Schiit Audio Mimir: The $300 Loki-Approved DAC/Preamp That Has Even Thor Stoked

The Schiit Audio Mimir DAC has arrived, and while it might not wield the thunderous power of Yggdrasil, it does bring a bolt of lightning to the budget DAC battlefield. Designed to replace the aging Modi+, the Mimir offers Schiit’s signature no-nonsense engineering at an equally no-nonsense price.

With USB-C connectivity, Unison USB, and support for up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM, this little Norse god of sound is here to make your desktop rig worthy—no cape required. Just don’t expect it to summon lightning storms… unless you’re playing Ride the Lightning.

The Schiit Mimir isn’t just another budget DAC—it’s a $300 budget DAC with benefits. First up, you get balanced XLR outputs on the back. Yes, real grown-up connections on a wallet-friendly DAC. Who knew?

WTF is a “Mesh” DAC?

Meet the Mesh DAC, the first of its kind, combining Schiit’s proprietary time-and-frequency-domain closed-form digital filter with a standard delta-sigma modulator—basically, it’s like Thor’s hammer, but for your ears. Mimir also introduces the next-gen Forkbeard, giving it full digital preamp functionality. And let’s not forget the Unison 384 USB input, a feature that ensures your USB doesn’t feel like it’s still in the Stone Age.

“Mesh is the game changer here,” said Jason Stoddard, Schiit’s co-founder, sounding as confident as Loki escaping punishment. “It brings our flagship True Multibit and Multiform DAC performance down to an incredibly affordable price, while sounding just as thunderous.”

How do they do it? Mesh™ uses Schiit’s proprietary “megacomboburrito” digital filter—yeah, that’s what they call it—and runs it on the same 32-bit microprocessor that powers Unison 384. This means Mimir isn’t just your average DAC. “It’s completely unique,” Jason added, before pulling a godlike performance from his sleeves.

But wait, there’s more. Add the Forkbeard module, and Mimir transforms into a full-fledged digital preamp with EQ. That means volume, balance, a 3-band parametric EQ, Loudness preset, NOS filter switching, and even absolute phase inversion—all controllable via the Forkbeard app. It’s practically a whole feast of controls in one sleek package.

Mimir isn’t just for the audiophile masses either; it’s the gateway to a simpler, integrated system. Pair it with the Gjallarhorn F, and you’ve got yourself a complete Forkbeard-powered system for just $698—no need for Thor’s hammer to break the bank.

Specifications:

• Outputs:
  • XLR Balanced
  • RCA Single-ended (SE)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz, +/-0.04dB
• THD+N: 0.0003%
• IMD (Intermodulation Distortion): 0.0004%, CCIR
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N): 118dB, referenced to full output, with or without external power
• Crosstalk: -125dB, 20Hz-20kHz
• USB Input:
  • Unison 384
  • Supports up to 32-bit/384kHz
  • Full UAC2 compliance
• Other Inputs:
  • Optical SPDIF
  • Coaxial SPDIF
  • AES
  • All up to 24-bit/192kHz
• D/A Conversion:
  • Schiit Mesh
  • Combination of time- and frequency-domain optimized digital filter and a delta-sigma modulator (ES9028)
• Analog Stage:
  • Balanced output: LME49724
  • Single-ended (SE) output: OPA1656
  • Independent analog stages with precision thin-film resistors and film capacitors
  • DC coupled
• Maximum Output:
  • 3.0V RMS balanced, 1.5V RMS single-ended (USB-powered)
  • 4.0V RMS balanced, 2.0V RMS single-ended (with Linear Override AC wall-wart)
• Output Impedance: 75 ohms
• Power Supply:
  • USB powered with charge pump rail generator for +/-5V rails (reports as 500mA USB device)
  • Linear override via 14-16VAC, 0.5A+ wall-wart (provides +/-12V rails, reports as 0mA USB device)
• Forkbeard Capabilities:
  • Input select
  • Sample rate reporting
  • Volume control
  • Balance control
  • 3-band parametric EQ
  • Mesh or NOS filter mode switching
  • Loudness
  • Phase inversion
• Dimensions: 9” x 6” x 1.5”
• Weight: 2 lb
• Forkbeard Requirements: schiit.com/forkbeard

What else does Loki…we mean “Mimir” offer?

Mimir’s got a trick up its sleeve with Linear Override. This allows you to run it off a single USB for portability, or you can use a high-voltage AC wall-wart to boost its power and deliver more headroom—basically, it’s like upgrading your chariot for faster travel.

Mimir isn’t shy when it comes to connections, either. It’s got 4 digital inputs—Unison 384 USB, AES, coax, and optical—and outputs for both balanced XLRs and single-ended RCAs. The cherry on top? It’s fully updatable via the Forkbeard app, meaning you won’t have to send it to Valhalla for upgrades.

Looking for something even more legendary? The Yggdrasil and Gungnir 2 are getting their own Forkbeard updates soon, so the gods of audio aren’t leaving anyone behind. Yggdrasil owners can look forward to their own personalized upgrades in August 2025.

The Bottom Line

The Schiit Audio Mimir is a no-nonsense, high-performance 32-bit PCM DAC that delivers pure, unadulterated Norse sound—no BS, no MQA, no DSD. With its built-in digital preamp functionality, balanced XLR outputs, and Schiit’s unique Mesh digital filter, it offers a transparent, dynamic audio experience at an unbeatable price.

Whether you’re looking for a straightforward DAC or a versatile preamp for your system, the Mimir delivers hi-res PCM goodness without any of the unnecessary extras. At $299 (or $349 with Forkbeard), it’s the perfect balance of value, functionality, and no-fuss sound.

Head to schiit.com and join the Valhalla of audio.

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