KORG DS-DAC-100M - Mobile DSD 1-Bit USB DAC/Interface with Cirrus Logic CS4398

KORG DS-DAC-100M - Mobile DSD 1-Bit USB DAC/Interface with Cirrus Logic CS4398

The KORG DS-DAC-100M is a compact USB audio interface (DAC) aimed at Hi-Res audio playback . It combines a Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC with native 1-bit DSD support (2.8224 / 5.6448 MHz) and PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz , delivering faithful listening from a computer with AudioGate 4. It operates on USB bus power (no external adapter required), integrates line output and 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack headphone output , and displays status via power and sample rate/volume LEDs . Its frequency response is flat up to 40 kHz, with S/N of 105 dB (IHF-A) and typical THD+N of 0.005% , figures typical of equipment designed for reference audio in a format of only 92 × 129 × 20 mm and 175 g .

Main features

• High-quality conversion: Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC with native DSD 1-bit (2.8224/5.6448 MHz) and PCM 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz at 16/24-bit support.
• Easy connectivity: USB 2.0 High-Speed ​​( mini-B connector), bus-powered (5 V, max. 500 mA).
• Outputs: L/R line on 3.5 mm stereo minijack (load impedance >10 kΩ, nominal level −6 dBV, max. level +6 dBV) and headphones on 3.5 mm stereo minijack (impedance >16 Ω, 85 mW + 85 mW @ 32 Ω ).
• Indicators: Power LED and 8 LEDs for sample rate /headphone volume.
• Drivers: ASIO (DSD playback via ASIO 2.1 DSD option or later), WDM, and Core Audio.
• Audio performance: 10 Hz–20 kHz (±1 dB at 44.1/48 kHz) and 10 Hz–40 kHz (±1 dB) response; S/N 105 dB (IHF-A); THD+N 0.005% (typ.).
• AudioGate 4 integration: library management and playback/conversion of high-resolution formats (DSD and PCM) with cross-platform support.
• True Portability: Slim “portable disk” chassis, 175g , USB cable included.

Product benefits

• Reference listening from your computer: noise/distortion and response figures designed for hi-res audio.
• DSD made easy: Enjoy native DSD or convert your PCM library in real time with AudioGate.
• Clean and mobile setup: USB powered and ultra-compact size for home, office or travel use.
• Versatile outputs: connect headphones or go to powered speakers/amplifier from the line output.

Use cases

• Hi-res desktop player for demanding headphones and active monitors.
• Portable DAC for enhancing laptop audio for editing, critical listening, or personal enjoyment.
• Convert and manage your library with AudioGate (DSD/PCM) while maintaining simple workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it work for recording audio?
No. The DS-DAC-100M is a playback-oriented USB DAC . Within the series, DSD recording is available with the DS-DAC-10R model in conjunction with AudioGate 4.

Do I need AudioGate to play DSD?
For native DSD on Windows/macOS, the KORG driver and AudioGate application must be used. PCM can also be played with standard drivers.

What systems does it support?
Works on Windows (ASIO/WDM) and macOS (Core Audio). Check the current AudioGate and driver requirements on the KORG website.

Description for projects

KORG DS-DAC-100M USB DAC/Interface for playback: Cirrus Logic CS4398 DA converter; USB formats: DSD 1-bit 2.8224/5.6448 MHz and PCM 44.1–192 kHz at 16/24-bit; USB 2.0 High-Speed ​​interface (mini-B connector); ASIO (DSD 2.1+ option), WDM, and Core Audio drivers; outputs: 3.5 mm line minijack (Zload >10 kΩ, −6 dBV nominal, +6 dBV max.) and 3.5 mm headphone minijack (Zload >16 Ω, 85 mW + 85 mW @ 32 Ω); indicators: 1 power LED and 8 frequency/volume LEDs; Response 10 Hz–20 kHz (±1 dB at 44.1/48 kHz) and 10 Hz–40 kHz (±1 dB); S/N 105 dB (IHF-A); THD+N 0.005% (typ.); USB bus powered (5 V, max. 500 mA), max. consumption 2.5 W; dimensions 92 × 129 × 20 mm; weight 175 g; includes USB cable.