{"product_id":"fosi-audio-stepsense-c3-gaming-audio-dac-headphone-amplifier","title":"Fosi Audio StepSense C3 Gaming Audio DAC \u0026 Headphone Amplifier","description":"\u003ch3\u003eFosi Audio StepSense C3 Gaming Audio DAC \u0026amp; Headphone Amplifier\u003c\/h3\u003e  \u003cp\u003eTake your gaming audio to the next level with the Fosi Audio StepSense C3 Gaming Audio DAC \u0026amp; Headphone Amplifier, an intelligent desktop audio solution designed for competitive gaming, immersive entertainment, and high-resolution music listening. Featuring Fosi Audio's proprietary StepSense AI technology, the C3 analyzes in-game audio in real time to identify and enhance critical sounds such as enemy footsteps by 3–9dB with just 10ms of processing latency. Unlike traditional EQ adjustments that boost entire frequency ranges, StepSense intelligently emphasizes footsteps without unnecessarily amplifying gunfire, explosions, or other background effects, helping players identify enemy locations and react with greater confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eBuilt with audiophile-grade components, the C3 combines an XMOS XU316 USB audio processor, Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC, and dual Texas Instruments TPA6120 headphone amplifier chips to deliver detailed, low-distortion sound with accurate imaging and excellent clarity. Supporting high-resolution PCM audio up to 32-bit\/384kHz and native DSD256 through USB Audio Class 2.0, the C3 is equally capable of handling demanding music collections and immersive gaming soundtracks. Its 3.5mm headphone output delivers at least 320mW per channel into 32 ohms, while hardware-level 7.1 virtual surround processing creates a more expansive, directional listening experience with compatible multichannel games and movies.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eDesigned for seamless integration into modern gaming setups, the StepSense C3 features USB-C, optical, and coaxial digital inputs, a dedicated 3.5mm microphone input, and stereo RCA outputs for connecting powered speakers or external amplifiers. AI-powered microphone noise reduction suppresses distracting keyboard clicks, fan noise, and other environmental sounds by up to 40dB for clearer communication during gaming, streaming, and voice calls. Independent headphone and microphone volume controls, one-touch microphone muting, and sidetone monitoring provide convenient control over your gaming audio.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eThe Fosi Audio C3 also offers customizable parametric EQ, game-specific sound presets, and a browser-based control interface that lets you adjust audio settings without installing traditional desktop software. Its compact aluminum alloy chassis features an ergonomic 5-degree angled design with tactile buttons and sliders for quick adjustments during gameplay. Compatible with Windows PCs, Macs, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and a wide range of wired headsets and desktop audio systems, the C3 combines competitive gaming enhancements with high-fidelity audio performance in one versatile desktop device.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003ch4\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h4\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fosi Audio\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e StepSense C3\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gaming sound card, digital-to-analog converter, and headphone amplifier\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSB Audio Processor:\u003c\/strong\u003e XMOS XU316\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDAC Chip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cirrus Logic CS43131\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphone Amplifier Chips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dual Texas Instruments TPA6120\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAI Audio Processing:\u003c\/strong\u003e StepSense AI footstep detection and enhancement\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFootstep Enhancement:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3–9dB\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStepSense Processing Latency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 10ms\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAI Processing:\u003c\/strong\u003e On-device hardware processing without relying on host computer CPU resources\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptimized Gaming Profiles:\u003c\/strong\u003e Includes PUBG and Counter-Strike 2 profiles, with additional optimization supported through updates\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpatial Audio:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardware-level 7.1 virtual surround sound for compatible 5.1 and 7.1 multichannel sources\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAudio Modes:\u003c\/strong\u003e AI FPS, 7.1 Virtual Surround, Parametric EQ, and Bypass\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAudio Mode Limitations:\u003c\/strong\u003e AI FPS and 7.1 Virtual Surround require UAC 1.0; AI FPS, 7.1 Virtual Surround, and PEQ cannot operate simultaneously\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSB Audio Modes:\u003c\/strong\u003e USB Audio Class 1.0 and USB Audio Class 2.0\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUAC 2.0 Audio Resolution:\u003c\/strong\u003e PCM up to 32-bit\/384kHz and DSD256\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUAC 1.0 Audio Resolution:\u003c\/strong\u003e PCM up to 16-bit\/48kHz\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptical Input Resolution:\u003c\/strong\u003e PCM up to 24-bit\/192kHz\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoaxial Input Resolution:\u003c\/strong\u003e PCM up to 24-bit\/192kHz\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDigital Inputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e USB-C, optical (TOSLINK), coaxial\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMicrophone Input:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.5mm microphone jack\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphone Output:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.5mm single-ended\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLine Output:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stereo RCA\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSimultaneous Outputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.5mm headphone and RCA outputs operate in parallel and cannot be independently enabled or disabled\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupported Headphone Impedance:\u003c\/strong\u003e 16–300 ohms\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphone Output Power:\u003c\/strong\u003e At least 320mW + 320mW at 32 ohms, THD+N below 1%\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphone Output Signal-to-Noise Ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e 123dB (A-weighted)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphone Output THD+N:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.0004% (A-weighted)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphone Output Dynamic Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 123dB\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphone Output Noise Floor:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3µV or less (A-weighted)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphone Output Frequency Response:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20Hz–20kHz (±0.06dB)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRCA Line Output Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e At least 2Vrms\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRCA Signal-to-Noise Ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e 124dB (A-weighted)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRCA THD+N:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.0005% (A-weighted)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRCA Dynamic Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 124dB\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRCA Noise Floor:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3µV or less (A-weighted)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRCA Frequency Response:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20Hz–20kHz (±0.06dB)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMicrophone Noise Reduction:\u003c\/strong\u003e AI-powered noise suppression up to 40dB\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNoise Reduction Control:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dedicated rear-panel toggle; available in UAC 1.0 mode\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNoise Reduction Latency:\u003c\/strong\u003e May add up to 50ms of microphone communication latency\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMicrophone Controls:\u003c\/strong\u003e Independent microphone volume, one-touch mute, and sidetone monitoring in UAC 1.0 mode\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeadset Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supports compatible wired 3.5mm gaming headsets using the included microphone\/headphone splitter cable\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEqualization:\u003c\/strong\u003e Customizable multiband parametric EQ with presets and shareable sound profiles\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePEQ Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e UAC 1.0, UAC 2.0, optical, and coaxial input modes\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBypass Mode:\u003c\/strong\u003e Disables internal EQ and sound effects for unprocessed audio playback\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eControl Interface:\u003c\/strong\u003e Browser-based Fosi Audio companion app\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeb App:\u003c\/strong\u003e https:\/\/cc.fosiaudio.com\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeb App Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Windows and macOS computers\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePhysical Controls:\u003c\/strong\u003e Power\/input selection, UAC mode selection, sound mode selection, headphone volume, microphone volume, microphone mute\/monitoring, and AI noise reduction toggle\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStatus Indicators:\u003c\/strong\u003e LED indicators for input, audio format, UAC settings, sound modes, and microphone functions\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComputer Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11, macOS 10.6 or later, and Linux\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGaming Console Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch through compatible UAC 1.0 USB audio connections\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDriver Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Standard audio playback is generally plug-and-play on compatible systems; DSD playback may require additional drivers or software configuration\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFirmware Updates:\u003c\/strong\u003e USB-C firmware updates through the Fosi Audio web application\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower Input:\u003c\/strong\u003e DC 5V via USB-C\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower Source:\u003c\/strong\u003e USB bus-powered\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChassis Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aluminum alloy\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDesign:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compact desktop enclosure with 5-degree angled control surface\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWarranty:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24-month limited manufacturer warranty\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEAN:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6976136961284\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded Accessories:\u003c\/strong\u003e USB-A\/C to USB-C cable, 3.5mm Y-splitter cable, and user manual\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e  \u003ch4\u003eWhat It's Great At\u003c\/h4\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAI-Powered Footstep Detection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Proprietary StepSense technology identifies and enhances enemy footsteps by 3–9dB with approximately 10ms processing latency, helping competitive FPS players recognize important positional audio cues.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eImmersive 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardware-based spatial processing converts compatible multichannel game and movie audio into an expansive two-channel listening experience with improved directional awareness.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-Resolution Gaming and Music Audio:\u003c\/strong\u003e The combination of XMOS XU316 processing, a Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC, and dual TPA6120 amplifier chips delivers detailed audio with support for PCM up to 32-bit\/384kHz and DSD256.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClearer Gaming Communication:\u003c\/strong\u003e AI-powered microphone noise reduction suppresses unwanted background sounds by up to 40dB, while independent microphone volume, mute, and monitoring controls keep communication convenient.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCustomizable Sound Profiles:\u003c\/strong\u003e Browser-based parametric EQ and selectable sound modes let players adjust their listening experience for competitive gaming, movies, or high-fidelity music playback.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlexible Desktop and Console Connectivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e USB-C, optical, coaxial, dedicated microphone input, headphone output, and RCA connections provide versatile compatibility with computers, supported gaming consoles, wired headphones, and powered speakers.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e  \u003ch4\u003eFAQ Section\u003c\/h4\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: What is the Fosi Audio StepSense C3 used for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A: The Fosi Audio StepSense C3 is a gaming DAC, headphone amplifier, and external sound card designed to improve audio clarity, directional awareness, and communication during gameplay. It also functions as a high-resolution desktop DAC for music listening and connects to compatible headphones, gaming headsets, and powered speakers.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: How does StepSense AI footstep enhancement work?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A: StepSense uses a dedicated on-device AI algorithm to recognize and enhance footsteps in supported FPS games. It boosts detected footsteps by 3–9dB with approximately 10ms processing latency, helping players hear subtle movement without broadly increasing the volume of explosions, gunfire, or ambient effects. StepSense requires UAC 1.0 mode.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Does the Fosi Audio C3 support 7.1 surround sound?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A: Yes. The C3 supports hardware-level 7.1 virtual surround processing that converts compatible 5.1 and 7.1 multichannel audio into a spatial two-channel headphone experience. This feature operates in UAC 1.0 mode with supported multichannel content and is not applied to ordinary stereo sources.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Can I use the Fosi Audio C3 with a PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A: Yes. The C3 supports compatible PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch USB audio connections using UAC 1.0 mode. This mode provides 16-bit\/48kHz audio and supports microphone communication with a properly connected compatible headset.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Does the Fosi Audio C3 improve microphone quality?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A: Yes. The C3 features AI-powered microphone noise reduction designed to suppress background sounds such as keyboard clicks and computer fan noise by up to 40dB. It also includes independent microphone volume, mute, and sidetone monitoring functions in UAC 1.0 mode.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Can I use the Fosi Audio C3 for high-resolution music listening?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A: Absolutely. In UAC 2.0 mode, the C3 supports PCM audio up to 32-bit\/384kHz and DSD256. For music listening, users can select Bypass mode to disable audio processing or adjust the parametric EQ to customize the sound.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Can I connect powered speakers to the Fosi Audio C3?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A: Yes. The C3 includes stereo RCA line outputs for connecting powered speakers, integrated amplifiers, and other compatible audio equipment. The headphone and RCA outputs operate simultaneously rather than offering independent output selection.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Do I need to install software to customize the Fosi Audio C3?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A: No traditional desktop application installation is required for the main sound customization features. Connect the C3 to a compatible Windows or macOS computer and visit https:\/\/cc.fosiaudio.com to access the browser-based interface, select sound profiles, adjust parametric EQ settings, and manage supported firmware updates. Certain DSD playback configurations may require additional audio drivers or software.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fosi Audio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62887246233759,"sku":"FOS-C3-BLK","price":129.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0495\/6910\/4031\/files\/65385954-8d28-412d-ba31-8083b332cc24.jpg?v=1791558575","url":"https:\/\/listenup.com\/products\/fosi-audio-stepsense-c3-gaming-audio-dac-headphone-amplifier","provider":"ListenUp","version":"1.0","type":"link"}