Schiit Bifrost 3 Adds App-Controlled Volume And EQ

Schiit Audio has announced the Bifrost 3, a modular digital-to-analogue converter that costs $100 less than the model it replaces while adding remote system control and a new conversion design.

A DAC converts digital music from a computer, streamer or disc transport into the analogue signal needed by an amplifier or a pair of active speakers. Bifrost 3 can now also act as a simple digital preamplifier, letting the user adjust volume and tone from a phone.

Quick Reference

• Product: Schiit Bifrost 3 modular DAC
• Inputs: USB-C, coaxial digital and optical digital
• Outputs: RCA and balanced XLR
• Maximum USB resolution: 32-bit/384kHz PCM
• Price: $699 in black or $729 in silver
• Availability: expected at the end of October

A New Mesh Conversion System

Bifrost 3 replaces the multibit conversion used in Bifrost 2 with Schiit’s Mesh system. In simple terms, Schiit uses its own digital filtering before handing the signal to an ESS ES9039 converter chip. The filter runs on a dedicated SHARC processor, and the company says the result combines strong measured performance with the sound it wanted from the design.

The hardware remains modular, so input and conversion cards can be changed rather than replacing the whole unit. Owners of the older Bifrost 2 can also fit the new Mesh conversion card after a firmware update, although they cannot add all of Bifrost 3’s new control features.

Forkbeard Control Is Included

Schiit includes its Forkbeard wireless control module as standard. This is used for control rather than music streaming: the companion app can adjust volume, balance, loudness and a five-band parametric equaliser. An equaliser lets the listener fine-tune selected parts of the frequency range, which can help with room balance or personal preference.

Forkbeard also handles over-the-air firmware updates. A basic infrared remote is included for source selection, phase and mute, so day-to-day operation does not depend entirely on the app.

Connections And System Use

The USB-C input uses Schiit’s Unison 384 interface and accepts PCM music up to 32-bit/384kHz. Optical and coaxial digital inputs accept up to 24-bit/192kHz. Analogue output is available on standard RCA sockets and balanced XLR connections, making the Bifrost 3 suitable for desktop equipment as well as a full-size HiFi system.

There is no headphone socket or power amplifier inside, so headphones still need a separate headphone amplifier and passive speakers still need a suitable integrated or power amplifier.

Price And Availability

The full price is $699 in black and $729 in silver, including Forkbeard and the remote control. Schiit is taking a $10 pre-order deposit and expects shipping around the end of October 2026.

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