ESS Technology Inc.

12/10/2025

ESS Technology Introduces ES9291, a New High-Performance SMART Codec with Powerline Driver

The ES9291 SMART Codec, built on ESS’ patented Hyperstream® IV architecture, delivers SABRE’s legendary sound quality in a cost-effective solution.

December 10th, 2025 – San Jose, California – ESS Technology, Inc., the industry leader in audio semiconductor devices, today introduces its newest member to the SABRE® CODEC family that integrates stereo analog input and output channels with exceptional capability.

The ES9291 is a cost-effective solution that integrates stereo Analog-Digital (ADC) and Digital-Analog (DAC) converters that provide ultra-low noise conversion with a True dynamic range (DNR) of +121dB, and a THD+N that is rated at -110dB per channel on both the ADC and DAC pathways. The ES9291 targets professional audio interfaces, very high-quality microphones, live stream media, powered speakers, mixers, recorders and other applications.

The ESS Technology patented Hyperstream® IV architecture incorporated in the ES9291 provides the legendary SABRE sound quality which further improves audio performance while consuming lower power compared to previous generations providing a full and rewarding listening experience.

The ES9291 SMART CODEC incorporates ESS’ 2nd generation Audio Signal Processors (ASP2) on both the DAC & ADC data paths that allow customers to target their audio requirements. Advanced DAC and ADC inter-path mixing with the ASP2 allows for advanced audio processing. Customers can integrate multi-band PEQs, MIXERs, Audio Expanders and Compressors (DRC), AGL, stereo widening, and specialty filters such as RIAA and cross-over filters. Using ESS’ SABRE Intelligence Studio (SI Studio) to help simplify programming of the ASP2 can lead to reducing or eliminating DSP requirements.

The ES9291 PowerLine Driver is a very low-noise audio driver that delivers clean, high-fidelity sound to both line outputs, headphones and other applications. It is designed for wide dynamic range and solid current drive, it ensures clear, reliable audio across various loads.

With a 2Vrms line level output and the capability to output 70mW with the internal charge pump and up to 125mW with a 32Ω load per channel with an external negative supply, the SABRE PowerLine Driver is a versatile output stage.

Additional features include:

A high-performance analog phase locked loop (APLL) reducing BOM requirements for simplification of design.
Temperature sensor for monitoring device under load or conditions
Jack Detection for headphone jack tip recognition
A programmable microphone (MIC)BIAS for analog microphone support and digital PDM microphones
Independent Digital volume control including up to +42dB of digital gain
Integrated low noise reference regulators for BOM reduction
8 Pre-programmed optimized digital filters for ADC & DAC
Multiple I/O formats are available including I2S, LJ and TDM daisy chain, while supporting high sample rates up to 768kHz PCM. Up to DSD1024 & DoP256 can be input to the DAC and a Stereo S/PDIF output are available.

The control interface can be programmed using multiple input methods including I2C, SPI, and a hardware mode (HW) for ease of programmability.

The ES9291 SMART CODEC is available in a 48 pin 7mm x 7mm QFN package.

Evaluation boards, reference designs, and samples are available. For more information, please contact your local ESS Representative or distributor.

More Details can be found at http://www.esstech.com.

12/10/2025

05/12/2025

ESS Technology Announces New Flagship SMART ADCs with Industry-Leading Audio Performance

New SABRE® ADCs Redefine Standards in High-Resolution Analog-to-Digital Conversion

May 12th, 2025 - San Jose, California - ESS Technology, Inc., the industry leader in high-performance audio semiconductors, today unveiled three new flagship SABRE® PRO SMART Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) based on ESS’s patented Hyperstream® IV ADC architecture that set a new standard for performance in both professional and consumer audio applications.
The new ES9823MPRO and ES9823PRO are advanced 2-channel SMART ADCs offering class-leading audio performance with a dynamic range (DNR) of +128 dB and a total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) of -117 dB. This represents the highest per-channel specification currently available in the industry, with an impressive +130 dB DNR in mono mode.
Joining them is the ES9843PRO, a 4-channel SMART ADC delivering exceptional fidelity with a DNR of +125 dB and -116 dB THD+N per channel in 4-channel mode.
All three new SABRE® PRO ADCs are powered by ESS’s second-generation Audio Signal Processor (ASP2), providing unparalleled integration capabilities. ASP2 supports custom audio processing including multi-band parametric EQs, mixers, stereo widening, audio expansion and compression, RIAA pre-emphasis, crossover filters, dynamic range compression (DRC), automatic gain leveling (AGL), and more. This integration minimizes or eliminates the need for external DSPs, streamlining design, reducing software complexity, and lowering bill-of-material (BOM) costs.
To further simplify development, the new ADCs are compatible with ESS’s Sabre Intelligence Studio (SI Studio), a user-friendly programming interface that accelerates design flow and shortens time-to-market.
The ES9823MPRO is also the first ADC in the world to integrate FOQUS by MQA Labs® —a revolutionary decimation filter with a minimum-phase response engineered to stay below human perceptual thresholds. Its single dithered quantization step and low-complexity architecture make FOQUS the most transparent decimation technology available today.
“FOQUS represents a major step forward in our mission to help people perfectly capture sound digitally,” said Al Wood, Director of Engineering at Lenbrook’s MQA Labs. “ESS has long been a leader in high-performance audio. We’re confident that the ES9823MPRO, with FOQUS built-in, will set a new benchmark in analog-to-digital conversion.”
All three devices support a comprehensive set of digital output formats, including S/PDIF encoding, I²S master/slave, TDM, PDM, DSD, DoP, and RAW. They also feature PDM microphone input support and built-in digital filtering with pre-programmed and customizable filter coefficients, including DC blocking options. Interfaces include both I²C and SPI, with a master SPI port to connect an external FLASH device for rapid ASP2 configuration.
Using two ES9823(M)PRO devices in ESS Proprietary multi-chip mixing configuration, designers can achieve dynamic range performance exceeding 136dB.
The new devices are drop-in compatible with previous flagship models—ES9822PRO and ES9842PRO—and are available in a compact, low-pin-count 5x5 mm 40-pin QFN package.
For more information, or to request access to software and technical documentation, please contact your local ESS Sales or authorized distributor.
To learn more about ESS Technology and its full range of products, visit www.esstech.com.

09/23/2024

ESS Technology Introduces industry’s first High Performance 8-Channel SMART DAC

Incorporating the latest generation of SABRE high performance DACs with integrated Line Driver

Sept 23, 2024 - San Jose, California - ESS Technology, Inc., the industry leader in audio semiconductor devices, today announces two 8-channel DACs with integrated line drivers with exceptional performance. The incorporated ESS patented Hyperstream® IV architecture provides the listener with the legendary SABRE® sound quality with improved audio performance and a refined and enjoyable listening experience.
The ES9082 SMART DAC and ES9081 DAC are ESS’ next generation devices that deliver a True DNR of +120dB and -108dB THD+N with 2VRMS line driver for each of the 8 channels allowing for an amazing audio experience while reducing the Bill-Of-Material (BOM). Channels can be summed to improve performance in an application requiring fewer channels. A 2-channel differential configuration can achieve up to +127dB DNR with a 4VRMS output. ESS’ True DNR performance does not rely on Dynamic Range Enhancement (DRE) technology that shows higher DNR but is known to cause pop noise in some applications.
The ES9082 SMART DAC incorporates a 2nd generation of ESS Audio Signal Processor (ASP2) that allows customers to integrate their preferred audio algorithms by using ESS’ proprietary SABRE Intelligence Studio graphical software tool. For example, customers can integrate multi-band PEQs, DRC, AGL, MIXERs, Audio Expansion and Compression, stereo widening, and specialty filters such as RIAA de-emphasis and cross-over filters. Incorporating these algorithms in the SMART DAC improves the audio performance and simplifies the audio system. In addition, a 2-channel input is available to mix a secondary stereo source such as a microphone monitor into ASP2. The ASP2 can be programmed using the slave I2C, slave SPI interfaces or the SPI master interface with an optional external SPI Flash memory for very fast program loading and for storing multiple configuration programs.
The serial data interface supports TDM, TDM Daisy Chain, I2S, LJ, DoP and DSD input formats with sample rates of up to 768kHz (using 64FS mode) and DSD1024. The integrated TDM & S/PDIF output encoders allow for a variety of systems design considerations.
Other features:
• SPI and Hardware (HW) modes for more versatility in configurations
• The integrated proprietary Analog PLL eliminates an external oscillator with no effect on performance.
• Digital Volume range from +1dB to -126dB in 0.5dB steps with 0 to +42dB pre-gain in +6dB Steps
• 8 internal digital filters
• Very low noise DAC reference regulators
• 8 input channels of PDM are supported

The ES9081 without ASP2 capability is drop-in compatible with the previous generation of ES9080 and allows customers to upgrade seamlessly and achieve higher performance with their current systems.
The ES9081 & ES9082 SABRE DACs are ideal companions for Professional Audio equipment and mixers, Soundbars and Powered Speakers, A/V receivers and integrated Amplifiers as well as Class-D pre-amplifier controllers.
The ES9081 is available in a 40 pin 5mm x 5mm QFN package.
The ES9082 is available in a 48 pin 7mm x 7mm QFN package.
Reference boards and designs, SABRE Intelligence Studio (SIS) software, and samples are available. For more information, please contact your local ESS Technology representative or distributor.
More Information about ESS Technology and their products can be found at http://www.esstech.com.
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About ESS Technology
ESS Technology, since inception, has been on the cutting edge of audio technology. A privately held fabless semiconductor company, ESS Technology designs and markets high-performance analog and HiFi audio devices for the consumer, professional, and automotive audio sectors. Celebrating their 40th Anniversary in 2024, today ESS Technology is best known for its SABRE series of world class audio products. For more information, visit http://www.esstech.com.

02/22/2024

ESS Technology Releases 2nd Generation of its Ultra Low Noise Dual Channel Voltage Regulator
The newest generation of SABRE ultra low noise regulator is ideal for high performance audio devices
February 21, 2024 - San Jose, California - ESS Technology, Inc., the industry leader in audio semiconductor devices, today announced a dual channel SABRE voltage regulator.
The ES9312 is a dual ultra low noise linear regulator optimized to supply the reference voltages for ESS Technology’s SABRE® DACs, ADCs, CODECs as well as applications that require very low noise voltage references.
The dual regulator’s output noise is as low as 1µVrms from 10Hz to 100kHz which enables the designer to achieve the highest possible DNR and lowest noise performance that is a requirement for high end audio devices such as the ES9039PRO at +140dB DNR and -122dB THD+N. It is the ideal low-noise regulator for use with all ESS SABRE DACs and ADCs as well as general very low noise voltage regulated requirements.
In addition, the ES9312Q provides several unique features not available in standard regulators including the ability of self-calibration when paired with selected ESS DACs. The calibration feature of the ES9312 uses a reference resistor of select ESS DACs with a fixed current from the ES9312 to adjust the regulated output voltage to ensure that output levels are maintained from chip to chip for the highest of performance for audio applications.
Internal voltage fixed mode with presets that help simplify device configuration for standard voltages of 1.2V/1.8V/3.3V/4.5V with a simple pin configuration using a common 5V supply. Normal external voltage fixed mode can allow for any voltage within the standard voltages.
The integrated “power-good” (PG) indicator for over-temperature, under-voltage & over-current warnings allows for system protection while also incorporating an automatic over-temperature shutdown.
Both voltage reference channels can provide up to 180mA of low noise regulation at multiple voltage levels.
“Low noise regulator is a critical component in many systems as well as all audio systems to achieve best performance.” Said Robert Wong, VP of ESS worldwide Sales and Marketing. “ES9312 gives customer an opportunity to achieve best performance in a cost-effective way.”
The ES9312 is available in a small 16 pin 3mm x 3mm QFN package for minimizing board area and allowing for multiple devices to be used in system designs.
Evaluation boards, reference designs, and samples are available. For more information, please contact your local ESS Representative or distributor.
More Details can be found at http://www.esstech.com.
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01/23/2024

ESS Technology Introduces New Stereo High Performance CODEC

The newest generation of SABRE high performance DACs and ADCs are now incorporated together in the new CODEC

January 23, 2024 - San Jose, California - ESS Technology, Inc., the industry leader in audio semiconductor devices, today introduces a new SABRE® CODEC that integrates stereo analog and digital channels with outstanding performance.
The ES9290 is a synchronous CODEC incorporating both stereo ADCs and DACs that provide ultra-low noise conversion with a dynamic range (DNR) of +116dB/+116dB, THD+N is rated at -110dB/-108dB (DAC/ADC respectively) per channel.
The SABRE CODEC integrates many BOM simplification and reduction features.
• Programmable gain amplifiers (PGAs) with a gain of up to +30dB
• 2Vrms Line Driver Buffers
• Custom pre-programmed filters that are complementary to both ADC & DAC
• Digital Full Biquad (DBQ) filter that is fully customizable to implement any Full Biquad, with many preset options such as 80Hz/120Hz high pass, RIAA de-emphasis and
pre-emphasis filters
• An analog phase locked loop (APLL) reduces BOM requirements for simplification
• A programmable microphone (MIC)BIAS for analog microphone support
• ADC and DAC mixing
• Independent wide Digital volume control including up to +42dB of digital gain
• Digital and Analog Low Noise Regulators to maximize DAC and ADC performance
• Internal/External clock sync setting to the TDM interface

An incorporated Direct Monitoring mode will allow to listen to the analog input signal with very low latency through the direct path from the ADC/PGA to the DAC/line driver interface while having the ability to record the input signal.
The ES9290 included PGAs with a gain of up to +30dB in +3dB steps and Line Drivers reduce bill of materials by providing front-end and back-end circuits for gain and output levels requirements.
The ESS patented Hyperstream® IV architecture incorporated in the ES9290 provides the SABRE legendary sound quality which further improves audio performance while consuming lower power compared to previous generations providing a full and rewarding listening experience.
The ES9290 supports multiple I/O formats including TDM, TDM Daisy Chain, I2S, LJ, RJ while supporting up to 768kHz sample rate using 64FS mode.
The control interface can be programmed using multiple input methods including I2C, SPI, and a hardware mode (HW) for ease of programmability.
The SABRE CODEC is well suited for Professional Audio Interfaces, Live stream media, High-quality microphones, and professional DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) Audio Recording.
“ESS has been the highest performance and market leader on DACs and ADCs. We’ve combined them in the best of class performance stereo CODEC with the lowest BOM and ease of use features for audio system designers.” said Robert Wong VP of ESS Worldwide Sales and Marketing.
The ES9290 is available in a 40 pin 5mm x 5mm QFN package.
Evaluation boards, reference designs, and samples are available. For more information, please contact your local ESS Representative or distributor.
More Details can be found at http://www.esstech.com.
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About ESS Technology
For more than four decades, ESS Technology has been on the cutting edge of audio technology. A privately held fabless semiconductor company, ESS Technology designs and markets high-performance analog and HiFi audio devices for mobile, consumer, automotive, and professional audiophile systems. The company was founded in 1984, and today ESS Technology is best known for its SABRE series of high-performance audio products. For more information, visit http://www.esstech.com.