Gungnir 2: Now A Preamp/EQ
Free Forkbeard Update Expands Gungnir 2's Capabilities
June 30, San Antonio, Texas. Gungnir 2 just transformed from "just a DAC" to a full digital preamp, EQ, and DAC, with the release of the latest generation of Forkbeard. This free over-the-air update makes Gungnir 2 into an ideal front-end for a digital-only system—just add an amp and you're ready to drive speakers.
"This is the result of the first significant expansion of the Forkbeard platform," said Martin Schindler, Schiit's head of digital development and Forkbeard architect. "Forkbeard unlocks internal capabilities for advanced control of volume, balance, EQ, loudness, and more."
In November 2024, Schiit introduced the patent-pending Forkbeard platform as the only unified, multi-product, multi-stack control system. Bluetooth-based Forkbeard requires no pairing, no account creation, no wifi connection, and Schiit has promised that all future upgrades to the apps will be free.
"People are done with info-grabbing and revenue extraction," said Jason Stoddard. "So we don't collect data, we don't require an account, and we give you all Forkbeard upgrade capabilities for free—including some amazingly large upgrades like this one."
The Forkbeard 1.2 update adds the following capabilities to Gungnir 2
- Volume Control
- Balance Control
- Loudness
- 5-Band Parametric EQ
All functions are completely defeatable if the Gungnir 2 owner wants to use the DAC as "just a DAC." All functions are disabled unless a Forkbeard module is plugged into Gungnir 2, to preserve the integrity of the original recording.
"Now you have many more options to create an integrated stack," said Jason. "Forego the analog preamp entirely, stack Gungir 2 and Wotan, and still get Visual Volume. Or choose any other amp. Or add Stjarna as a phono preamp and a Freya+, while still retaining full visibility and control.
Forkbeard supports iOS and iPadOS devices. An Android app is in process.
About Schiit Audio
Since its founding in 2010, Schiit has grown to be the leader in affordable high-end audio, with a broad portfolio of unique analog and digital technologies spanning a wide range of products, from DACs and preamps to power and headphone amps, from $49 to $2799.
Schiit's unique digital technologies include Forkbeard™, the unified control, visualization, and optimization platform; Multiform™, True Multibit™, and Mesh™ DACs, using proprietary digital filters based on closed-form math, Unison USB™, a purpose-built UAC2 audio interface based on 32-bit Microchip microprocessors, and Autonomy Architecture™, a modular, upgradable platform to help customers preserve the value of their DAC investment.
Schiit's unique analog architectures include the Nexus™ discrete differential topology, Continuity™ transconductance-equalizing output stages, Coherence™ DC-coupled hybrid topology, Halo™ mixed-mode motion feedback, and a focus on proprietary, low- or no-feedback, fully discrete, highly linear gain and power stages.
Schiit designs and produces its products in the USA.
Press Contact
Denise Martin, [email protected]