Forkbeard™ Launches
The System for Unified Control, Better Visibility, and System Optimization
November 20, San Antonio, TX. Schiit Audio announces the immediate availability of a range of Forkbeard-enabled products, Forkbeard modules, and the Forkbeard iOS app. Forkbeard is the first multi-product, multi-stack unified audio control system. Forkbeard provides unified control of multiple products in multiple systems, additional functionality such as instant power output and system health metrics, and advanced inter-product features for better understanding and optimization of an audio system. Forkbeard is available on products from $329, and the Forkbeard module is $50.
“Forkbeard allows us to answer questions that challenge all audio manufacturers,” said Jason Stoddard, Schiit Audio’s co-founder. “Questions like 'is this amp enough for my speakers,' and 'how far can I turn up the volume?' It sounds simple, but really, those are two top questions that are surprisingly difficult to answer. Forkbeard correlates the actual gain of the system, the operating conditions of the amplifier, and the instant power output to provide real answers in real time."
Stoddard refers to Visual Volume™, a unique feature that is enabled when a customer creates a system with a Forkbeard-enabled DAC, preamp, and amp. This shows "caution" and "clipping" ranges on the volume control at all times, and dynamically updates based on the system mode and amplifier.
However, Forkbeard has a myriad of uses, even if used on a single product:
- Forkbeard allows total control of all products in all stacks, including volume, input select, output mode, gain, standby mode switching, feedback switching, mute, and more.
- Forkbeard also provides system health information, including temperature, current, triggered protection, tube heater integrity, and more.
- Inter-product coordination provides for much more advanced features, such as Visual Volume™, that further enhance the experience.
Forkbeard is completely modular and optional. All Forkbeard-enabled products use a single standard external Bluetooth module that plugs into a unique, keyed slot on the back of the product. Products can be ordered without the module, saving $50, or the module can be added later for $50.
Forkbeard sets the standard for ease of setup—just install an app and add nearby Schiit products to one or more “stacks.” No pairing, no account creation necessary.
It also sets the standard for ease of use—all products are displayed in logical order, with most-used controls appearing prominently in a dynamically reconfigurable interface. It easily accommodates a “main listening system,” a “desk system,” and a “bedroom system.”
Forkbeard launches for iOS, supporting both iPhones and iPads. An Android version is planned for the future.
Forkbeard is available on 8 Schiit products to start. This large number of Forkbeard-enabled products allows customers to create systems up and down the line.
Forkbeard-Enabled Products
- Gungnir 2 Multiform™ DAC
- Saga 2 Preamp
- Kara F Nexus™ Preamp
- Freya+ F Tube Preamp
- Vidar 2F Power Amp
- Aegir 2F Continuity™+Halo™ Power Amp
- Wotan Nexus™ Power Amp
- Kraken™ 5-Channel Power Amp
Additional Forkbeard-enabled products are coming, including Stjarna, an all-out tube phono amp.
The least expensive Forkbeard-enabled product is Saga 2, at $329. Paired with an $899 Vidar, this creates a very affordable, extremely capable system. On the other side of the spectrum, a Freya+ F, Gungnir 2, and Wotan can be combined into a “gigastack” that still sells for less than $5,000.
Forkbeard products, modules, and systems are available now at schiit.com. The Schiit Forkbeard app is available now at the Apple App Store.
Forkbeard is patent-pending.
Forkbeard Assets (images, screen shots, etc)
About Schiit Audio
Since its founding in 2010, Schiit has grown to be the leader in affordable high-end audio, with a broad portfolio of unique analog and digital technologies spanning a wide range of products, from DACs and preamps to power and headphone amps, from $49 to $2799.
Schiit's unique digital technologies include Forkbeard™, the unified control, visualization, and optimization platform; Multiform™ and True Multibit™ DACs, using proprietary digital filters based on closed-form math, Unison USB™, a purpose-built UAC2 audio interface based on 32-bit Microchip microprocessors, and Autonomy Architecture™, a modular, upgradable platform to help customers preserve the value of their DAC investment.
Schiit's unique analog architectures include the Nexus™ discrete differential topology, Continuity™ transconductance-equalizing output stages, Coherence™ DC-coupled hybrid topology, Halo™ mixed-mode motion feedback, and a focus on proprietart, low- or no-feedback, fully discrete, highly linear gain and power stages.
Schiit designs and produces its products in the USA.
Press Contact
Denise Martin, [email protected]