HoloAudio Red DDC & Network Streamer

A New Standard of Digital Audio Versatility

The HoloAudio RED DDC & Network Streamer is a sophisticated high-end digital audio transport combining two essential functions in one beautifully engineered aluminium chassis.

Designed for demanding audiophiles, RED can operate as a dedicated network audio bridge or as a USB digital-to-digital converter, providing exceptional flexibility for modern high-resolution music systems.

At its heart is the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, integrated into a purpose-built HoloAudio platform featuring dedicated digital audio circuitry, high-quality clocks and a carefully designed internal power supply.

With I²S over HDMI, AES/EBU, coaxial S/PDIF, optical and USB audio output options, RED offers an exceptionally versatile connection between your music source and compatible external DAC.

Its striking red chassis is instantly recognisable, while its discreet dimensions make it suitable for both minimalist systems and elaborate high-end digital installations.

Two Powerful Digital Audio Functions

The outstanding versatility of HoloAudio RED comes from its ability to operate in two distinct modes.

1. Network Streaming Bridge

In network mode, RED operates as a high-quality digital streaming endpoint, receiving music over its Gigabit Ethernet connection and delivering a digital audio signal to a compatible DAC.

It can be integrated with selected audio playback systems and network protocols such as Roon Ready, HQPlayer NAA, UPnP, Squeezelite, AirPlay, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, according to the installed operating system and enabled services.

This makes RED an ideal digital interface for listeners who prefer to use a dedicated external DAC rather than combine streaming and digital-to-analogue conversion in a single product.

2. Digital-to-Digital Converter (DDC)

In DDC mode, RED accepts compatible USB digital audio from a computer or other USB audio host and converts it to supported digital output interfaces.

Available output connections include I²S over HDMI, AES/EBU XLR, coaxial RCA, coaxial BNC and optical Toslink.

This provides a flexible way to connect a computer-based digital source to a DAC that offers a preferred digital input interface.

RED is a digital transport and converter, not an analogue-output DAC. A suitable external digital-to-analogue converter is required for playback through conventional analogue amplification.

Digital Audio Outputs Explained

I²S over HDMI

The I²S interface is an important feature for owners of compatible HoloAudio DACs and other DACs supporting the appropriate HDMI-style I²S pin configuration.

Although the socket uses an HDMI connector and a suitable HDMI cable can be used, it carries an I²S digital audio signal rather than conventional HDMI audio or video.

I²S pin assignments are not universally standardised across manufacturers. Compatibility must be checked before making this connection.

The RED includes selectable I²S pinout configurations through underside DIP switches, allowing different supported arrangements to be selected.

AES/EBU XLR

The AES/EBU output uses an XLR connector and is intended for compatible professional and high-end digital audio inputs.

A proper digital AES/EBU cable and compatible DAC input should be used.

Coaxial RCA and BNC

The coaxial S/PDIF outputs provide broad compatibility with external DACs using RCA or BNC digital inputs.

These connections are intended for digital audio signals and should be used with suitable digital coaxial cables.

Optical Toslink

Optical S/PDIF offers an electrically isolated digital audio connection between RED and a compatible DAC.

Supported sampling rates are subject to the output format and the receiving device.

USB Audio Output

The USB-A output can connect RED to a compatible USB DAC when the device operates in network bridge mode.

According to the manufacturer documentation, selecting USB output changes the availability of several other digital outputs. Simultaneous output operation should therefore not be assumed.

Purpose-Built HoloAudio Hardware

The RED is built around the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, a compact embedded computing platform rather than a standard consumer Raspberry Pi board.

HoloAudio combines this computing module with its own specialised digital interface design, clock circuitry and internally regulated power architecture.

The manufacturer’s hardware documentation identifies multiple low-noise linear regulated power supplies and dedicated USB signal processing as part of the design.

This approach allows the network processing system and digital audio interfaces to be integrated within a dedicated audio product.

Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4

The Compute Module 4 provides a quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processing architecture and access to a broad ecosystem of compatible software.

The practical advantage is software flexibility, allowing RED to support different playback configurations depending on the operating system and installed services.

Premium Aluminium Chassis

RED is housed in a distinctive red metal chassis with a minimalist front panel and a clearly organised rear connection layout.

Its compact form makes it easy to incorporate into high-end equipment racks while allowing access to the required digital connections.

RedOS: Flexible High-End Streaming Software

RED is designed to operate with HoloAudio’s RedOS environment, typically supplied on a prepared microSD card.

The software allows compatible streaming services and playback protocols to be configured through a web-based interface.

Depending on the installed software version and selected operating mode, the supported features include:

• Roon Ready network endpoint
• HQPlayer Network Audio Adapter (NAA)
• UPnP / DLNA playback
• AirPlay 2
• Squeezelite
• Spotify Connect
• Tidal Connect
• Scream virtual network sound card

Availability and simultaneous use of services may vary by software release, configuration and output mode.

Certain services can require exclusive access to the selected audio output.

Roon Ready Streaming

RED can function as a Roon Ready endpoint when using a compatible certified RedOS installation.

This allows music playback to be managed from the Roon ecosystem while RED delivers the digital audio signal to the connected DAC.

HQPlayer NAA

RED supports the Network Audio Adapter role for compatible HQPlayer configurations.

This makes it particularly relevant for enthusiasts using HQPlayer for digital audio processing and network playback.

Tidal, Qobuz and Other Streaming Services

Music services may be accessed through compatible playback software, network protocols or supported Connect integrations.

Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect support depend on the installed RedOS version or alternative compatible software.

Qobuz playback is available through compatible software ecosystems such as Roon or UPnP implementations. Direct Qobuz Connect support should be confirmed for the exact operating system version.

Alternative Software Options

The Compute Module architecture also permits compatible alternative software environments.

The capabilities of each alternative depend on its support for RED’s hardware and digital output interfaces.

High-Resolution PCM and DSD Playback

HoloAudio RED is designed for demanding high-resolution digital playback.

The documented I²S output capability includes PCM sampling rates up to 768 kHz and native DSD up to DSD512 in the manufacturer’s referenced configuration.

The USB output path can support higher rates in certain software and DAC configurations, while AES/EBU, coaxial and optical outputs have lower format limits.

The selected operating system, digital interface, DAC capabilities and source format must all support the intended sampling rate.

A maximum format specification should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every combination of digital output and software will support that rate.

How to Connect HoloAudio RED

Network Streaming Configuration

For network operation, insert the prepared RedOS microSD card with the unit powered off, connect Ethernet and connect a compatible digital output to your DAC.

Do not leave a USB cable connected to the USB input when configuring the device exclusively as a network bridge.

USB DDC Configuration

For DDC operation, connect a compatible USB audio source to USB-IN and use the required digital output interface to connect the RED to the DAC.

Follow the current manufacturer manual for the complete operating-mode procedure.

RedOS Configuration and Updates

With RED connected to the local network, supported settings can be accessed through its web interface.

Depending on network name resolution and software configuration, the interface may be available at the address below:

http://red/config.php

Alternatively, enter the device’s current local IP address into a browser connected to the same network.

The interface provides access to supported playback services and relevant audio output settings.

Avoid changing advanced settings unless you understand their purpose. Incorrect output or I²S configuration may prevent playback or cause incompatibility with the connected DAC.

Official Documentation

Download HoloAudio RED User Guide – May 2024 (PDF)

For operating system installation and service updates, use the instructions and files supplied by HoloAudio or an authorised support channel. Older software images are not necessarily the most appropriate choice for a current unit.

HoloAudio RED Technical Specifications

An Excellent Partner for High-End DACs

The HoloAudio RED DDC & Network Streamer is particularly attractive for listeners using a dedicated DAC.

Its diverse digital output options make it relevant to compatible HoloAudio models, including the Spring and May series, as well as other DACs using supported interfaces.

Compatibility depends on the selected output connection and DAC input specification.

HoloAudio RED with Spring 3 DAC

The HoloAudio Spring 3 DAC is a natural system-matching candidate for RED.

RED can provide an independent streaming or USB DDC platform, leaving the Spring 3 to perform digital-to-analogue conversion.

HoloAudio RED with May DAC

The HoloAudio May DAC is another high-end companion for RED.

The two components provide a separate digital transport and conversion architecture for demanding audio systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HoloAudio RED DDC & Network Streamer?

It is a dedicated digital audio device combining a network streaming bridge and a USB digital-to-digital converter.

Does HoloAudio RED have an internal DAC?

No. RED is designed to output digital audio to a compatible external DAC.

Can RED be used with Roon?

Yes, with a compatible certified RedOS installation, RED supports Roon Ready endpoint operation.

Can RED work with HQPlayer?

Yes. RED supports HQPlayer Network Audio Adapter operation when configured with compatible software.

Does RED support Tidal Connect?

Tidal Connect is supported by certain RedOS and alternative software configurations. Confirm the installed version and compatibility requirements.

Can I use RED with Qobuz?

Yes, through compatible playback ecosystems. Direct Qobuz Connect availability depends on the software version installed.

Does RED support DSD512?

Yes. Native DSD512 is included in the documented I²S capability, subject to DAC, software and interface compatibility.

Does RED support DSD1024?

Certain USB or alternative software configurations may support DSD1024. This should not be assumed to apply to every output or RedOS release.

Is I²S HDMI the same as ordinary HDMI?

No. The I²S signal uses a similar connector but is not conventional HDMI audio or video. DAC pinout compatibility must be verified.

Can RED connect to a DAC using AES/EBU?

Yes, when the DAC provides a compatible AES/EBU input and an appropriate digital cable is used.

Can RED be used only as a USB converter?

Yes. In DDC mode, it can accept compatible USB audio and output through supported digital interfaces.

Can RED stream audio over Ethernet?

Yes. It features Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for compatible network streaming protocols.

Can I remove the microSD card while RED is powered on?

No. Always power off and disconnect the unit before inserting or removing the card.

How do I access RedOS settings?

Open the RED configuration interface through its local network address or, where supported, http://red/config.php.

Which DACs work with HoloAudio RED?

RED can work with DACs offering compatible USB, I²S, AES/EBU, coaxial or optical digital inputs. Interface and format support must be confirmed for the specific DAC.

Documentation and Support

For detailed operating instructions, system configuration and safety information, consult the
HoloAudio RED User Guide.

Availability and International Orders

Contact Chameleon Audio for HoloAudio RED availability, international shipping, software compatibility questions and personalised matching advice for your high-end DAC and streaming system.