What is a digital to analog converter and do I need one?

Digital to Analog converter (DAC), as the name suggests serves the purpose of converting digital signals into analog ones. Such conversion helps you in playing sound using your speakers or headphones. The digital to analog converter chip is usually present in the component such as a smartphone, portable music player, or a laptop. In the following sections we will delve into more details about DAC and whether you would require one.

Digital to Analog Converters

 The function of a DAC is to use digital signals present in any recording and convert it back into analog signal. This is done by translating bits of data present in digital files to form analog signals and then the DAC unit outputs the resultant signal in the form of a wave. The sound card present in a computer consists of DAC used for such conversion so that the audio can be played using a speaker or any other audio equipment, which cannot support digital signals. 

Do you need one?

 Primary reason you would like to purchase a DAC would be issues in your system whether it is a home system, smart phone, or computer. It can be objectionable distortion, noticeable noise, or incapability of your device to operate at an audio file's required bitrate.

Selecting the Right DAC

 By finding answers to the following questions, you will be able to buy a DAC that is right for your needs.

• Which type of digital file will be translated using DAC? A digital file can be a video, audio, or a file of any other format.
• Does the conversion need to be fast? Is speed of conversion an important aspect of the whole process? In case, you plan to decode video files then investing in a faster DAC would be the right thing to do since significant amount of data will have to be converted for any video file.
• Will preserving resolution going to be more important compared to speed? In such situation you will have to invest in a better resolution converter. Such DAC converters are the preferred choice for audio applications since amount of data to be converted is less and maintaining quality of audio is more important.
• What is the total number of channels that will be required for the output? The answer to this question will also help you select the right DAC, that meets your requirement.

Features of DACs

 There are a few key features of DACs that you need to be aware of.

Speed: Highest sampling rate of converter is referred as DACs speed. It refers to highest speed of running a sample without compromising on accuracy of output. 

Resolution: It refers to total output levels that a DAC can produce. The resolution determines aspects like a video file's colour depth or bit depth attained in audio applications.

To summarize it can be said that digital to analog converter serves different objectives and it is a useful equipment to have. If you are facing problems with your audio or video output, then a DAC can prove to be very helpful. 

Need more help choosing a DAC?  Our sales specialists would be happy to answer all your questions.  

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