How to change Mobius from 7.1-channel to 2-channel or Hi-Res Mode in USB

Greetings traveler! If you’re reading this, it’s no doubt because you want to know how Mobius can manage to keep straight its multiplicity of multi-channel connections when connected to the multi-faceted USB connection port which is connected to your multi-purpose computing device. Got that? Neither do we.

Essentially, Mobius can speak to your device in any of three ways over USB, and each of those three ways of speaking provides a unique method of connection. Most devices will be just fine speaking to Mobius in its default 7.1-channel mode, which is the mode that offers surround-sound capability, but some others will be confused by that (we’re looking at you, gaming consoles). In those cases, Mobius can simplify and speak 2-channel (or Stereo). Other devices will prefer to speak in a more educated but less universal language known as “Hi-Res” or high resolution. These erudite devices will no doubt contain music files encoded at greater than CD resolution, and some listeners will prefer the sound of Mobius when used in this mode.

By now you’re certainly wondering what each of these modes entails, as well as how to access these mysterious and game-changing options. Read on!

A three-second press of the Microphone Volume Control will toggle through the three audio resolution modes available via USB connection. Those three modes are as follows:

• 7.1 Channel, which is the default mode and also the mode for surround-sound content. In this mode, Mobius will appear to your host USB device as an 8-channel sound card. 2-channel sources will play as normal, with front-right and front-left speakers being emulated when 3D is turned on. This mode maxes out at 24bit/48kHz sampling rates. When you switch to this mode, the gypsy muse contained within Mobius will utter the incantation “7.1 Channel” to confirm your choice.
• 2 Channel (Stereo), which is sometimes useful for devices and/or software that’s confused by the 8-channel approach above. This mode maxes out at 16/48 sampling rates, and the two channels are emulated as left and right speakers in a room when 3D is engaged. When you switch to this mode, the gypsy muse will utter the incantation “Two Channel” or "Stereo" (depending on your firmware version) to confirm your choice.
• Hi-Res, which allows Mobius to process sampling frequencies of 24bit/96kHz. This mode disables all surround-sound, 3D audio and head-tracking, and turns Mobius into a High Resolution Audio Machine for two channel playback of Hi-Res files. Audiophiles, don’t say we didn’t think of you! When you switch to this mode, the gypsy muse will utter the incantation “Hi-Res” to confirm your choice. We recommend limiting the use of this mode to files and playback software specifically set up for Hi-Res use, as some users have reported their system being confused by the high sample rate request from Mobius.

If you have the latest HQ app and firmware version MCU 1.71 or above, you can choose the above options via the HQ app on your PC by clicking the Mode button from the main tab (HRTF Personalization), as pictured below. This allows you to choose between 7.1 channel, 2 channel stereo, or hi-res stereo modes without using the control on the headphones themselves. You can read more about updating firmware here. 

With that out of the way, here's a little-known factoid:

The above Mic Volume Wheel trick will also work when connected via 3.5mm AUX connection-- it will simply toggle between Hi-Res mode (with all 3D functions disabled), and standard Stereo mode (which features the usual 3D options). Remember that AUX connection only offers two channels of audio, so you won't hear rear or side channels, but you still get head-tracking and speaker emulation.

If you have any additional questions regarding your Mobius, please peruse the other support articles located in our Help Center.  If you cannot find the answer you seek there, please feel free to contact us directly at support@audeze.com.