CrinEar - Protocol Micro
Portable USB DAC & AmpGET 18% GST INPUT
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Packed and shipped within 24/48/72 hours
Your order leaves our warehouse within 24/48/72 hours - packed, handed to our courier, and on its way.
Orders placed before 2 PM on weekdays typically ship the same day.
This doesn't mean it arrives in 24/48/72 hours - delivery takes 3-4 working days depending on where you are.
Check the delivery date above for your estimate.
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Defective? Tell us within 7 days. We'll take care of it.
Something wrong with your product? We'll sort it out.
Wrong product, damaged, or missing parts: Let us know within 24 hours of delivery. If it's just an accessory, we'll replace the accessory.
What we'll need:
- Product in original packaging with all accessories
- Unboxing video and images of the parcel
This helps us see what went wrong and move faster.
Manufacturing defect: Let us know within 7 days of delivery. We'll replace or refund.
The process:
1. Raise a request - you'll get a RET number and hear from us by the next working day.
2. Once approved, we arrange pickup.
3. We inspect the product (2-3 working days).
4. Replacement shipped or store credit or refund issued.
A replacement or refund will be issued if:
- The product is found to be defective
- It wasn't damaged while in your possession-
- The same product is returned in original condition - box, MRP tag, manual, warranty card, all accessories
READ THE FULL REPLACEMENT POLICY
1 Year warranty included. You're covered.
This CrinEar - Protocol Micro comes with a 1 Year manufacturer's warranty from CrinEar, covering manufacturing defects.
Every product on Headphone Zone is backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.
Need support? Start with us. We handle most brands' warranty claims directly, and for the rest, we'll help you connect with the brand.
Read about CrinEar's Warranty
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Why CrinEar is Special
Designed in Singapore
🥊 Young Maverick Brand
New on the scene, but bringing seasoned expertise 🌟!
We get excited about young maverick brands because they often bring fresh perspectives and cutting edge innovation that challenge established players. These companies combine youthful energy with serious technical expertise, often demonstrating remarkable attention to detail and commitment to pushing boundaries. Think of them like startup tech companies they might be newer, but they're hungry to prove themselves and often deliver incredible value.
Drawing on deep industry expertise and passion for audio excellence, these brands often demonstrate remarkable attention to detail and commitment to technological advancement. They frequently deliver cutting edge technology and performance that rivals established competitors 🚀.
When you see "🥊 Young Maverick Brand" products, expect innovative excellence from companies that combine fresh energy with serious technical expertise to deliver impressive results.
🌟 Specialist
A masterpiece from experts who know audio inside and out 🔧!
We tend to describe specialist manufacturers as "audio artisans" who focus exclusively on perfecting specific categories of equipment. These products are meticulously crafted by dedicated experts who possess deep knowledge of sound reproduction, ensuring every technical aspect is refined to perfection. Think of them like master craftsmen who spend their entire careers perfecting one specific skill their focused expertise shows in every detail.
These dedicated experts bring years of specialised knowledge to the design process, resulting in products that consistently achieve exceptional performance standards through focused engineering excellence 🎯.
When you see "🌟 Specialist" products, expect focused expertise from manufacturers who dedicate their entire efforts to perfecting specific audio equipment categories.
Boutique Brand
Why we love this DAC/Amp
🥜 Value for Money
We've found that the best gear isn’t always the most expensive. Some products punch well above their weight and deliver performance that rivals higher priced alternatives. That’s what we mean with the "Value for Money" badge. It’s our way of telling you that you’re getting something special without breaking the bank. 🥜
These products are all about maximum returns for minimal investment. You’re not just saving money you’re gaining an audio experience that exceeds expectations. Whether it’s build quality, tuning, or bundled accessories, these picks overdeliver.
When you see '🥜 Value for Money' products, expect impressive performance at an affordable price, making them a smart pick for budget conscious buyers or first time audiophiles.
🌱 Ideal for Beginners
Lost in the vast world of audio equipment?
Don't worry, we're here to guide you 🤝! We believe that everyone's audiophile journey should start with something approachable and welcoming. These carefully selected products serve as the perfect entry point into high quality sound, specifically chosen to help you navigate through sometimes overwhelming technical options. Think of them as your friendly neighbourhood guide who knows exactly where to start without getting lost in complex specifications.
These products strike an ideal balance between quality and accessibility, featuring user friendly designs and straightforward functionality. They're specifically selected as the perfect starting point for your audiophile journey, offering serious performance without intimidating complexity or premium pricing that might discourage exploration.
When you encounter "🌱 Ideal for Beginners" products, expect approachable excellence these are your stepping stones into the world of premium audio, designed to grow with your developing appreciation for great sound.
🛺 For Audiophiles On-the-Go
In our experience, finding great audio gear that performs well on the move is like discovering a powerful sports car that’s also fuel efficient. Products marked For Audiophiles On the Go are designed to deliver remarkable sound quality without weighing you down. Whether you’re commuting, working remotely, or just travelling light, these products offer the perfect balance of portability and performance 🚶♂️.
What makes them special? They’re often compact, lightweight, and built with battery efficient components that don’t compromise on sonic detail. From portable DAC/Amps to foldable headphones and wireless IEMs, this category is for those who demand great sound anytime, anywhere no bulky setups or power bricks required.
When you see '🛺 For Audiophiles On the Go' products, expect: pocket friendly size, reliable battery life, and premium sound wherever life takes you ideal for travel, work, or daily use.
📱 Works Great with Type-C
Don't have a 3.5mm headphone jack on your phone?
No need to worry 📞 We believe these products represent the future of seamless audio connectivity. Think of Type C as the universal language that all modern devices are learning to speak. It's like having a master key that works with your smartphone, laptop, tablet, and practically every new device you'll buy. These headphones connect directly to your Type C port, delivering pristine digital audio without any dongles or adapters cluttering your setup.
The direct Type C connection ensures both convenience and optimal audio performance, maintaining the integrity of your listening experience through a clean digital signal path. You'll enjoy plug and play functionality with universal compatibility, eliminating those frustrating moments of searching for the right adapter.
When you encounter "📱 Works Great with Type C" products, expect seamless connectivity with modern devices and future proof design that grows with your tech ecosystem.
🪖 Built like a Tank
Durability concerns? Rest assured 💪.
We tend to describe these products as audio equipment that's built to survive anything you can throw at them. These headphones incorporate high grade metal components and reinforced design elements that ensure they can handle demanding conditions while maintaining structural integrity. Think of them as the military grade vehicles of the audio world over engineered for reliability and built to last decades, not just years.
The metal construction provides exceptional strength and longevity while contributing to a premium feel that serious audio enthusiasts appreciate. Whether you're a professional who needs reliable daily use equipment or someone who values long term investment in audio gear 🏗️.
When you encounter "🪖 Built like a Tank" products, expect unmatched robustness and durability you can count on for years of intensive use.
Why it Sounds Amazing
⚙️ DAC Chip
We like to say the DAC chip is the heart of any audio device it’s the part that actually transforms digital files into music you can hear 🎧. Think of it like a chef decoding a recipe to create a delicious meal. The better the DAC chip, the more faithfully it translates your music. And in my experience, a great DAC can completely change how your headphones sound.
Now, here’s what’s actually happening: a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) takes digital signals (your MP3s, FLACs, or streams) and converts them into an analog waveform your ears can enjoy. Different DAC chips like those from ESS, AKM, or Cirrus Logic offer their own sound signatures, levels of clarity, and noise performance. A good DAC ensures accurate timing, minimal distortion, and exceptional resolution.
When you see '⚙️ DAC Chip' products, expect: clean, detailed audio and better synergy with high quality headphones perfect for anyone upgrading from average sound to audiophile quality.
🚀 Power Output
We like to think of power output in audio gear like engine horsepower, it determines how much muscle your setup really has 💪. Whether you’re trying to drive a pair of power hungry planar headphones or just want headroom for dynamic peaks, power output is the spec you want to check first.
Technically, it refers to the amount of electrical power (measured in mW or Watts) an amp or DAC/Amp combo can deliver to your headphones. More power means better control, improved dynamics, and the ability to handle demanding gear without distortion. But more isn’t always better, too much power with sensitive IEMs can introduce hiss or harshness.
When you see '🚀 Power Output' products, expect: strong driving capability, better dynamics, and optimal performance with headphones that need serious juice to shine.
CrinEar Introduces The Protocol Micro - An Ultra-Portable USB-C DAC & Amp For Precise, Customizable Sound
CrinEar introduces the Protocol Micro, an ultra-portable USB-C DAC and headphone amplifier featuring a modified SPV4040 DAC chip and an output impedance of less than 0.4Ω to deliver clean, low-distortion sound with minimal interaction across a wide range of earphones. It distills the core philosophy of the larger Protocol Max into a smaller, more affordable dongle, carrying forward the same focus on clean amplification and precise tuning control. It features an 8-band parametric EQ, accessible through the EQ.Hangout.Audio platform, for detailed, on-device sound customization without the need for a companion app. Its compact, USB-powered design offers effortless portability, letting listeners plug straight into a phone, tablet, or laptop and start listening. Small enough to disappear in a pocket, the Protocol Micro puts serious sound control within easy reach.
USB-C Interface
The USB-C connection keeps the Micro compact and makes it easy to use with compatible phones, tablets and computers.
3.5mm Headphone Output
A standard 3.5mm single-ended output connects directly to your IEMs or wired headphones.
Compact Dongle Design
The small form factor makes the Protocol Micro easy to carry for everyday portable listening.
Accessories You Must Have
Don't Forget To Add This
All You Need To Know About The CrinEar Protocol Micro
2. 1x User Manual
Resources
Things we really think you should know
Most of these started as a question somebody asked us, in the store or in the comments. We've been sharing answers for years, and these are the ones that matter most for gear like this. Some cover the basics. Others get into the things that quietly change how everything ends up sounding.
Don't sweat it, this
CrinEar - Protocol Micro comes with a 1 Year warranty
from CrinEar that covers manufacturing defects.
All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.
Read more about CrinEar's warranty in India.
Modified SPV4040
KT02H20
-
3.5mm (Single-Ended)
3.5mm (Single-Ended)
3.5mm (Single-Ended)
Upto 30mW @ 32Ω
Upto 27.5mW @ 32Ω
Upto 30mW+30mW @ 32Ω
-
PCM 32-bit/384kHz + DSD128
Upto 32-bit/384kHz
USB Type-C
USB Type-C
USB Type-C
Supported
-
Supported
1. CrinEar Protocol Micro
2. User Manual
1. JCally JM12
1. FiiO X Jade Audio JA11
2. Instruction Manual
3. Warranty Card
Have a question? Get in touch!
Check out the most common questions our customers ask. Still have questions? Talk to our Headphone Gurus.
What is the warranty period on the CrinEar Protocol Micro and how do I claim warranty?
Does the CrinEar Protocol Micro have a built-in Parametric EQ?
Do I need an app to configure the PEQ?
What DAC does the CrinEar Protocol Micro use?
What headphone output does the CrinEar Protocol Micro have?
Is the CrinEar Protocol Micro suitable for everyday portable use?
Other Details
| Generic Name | DAC & Amp |
| Importer Details | Importers Name: Ferrari Video Address: 63/18, 1st Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, Chennai - 600020 Contact No: 044-24420733 |
| Net Quantity | 1 |
| Manufacturer Details | IEF Spaces PTE. LTD 68 Circular Road #02-01 Singapore 049422 |
| Package Contents | CrinEar Protocol Micro 1x User Manual |
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Build quality is better than i expected also packaging was amazing.I can finally listen to music in same sound quality as my laptop provides on mobile.
We're so glad these could help bridge the gap between you and your music.
Great dac for my cadenza. I can feel soundstage and clarity is improved. I bought it as uograde to ve avni.
Peq ability is cherry on the top❤️
We're so glad these could help bridge the gap between you and your music.
This USB DAC-Amp is incredibly compact, yet it delivers more than enough power to drive most IEMs. I paired it with both the KZ Castor and the Simgot EW300, and the Castor definitely sounds better with this setup.
Given its tiny size, I initially thought the power output would be lacking. To my surprise, it packs a serious punch—I cannot go past 50% to 60% volume without it becoming too loud for me.
The device features a braided cable that looks very sturdy, and the USB connection feels exceptionally stable. While its long-term durability remains to be seen, the build quality feels promising out of the box.
Additionally, the Parametric EQ (PEQ) works flawlessly. It is a fantastic tool to play around with, and you can immediately notice a massive difference in sound quality with the EQ enabled versus disabled. Overall, it is a highly capable little device that punches well above its weight class.
We hope these bring you many nights of falling in love with your music again.
Small pretty light weight with short cable which is a good thing in my opinion.
Packaging is outstanding for such price.
No white noise, built well. Tested with IE200.
We're so glad you are part of our tribe of people who truly choose music.
Good
It is always a pleasure to serve someone like you who values music as much as we do.
The Dac is nice and small and braided cable also feels sturdy enough and the feature of changing eq on hangout is also pretty cool
We are genuinely so happy that these lived up to everything you hoped for.
Need to test it more. So far it's good but I'll luk if something is wrong with it
Hearing something new in a song you have heard a thousand times is pure magic.
What you will not realise is just how small this thing is until you take it out of the box (little finger for scale). Judging by the heat output during use, the DAC chip is on the USB end and thats ALWAYS a good thing. It says 30mW max output but i want to reassure you that it is enough to even drive 300 ohm impedance headphones (tried with my new HD660 S2s :D). But its best performance is with IEMs and 32 ohm impedance class devices and yes the ability to EQ with the browser interface is perfect for beginner audiophiles.
I had gotten the Crinear Protocol Micro because my friend recommended it to me, the EQ setting on the website was quite convenient and it works wonderfully, my only fear is that it might be too flimsy, the wire seems a little weak in comparision to other DAC's though..
Quality are actually best
It means the world to us that we could help you on your search for better sound.
CrinEar - Protocol Micro
We're so glad these could help bridge the gap between you and your music.
CrinEar - Protocol Micro
It is an honour to be a small part of your journey toward better sound.
Initial expressions were good with the build quality being very good , comparing it to other budget dac it feels nice in the category . But plugging it in , it has that pop sound which is kind of annoying ngl , but has no noise floor what so ever , and connecting it to the software it has way more controls I could have every hopes for this price range with eq , gain adjustment and even gain adjustment for the inline microphone . It's is the Dac which you should buy whithout thoughts because crinical knows what's up .
Happy listening to a fellow music lover who knows that the details matter.
Great and easy to use product
We're so glad you are part of our tribe of people who truly choose music.
The CrinEar Protocol Micro genuinely changed my perspective on the listening experience.
It feels like I’m listening to my familiar playlist again, but this time with vibrant colours. The music feels more alive, engaging and enjoyable, and I’m noticing details in songs that I had never really paid attention to before.
What impressed me even more is how affordable this upgrade is. The combination of a clean DAC/amp and built-in 8-band parametric EQ gives you an incredible amount of control over your sound.
For anyone using IEMs and looking for an affordable upgrade to their listening experience, I honestly think the Protocol Micro is worth trying.
Thank you, CrinEar, for making better listening so accessible. ❤️🎶
It makes us so happy to know you are rediscovering your library with these.
Great piece of equipment. Very nice sound
It is wonderful to hear that your music finally feels alive and present.
Excellent bass and lead tried jimi Hendricks and led zep...far out worth buying but it needs more burning time as you mentioned
It is an honour to be a small part of your journey toward better sound.
CrinEar - Protocol Micro
We're thrilled these are doing your favourite albums the justice they deserve.
CrinEar - Protocol Micro
It is wonderful to hear that your music finally feels alive and present.
CrinEar - Protocol Micro
It is always a pleasure to serve someone like you who values music as much as we do.
I was happy to receive the DAC so quickly. Thanks for the quick shipping and delivery.
But when I connected my mobile and earphones to it, the right bud had no sound. I then had to tug the wire connecting the USB-C plug to the female port. Both buds came to life, but only for a short time, and I had to keep doing this to continue listening.
Well, it was interesting that the Sony MDR-EX255AP, which sounded shouty on my FiiO JA11, sounded great with this DAC. So, I was really looking forward to using it, but unfortunately, the connection issue made that impossible.
I have already raised a return request and am looking forward to receiving a replacement.
Thanks.
best budget dac period
We're thrilled these are doing your favourite albums the justice they deserve.