CEntrance DACport Pro: the missing link between laptop and mixer?
What if you had to feed high fidelity audio from your computer into a mixer, console, or anything else that only accepts XLR connections? If you don’t have the right cable, adapter, or a portable audio interface at hand, the gig may be in jeopardy!
Thankfully, it’s a problem that can be solved. Manufacturer CEntrance throws an attempt at it with its new DACport Pro. This portable D/A converter also features calibrated LED volume meters, a headphone amplifier, and a monitor volume controller. It’s built after CEntrance’s DACport HD unit, which targets audiophiles. So conversion quality should be top-notch.
CEntrance DACport Pro
Connecting to your computer over USB-C, the bus-powered unit also features dual 3-pin XLR balanced outputs on male connectors. The opposite panel has a brightness adjustment control for the LED meters, a Lo/Hi output switch (acts as a 20dB pad) for the adjacent headphone output, and a Fix/Var switch for the XLR outputs. The switch flips between volume control for the headphone output and main outputs only. The top panel has a rotary volume control, LED volume meters for the two stereo channels, and mic/line output level switches.
The DACport Pro is a professional audio affair in and out. Internally, it runs an AKM D/A converter chip with the manufacturer’s Velvet Sound tech which you can read more about here. The maximum supported sample rate is 384kHz at 32-bit resolution with DSD playback. The DAC also features a custom headphone amplifier with bipolar power supply and the LED meters are calibrated to Full Scale. The unit is constructed from hard-anodized aluminum and has a standard 1/4-inch mounting thread for most tripods, mic stands, and so on. Pretty cool to see the manufacturer go all-in on such an accessory.
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- CEntrance DACport Pro – front view · Source: Centrance
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- CEntrance DACport Pro – rear view · Source: CEntrance
Price and availability
At USD 370, the DACport Pro is a bit of an investment. But the portable unit has a lot going on for it. It’s obviously geared towards professional users and their demands, which commands a certain premium. The gizmo is shipping now, bundling a velvet pouch, USB-C cable with USB-A adapter, switch tool, and adhesive rubber feet in the package.
More information
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2 responses to “CEntrance DACport Pro: the missing link between laptop and mixer?”
This looks geared for DJ use – monitor is at headphones. What’s missing in a big way for players using virtual instruments is a 1/4″ thru to local amp/monitor.
And what has this thing more than any other 100Eur range USB interface?
I can easily count many things that it’s missing…
Get an Audient iD4. Much better investment.