iDefender3.0 (Official) - USB Ground Loop Eliminator

[AMR/iFi audio]

iDEFENDER3.0

 

 

The iDEFENDER3.0 solves the common ground loop/hum. It ‘breaks’ the ground loop but in a, proper and electrically safe way Just add iPOWER 5v to inject clean power at the source.

 

Break ground loops the correct way.

iDefender3.0 with IsoEarth®

 

Use upstream at the audio source.

Because USB is bi-directional.

 

 

Latest USB3.0 standard.

For optimum performance.

 

 

Cut-off noisy power.

Inject pure, clean iPOWER 5v.

 

 

 

The iDefender3.0 protects against the common problems of ground loop noise and noisy USB power (if used with optional external iPower 5V).

 

As USB is bi-directional, it is important to address noise issues upstream as well as downstream.

Common USB noise problems addressed by the iDefender are:

 

1.  
2. [*=center]Breaks noisy ground-loops. Significantly reduces system noise floor and makes for better dynamic contrast, warmth and resolution
   [*=center]Disconnects the USB Power from the PC and replaces it with a clean external power (optional iPower* 5V for ultra low noise)
   [*=center]USB3.0 port technology – most advanced and highest USB specification
   
   
    
3.  

 

The iDefender, just like its iUSB power sibling, brings usb port noise at the computer from a typical 100uV down to 1uV. So a 100x reduction that is quieter than a 9v battery.

 

 

Beneath the compact exterior, the iDefender is feature-rich, with the latest iFi technology.

 

To be used directly at the Source such as the PC usb port, it breaks ground loops and cuts the noisy USB power line. From computer audiophiles, musicians, home studio artists to pro audio customers, it improves audio playback quality at home and on-the-go.

 

*To obtain the best result, the optional iPower 5V is recommended.

 

USB is bi-directional, pays to look upstream

 

 

Unlike SPDIF which is directional, even as the USB logo itself illustrates, USB is bi-directional.

 

Therefore, despite more efforts and benefits to looking downstream such as at the DAC end, we believe it is also beneficial to look upstream at the source.

 

The iDefender3.0 solves one quite common issue found with either:

 

 

1. Multiple earths

 

2. No earth

 

 

That is a ground loop which manifests itself as an audible ‘hum.’

 

The iDefender3.0 cuts the ground loop AND also offers the ability to inject a clean 5v power supply via the micro USB port at the side.

 

For computer audio enthusiasts to professional recording studio engineers, the iDefender3.0 slves these two issues in one fell swoop.

 

Break the noisy USB power, but in the correct way

 

 

There are more than a few products that break the USB Power connection, but of the ones known to us, they do very little because the noisy ground connection remains. This is quite a major oversight in our opinion.

 

For DAC's that do not use USB Power (except for handshake) the iDefender3.0 breaks the ground connection eliminating earth loops, while allowing normal handshake operation to continue. So in terms of cutting out the noise, it does it in the most comprehensive way possible while at the same time, in an electrically correct way.

 

USB3.0 technology, at the cutting-edge

 

 

It is now a hallmark of all the latest iFi signal and power products to be USB3.0 standard. First USB3.0 is backwards compatible with USB2.0. Second, in terms of the specifications, USB3.0 is superior to USB2.0 eg the wire gauge specification is more exhaustive and the connections are better.

 

Need clean power? Inject iPower ‘quieter than battery’ technology

 

 

As the iDefender3.0 breaks the noisy power supply, this is it for DACs with an internally-powered USB line.

 

But for DAC's that use USB Power a separate power connection is provided to feed in a 5V DC Supply - this is needed to break the ground connection, as long as the DAC tries to draw USB power from the Source instead the ground cannot be isolated.

 

With a noise floor that of 1uV, the iPower is a new-breed of near silent DC-power supply. Low power consumption and low-noise.

 

With 12-Element Array on the output and 6-Element Array technology on the input, there is next to no noise supplied and ‘leaked’ back out to nearby devices.

 

Specifications:

 

Super-Speed USB3.0 (and USB2.0 backwards compatible)

Connectors: USB3.0 gold-plated connectors

Dimensions: 48 (l) x 18 (w) x 8 mm (h)

Weight: 6.5g (0.23oz)

Warranty period: 12 months

 

The EU retail price: €49 incl VAT

The US retail price: $45 ex-tax

[fnsnyc]

when is going to be available in the US ?

[lmitche]

Is it true that this device will drop both the ground and +5v vbus signal post USB handshake effectively making a 4 conductor usb cable a two conductor cable?

[AMR/iFi audio]

Is it true that this device will drop both the ground and +5v vbus signal post USB handshake effectively making a 4 conductor usb cable a two conductor cable?

 

No, it's main objective is to break ground loops.

 

 

What you describe would not work with a majority of USB DACs as the "handshake" generally is needed permanently, removing USB power is taken as "detach" signal.

[lmitche]

No, it's main objective is to break ground loops.

 

 

What you describe would not work with a majority of USB DACs as the "handshake" generally is needed permanently, removing USB power is taken as "detach" signal.

 

Got it, thanks! So how does this device break ground loops? Does that mean that it provides galvanic isolation from one side to the other?

[AMR/iFi audio]

Got it, thanks! So how does this device break ground loops? Does that mean that it provides galvanic isolation from one side to the other?

 

iDefender3.0 breaks groundloops (which is however where > 90% of the benefit of a galvanic isolator over other "gizmo's" comes from) and only that. It is not a galvanic Isolator.

 

 

If we had a USB 3.0 capable galvanic isolator, rest assured that we'd be trumpeting this fact from really high tower and it would likely set you back a trifle more than 50 USD

[Middy]

Any news of when we can purchase it...desperate to try this out.... Direct or dealers

 

Thanks

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Computer Audiophile mobile app

[Matias]

Also waiting to get one myself.

[craighartley]

Any news of when we can purchase it...desperate to try this out.... Direct or dealers

 

Thanks

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Computer Audiophile mobile app

 

http://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/computer-audio/1414-ifi-audio-idefender3.html

[Middy]

Craig you superstar....Now ordered from MCRU....Thanks for the heads up

 

Cheers

Dave

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Computer Audiophile mobile app

[craighartley]

Craig you superstar....Now ordered from MCRU....Thanks for the heads up

 

Cheers

Dave

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Computer Audiophile mobile app

 

My pleasure.

[AMR/iFi audio]

Also waiting to get one myself.

 

Sales | iFi Audio

 

That covers it!

[YashN]

What you describe would not work with a majority of USB DACs as the "handshake" generally is needed permanently, removing USB power is taken as "detach" signal.

 

The iDSD Nano is like that, right?

[AMR/iFi audio]

The iDSD Nano is like that, right?

 

The iDSD nano requires Vbus for source detection. Vbus cannot be disconnected.

 

 

However, the circuit used means that if the iDSD nano is in battery mode, V-Bus is in effect disconnected internally, it leaves only a very high impedance sensing node, which does not conduct noise into the iDSD nano.

 

 

If using the iDefender and iDSD nano in battery mode, the same holds.

 

 

If permanent installation and continuous operation is required, attaching a 5V DC supply to the iDefender (we of course recommend the iPower 5V) allows the iDSD nano to charge while breaking both USB ground and V-Bus lines.

[lmitche]

 

If permanent installation and continuous operation is required, attaching a 5V DC supply to the iDefender (we of course recommend the iPower 5V) allows the iDSD nano to charge while breaking both USB ground and V-Bus lines.

 

OK, to complete the thought above, are you saying the vbus and ground are switched to the external PS and by implication disconnected from the PC vbus and ground?

 

So that leaves only the d+ and d- conductors connected between PC and the iDefender output?

[AMR/iFi audio]

OK, to complete the thought above, are you saying the vbus and ground are switched to the external PS and by implication disconnected from the PC vbus and ground?

 

So that leaves only the d+ and d- conductors connected between PC and the iDefender output?

 

Not exactly like that, because if it was done - again the handshake between DAC and PC would not be possible. It takes avert specific and special trick to achieve breaking ground loops, but not at the same time create problems. That "trick" how to do it is our little secret, I hope you can understand.

 

Please just get an iDefender from one of our partners that allow no quibble returns and try it.

[lmitche]

Sorry, if I don't know how it operates when playing music, I don't know how to integrate it in the optimal fashion. Also, I am an American. We have a different culture here. Can you explain the meaning of a quidditch return please?

[craighartley]

Sorry, if I don't know how it operates when playing music, I don't know how to integrate it in the optimal fashion. Also, I am an American. We have a different culture here. Can you explain the meaning of a quidditch return please?

 

https://www.usquidditch.org/about/rules/

[rigo]

Does this work with an Intona?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile

[Middy]

The snitch is magic and self returning so no need for a self addressed envelope ...just airmail...

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Computer Audiophile mobile app

[Middy]

Does this work with an Intona?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile

I hope so or I have wasted £48....

I can't see an issue...

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Computer Audiophile mobile app

[YashN]

Sorry, if I don't know how it operates when playing music, I don't know how to integrate it in the optimal fashion.

 

I think the info is already helpful as it now is: it will break the GND connection safely, and also allow immunity from the 5V lines disturbances while allowing you to inject your own +5V from iFi or another, Linear PSU.

 

Sounds like a great thing my my iDSD Nano (1st Gen)!.

 

Thanks AMR/iFi.

[lmitche]

I think the info is already helpful as it now is: it will break the GND connection safely, and also allow immunity from the 5V lines disturbances while allowing you to inject your own +5V from iFi or another, Linear PSU.

 

Sounds like a great thing my my iDSD Nano (1st Gen)!.

 

Thanks AMR/iFi.

YashN, I am thinking about running an LPS1 through this device to power an IFI microIDSD. But, I don't want to waste the galvanic isolation provided by the LPS1 if there is going to be leakage from/through the IDefender back to the PC. As I have another, more expensive, way to ensure galvanic isolation without the IDefender, and IFI won't tell us how this device works, this means I must take the more expensive route.

 

Too bad. If the IDefender does indeed protect the galvanic isolation provided by the LPS1 it would be a great value.

[craighartley]

I hope so or I have wasted £48....

I can't see an issue...

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Computer Audiophile mobile app

 

The iDefender between PC and Intona?

[Middy]

Yes Craig but for me it's a little strange as I have said I use my phone as my computer player....

I modded a cable to run the 5V off a 20000mah power bank Battery. I assume my phone off battery is cleaner than a PC 5v....

Power bank has an intona and IFI IPURIFIER 2 in series after it. It kills my phone battery otherwise..... and to try to see if a separate power source improves clarity ie no wifi cell noise from the internal electronics... Hard to tell but it means days of battery life now...

Many have mentioned lifting the ground on after handshake to the dac...others 5v and GND. My ESS Dac needs power so I bought the bits for a short usb cable with a dip switch...just waiting 1 part..... But the I defender does this for me and I never knew there was a safety factor???

It can allow me to use a separate 5v power bank and internal ground lift ( I think) automatically or equivalent. . ISO ground tech....

I will try the diy one for any sound variation...Shame my I defender isn't here yet to try it out...

I apologise if I am repeating myself. .hard to remember where and what I posted across sites and threads. ...

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Computer Audiophile mobile app