FiiO E18 USB DAC Headphone Amplifier Quick Guide
Introduction
This guide provides essential instructions for the FiiO E18 USB DAC Headphone Amplifier. It covers setup, charging, and operational details for seamless integration with PCs and smartphones.
Connecting to PC or Smartphone as USB DAC
The FiiO E18 serves as a versatile USB DAC and headphone amplifier for both computers and smartphones. It also offers charging capabilities for the device itself and can function as a power bank for other devices.
Device Ports and Controls
The FiiO E18 is equipped with the following ports and controls:
- Headphone Jack: Standard output for headphones.
- Line In/Out: Functions as Line Out when used as a USB DAC; otherwise, it acts as a Line In port.
- GAIN: A control for adjusting the amplification gain level.
- BASS: Allows for adjustment of the bass frequencies.
- POWER/VOLUME CONTROL: A dial for turning the device on/off and adjusting the volume.
- PLAY/PAUSE: Button for controlling media playback.
- PREVIOUS: Button to skip to the previous track.
- NEXT: Button to skip to the next track.
- COAX OUT: Provides a coaxial digital audio output signal.
- USB DAC/CHG OUT Port: This central Micro USB port is used for connecting to a PC or smartphone as a USB DAC. When the function switch is set to 'CHG OUT', it outputs 5V/700mA to charge external devices.
- E18 Charging Port: Located on the side and marked with a battery symbol [battery-symbol], this Micro USB port is exclusively for charging the E18 unit itself.
Function Switch
A three-position switch enables different operational modes:
- PC IN: Connects to a computer, enabling USB DAC functionality. The E18 also charges concurrently.
- PHONE IN: Connects to an Android smartphone via a dual Micro USB cable, allowing the E18 to act as a USB DAC for the phone without draining the phone's battery.
- CHG OUT: Configures the middle USB port to output power (5V/700mA), turning the E18 into a portable power bank for charging other devices like smartphones.
Important: Always ensure the function switch is set to the correct position before connecting the E18 to other devices.
Indicator Lights
- Battery Indicator (High/Medium/Low): Displays the current battery charge level. During charging, these lights flash sequentially from left to right and remain steadily lit when fully charged.
- Working Indicator: Illuminates when the E18 is powered on and actively operating.
Getting Started and Usage
Charging the E18
It is recommended to fully charge the E18 before its initial use:
- Charging via a 2A power adapter typically takes about 4 hours.
- Charging via a computer's USB port may take up to 10 hours.
Note: The E18 cannot provide external charging (CHG OUT) while it is itself being charged.
Connecting and Operating
For PC Connection:
- Connect the E18 to your PC's USB port using the supplied USB cable.
- Your computer should automatically detect and install the necessary USB driver, recognizing the device as "FiiO USB DAC-E18".
- In your computer's sound settings or audio player software, select "FiiO USB DAC-E18" as the audio output device.
- Connect your headphones to the E18 and adjust the volume to your preference for high-quality audio playback.
For Smartphone Connection (Android):
- Connect the E18 to your Android smartphone using the included mini USB OTG cable.
- Your smartphone should display a notification indicating the connection of a "USB Device".
- Select the E18 as the audio output device on your smartphone.
- Connect headphones to the E18 and adjust the volume.
Note: It is advised not to use the USB DAC function and the Line In function simultaneously, as this may result in mixed audio output.
Using as a Mobile Power Source (CHG OUT)
When the function switch is positioned to CHG OUT:
- The central USB port functions as a power output, supplying 5V/700mA.
- Connect your smartphone or other compatible devices to this port to charge them.
Important Safety Notes for CHG OUT Mode:
- When the switch is in the CHG OUT position, do not connect the USB port to computers or other power sources like chargers.
- To activate the mobile power source function, if the E18 was powered on with the switch already in the CHG OUT position, first move the switch to PHONE IN, then back to CHG OUT. This ensures the charging function is properly enabled.
Fast Charging the E18
To expedite the charging process for the E18 unit:
- Connect a 2A power adapter to the E18's dedicated charging port (marked with [battery-symbol]) using a USB cable.
- Concurrently, connect the E18's USB DAC port (the middle one) to your computer using a separate USB cable.
- Confirm that the function switch is set to the PC IN position.
- Power on the device.
Additional Audio Output Options
Beyond its headphone output, the E18 also offers coaxial output and line out ports, allowing for connection to other external audio DACs and amplifiers.
System Settings Examples
Windows: Access your computer's sound settings or audio player preferences and select "FiiO USB DAC-E18" as the audio output device.
Mac OS: Navigate to System Preferences > Sound > Output, and then select "FiiO USB DAC-E18" from the list of available devices.
