• WANTED: Happy members who like to discuss audio and other topics related to our interest. Desire to learn and share knowledge of science required. There are many reviews of audio hardware and expert members to help answer your questions. Click here to have your audio equipment measured for free!

Moondrop May (IEM with USB C DSP cable)

Just got the Moondrop Chu2-DSP. It appears to be a Chu2 with a variant of the CDSP upgrade cable combo. I assume it will replace Moondrop JIU.
Chu2-DSP requires an updated app (APK), available on Moondrop website, to work correctly. I downloaded the upgrade and, interestingly, the app gives a view of the Chu2 presets PEQs: "default", "no bass", and "basshead":

View attachment 346966

I noticed the 1st filter in the "default" setting: 25 Hz is theoretically not allowed by the app (40-10,000 range only)... but it doesn't protest when I apply it!
As for MAY, the updated app does not show these screens, so no luck seeing each of the MAY presets... This app is still a mess :facepalm:
I'll see if at least, it gets better at detecting & recognizing Moondrop connected devices (so far so good...).
Hmm, this is peculiar. The filters' design suggests that the upper treble should exhibit a more pronounced elevation in comparison to the rest of the frequency response. However, both versions of the Chu 2 measure the same in this region when normalized at 60dB
 
Hmm, this is peculiar. The filters' design suggests that the upper treble should exhibit a more pronounced elevation in comparison to the rest of the frequency response. However, both versions of the Chu 2 measure the same in this region when normalized at 60dB
This is off-topic as this thread is about MAY.
But the interesting point of these presets, if done right by the manufacturer (and that’s a big “if”) is that they can “suggest” some corrections depending on the IEM itself (whatever sub-optimal spots in the FR they may have) and the user “profile” and what they listen.

I don’t know the answers to your questions about Chu 2, but that’s the right questions: why did Moondrop shaped their presets like this? What can be inferred from these? :cool:
 
This is off-topic as this thread is about MAY.
But the interesting point of these presets, if done right by the manufacturer (and that’s a big “if”) is that they can “suggest” some corrections depending on the IEM itself (whatever sub-optimal spots in the FR they may have) and the user “profile” and what they listen.

I don’t know the answers to your questions about Chu 2, but that’s the right questions: why did Moondrop shaped their presets like this? What can be inferred from these? :cool:
Probably not much different from the work that went behind Harman IE, just "closed source" and using B&K 4128. Even the presets with different bass levels correspond to this:
1709929368003.png

1709929574482.png
 
That's interesting... because I'm heading straight toward the exact opposite situation: I only need to accumulate two or three 3.5 / 4.4mm cables to fiddle with my Qudelix 5K & T71... But when I'm done, these USB-C DSP thingies are pretty slick! Between Tanchjim and Moondrop, I have already accumulated a dozen (!!!) of these USB-C DSP cables & IEMs (no quite: MAY is yet to be delivered).

I also wonder--a conspiration theory of mine--whether Moondrop intends to better capture their users FR preferences through the App cloud repository & "review process", so that they can better target future products.

EDIT: BTW, I am also messing with a Bugblat USB sniffer, trying to understand the commands protocol between the App and DSP--it cannot be that complicated (...???!!!). I am also willing to butcher a FreeDSP to find out what chip is used :D I just need to find some time... :rolleyes:
Does tanchjim have a dsp cable? What is it called
 
Not standalone.

You can buy a Tanchjim One DSP, then replace the IEM with one of your choice and use their App for EQ control.
Or you can buy the Moondrop CDSP (~$15) that is built around a KTmicro chip, like the Tanchjim DSP-enabled IEMs (DSP versions of the Zero, One, and Tanya).

These KTmicro-based IEM/cables only offer 5x Peak filters (9x on FreeDSP) and may not be as good as the FreeDSP—but they are most likely “good enough” for a large number of IEMs.

As @markanini noted, the Tanchjim app is better than the Moondrop one, but the Moondrop app is still “serviceable” if you don’t constantly fiddle with the filters: that’s what I do with my FreeDSP & CDSP cables: I leave them attached to the IEM…
Both app’s are Android apk.
 
Hello,

I would like to give a try to MOONDROP CHU II. I would like to pair those with a portable DAC dongle. I was browsing the forum for advices about those (like Hiby FC3) when I found this thread. I understand that Moondrop Chu2-DSP will provide both the amplification and the DSP <=> all in one. Is it correct?

The Moondrop Chu2-DSP comes at an interesting price and a convenient format.

Should the overall result be on par with the same IEM paired to a 30-40€ dongle? Or combo should be significantly better with the dongle ?

Best regards,

JMF
 
I got the Moondrop May yesterday and the app wouldn't work on Android (HiBy R4) or iOS (iPhone 15P) and within 2 hours of unboxing the USB-C cable is now completely dead. Not recognized on any device. Awesome! Glad I waited two weeks for them to arrive and be practically DOA. I was really looking forward to these and my first experience with Moondrop is now awful. However, I will say their XL Springtips are my new favorite and the only silicone tips that my ears like.
 
I got the Moondrop May yesterday and the app wouldn't work on Android (HiBy R4) or iOS (iPhone 15P) and within 2 hours of unboxing the USB-C cable is now completely dead. Not recognized on any device. Awesome! Glad I waited two weeks for them to arrive and be practically DOA. I was really looking forward to these and my first experience with Moondrop is now awful. However, I will say their XL Springtips are my new favorite and the only silicone tips that my ears like.
The iOS app is only for Moondrop Bluetooth devices—not for USB devices. Where did you get the Android app from? Moondrop Link 2.0 for Android can be downloaded here: https://moondroplab.com/en/download
 
I received my Moondrop Chu II DSP. I downloaded the Link 2.0 app from Moondrop website. I worked straight out of the box. I don't know if I will use it much, but still good to have.

JMF
 
Forgot to come back and reply. The Moondrop Link app still won't function on my work Wifi, which is strange, our network is pretty unrestricted. But it works at home. The Link app has to be able to "phone home" or connect to some kind of service before it will work. Basically, if you don't see the waifu pic, it won't work. That's a huge negative. On my R4, every time you open the Link app, it kicks your Bluetooth on regardless of your setting. My experience from day 1 remains a question mark because I plugged it into 4-5 different devices and none of them saw it. However, after 2 days, it's been working fine. I can even get Link to work at my job by using my phone's hotspot. The app is really really bad, I guess is what I'm trying to say.

The Mays have become my favorite on the VDSF EQ and I've been tip rolling to find the best fit for my big ears.
 
Let's hope they will release a non-DSP version with a normal analog cable included (or no cable at all) for lower price. They make great IEMs, but I'd let others deal with DSP and app development.
Hi... I bought the May on the understanding conveyed to me by local seller (in NZ) that any normal 2 pin analig cable could also be used with it. Thus far i have tried four different ones and none will fit. Have i been misinformed?
 
Hi... I bought the May on the understanding conveyed to me by local seller (in NZ) that any normal 2 pin analig cable could also be used with it. Thus far i have tried four different ones and none will fit. Have i been misinformed?
Any 0.78 2 pin should fit. The may doesn't have a recessed input which should mean it will take any.

Could you name /link to any of the ones you've tried and failed with?
 
Just taken delivery of these.

Bottom line, lovely design and shape. Comfy though I find the cable ear hooks a bit heavy and stiff for my tastes (as with the Free DSP but YMMV) Nice case with it too.

Sound great- Standard EQ profile works best for me so far but see issues regarding the presets below.

Whoever procured the stock tips needs a talking to- the bores are far too small, almost like they were made for an entirely different nozzle. I wouldnt like to have arthritis and try to squeeze them on- works with a bit of patience.

It very much does appear this is the Free DSP cable discussed elsewhere rebadged and with a few May specific EQ settings stored. Sadly when you select a preset you cant see in the PEQ window what the adjustment filters are. More annoyingly there are big gain variances between the different presets. "Standard" is way higher than the "Reference" for example yet oddly the measurements of the same show the Reference setting as having an almost identical FR aside from a LOWER bass shelf - so surely should have had the same gain reduction as the "Standard" setting? It makes quick comparisons by switching on the app (which is still very rough and ready) impossible as the volume difference is so noticeable.

Overall I cant argue with it at all. No need for a USBC dongle, decent cable, great sound for around £60. Better value out there for sure but these feel a bit more premium than some of the c£30 offers.
I just got a pair to. Sound pretty good and feel pretty comfortable. Thought I'd try on the Moondrop Link app. I've tried several versions. One on the Play store, the apk download on the moondrop link site. Neither detected the cable. I had it plugged into the phone that had the app installed. I found there was another one on the play store just called moondrop that was version 2.0 and downloaded it. This one seemed to detect the dsp as it asked for permission to connect to the may. However after that when I pulled down on the middle to pair it said no devices were found. Do I have to pair it somehow on the phone? I know about pairing bluetooth devices. Never heard of pairing a usb device or have any idea how you would do that.

Can't find a user manual or guide anywhere.

I see there is another app called dsp free or something. It isn't free as it looks like you need to buy a dsp cable to get it. from the review it looks like it is the same cable as comes with the may, but the app seems to have a few more features, but even then it sounds like it is pretty limited in what it can do and kind of problematic.

I have a pixel 6a running android 15. Can anyone guide me through this or point to where I can get some instrucions?
 
Bought the May because of the cable. USB-C plus DSP on top plus a quite decent IEM was to good of a package to resist. But the „app“ is an insolence. Better don‘t start complaining, could never stop …. gives me shivers ….

Anyway, the preset with mine was default standard, not „nil“ as with the reviewer‘s here:


Now I‘m still looking for an Android device the app is willing to operate with. Ask a friend to load the crap on her phone, for fiddling around …. huh …
 
Last edited:
I just got a pair to. Sound pretty good and feel pretty comfortable. Thought I'd try on the Moondrop Link app. I've tried several versions. One on the Play store, the apk download on the moondrop link site. Neither detected the cable. I had it plugged into the phone that had the app installed. I found there was another one on the play store just called moondrop that was version 2.0 and downloaded it. This one seemed to detect the dsp as it asked for permission to connect to the may. However after that when I pulled down on the middle to pair it said no devices were found. Do I have to pair it somehow on the phone? I know about pairing bluetooth devices. Never heard of pairing a usb device or have any idea how you would do that.

Can't find a user manual or guide anywhere.

I see there is another app called dsp free or something. It isn't free as it looks like you need to buy a dsp cable to get it. from the review it looks like it is the same cable as comes with the may, but the app seems to have a few more features, but even then it sounds like it is pretty limited in what it can do and kind of problematic.

I have a pixel 6a running android 15. Can anyone guide me through this or point to where I can get some instrucions?
Open the application first without installing May, then install it.
 
Back
Top Bottom