how to enable a usb DAC?

[mcamann]

Hi all--

This is cross posted from the Raspbian forum.

I'm using a model B RPi running Raspbian in console mode as a headless music server that plays files on my NAS via my stereo receiver (mpd and ncmpcpp via ssh). Sound from the headphone jack on the RPi is surprisingly good, but I have a Schiit Audio Modi USB DAC that I'd like to use.

Unfortunately, when I connect the DAC there's no sound via USB. I'm connecting to the USB that's on the RPi board itself. Do I need to reconfigure ALSA or something else to enable USB digital sound output? The Schiit Audio folks say that it should simply work with linux distros-- no drivers needed, just plug it in and connect to your amp. But I'm not getting any sound.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Best,
--Mike C.

[mcamann]

I figured it out-- edit /etc/modprobe.d/alsa-base.conf to change:

Code: Select all

# Keep snd-usb-audio from beeing loaded as first soundcard
options snd-usb-audio index=-2

to

Code: Select all

# Keep snd-usb-audio from beeing loaded as first soundcard
options snd-usb-audio index=0

Note that the only change was from -2 to 0. Now I get clean output through the DAC to the stereo receiver.

Best,
--Mike C.