So here’s something unexpected: the stealth release of the CrinEar Protocol Max.
In all its glory.
The Protocol Max is a thumbdrive-style dongle DAC-amplifier with 10-band PEQ, alongside desktop-class driving power of up to 600mW (@16Ω) out of its 4.4 balanced output.
It is the definition of overkill; there are definitely cheaper PEQ-enabled dongles out there and many are available for purchase at Hangout.Audio. But for those looking for the latest Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs, alongside the kind of power that only twin dedicated SGM opamps can provide, on top of PEQ functionality… the Protocol Max is one of the very few to do it.
And, as of the time of writing, the cheapest in this class of hardware.
US$89.99.
Table of Contents
Technical Specifications
| SPEC | DETAILS |
| DAC Chip | Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 |
| Amplifier Chip | Dual SG Micro SGM8262-2 |
| Maximum Power Output (4.4mm BAL) | @ 8Ω: 31.3 mW (Eco), 442 mW (Boost) @ 16Ω: 62.5 mW (Eco), 600 mW (Boost) @ 32Ω: 31.3 mW (Eco), 500 mW (Boost) @ 300Ω: 3.5 mW (Eco), 54 mW (Boost) |
| Maximum Power Output (3.5mm SE) | @ 8Ω: 31.3 mW (Eco), 500 mW (Boost) @ 16Ω: 15.63 mW (Eco), 250 mW (Boost) @ 32Ω: 7.8 mW (Eco), 125 mW (Boost) @ 300Ω: 0.8 mW (Eco), 13.5 mW (Boost) |
| SNR @1kHz 0dBFS | 4.4mm: 132 dB 3.5mm: 127 dB |
| THD+N @1kHz 0dBFS | 4.4mm: -118 dB 3.5mm: -116 dB |
| Crosstalk @1kHz -6dBFS | 4.4mm: -116 dB 3.5mm: -65 dB |
| Output Impedance | 4.4mm: < 0.6Ω 3.5mm: < 0.3Ω |
Other Notes and Functions
Indicator lights
When connecting to your device, the indicator light on your Protocol Max may briefly flash red before turning off. This is normal operational behaviour as the Protocol Max goes automatically on standby mode if no sound is playing through it.
When connecting to your device, if the indicator light on your Protocol Max starts blinking red followed with no light and no sound coming out of it, it may not be compatible with your device. If so, please refer to the UAC mode switch section for potential troubleshooting.
To turn off the indicator light of your Protocol Max, press and hold both the volume up and volume down buttons for about a second. To turn it back on, perform the same button combination.
UAC Mode Switch
Some devices may not be compatible with UAC 2.0, most commonly the Nintendo Switch (1) and the Sony PlayStation 5.
To switch the Protocol Max to UAC 1.0, press and hold the volume up button as you connect it to your device. The indicator will start blinking red rapidly, at which point you may let go of the volume up button.
During operation of the Protocol Max in UAC 1.0 mode, the indicator light should slowly blink red (instead of the usual white). This is normal operational behaviour.
How to upload your PEQ profiles
These instructions are only applicable on Windows and macOS.
Step Obvious: Connect your Protocol Max to your PC or Mac.
Go to “graph.hangout.audio” and select your desired Graph Tool. We recommend the 5128 Tool for IEM users.
Note: This functionality is only available on Chromium-based browsers (Google Chrome, Edge, Opera, etc.).
Browsers like Safari and Firefox are not supported.
Go to the “Equalizer” tab.
Scroll down until you reach the “Device PEQ” section. Click on “Connect To Device” to link the Graph Tool to your Protocol Max.
If your Protocol Max is connected to your computer correctly, the following window should appear with “Protocol Max” listed.
Select “Protocol Max”, and then click “Connect”.
Select “Custom” from the dropdown menu.
Now optionally, you may also select “Pull From Device” to see the PEQ profile that is currently saved on the device.
Create your desired PEQ profile on the “Parametric Equalizer” tab.
The CrinEar Protocol Max supports up to 10 bands of PEQ.
Click “Push To Device” to upload your PEQ profile to the Protocol Max.
Enjoy your persistent systemwide PEQ on the Protocol Max! No additional software is required for your PEQ settings to be automatically applied on any other compatible devices.
The Hangout.Audio Graph Comparison Tool is proudly integrated with DeviceEQ, a JavaScript-based plugin for interacting with audio devices that support Parametric EQ (PEQ).
DeviceEQ is a project by Pragmatic Audio‘s “jeromeof”.
7 thoughts on “CrinEar Protocol Max: User Guide & Specifications”
Hi Crin, I received protocol today. is there way to use other site’s graph on “graph.hangout.audio” ?
I want to use Apple Earpods and some Final audio ones, and sites like earphone archive or super review have graphs, but I cant use it for making EQ at website. I’m forced to use Airpods Pro2 or 3 only. plz take a look <3
Hello. How to turn off EQ i applied?
Got my Protocol Max few days ago. For portable device type c connection on “max” side so unstable if it tilts a bit sideways which not uncommon in a pocket on go it may cause cracles or even disconnection. Why using short type c port you can see even box cable connector sticks of dongle half way.
EQ many times won’t disable… is there a fix for that?
I am encountering the same issue. You can apply alternative PEQs consistently, but I couldn’t find a pattern to consistently disable the EQ. Many PEQs lower the volume – but if I want to go back to defaults with PEQ disabled, not sure how that can be achieved. I tried multiple Chromium based browsers.
Can you look into a firmware update to increase the ps5 volume, or it that something Sony would need to do on their end? Even in boost mode and with the ps5 volume maxed out, the volume level is very low
what if the website going to be somewhat 404, how about this PEQ?