select 'Settings' -> 'General' -> 'About'. The string, 'Portable
USB-DAC/HPA' will be shown up. If this string is not shown up, remove
the cable and turned off KEB03. After a couple of seconds, turn Power
KEB03 ON and connect Lightning cable again.
6. Launch and start 'Music' player application on iOS device and select
music.