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iFi iDefender+ USB Audio Ground Loop Eliminator (Type A > A)

3.7 3.7 out of 5 stars 588 ratings

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iDefender+ A > A

Purchase options and add-ons

Compatible Devices Laptop, Monitor, PC, Speaker
Connector Type USB Type C, USB 3.0
Item Dimensions LxWxH 5 x 3.6 x 0.6 inches
Brand iFi
Number of Ports 4

About this item

  • ✅REMOVE UNWANTED GROUND NOISE - Silence buzzing caused by unwanted ground loops from your audio chain at home or in your car sound system. Available in 3 connection versions: USB A input to A output, USB C input to C output, USB C input to A output
  • ✅DEFEND AGAINST TOO MANY EARTHS - Disconnects the USB power from the PC, laptop, or other USB music source to eliminate multiple earths which cause noise interference
  • ✅SMART TECHNOLOGY - Retains USB 3.0 high speed data transfer technology for optimal signal transmission. Significantly reduces system noise floor and increases dynamic contrast, warmth and resolution in your music
  • ✅ROOM FOR MORE SOLUTIONS - Use an iPower 5V power supply (sold separately) into the side USB C port for clean DC power on USB powered devices. Not to worry, other 5V power supplies used will benefit from additional noise filtration
  • ✅ PLEASE READ : The iDefender+ is only a solution for removing ground loops within your system which occurs from having too many grounded devices in your audio chain. If you are unsure if you have a ground loop, please visit our website and contact our support team who will assist you.

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$59.00
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Sold by ListenUp and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
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iFi iDefender+ USB Audio Ground Loop Eliminator (Type A > A)
iFi iDefender+ USB Audio Ground Loop Eliminator (Type A > A)
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Price$59.00$69.00$99.00-27% $7.99
List:$10.99
$19.99$49.99
Delivery
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
Customer Ratings
Sound quality
2.8
4.3
4.2
3.9
3.4
3.9
Value for money
2.7
3.8
4.2
4.1
3.0
3.7
Noise cancellation
3.7
4.5
4.0
4.2
Sold By
ListenUp
HIFI College
HIFI College
Smof
developmoreus
Usbgear
connector type
USB 3.0, USB Type C
USB Type B, USB Type A
USB 2.0
Auxiliary
Component
USB 2.0
number of ports
4
1
1
2
1
1
input voltage
5 volts
5 volts
5000 volts
5 volts

Product Description

iDefender +

iFi iDefender+

In recent years, more and more music lovers have taken to using computers as their primary audio source. These are often connected to audio gear via USB – the universal interface that enables digital data to pass from one piece of hardware to another.

The iDefender+ is a more specialised USB audio device, specifically designed to tackle ground (or earth) loops that can cause real issues with some computer-based systems, typically resulting in an irritating buzz or hum from the speakers.

The iDefender+ upgrades the performance of the outgoing iDefender3.0 with the addition of low-ESR Tantalum capacitors for input and output filtering. It, too, is available in three versions to suit the connected equipment

  • USB-A to USB-A
  • USB-C to USB-A
  • USB-C to USB-C

The USB3.0 and USB2.0 standards are supported and the connectors are gold plated.

iDefender+ A-A

iDefender+ C-A

iDefender+ C-C

iDefender+ A-A

When plugged into the source device’s USB socket, the iDefender+ detects whether there is a ground loop problem, caused by the presence of multiple earths that add noise. It breaks the ground loop by ‘intelligently’ disconnecting the computer’s earth; as well as eradicating audible ground-loop hum it lowers the system noise floor, improving resolution and dynamic contrast.

iDefender+ C-A

When used with a DAC that relies on USB power from a computer, rather than power from the mains or a built-in battery, the iDefender+ offers an additional benefit. If an external power supply is plugged into the USB-C socket on its side, it blocks power from the computer and instead feeds the DAC with power from the external supply; if a high-quality, low-noise power adapter such as iFi’s iPower is used, the performance of the USB DAC will be significantly improved.

iDefender+ C-C

In the audiophile realm, we aim to reach as pure a digital stream from the PC to the speakers as possible. Given the issues and limitations designed into USB audio, it should come as no surprise that USB devices may be created that are found to improve the sound quality.

ground loop

Diagnosing audio hiss

The 'touch' test. When you touch your device, does the hum/buzz noise increase? When you let go, does it decrease again?

If so, this is likely to be caused by a missing earth/ground connection.

This connection normally shields your system from such interference and drains away the noise.

If not, then this is because of the multiple earths. This then adds excess and unwanted noise. This is when the iDefender3.0 comes to the rescue.

iDefender+ in Use

Tech Specifications

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

USB3.0 gold-plated connectors

Dimensions: 50(l) x 20 (w) x 9mm (h)

Weight: 6.6g (0.23oz)

tablet

What is wrong with the USB-signal for audio devices?

It must be understood that USB audio devices have much more demanding requirements for USB hardware and software layers than any other USB devices, such as printers, hard drives or flash drives.

Further, USB Audio Class 2 devices (2 Channels@32Bit/768khz) have even greater requirements due to the much higher throughput at high sample rates compared to USB Audio Class 1 devices (2 channels@24Bit/96kHz). They must run at a much higher speed even if only streaming lowly CD standard signals. The key issue is that USB Audio Class devices use ‘Isochronous’ transfers while other devices use ‘Bulk/Burst mode’ transfers.

idefender stack

What is isochronous mode?

The isochronous mode is used for media streaming because it guarantees bandwidth on the USB by scheduling one transfer per available frame. By comparison, Bulk or Burst transfers make use of ‘leftover’ bandwidth and may be ‘choked off’ if higher priority isochronous data transfers saturate the USB. The isochronous transfer mode uses error checking but includes no re-transmission in case of Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) errors. Electrical noise on USB signals causes CRC errors and thus data loss, as does poor signal integrity. These lead to many potential causes of symptoms like audio signal distortion, artefacts (clicks/pops/crackling), and latency. It means that in order to reach the full potential of a USB audio device, the USB signal quality has to be excellent, and no CRC errors occur.

Note: Do not confuse ‘asynchronous USB’ with ‘Isochronous,’ an asynchronous USB system still uses isochronous mode to transfer audio.

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Product information

Warranty & Support

Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here

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iFi iDefender+ USB Audio Ground Loop Eliminator (Type A > A)


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Customer reviews

3.7 out of 5 stars
3.7 out of 5
588 global ratings

Customers say

Customers have expressed negative opinions about the value, audio interface, and heat of the adapter. They mention that it's not a cheap solution, it'll completely destroy your audio interface and that it gets very hot to the touch. Opinions are mixed on noise, and performance.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

66 customers mention34 positive32 negative

Customers are mixed about the noise of the adapter. Some mention that it eliminates loud hiss or buzzing, while others say that it still produces consistent noise. Some say that the adaptor does not eliminate ground noise, while other say that their studio monitors would have this buzzing sound.

"...It's dead.On a positive note: It did get rid of all that annoying hum...." Read more

"...USB-C signal into the Defender's side; without it, the hissing doesn't go away; higher voltages short-circuited my system, causing me a major..." Read more

"...So this iFI Defender seems to do a very good job of attenuating most of the noise, but the ideal "cure-all" device that removes all noise has yet..." Read more

"...Boom or, more correctly, no boom. No crackle, hiss, or popping, either...." Read more

34 customers mention13 positive21 negative

Customers are mixed about the performance of the adapter. Some mention it works like a charm, while others say it didn't work at all. Some say it works great for other interfaces, while other say it doesn't resolve issues pertaining to ground loops.

"...The interface itself was unresponsive to any kind of input. I restarted my computer and reinstalled the drivers to no avail...." Read more

"...Well anyways!I was super surprised to find out it works flawlessly all of them ...." Read more

"...and when the power supplies arrive, you realize that this is not working AT ALL. You can't even return it since it's too long already!!!" Read more

"...C iDefender but it would not work with external power injection with the 2i2 interface losing USB connectivity...." Read more

6 customers mention2 positive4 negative

Customers are mixed about the quality of the adapter. Some mention that it appears solidly built and of decent quality, while others say that it fried and in the process fried their audio interface.

"...It fried and in the process and fried my motu m2 interface on day 1. I would suggest getting a Behringer MicroHD HD400 instead." Read more

"The product physically is good. Thin, size is good, etc...." Read more

"...down the drain this thing is a piece of garbage and it destroyed everything on my computer and they don’t want to be held liable because they know..." Read more

"...It fried my Focusrite 2i2, and cost me nearly 60 dollars...." Read more

22 customers mention5 positive17 negative

Customers are dissatisfied with the value of the adapter. They say it's not a cheap solution, it'll waste your money, and it'd be better off buying a different adaptor. Some customers also mention that the adaptor is of poor quality and has a droning, grinding sound.

"...The Defender seems expensive, but I am really happy I found a way to solve my problem finally! :-)" Read more

"...It's a droning, grinding sound that is extremely obnoxious and changes in pitch based on what's being displayed...." Read more

"...I would say yes it did, but it wasn't exactly the best. The price is crazy high in my opinion, and it doesn't come with a power source...." Read more

"...has greatly improved my audio listening experience and was well worth the money when I consider the added clarity I now have when listening to..." Read more

8 customers mention0 positive8 negative

Customers are dissatisfied with the audio interface. They mention that it completely destroyed their audio interface, it's not good for audio interfaces, and that it changes in pitch based on what's being displayed.

"...The reason was that this MIDI interface disturbed the ground signal in the USB system, which the audio interface needs to properly interpret the..." Read more

"...It's a droning, grinding sound that is extremely obnoxious and changes in pitch based on what's being displayed...." Read more

"...what a stupid mistake on my behalf because it completely destroyed my audio interface my focus right scarlet solo third GEN studio completely broken..." Read more

"...My audio interface no longer works. The USB is no longer recognized by any computer. $1800 mistake. DO NOT BUY THIS POOR QUALITY PRODUCT...." Read more

6 customers mention0 positive6 negative

Customers are dissatisfied with the heat produced by the adapter. They mention that it nearly went ablaze, fried their audio equipment, and became very hot to the touch.

"...I removed both of them. The iDefender itself became very hot to the touch, even though it was powered for less than a minute...." Read more

"Unfortunately for me mines just literally blew up. (Not like a Michael Bay film but more like a poof with some smoke )...." Read more

"...not buy it it’s absolute garbage I charged it supposedly and it began to overheat and make a melted plastic smell before that I actually plugged..." Read more

"The item ALONE, without a power adaptor connected, nearly went ablaze. It fried my Focusrite 2i2, and cost me nearly 60 dollars...." Read more

4 customers mention0 positive4 negative

Customers dislike the power requirement of the adapter. They mention that it requires an additional power source in the form of a USB 5volt. They also say that it does not come with a power source.

"...This is not a separate/independent USB power source. The cable is also the only source for communicating information to the computer...." Read more

"...The price is crazy high in my opinion, and it doesn't come with a power source. Luckly, I had one and tested it out...." Read more

"...In my case, it definitely required using an additional power source in the form of a USB 5volt phone charger block and USB C cable attached to its..." Read more

"It did not come with a 5fv power supply! Luckily I had one, so -1 star.It got rid of the noise great...." Read more

It works pretty well
4 Stars
It works pretty well
I have been experiencing crackling and static noises when using a USB-A cable from my Lattitude 5510 (and a 5511 as well) laptop to my JDS Labs Atom DAC. It would increase whenever I did something on my computer that required processing - open a program, move the mouse, etc. Dell even replace the moboard twice and then wanted to do a complete reimage of my software. Very disappointing - they don't dare admit this is a grounding problem in the system. The ONLY TIME this occurs is when I have something connected to their USB-C port on the laptop - either a monitor cable directly attached to the monitor or the docking station. Remove the USB-C connection and life is good, signal is spotless. So, they have a grounding problem. I bought this ifi Defender+ to try and minimize the noise problem as I didn't want it damaging my DAC or my Eris speakers and sub.Since my DAC is powered, in theory I shouldn't have to power the device. However, when I plugged it in, there was no affect. I almost immediately returned it but then thought to at least give it a shot using power. So I plugged a USB-C power cord into my charging station and connected power to it - and voila - the noise is about 95% gone. Gone enough that I can't hear it sitting in my normal work position. If I put my ear up to the speaker I can hear just a faint crackle and static, but that's with my ear up to it. So, I will say it does work, although in my case it doesn't seem to work quite 100%. If you do have crackling/popping/static when you connect up to your laptop or computer, then this might help you out. Just remember, you should plan on powering this regardless of how your DAC is powered.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2023
Length: iDefender+ A > AVerified Purchase
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2021
Length: iDefender+ A > AVerified Purchase
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2021
Length: iDefender+ A > AVerified Purchase
8 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2022
Length: iDefender+ A > AVerified Purchase
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5.0 out of 5 stars Silenced the USB-Powered Noise from my Focusrite Scarlette 4i4 to My Studio Monitors!
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2022
The only power option for the Focusrite Scarlett 4i4, 3rd Generation Audio Interface USB cable to computer. This is not a separate/independent USB power source. The cable is also the only source for communicating information to the computer. So the user is restricted to computer power to operate all (I believe) third generation Focusrite audio interfaces. This was the first audio interface that required this set up, so I wasn't prepared for the noise issues. My monitors hissed and growled whenever my 4i4 was plugged into my computer. Okay, not loudly, but there was a noticeable sound presence that wasn't there before. In a recording studio, the absence of silence is deafening!

I'm experienced and dealing with all the traditional issues that cause transient noise issues--grounding, balanced vs unbalanced cables, connections, etc--but none of those would throttle the noise coming out of my monitors. So I went searching and found a YouTube video that addressed the issue. He recommended the iFi Defender. So I ordered it and a 5W power source with local on/off switch.

I just received it, plugged it in, powered it up and the silence has returned! This product works!
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2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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C Dennar
5.0 out of 5 stars Great product
Reviewed in Canada on December 11, 2023
Length: iDefender+ A > AVerified Purchase
Nokiron
5.0 out of 5 stars Works great, in specific situations
Reviewed in Sweden on August 29, 2023
Length: iDefender+ A > AVerified Purchase
Dominik W.
5.0 out of 5 stars iFi iDefender+ (Typ A bis A)
Reviewed in Germany on July 6, 2023
Length: iDefender+ A > AVerified Purchase
mil
5.0 out of 5 stars necessita alimentatore 5v 2.5A separato per collegare schede audio
Reviewed in Italy on March 18, 2022
Length: iDefender+ A > AVerified Purchase
STEPHANE
5.0 out of 5 stars Magique !!!!
Reviewed in France on August 4, 2021
Length: iDefender+ A > AVerified Purchase
5 people found this helpful
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