Ultra-Portable DAC-Amplifier with Advanced Sound Customization

The CrinEar Protocol Micro is an ultra-compact USB-C DAC-amplifier designed to deliver clean audio performance and advanced sound customization at an exceptionally accessible price. Its defining feature is an integrated 8-band Parametric EQ, configurable through EQ.Hangout.Audio using a PC or macOS web browser. Users can fine-tune their earphones with adjustable parametric filters and save their preferred settings directly to the device, allowing personalized audio without requiring a dedicated app or EQ software during playback.

Streamlined Design with Essential Audio Performance

The Protocol Micro is designed as a streamlined counterpart to the more powerful Protocol Max. By focusing on the essentials of the Protocol platform and omitting higher-power and balanced-output hardware, Micro delivers a compact 3.5mm solution with the same emphasis on clean audio and user-configurable EQ at a fraction of the price. This approach makes hardware-based parametric EQ accessible to virtually any listener without compromising on audio quality or reliability.

Built-in 8-Band Parametric EQ

Customize your sound with eight fully adjustable PEQ bands using the browser-based EQ.Hangout.Audio interface. EQ settings are stored directly on the device for consistent sound across compatible sources. This hardware-based approach eliminates the need for a dedicated app or EQ software during playback, ensuring your preferred settings travel with you across different devices and platforms for a seamless, personalized listening experience.

Modified SPV4040 DAC with Clean Conversion

The Protocol Micro features a modified SPV4040 DAC that delivers clean, reliable digital-to-analog conversion optimized for portable listening. The DAC chip works alongside an ultra-low output impedance of <0.4Ω, which preserves the intended frequency response of sensitive IEMs and headphones by minimizing electrical interaction. This combination ensures accurate audio reproduction across a wide range of earphones without unwanted sonic coloration or frequency deviations.

Compact USB-C Dongle Design

The Protocol Micro features a lightweight and highly portable USB-C dongle design, making it easy to carry for everyday use with USB-C smartphones, tablets, and computers. Its compact form factor eliminates the need for bulky equipment while delivering premium audio performance and hardware-based EQ functionality. 

Exceptional Value with Premium Audio Performance

The device combines clean DAC conversion, ultra-low output impedance for sensitive earphones, and an integrated 8-band PEQ that stores settings directly on the hardware. This comprehensive feature set makes it an ideal entry point for listeners seeking high-quality USB audio and personalized sound without breaking the bank.

Technical Details

Product Name
CrinEar Protocol Micro Ultra-Portable DAC-Amplifier
DAC Chip
Modified SPV4040
Output
3.5mm Single-Ended
Maximum Power Output
30mW @ 32Ω
THD+N @ 1kHz 0dBFS
0.00008
Output Impedance
<0.4Ω
Inside the Box
  • CrinEar Protocol Micro DAC-Amplifier ×1

30-Day Return Policy

You may return any non-customized product that is still factory sealed, within 30 days upon receiving it. For items that are damaged, incorrect, or faulty upon delivery, Linsoul will assess the issue and provide a solution accordingly.

1 Year Warranty

The CrinEar Protocol Micro Comes with a 1 year warranty on the AMP & DAC only. Warranty doesn't apply to the included accessories.

  • 5 stars: 1 (33%)
  • 4 stars: 2 (67%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
L
Leo

decent quality, nice 8 band eq.

J
Joshua S. (Fremont, US)
Affordable PEQ; Good feel and decent sound for its price

The only other PEQ dongle I've tried was the Moondrop FreeDSP Mini, which is nearly 3-4x the price of the Protocol Micro. Compared to that, the Micro seems to have deeper bass extension and slightly lower-resolution audio. However, the Micro's 8-band PEQ seems to have more observable effects on the sound compared to the Moondrop. The braided cable portion of the Micro also has little resistance, which I find helps route cables better than the Moondrop.

The Micro has been able to drive a multitude of my IEMs and headphones to a high volume, including the HD 6XX and HD 480 Pro. For such a low price, the Crinear Protocol Micro definitely does its job very well and can help you adjust the sound of your devices to your liking.

K
Kyle (St. Catharines, CA)
Almost perfect

A great little dongle that sadly lacks the ability to apply a high shelf filter, I wish this was better advertised.

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