AudioQuest Device/Desktop Manager

Recent Updates

DragonFly Black/Red Firmware v1.08
▸ Fixes distortion issue when muting/unmuting a track in MQA mode

DragonFly Black/Red Firmware v1.07
▸ addresses the volume control issue found in Android devices

DragonFly Black/Red Firmware v1.06
▸ added MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) rendering support to the DragonFly DAC

DragonFly Black/Red Firmware v1.03
▸ addressed volume control issues on some Android devices

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An Important Note to DragonFly Cobalt Owners:

At this time, there is no need to download our Desktop Device Manager or attempt to update your device.

Your DragonFly shipped from the factory fully compatible and ready to be used with Apple iOS mobile devices, Android smartphones and tablets, and Mac and Windows PCs. (In some cases, Android devices will require a third-party app in order to support USB audio output. For more info, see “For Use with Android Devices” in your Flight Manual.)

With the release of the first firmware update for DragonFly Cobalt, the Desktop Device Manager will be activated. Until then, the Desktop Device Manager is intended for use with our Beetle Toslink-Bluetooth-USB DAC and DragonFlys Black and Red.

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As a fully functional MQA renderer, your DragonFly is ready to unfold and play MQA files through the Tidal music-streaming service. If you have a Tidal Master account and want to enjoy the full benefits of Tidal Master (MQA) files through DragonFly, simply adjust your Tidal playback settings:

macOS

▸ Click on your profile name (located in the top left corner of the Tidal desktop application)
▸ Choose “Settings”
▸ Select “Streaming”
▸ Under “Streaming Audio Quality,” select “Master”
▸ Make sure that your DragonFly is selected for Sound Output
▸ Beside “Sound Output,” click “More settings”
▸ Select “Use Exclusive Mode”
▸ Make sure that “Passthrough MQA” is not selected

iOS, iPhone, iPad, iPad Pro

▸ Click “My Collection” (the heart icon; located in the bottom right of the mobile app)
▸ Click the gear wheel (located in the upper right)
▸ Scroll down and click “Streaming”
▸ Set WiFi to “Master”
▸ Set Cellular to your desired option, noting that streaming hi-res with MQA will require a relatively large amount of data
▸ Make sure “Optimized playback” is enabled
▸ Start at a very low volume and gradually work your way up to a comfortable level

Windows

▸ Click on your profile name
▸ Choose “Settings”
▸ Select “Streaming”
▸ Make sure that your DragonFly is selected for Sound Output
▸ Beside “Sound Output,” click “More settings”
▸ Select “Use Exclusive Mode”
▸ Start at a very low volume and gradually work your way up to a comfortable level

Android

For Android playback, we recommend the USB Audio Player Pro media player by eXtream Software Development. USB Audio Player PRO Version 5 now supports audio from Google Music, Tidal (including Tidal Masters), Qobuz, and Shoutcast, and includes an MQA Core Decoder, which will unfold MQA streams from 44.1/48kHz to 88.2/96kHz and can be combined with DragonFly for further unfolding of even higher sample rates. To ensure the best performance, customers who own earlier versions of UAPP should upgrade to the latest version.

You’re ready to enjoy beautiful music!

Windows Release Date: 05/17/2017
MacOS Release Date: 08/01/2019

The AudioQuest Device/Desktop Manager for MacOS and Windows operating systems enables firmware updating of DragonFly Black, DragonFly Red, and future digital products from AudioQuest. Its simple interface details your product type, serial number, and current firmware version while streamlining the firmware update process. The most recent firmware for your device is automatically downloaded from AudioQuest's secure servers when running the Device/Desktop Manager app, so customers can be certain that they have access to the most recent AudioQuest device firmware, functionality, and performance.

Supported Products:

DragonFly Black, DragonFly Red (Note: not compatible with DragonFly 1.2 and earlier)

Instructions

While new DragonFlys ship with the latest firmware, existing DragonFly Black and Red customers need only download our free Device/Desktop Manager Application to easily upgrade their devices.

The AudioQuest Device/Desktop Manager Application allows you to identify your DragonFly’s serial number and software version to ensure that the device is up to date. In Order to install the AudioQuest Device Manager Application:

Download the latest Device/Desktop Manager for your operating system (download below).

For Windows Operating Systems:

Install by running the setup.exe that you downloaded for your version of Windows and follow the instructions on screen. You must have an administrator account to install.
Plug your DragonFly Red or Black into a USB port on your computer. Note that this app will not work with DragonFly 1.2 or earlier.
Run the AQ Device/Desktop Manager app (AQ DM). Be patient; you may have to wait several seconds when the app is run for the first time. Your DragonFly will begin to blink green, indicating it is in firmware update mode. DragonFly will not pass audio while in this mode. The AQ DM will check for a new firmware version from our server and automatically download it if applicable. If so, the AQ DM will state “An update is available for your device.”
Click the button labeled “Update Now.” The update process will begin and can be tracked by watching the progress bar. DO NOT DISCONNECT YOUR DRAGONFLY DURING THIS PROCESS.
A pop-up dialog will inform you when the update is finished. You may then quit the AQ DM and use your updated DragonFly normally.
If the installation is complete and the DragonFly is not visible you may need to restart your computer to complete the installation.

For Mac Operating Systems:

Once the download has completed, you will find the .dmg file in the Downloads folder (from Finder menu click Go > Downloads).
Double-click the .dmg file to view its contents. If a window did not appear after double-clicking, you may have to navigate to your Desktop and click the AudioQuest_Device_Manager.dmg to view its contents.
From the .dmg, Drag the AQ Device/Desktop Manager App to your Applications folder to install it. You may then eject the .dmg by right clicking its icon on the Desktop and selecting Eject "AudioQuest_Device_Manager.dmg".
Plug DragonFly Black, Red, or Cobalt into a USB port on your computer. Note that this app will not work with DragonFly v1.2 or earlier.
Run the AQ Device/Desktop Manager app (AQ DM). Your DragonFly will begin to blink green, indicating it is in firmware update mode. DragonFly will not pass audio while in this mode.
The AQ DM will check for a new firmware version from our server and automatically download it if applicable. If so, the AQ DM will state “An update is available for your device.”
Click the button labeled “Update Now.”
The update process will begin and can be tracked by watching the progress bar. DO NOT DISCONNECT YOUR DRAGONFLY DURING THIS PROCESS.
A pop-up dialog will inform you when the update is finished. You may then quit the AQ DM and use your updated DragonFly normally.
You may need to reboot and/or hot-plug your DragonFly to complete the update process.

Running the AudioQuest Device Manager on Catalina Operating Systems

If you’re running macOS Catalina (10.15.##), you may not be able to open the AudioQuest Device Manager. A pop-up message will appear on your screen indicating that the Device Manager was not downloaded from the App Store. There is a simple solution.

Follow these steps:

Click “OK” to close the pop-up window. The Device Manager will not run.
Open System Preferences. Click “Security & Privacy.”
At the top of the window, select “General.”
Near the bottom of the window, you’ll see a message that reads “‘Device Manager’ was blocked from use because it is not from an identified developer.” Click “Open Anyway.”
The Device Manager will open automatically.

System Requirements

Windows

Microsoft Windows 10 Home
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro
Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise
Microsoft Windows 8.1
Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro
Microsoft Windows 8.1 Enterprise
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional
Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate

Mac

OS X 10.8.x and above

Helpful Links

DragonFly and MQA Related FAQs
Part-time Audiophile - MQA upgrade in under 5 minutes with the Audioquest Dragonfly
Digital Audio Review - How to add MQA support to AudioQuest DragonFly Black/Red (Video)

Select Operating System:

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