Innuos Next-Gen FLOW — I2S Module

For use with the Innuos Next-Gen Flow

I2S is the digital interface that exists inside DAC hardware — the signal format that moves audio data between chips on a circuit board. It was never designed to travel outside a chassis, but the audio industry has adopted HDMI as a physical carrier for I2S signals between components, because HDMI connectors are robust and the cable can carry the multiple clock and data lines that I2S requires. When a reclocker or transport can send I2S directly to the DAC chip over HDMI, it bypasses the digital receiver that standard S/PDIF and USB inputs require, along with the conversion steps and associated jitter that receiver introduces.

The Next-Gen FLOW I2S Module does exactly that. It converts the FLOW's reclocked output to I2S and transmits it over HDMI directly to the DAC. The standard digital receiver in the DAC is bypassed. The signal arrives at the conversion stage in a form closer to what the DAC chip itself expects than any standard interface can deliver.

The configuration switch

This is what makes the I2S Module different from the MSB, CH-Link, and Optilink modules. Those are purpose-built for one DAC brand's specific protocol. The I2S Module is configurable — an 8-way dial on the rear panel selects the pin-out standard that matches the connected DAC. Different manufacturers have implemented HDMI I2S with different pin assignments, and a module that only supported one arrangement would have limited utility. The 8-way switch covers the pin-out standards used by Soulution, PS Audio, Denafrips, Gustard, Matrix Audio, and others. Confirm the correct setting for your DAC against Innuos's configuration guide before use — the signal will not work correctly on the wrong setting.

Clocking on the audio path

The I2S Module incorporates dedicated high-grade main clocks and femto-clocks directly on the audio signal path — additional precision clocking within the module itself, beyond the 3ppb OCXO master clock in the Next-Gen FLOW core unit. I2S carries clock signals alongside the data, and the quality of those clocks at the point of transmission directly affects what the DAC chip receives. The on-board clocks in the module ensure the I2S signal's timing is as precise as possible at the output stage rather than relying solely on the core unit's clock travelling through additional circuitry.

Resolution and format support

The I2S Module supports native DSD alongside high-resolution PCM — the direct DAC chip connection and the I2S interface allow format support that is constrained by the connected DAC's own capabilities rather than by the module. Confirm native DSD support with your specific DAC before assuming it is available.

How it fits into the signal path

The USB source connects to the FLOW's input. The FLOW reclocks the signal from its 3ppb OCXO. The I2S Module converts that reclocked output to I2S format and transmits it to the DAC via HDMI. The DAC's standard digital receiver input is bypassed. An HDMI cable connects the FLOW to the DAC — the same physical connector as a video HDMI cable, but carrying I2S audio data rather than video.

Compatibility

The I2S Module works with any DAC that accepts HDMI I2S input and whose pin-out standard is covered by the module's 8-way configuration switch. This includes DACs from Soulution, PS Audio, Denafrips, Gustard, and Matrix Audio among others. Verify your DAC's I2S pin-out standard against the Innuos configuration guide before ordering. The module is designed exclusively for the Next-Gen FLOW and is not compatible with the NazaréFLOW or other Innuos products.

Where it fits

The I2S Module is the most broadly compatible option in the Next-Gen FLOW module range — relevant wherever the connected DAC accepts HDMI I2S and the pin-out is supported. For DAC brands without a dedicated native protocol module (MSB ProISL, EMM Optilink, CH-Link), the I2S Module is typically the highest-performance connection available, provided the DAC supports HDMI I2S input. For some DACs — particularly Soulution, which is referenced in both the I2S and a dedicated Soulution module context — confirm with us which module represents the optimal connection before ordering.

Sold separately from the Next-Gen FLOW core unit. Available Q4 2026.

Specifications

• Type: Digital output and DDC module for Innuos Next-Gen FLOW
• Interface: HDMI I2S (direct DAC chip connection)
• Configuration: 8-way rear-panel dial for pin-out standard selection
• Compatible pin-out standards: Soulution, PS Audio, Denafrips, Gustard, Matrix Audio, and others (confirm via Innuos configuration guide)
• On-board clocking: Dedicated high-grade main clocks and femto-clocks on audio path
• Format support: High-resolution PCM; native DSD (dependent on connected DAC)
• Compatible reclocker: Innuos Next-Gen FLOW only
• Power: Dedicated CX-regulated supply within Next-Gen FLOW
• Clock source: Next-Gen FLOW 3ppb OCXO plus on-board module clocks
• Sold separately from: Next-Gen FLOW core unit
• Availability: Q4 2026

If you want to confirm your DAC's I2S pin-out standard, verify which module is the right choice for your system, or work out how the Next-Gen FLOW fits into your chain — we are happy to help. Call us or start a conversation on the site.