Penrose AUX/Analog connection

Penrose’s AUX (auxiliary) or Analog connection mode is designed for compatible devices without a USB port. It allows for a full bandwidth, old-school connection to the headphones and microphone by using the included TRRS 3.5mm cable. You can use most any four-conductor 3.5mm TRRS stereo cable, but if your cable is only TRS, the mic or other connections may not work. Make sure your cable has four conductors on each plug for best compatibility.

Since Penrose is an active headphone, it must be powered ON for the AUX connection to work. Incoming analog audio signals pass through Penrose’s built-in ADC, are processed by the DSP, and then go to the DAC and AMP before being shuttled back out to your EARS. Please take a moment to read that sentence again while we catch our breath.

To connect using AUX/Analog:

• Turn Penrose on by pressing the Power Button for about three seconds.
• Connect the included 3.5mm analog cable between your source device and Penrose’s AUX Port. Watch out for the Mic Port-- they look similar but aren’t the same! If required, click the Multi-Function Button until you hear the voice say “AUX.”
• Adjust volume using the controls on BOTH your source device and the Headphone Volume Control wheel on Penrose’s left earcup. Find the balance between the two that sounds best to your ears, and see the following paragraphs for some mildly scolding warnings.
• Use your source device to control mic gain (the Mic wheel will have no effect).
• Lock, Load and Launch the mission!

Now for a few words about using Penrose with a headphone amplifier:

Penrose is an active headphone that contains its own fully balanced amplifier section, so a headphone amp is not required (or necessarily desired). It was designed to be used with headphone jacks on computers, mobile phones, etc, and is optimized for the levels presented by those devices.

Since Penrose has an analog input port, it can technically be used with any source that provides an analog signal. However, use of an amp that provides greater than line level output (such as some headphone amps) can cause clipping, distortion, and possible damage, and is not recommended. Excessive power levels can damage Penrose’s circuitry. In AUX/analog mode, do not exceed standard line level voltage to minimize the risk of damage, which is not covered under warranty.

While there's no formula for determining line level output on a headphone amp, we'd recommend starting with the amp volume at zero, then increasing slowly until things sound good. You can fine tune Penrose’s volume control to find the sweet spot for your device. If you hear distortion, just back the volume off on your amp and increase on Penrose to compensate.

Our recommendation is to use Penrose wirelessly from your USB-capable device for the best headphone sound.

If you cannot find the droids you’re looking for here, please email us at support@audeze.com, and one of our friendly support reps will get in touch as soon as possible.