DACs play an important role in this digital media era by converting streaming music and other digital media files to analog audio that can be heard through headphones or speakers when amplified. This is why all smartphones, laptops, and PCs come with built-in DACs.
As you may already know, standalone DACs are built to give you more control than what built-in DACs offer users. Since the primary role of DACs is to convert digital signals to analog signals, traditionally these standalone DACs did not come with mic inputs.
This was because the use of microphones requires that analog signals be transformed into digital. Unfortunately, most DACs did not have Analog-to-Digital converters (ADC) in them, thus microphones could not be connected to them.
Thankfully, in recent times there has been quite a handful of DACs that come with microphone input. However, they are not as common as traditional DACs. In this article, I am going to introduce you to five of the best DACs that come with mic input.
In a hurry? Here are my top picks:
EPOS | Sennheiser GSX 1000
My no. 1 pick is the EPOS | Sennheiser GSX 1000. It’s main selling point for me is the beautiful touch display. Also, besides its microphone input, it supports surround sound, which makes it future-proof. And it’s easy to setup and affordable as well.
Creative Sound Blaster X7
My no. 2 pick is the Creative Sound Blaster X7. That’s because it’s an all-round excellent DAC, delivers Ultra-High Definition audio, and has many connectivity options. It also has an excellent build quality.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
Schiit Fulla E
- Automatic gain control
- Built-in preamp
- Works with PS5, PS4 & Switch
Syba Sonic
- Two-channel ADC/DAC
- Works with Android and iOS
- Easy to Setup
EPOS | Sennheiser GSX 1000
- Surround Sound capabilities
- Touch display
- Easy to Setup
Creative Sound Blaster X7
- Ultra-High Resolution Audio
- Scout Mode feature for gaming
- Doubles as a Dolby Digital decoder
Qudelix 5k
- Bluetooth USB DAC amp
- Supports both parametric and graphical EQs
- Battery-powered with 6 to 20 hours of battery life
Schiit Fulla E
The Schiit Fulla E (on Amazon) is an incredible device when it comes to converting digital audio to analog. This DAC/amp is built with top-end components, ensuring that you get the best sound quality possible.
One of the most exciting features of this device is its built-in microphone input. Not only does it provide crystal-clear audio for your communications, but it also has automatic gain control, making it super easy to use.
Whether you’re gaming, chatting with friends, or recording a podcast, the microphone input of the Schiit Fulla E will ensure that your voice is heard loud and clear.
In addition to the microphone input, the Schiit Fulla E also has two USB ports. The first port allows you to connect to computers, tablets, and phones, while the second serves as a power input.
This makes it incredibly versatile, as you can connect to a wide range of devices with ease. It can be used seamlessly with popular consoles like Switch, PS5, and PS4 as well.
This device can also be used with your Macs, PCs, and tablets. To use this device, all you need to do is plug it into your USB port and connect your headphones or microphone.
And with its low output impedance and low noise floor, you can expect top-notch sound quality.
Another thing worth mentioning is that you wouldn’t need a preamp for this DAC because there is a built-in preamp. And that gives you value for your money. You can connect your powered speakers or power amp directly to this DAC using the preamp output.
One potential deal breaker for many Schiit Fulla E users is the lack of color options.it only comes in one color option and some people find the design a bit boring., However, this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, as the performance of this DAC more than makes up for its appearance.
Here’s a quick rundown of all the fantastic features the Schiit Fulla E has to offer:
- DAC/amp built with top-end components
- Microphone input
- Two USB ports (one for connecting to devices, one for power input)
- Compatible with popular gaming consoles like Switch, PS5, and PS4
- Low output impedance and low noise floor
- Automatic gain control for simple mic use
- Built-in preamp for easy connection to powered speakers or power amp
- Can be used for music, communication, and gaming
All in all, the Schiit Fulla E is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality DAC with a microphone input. It’s versatile, easy to use, and delivers amazing sound quality for its price. So, if you want to elevate your audio experience, the Schiit Fulla E is definitely worth considering!
Syba Sonic
The Syba Sonic (on Amazon) is a great option for those looking to enhance their audio experience. And surprisingly comes, it comes with some additional features you wouldn’t expect from a DAC in this price range.
Firstly, it is very easy to set up and use. And that’s because it doesn’t require any driver installation.
The Syba Sonic DAC has two channels, that is ADC and DAC. So it functions as an audio interface as well by converting analog audio to digital audio. it’s designed to work well with a variety of devices such as headsets, speakers, docking stations, and microphones.
This USB DAC is compatible with USB Audio Class 1.0 and USB 2.0 Full Speed. These enable you to connect the DAC to your PC and Gaming console. It also works with Android and iOS via OTG USB cable and camera kit respectively.
One nice feature of the Syba Sonic is its Treble and Bass Level EQ, which allows you to customize your audio to your preferences
Let’s talk about inputs.
Obviously, the Syba Sonic has a microphone input, and that’s why it’s part of this article. However, besides the mic input, it has a line input for other audio sources such as a mp3 player, or your phone.
When it comes to outputs, you get coaxial and optical digital outputs, and an analog stereo RCA output, as well as a headphone amplifier with both 1/8″ and ¼” headphone jacks.
Something you need to know about Syba Sonic’s Microphone input is that, if your microphone isn’t loud enough or you’re getting no signal from the mic, just plug it in halfway and that will fix the issue. It’s a small technical issue with Syba Sonic USB DAC that some people have experienced in the past.
Here’s a quick rundown of the Syba Sonic USB DAC
- USB 2.0 audio chipset
- Two-channel ADC/DAC
- S/PDIF interface
- No software or driver installation needed
- Compatible with USB Audio Class 1.0 and USB 2.0 Full Speed
- Supports both Android and iOS
- USB-Bus powered
- Treble and Bass Level EQ
- Line-in and Microphone input
- Coaxial and optical digital outputs
- Analog stereo RCA
- Headphone amplifier with two types of outputs: ¼” and 1/8” headphone jack.
In conclusion, the Syba Sonic is a great choice for those who want to enhance their audio experience, with a range of features, ease of use, and a budget-friendly price tag. It’s definitely worth considering for your next DAC upgrade!
EPOS | Sennheiser GSX 1000
EPOS is a company known for delivering high-end audio solutions for both gaming and enterprise applications. This should give you an idea of what the Sennheiser GSX 1000 offers its users.
The EPOS | Sennheiser GSX 1000 (on Amazon) is a DAC that delivers sound with an exceptional bass performance and has acoustic clarity. This DAC is built with high-quality materials and has an aluminum volume wheel. Due to its build quality, this DAC has long-lasting durability.
This DAC comes equipped with a gaming audio amplifier with game-changing features. In addition to this, it is also equipped with an external sound card to give you the best possible sound.
The Sennheiser GSX 1000 comes with a volume control feature that comes as a large volume ring that allows volume control to be done quickly and at their fingertips.
This DAC is also designed to have an intuitive LED touch panel and an aluminum volume ring that allows for rapid fingertip control of your sound. This volume ring and LED display show the sound level and allow easy finger-tip control.
Additionally, this LED touch panel enables you to switch between audio modes and headset/speaker with a single touch without exiting the game.
This DAC also comes with a Sidetone feature that allows you to adjust the loudness of your voice in the headset, and EQ settings that give you precise control of the game audio.
An impressive thing about this DAC is that it is a dynamic gaming amplifier that comes with HD audio and 7.1 surround sound modes. This provides users with a 7.1 surround sound.
Furthermore, the sound it produces has precise positional audio cues that serve you with an immersive game. With this DAC, the game audio and chat are controlled separately as well.
In summary, here’s all the EPOS | Sennheiser GSX 1000 has to offer
- Microphone input
- Surround sound capabilities
- Headphone amplifier
- Touch-sensitive display
- Volume control
To end it all, this DAC delivers outstanding audio performance and is compatible with Mac and Windows. Thus you can use it with your laptops and PC. Therefore, if you are a gamer looking for enhanced audio so that you can better enjoy your games, this DAC will provide you with exactly that.
Creative Sound Blaster X7
I recently had the opportunity to test out the Creative Sound Blaster X7 (on Amazon) and I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed. As an external USB DAC and amplifier, it has a compact design but packs a powerful punch with its stereo amplifier that delivers up to 100 watts of power.
I connected it to my tower speakers and passive bookshelf and the sound quality was incredible.
But what stood out to me was the ultra-high Resolution Audio that this DAC offers. You get to hear more details and clarity during audio playback, making it perfect for gaming, movies, and music.
The Scout Mode feature was particularly useful when playing games as it allowed me to hear enemies from a distance, giving me a tactical advantage.
The 600-ohm class-leading headphone amp of the Creative Sound Blaster X7 is also worth mentioning. It was able to drive my Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro(Amazon) effortlessly. And with its many connectivity options, including low-latency Bluetooth, I was able to connect all my audio equipment with ease.
What’s even more impressive is that this DAC doubles as a Dolby Digital decoder, supporting 5.1 discrete channels at low data rates. With its sound blaster intelligent audio enhancement technologies, the fidelity of my audio was preserved.
I didn’t use it for long enough to experience any issues. However, based on some reviews I found online, few users experience a problem with the headphone detection circuit over time.
Also, setting up surround sound on the Creative Sound Blaster X7 can be difficult for some people who are not as technical.
However, in my opinion, these minor issues do not take away from the overall amazing audio experience that the Creative Sound Blaster X7 provides.
In summary, here are the key features of the Creative Sound Blaster X7:
- Ultra-High Resolution Audio
- Compact design as an external USB DAC and amplifier
- Microphone Input
- The stereo amplifier delivers up to 100 watts of power
- Scout Mode feature for gaming
- 600-ohm class-leading headphone amp
- Many connectivity options, including low-latency Bluetooth
- Doubles as a Dolby Digital decoder
- Sound blaster intelligent audio enhancement technologies
- Supports most audio equipment available today
Qudelix 5k
The Qudelix 5k (on Amazon) might be just what you’re looking for if you’re on a budget. This Bluetooth USB DAC amp is designed to produce accurate, original sound that will impress even the most discerning listeners.
And don’t let the price tag make you underrate this DAC because it’s packed with a ton of features.
Firstly, it is the only DAC in this list that is battery-powered. And the battery can last anywhere between 10 to 20 hours. It also has an impressive Parametric EQ and Graphical EQ that allows you to tweak the final audio output.
Another thing I love about this DAC is that it comes with a companion iOS/Android mobile app. The companion mobile app allows users to control every setting via the app and access all of the features this DAC has to offer.
One of the standout features of the Qudelix 5k is its support for all current codec technologies, including LDAC, aptX Adaptive, and aptX HD. This means you can be sure you’re getting the best possible audio quality, no matter what you’re listening to.
And with its built-in amplifier, you’ll be able to enjoy your music at a maximum output voltage of up to 2 volts.
Another nice feature of the Qudelix 5k is its microphone input, which allows you to connect a microphone directly to the DAC. This can be useful if you’re recording audio or making voice calls. The microphone input works well and delivers clear, high-quality sound.
Of course, no product is perfect, and the Qudelix 5k does have a few minor drawbacks. Some users have reported that the companion app can be a bit finicky to use, and the DAC itself is a little on the large side. But overall, we think the Qudelix 5k is a great value for the price.
Here are some key features of the Qudelix 5k DAC:
- Bluetooth USB DAC amp
- Supports all current codec technologies
- Built-in amplifier delivers up to 2 volts
- Supports both parametric and graphical EQs
- Microphone input for voice calls and recording audio
- Companion iOS/Android app for easy control
- 6 to 20 hours of battery life
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a solid DAC that won’t break the bank, the Qudelix 5k is definitely worth considering. It delivers great sound quality, a range of useful features, and good value for the price. So if you’re in the market for a new DAC, be sure to check out the Qudelix 5k!
Conclusion
DACs that come with mic inputs are usually meant for gaming, communication, and streaming purposes. The five DACs I have talked about in this article enable you to do that and are among the top-rated DACs in their categories. Therefore, they will significantly improve your gaming, communication or movies, and audio streaming.
Hello, I’m Elijah. A writer on Geek Musician, based in Ghana-West Africa. I am a writer with a passion for research and reading. I usually spend my free time playing chess or watching movies. For more info, check out my about me page. Or read more of my articles here.