Schiit Audio: Audio Products Designed and Built in California

Fulla 3 is pretty much the answer to the question, “What’s the most affordable way I can get into great sound for gaming…and music, too?” Because it’s a great DAC/amp with top-shelf components—that also has a very nice microphone input, too. Fulla 3 is ready for your headphones, your headphone mic, your powered monitors, your analog sources, and more.

Total Flexibility for Gaming, Music, and Communications

Fulla 3 is a complete DAC/Amp that also integrates a high-quality electret mic input. Plug Fulla 3 into virtually any USB port, connect your headphones and microphone, and you’re set for amazing sound. But that’s only the start:

Use it as a great music DAC/amp. You don’t need to be a gamer to appreciate the quality of Fulla 3.
Use it for working at home. It's ideal for use with a headset for remote office environments— the audio quality of both the headphone and mic provide crystal-clear communications.
Use it as a DAC/preamp. Connect to powered monitors or speaker amps using the variable outputs on the back.
Use it as an amp. Connect your phone (or any other analog source) to the convenient front jack.
Use it with phones, tablets, or computers with low-powered USB ports. We’ve included a second USB port for power input. Plug in your phone charger (or any other 5V DC source with micro-USB output) and Fulla 3 tells your source it doesn’t need any power.

Top-Shelf Components

Like DACs costing many times its price, Fulla 3 uses the AKM AK4490 D/A converter. Coupled with an Alps RK09 potentiometer, high-quality filter and amp stages from Texas Instruments, as well as precision thin-film resistors and film capacitors, Fulla delivers performance far beyond its modest price.

Plenty of Headphone Power

Fulla 3 delivers a super punch, up to 400mW into 16 ohms, together with a vanishingly low noise floor and low output impedance. Or, in English, this means it’s a great match for virtually any headphone.

Amazing Mic Input

Your friends may think you’ve started your own podcast when they hear Fulla 3’s 24-bit microphone input with AKM analog-to-digital converter. And, automatic gain control makes the mic adjustment-free and super simple to use.

Designed and Built in California, 2-Year Warranty, Easy Returns

By “designed and built in California," this is what we mean: the vast majority of the total production cost of Fulla 3—chassis, boards, assembly, etc—goes to US companies manufacturing in the US. Our chassis are made minutes from our facility. Our PCBs are done just over the hill from us, or done in Nevada. Fulla 3 is also covered by a 2-year limited warranty that covers parts and labor. And if you don’t like your Fulla 3, you can send it back for a refund, minus 15% restocking fee, within 15 days of receiving it.

Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz, +/-0.5db

Maximum Power, 16 ohms: 400mW RMS

Maximum Power, 32 ohms: 250mW RMS

Maximum Power, 50 ohms: 200mW RMS

Maximum Power, 300 ohms: 40mW RMS

THD: <0.002%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 1V RMS

IMD: <0.002%, CCIR

SNR: >105db, A-weighted, referenced to 1V RMS

Crosstalk: >-80dB, 20Hz-20KHz

Output Impedance (headphones): 0.5 ohms

Output Impedance (line out): 75 ohms

Input Impedance (rear 1/8" jack): 10k ohms

Gain: 1.7 (4.6db)

USB Receiver: C-Media CM6631A

DAC: AKM AK4490 with TI OPA1662-based filter stage

Sample Rates and Bit Depths: 16/44.1 to 24/192 supported without drivers on Windows 10, Mac, Linux, Android (UAC 2 device)

Output Stage: TI LMH6643 x 2 (1 per channel)

Power Supply: Via USB, with +/- 5V rails via high-current dual-polarity switching regulator, with inductor filtering and local regulation

Power Consumption: 0.8W typical

Size: 3.5 x 2.5 x 1.375” (including knob)

Weight: 9 oz

APx555 report for Fulla 3

Wait a sec! This seems like a Fulla 2 with a microphone input!
That’s exactly what it is. A lot of people wanted a nice, transportable device for gaming, so we added a microphone input to Fulla 2 to make Fulla 3.

But it’s the same price as Fulla 2. What did you compromise on in order to add the mic input and keep the same price?

We have secret deals with the Chinese government, who actually make the Fulla 3 for us.

Really?

No. Duh. We design and build everything here in California, just like we've done from the very start.

So do you care to answer the question?

Sure. The reason we could add the mic input—a really nice mic input, actually, with a 24-bit AKM ADC, automatic gain control, and full USB integration, so it just shows up on your list of inputs when you plug it in—is that times have changed, and we make more products more efficiently than ever before. So it doesn’t really cost much more to add the feature.

Ah come on! What did you compromise on?

Only one thing, really: we lost the fixed DAC output of Fulla 2 in order to accommodate the mic input. Now, there’s only a variable preamp output, with a marker for typical line-level output, rather than separate fixed and variable output. We think it’s a fairly good tradeoff. You may disagree.

So otherwise this is just a Fulla 2?

Yep. But let’s review what a Fulla 2 is, before you start throwing around that ‘just’ word. A Fulla 3, like Fulla 2, is a DAC/amp flexible enough to cover pretty much all your desktop needs. It has:

A big-ass volume knob connected to a well-matched Alps RK09 pot (like we use in Magni)
A 1/8” headphone output
A 1/8” variable DAC output (so you can use it with powered monitors, or an amp without volume control)
A 1/8” stereo analog input (so you can use it as just an amp, bypassing the DAC)
A 1/8” mono electret mic input (so you can use it with most electret mics, both those attached to headphones and those that are separate)
USB micro inputs for both data/power and power alone (the second power input allows you to connect your phone charger or other 5V supply and bypass USB power.)

So how does this thing work for gaming?

Plug in your headphones and mic (usually using the TRRS-to-dual-TRS adapter supplied with the headphones), plug the Fulla 3 into your computer, select “I’m Fulla Schiit” for both audio output and mic input, and you’re set. Done.

Sounds like this is for PCs. How about for consoles?

If your console supports UAC2 (USB Audio Class 2, the standard for USB audio these days), then you’re golden. However, we haven’t tested all consoles. But for Windows 10, most Linux distros, MacOS, iOS, and Android these days, you’re set.

What about Windows 7 and 8.1?

We provide drivers for this antique version of Windows that is slated to die in January 2020, and for 8.1. Seriously, though, Windows 10 is really good. Time to move on.

Okay. Fine. Let’s talk power. Are you saying that if I plug my phone charger into the power-only USB input, that means the Fulla 3 tells my computer that it doesn’t need any power?

Yes. Or your phone, or tablet, or any other device plugged into the Data/Power USB port. Technically, Fulla 3 tells your computer or phone it needs the full 500mA a USB2 port can supply, unless you plug in a separate power USB, in which case, it tells your computer or phone that it needs 0mA.

So, also on this USB power thing, does that mean I can use a super-crazy linear supply that costs 3X as much as the Fulla 3 to get better performance?

Go back and read what you just asked. Seriously, just use your phone charger or something.

Yeah, I hear you, but I really really really want to spend a lot of money on a linear power supply that does nothing!

We understand. And you should be free to waste your money any way you'd like. But really, your super-pristine linear supply with the Regurgitson Ultraregulators isn't gonna do anything, since it's running through a switching supply anyway. You know, just like lots of other, more expensive products do...except we tell you this, and don't encourage you to throw money down the loo.

So I can use this with iDevices and Android phones with no powered hub?

Many of them, yes. As long as you have a 5V charger of reasonable quality with a micro USB connector for output. You know, like for charging phones. However, note that Android devices are highly variable—just because they're running the latest OS doesn't mean the hardware is up to the task. Some will need helper software like UAPP.

Can I use this with both headphones and powered monitors?

Yep!

Can I use this as just an amp?

Yep!

Can I use this as just a DAC?

Yep! It has variable output, with a marker for typical line-level output.

If I plug in headphones…

It automatically mutes the preamp outputs. See, we’re getting good at predicting what you’re gonna ask. Kinda like autocorrect. But with less embarrassing mistakes. We hope.

Whoa. That’s a whole lot of features! How do you do it for $99 in the USA?

By making tons of them, selling direct, and not being greedy.

Hey, I want one of these in silver, not black.
Sorry, only black is available on Fulla 3. Come to the dark side...

Why would I step up to a Hel?

Because you want more power or flexibility. Hel delivers 4x the power of Fulla 3, it has a gain switch for harder-to-drive or more sensitive headphones, it has a switchable analog input, and it has front-panel adjustable microphone gain and a stereo mic input. If any of those features are important, it might be worth $90 more than Fulla 3 for your needs.

So why would I step up to a Magni/Modi stack?

More power, more flexibility, bigger wallet, bigger desk—remember, Magni/Modi/Vali combos range from $198 to $398, and cover basic USB-powered DACs to True Multibit DACs, solid-state to tube amps. Also, they don’t provide microphone input for gaming.

So is this gonna sound great with my headphones?

For most headphones, yes. There are some headphones out there that are very hard to drive, or insanely sensitive. Check with the headphone manufacturer if you're unsure.

Is 400mW into 16 ohms a lot of power?

Well, you’re not going to arc-weld with it or anything, but it is about 10x the output power of a typical headphone jack on a computer or mobile device.

What comes in the box, besides the Fulla? Do I get a cable with this?

Yes, we supply a 3’ micro USB (to standard USB) cable. Yeah, we know Apple and some other doods are going full-nuts on USB-C. One word: adapters.

What about the 1/8” to XLR, or 1/8” to RCA, or 1/8” to 1/8”, or 1/8” to DIN, or whatever cables I need to connect to my speakers or DACs?

That’s a lot of cables. And this thing is $99. Check out Monoprice for 1/8" to dual RCA cables and all the other crazy cables you might need.

Can I use a fancier cable to get better sound?

You can do whatever you’d like, including dancing by the light of the full moon and making small, non-living sacrifices to the audiophile gods.

No, seriously.

We are being serious.

I’m asking specifically about the cable.

As long as it’s a USB 2.0-rated cable, 2m or less in length, terminated with a micro USB plug on one end, you can use it, sure.

And it’ll sound better?

Probably about as much as taping $100 bills to your headphones. Or sending the $100 bills to us. We prefer the latter.

You’re messing with me!

Just a little.

So what’s Fulla in Norse?

Fulla is a goddess, “bountiful”, and a healer. And if you’re looking to relax to some great tunes on the go, the Schiit Fulla can definitely be a bountiful healer. And that’s not fulla schiit.

Schiit Audio Fulla 3: An Affordable Upgrade

Christopher Coke, MMORPG.com

"In my testing of amps, I always love to hear headphones and gaming headsets “open up” as the soundstage expands with the extra juice. My HyperX Cloud Orbits definitely did so and the sound seemed to crystalize a bit too. For competitive games, the extra volume headroom allowed me to better hear sounds in the distance and pick up on the direction of gunshots in PUBG and Apex Legends. At its core, though, the Fulla 3 just seemed to enhance the all-around sound of most headphones I threw at it in a subtle but definite way, the kind of thing you really only notice when you try to go back to integrated audio.

The other thing the Fulla 3 brings to the table is a high-quality mic input. It’s not quite at the level of the Hel, which had a near-silent noise floor (no hiss), but it still captures at 24-bits and managed to make my Audio-Technica gaming headset sound much better than when plugged directly into my gaming PC. Have a listen:

For $99, the Fulla 3 from Schiit Audio is an excellent buy. It delivers excellent audio with its AK4490 pre-amp and offers lots of headroom for all but very high impedance headphones. If you’re looking for a small solution to buy into high-end audio for the first time, the Fulla 3 is a solid option."

Read Full Review ->

Fulla 3 and Hel Impressions

Mad Lust Envy, Head-fi.org

"The Fulla is an easy sell. An affordable, excellent DAC/amp you can take anywhere which trumps anything you'd get out of a phone, tablet or computer's built in sound capabilities. This thing sells itself. Plenty for most available headphones or headsets that aren't known to require gobs of power. The type of headphones and headsets you'd likely be taking with you on the go to coffee shops, offices, or have in secondary setups. Really, the Fulla 3 is a banger of a product. Not much else to say. If you're getting into dac/amps, the Fulla 3 is an excellent starter and a bridge to Schiit's other offerings."

Read Full Review ->

PiliPaliProducktion

BadSeed Tech

TheGamer: Fulla 3

Patrick Kobeck

"With its low price to entry, the Fulla 3 from Schiit Audio is the perfect way for gamers to begin experiencing the best possible sound in their games and from their music. Its small size will make sure it is never cumbersome or in the way, and Schiit has a long reputation of offering great audio products. If ever there was a perfect launching point to get into high-quality audio, this is it."

Read Full Review ->

AudioStance.com: Fulla 3

Marko

"Essentially, Schiit’s Fulla 3 is one of the most well-rounded mid-priced digital-to-analog converter units on the market. It’s remarkably easy to use, it sounds powerful, and it performs marvelously well in the hands of both beginners and professionals."

Read Full Review ->

Home Theater Review: Fulla 3

Dennis Burger

"If you have a relatively easy-to-drive gaming headset or a headphone/mic combo setup that needs more oomph than your motherboard can deliver, but you want to spend as little as possible on a meaningful upgrade, the Schiit Fulla 3 is a compelling little overachiever that deserves your attention. Add preamp capabilities -- in other word, the ability to drive powered monitors and provide at-your-fingertips volume control --- and it would be hard to argue that this isn't one hell of a value."

"Quite frankly, if not for Schiit's Hel High-Powered Gaming DAC/Headphone Amp, which has a handful of features that speak to my specific needs and an appreciable step up in performance, I wouldn't hesitate to drop $100-ish on the Fulla 3 to handle all of my desktop audio needs."

Read Full Review ->

HardwareCanucks: Fulla 3

HardwareCanucks