Today, we’re excited to introduce JDS Labs Synapse Max, bringing the same UAC2 isolation technology of Synapse to bus-powered audio interfaces and DACs. Synapse Max delivers up to 1000mA of clean, isolated USB power.
Why Synapse Max?
When we designed Synapse, we optimized for size and compatibility with our own DACs, which do not consume USB power. Limiting Synapse to 100mA maximum output allowed a smaller transformer, which fit into a smaller enclosure.
It turns out that Synapse is incredibly useful for those running audio interfaces or DACs from other brands. Many of these devices are bus powered, drawing 500mA or more from the USB port, meaning they could not be used with Synapse.
Synapse MAX uses the same 480mbps isolation technology, but with 10x higher output power capacity than Synapse.
Hardware Overview
Synapse MAX maintains the same core architecture, now feeding a larger transformer rated for 5000 VRMS. Output of the larger transformer feeds a TPS737 linear regulator for up to 1A of current:
We plan to keep the original Synapse in production because it remains perfect for low-power USB devices. If you’re using JDS Labs DACs or a device which consumes less than 100mA, the original Synapse is all you need. Choose Synapse Max for use with bus powered interfaces and DACs.
Enclosure and Accessories
Like the original, Synapse MAX is available in a CNC’ed Al 6061 enclosure with a tinted glass top surface. For your convenience, Synapse Max ships with a braided, red USB C-to-C cable and adapters for converting to or from USB A.
Synapse MAX is in stock and ships today!
It doesn’t supply 1000mA from an IOS device that is limited to 500mA output, right? The max can’t be higher than the available input can it?
Thank you!
@Robert – This is another case of capacity. The DAC that you connect to Synapse determines power consumption at the host USB port. Synapse itself is undetectable by the host.
The same power restrictions apply when using iOS. If your DAC works with iOS now, it will still work with iOS when using Synapse.
Thank you!
Hoping that you guys are really working on the recent YouTube mentioned joint venture with GoldenSound for a DAC-less streamer with this Synapse Max – 1A UAC2 Isolator built in. It’s hard for me to understand why nobody has yet built a simple galvanically isolated USB out only streamer yet. Now that any decent external DAC, and most decent integrated amplifiers for that matter, have USB audio inputs, the need for all streamers on the market to have SPIDF outputs seems a thing of the past. I’d like something simplified to just one really excellent USB output. Ideally would like to see Qobuz Connect as a native feature (or slightly less preferred to have Volumio Premium as an operating system option so that Qobuz Connect and the other Volumio Premium features would be possible). Of course, I’m sure others will want Roon Ready etc.
VERY interested in this project as well. Eagerly awaiting confirmation and additional details.
I must defer to GoldenSound for now!
simple streamer, USB out, badass sound, roon and qobuz endpoint. Yaaas.
Can the original Synapse still work for PC use or is it pretty much best to just use a Max instead? I have a 10 year old PC but I hope to upgrade it in a year or so.
While I’m here I’d like to ask something else if it’s okay. Do you by chance plan on a follow-up to the Element IV but with a remote control? It’s the one thing keeping me from getting an Element IV and it’s a shame because I really want one haha. I’m still at least a year out from getting a DAC/amp for my headphones so I can be patient.
@Juan – Yes, Synapse is still perfect for Element IV and other DACs which are *not* powered by USB. Synapse Max is made for devices which consume substantial USB power.
Thanks for your feedback!
Okay but I’m asking about using a Synapse with a PC as a source and then connected to a DAC (unless I’m misunderstanding how and where it’s used). Is the original Synapse adequate for a PC or is the Max better suited? Or are you saying the Max is best used for DACs that are directly powered by USB?
Also, any chance of a cheaper version of the Max coming out, a 3D printed case like the original?
Juan – Yes, I understand your setup. The host PC does not directly “see” Synapse. From the PC’s perspective, only your DAC is connected. Synapse is essentially invisible and there is no difference from the PC’s perspective whether you use Synapse or Synapse Max. The DAC that you use determines how much power is consumed from the USB port, and thus, whether you need Synapse (100mA) or Synapse Max (1000mA).
Inventory is already complex with 6 variations of Synapse for our team to juggle. We have no immediate plans to release a 3D Printed version of the Max, but the idea has not been entirely ruled out.
Okay I think I understand. Thanks for your time!
I understand you specify Synapse Max as a UAC2 isolator but thought I’d still verify: any chance this would still work with UAC1 hosts (PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, others)?
@Petteri – Yes, you may connect UAC1 hosts such as PS4/PS5/Nintendo Switch.