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iFi iDefender+ USB Audio Ground Loop Eliminator (Type A > A)
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Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
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- Ship it!
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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From the brand
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About iFi
You love music, so that’s why we create products that improve sound quality and eradicate noise, distortion and hiss.
With our vast catalogue of devices, you can bring the live experience into your home. Or if you prefer your music on-the-go, we deliver every cymbal crash and pluck of a string in clear isolation straight to your ears.
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What makes our products unique?
Our products are known for their high-quality sound, unique features, and innovative technology. They use proprietary technologies, high-quality materials, and offer a wide range of products, including portable options.
Are our products high quality?
Our company uses high-quality components and advanced circuitry in their products, which results in clean and accurate sound reproduction. We have a dedicated team of experienced engineers and designers who are passionate about producing the best possible audio products.
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This Item iFi iDefender+ USB Audio Ground Loop Eliminator (Type A > A) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | $59.00$59.00 | $69.00$69.00 | $99.00$99.00 | -27% $7.99$7.99 List: $10.99 | $19.99$19.99 | $49.99$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
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.
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iDefender+ A-AWhen 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-AWhen 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-CIn 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. |
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.
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)
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.
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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iDefender+ - What is it? And How do i use it?
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Product information
Product Dimensions | 5 x 3.6 x 0.6 inches |
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Item Weight | 1.58 ounces |
ASIN | B0849J33T9 |
Customer Reviews |
3.7 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #8,985 in USB Cables |
Date First Available | January 28, 2020 |
Manufacturer | Abbingdon Music Research |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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This iFi Defender, removed the hissing sound completely. Two important things to consider: (1) I plugged the Defender between USB hub and the piano's MIDI interface (!), not between USB hub and Focusrite audio interface. (2) Make sure (!!!) you add a 5V (!!!) 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 scare.
So take a regular small (!) cheap iPhone charging block for this 5V side signal. I first used just some free USB power slot from my high-end Anker charger, which usually provides only as much power as needed, but more than 5V in this case apparently; here this literally overpowered the Defender and caused a crash; so don't make the same mistake.
All that said, I am quite happy to finally having gotten rid of the hissing sound. The Defender seems expensive, but I am really happy I found a way to solve my problem finally! :-)
On a positive note: It did get rid of all that annoying hum. Although, I could've achieved the same effect for free by simply smashing my interface with a ball-peen hammer.
Just plugging the Modi in through this dongle (while keeping the modi itself powered by an external usb connection) cuts the electrical noise by roughly 90%, which is enough that I can't hear it in the slightest until pushing the headphones/speakers to unreasonable listening levels. Plugging a small external USB power supply to the iDefender+ itself (even the 5 volt 1 amp switching variety like what comes with most phones, for example) further reduces the noise at high volumes, until it's only just barely audible through a silent line at 100% maxed out volume.
I can only assume some graphics cards cause an internal ground noise loop. Whatever the case, this little dongle does a terrific job of silencing the noise.
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!
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2022
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!
Top reviews from other countries
I have everything connected to one outlet to avoid ground loops, but I had some major buzzing noises from the speakers that matched the frequency and noise of the coil whine from the GPU. The reason the noise propagated to the speakers was because of my audio interface, which is an Audient EVO4 which is USB-powered only. So the iDefender+ bypassed the power connection from the PC which in turn removed any kind of buzzing noise. Very happy with the result, even though it's quite expensive it did the job.
Keep in mind though that you absolutely do have to plug this device in on the side with separate power from a charger.
Das Ergebnis ist wirklich gut, kein Rauschen, Summen etc.
WICHTIG! - Unbedingt ein passendes Netzteil [5V/2,5A] verwenden. - WICHTIG!
Hatte den iFi iDefender+ per USB-C auf USB-A Kabel direkt an der Stromleiste angeschlossen oder wahlweise mit einem anderen Netzteil (Amazon Alexa-Echo-Dot Netzteil, Samsung Charger). Es muss nach meiner Erfahrung nicht das iFi iPower2 sein. Habe ein Netzteil [5V/2,5A] für 15€ inkl. Kabel beim Elektrofachhandel gekauft und das Ergebnis ist nochmal besser als zuvor.
Das Behringer MicroHD HD400 wird nun NICHT mehr mit genutzt.
///Alte Bewertung:
Allerdings gab es je nach Anwendung
- Knistern / Rauschen bei Mausbewegungen
- Knistern / Summen bei Downloads
- Knistern / Summen / Rauschen bei Arbeit in grafikintensiver Software / oder Videogames
Einmal den kompletten Raum auf den Kopf gestellt und versucht die "Störquelle" zu finden. Neue Kabel, alles. Bis ich den iFi iDefender+ (Typ A bis A) bestellt und angeschlossen habe. Knistern und Rauschen sind deutlich besser geworden, jedoch nicht zu 100% verschwunden.
Daher hatte ich lange überlegt die dazugehörigen Netzteile zum iFi iDefender+ dazu zu bestellen.
Bei der Recherche bin ich jedoch auf das Behringer MicroHD HD400 aufmerksam geworden.
Die Störgeräusche sind nun völlig auf 0.
Meine Empfehlung liegt daher ganz klar erst das Behringer MicroHD HD400 zu testen da es deutlich preiswerter ist und passiv eine deutliche Verbesserung bewirkt. Sollte das nicht ausreichen, kann immer noch mit einem iFi iDefender+ nachgeholfen werden.
Erdungsschleife hin oder her, das Rauschen auf den Lautsprechern/USB Interface ist nun Geschichte!///
Collegando il dispositivo come indicato in istruzioni trovate su youtube, il fruscio è sparito ed anche la qualità audio è notevolmente migliorata (uso pro tools per missaggio registrazioni e mastering)
ATTENZIONE: il dispositivo necessita di un alimentatore separato da 5V 2.5Ampere (classico alimntatore da cellulare) con presa usb-c nel caso in cui si debba collegare una scheda audio esterna / dac USB, non è indicato nella descrizione o nelle istruzioni
Et bien gagné !!!!!! Plus le moindre souffle, pas de buzz, pas une interférence, le silence absolu !!!
Certes, ce petit isolateur est assez couteux, mais franchement impossible de s'en passer lorsque on rencontre ces problèmes.
Ma config est la suivante:
- tour PC type "Gamer" bien puissante, mais naturellement source d'interférences pour de la MAO (ventilateurs, carte graphique, wifi...)
- Interface audio Steinberg UR242 (du coup pluggée sur l'isolateur en entrée usb du PC)
- Processeur externe guitare Avid Eleven Rack
- Plug-in guitare Bias FX2 de chez Positive Grid sur PC
- routage de la carte son et du processeur guitare via une petite mixette analogique Behringer (de manière à pouvoir utiliser l'eleven rack pour jouer sans avoir à allumer le PC)
- Enceintes de monitoring Samson Resolv 40A en sortie de la console
- Cubase 11 pour l'enregistrement
- Clavier Nektar Panorama T4 pour le pilotage de Cubase et le jeu sur des instruments virtuels
Tout ce petit monde cohabite maintenant dans la paix et l'harmonie :-)
Précision importante: l'isolateur doit être impérativement alimenté (même si la carte son à elle aussi sa propre alimentation électrique) via son connecteur USB C (perso j'utilise mon chargeur de téléphone, peut être en achèterais-je un dédié...)
Je souhaite que ce petit isolateur fonctionne bien dans la durée parce qu'il reste quand même assez cher...
J'ajusterais mon commentaire si je constate quoi que ce soit qui cloche.
J'espère que mon avis pourra aider ! et... mort aux buzz !!!!!