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C3 AI-powered Gaming Dac Amp Co-Creation Program

Fosi Audio Team

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As many of you know, Fosi Audio has always been a Hi-Fi brand. But over the years, we’ve been asking ourselves a simple question: How can Hi-Fi genuinely help gamers?

Earlier this year, we introduced K7, our first step into gaming audio, and the feedback from the market has been incredibly encouraging. Building on that experience, we’re now preparing to launch our next product in early next year: C3 — an AI-powered Gaming DAC & Amp

Unlike traditional gaming sound cards that rely on fixed EQ boosts, C3 uses AI models to recognize key in-game sounds, such as footsteps, gunfire, reloads, and directional cues, and dynamically enhance what truly matters, while reducing irrelevant or distracting noise. This isn’t about simply making certain frequencies louder. It’s about understanding which sounds are important in each moment of gameplay.

To achieve the best possible performance before launch on Kickstarter, we’d like to take this a step further with your help.

We’re inviting players to join a real-world audio co-creation program for C3, where real gameplay recordings will be used to help train and refine our AI models.

Below is a short demo showing C3’s current performance. In this clip, AI enhancement is applied only to footsteps, while all other sounds remain unchanged. (Before 0:50, it’s the original audio. After 0:50, the same gameplay is enhanced by C3.)

👉 Please watch the video:

What participants can get:​

🎁 Rewards​

  • 20 participants randomly selected for early Beta access
  • All participants receive 30% Kickstarter discount once C3 launches

📥 How to Participate​

To join the giveaway pool, simply leave a comment in this thread describing:
  • What games you usually play
  • What audio problems or pain points you experience in those games
  • What you wish a gaming DAC or sound card could help improve
  • Your current audio setup (headphones / IEMs / DAC / amp, etc.)
  • A short paragraph is enough.

⭐ Bonus (Optional)​

If you’re willing to upload gameplay audio or video recordings that we can use to help train C3’s AI models, you’ll receive additional chances to be selected. How to record:
1. Download audacity here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ChmjE-Ax4QzL0lBWwPgZuJdsdIJC9Hwh/view?usp=sharing
2. Record gameplay audio following the tutorial: https://docs.google.com/document/d/...ouid=118158918829769868032&rtpof=true&sd=true
3. Upload to YouTube (Public or Unlisted)
4. Comment with YTB link

💬 From the team​

Our goal is not to create an AI that only works in ideal conditions.

We want C3 to perform reliably in real matches, real rooms, and real gameplay situations.
Your participation directly helps shape how C3 — and future products — will sound.

Thank you for contributing to this program.
We’ll be monitoring the thread and responding along the way.

— Fosi Audio Game Audio Team
 
Last edited:
Hello friends.
You guys are a real idea factory!
This time, I want to team up with my son, who's a true expert in this field, so we'll both contribute our audio and gaming knowledge.

YouTube Link




Game Title
Battlefield™ 6

Critical Audio Issues
Audio from multiple locations

What you want to improve
Clearly identify the source of each sound

Your audio setup and usage scenario

PS5 - DENON - X3800H - SAMSUNG Q990D - FOSI AUDIO K7 -PS5 CONTROLLER AUDIO - GAMING HEADSET

In this first step, we'll record external audio from a video capture card with audio extraction.

External video capture with external audio
Recording gameplay on PS5

We'll be making some new configurations.

Regards
 
Last edited:
Hello friends.
You guys are a real idea factory!
This time, I want to team up with my son, who's a true expert in this field, so we'll both contribute our audio and gaming knowledge.

YouTube Link




Game Title
Battlefield™ 6

Critical Audio Issues
Audio from multiple locations

What you want to improve
Clearly identify the source of each sound

Your audio setup and usage scenario

PS5 - DENON - X3800H - SAMSUNG Q990D - FOSI AUDIO K7

In this first step, we'll record external audio from a video capture card with audio extraction.

External video capture with external audio
Recording gameplay on PS5

We'll be making some new configurations.

Regards
Hi
Thank you for your response. Do you think this is a technology that is genuinely helpful for gamers?

Regarding the point you mentioned, I’d like to understand it in more detail:


“Critical Audio Issues
Audio from multiple locations
What you want to improve
Clearly identify the source of each sound”

----could you give some examples of the types of sounds you aim to identify (such as footsteps, jumping sounds, clothing movement, etc.)?
 
Hello friends.
You guys are a real idea factory!
This time, I want to team up with my son, who's a true expert in this field, so we'll both contribute our audio and gaming knowledge.

YouTube Link




Game Title
Battlefield™ 6

Critical Audio Issues
Audio from multiple locations

What you want to improve
Clearly identify the source of each sound

Your audio setup and usage scenario

PS5 - DENON - X3800H - SAMSUNG Q990D - FOSI AUDIO K7

In this first step, we'll record external audio from a video capture card with audio extraction.

External video capture with external audio
Recording gameplay on PS5

We'll be making some new configurations.

Regards
Haha! By the way, I also noticed the K7 among your devices — this product was actually developed by me.

I’d love to hear about your experience using it and any areas you think could be improved.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas! 🎄
 
Since the audio signals originate from different locations within the game, it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint their source.

Perhaps reprocessing the original audio signal could enhance certain frequency ranges or highlight specific details.

I'm not sure if the C3 allows signal processing before it reaches the audio system, for example, if you're using HDMI between the game source and the monitor/speakers/gaming headphones.

Congratulations on the K7's design. While you didn't manage it yourself, it's one of Fosi Audio's most beautiful and, above all, functional designs. Having physical controls is a practical advantage for everyday use.

The K7 is excellent; I'm sure gamers have been impressed by its quality.

Just a suggestion for improvement: perhaps an application for PC adjustments, expert settings, or a mobile app with parameter configuration capabilities.

But as a standalone device, the K7 doesn't need anything else to configure it, and that's a very positive advantage.

Happy Holidays
 
Since the audio signals originate from different locations within the game, it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint their source.

Perhaps reprocessing the original audio signal could enhance certain frequency ranges or highlight specific details.

I'm not sure if the C3 allows signal processing before it reaches the audio system, for example, if you're using HDMI between the game source and the monitor/speakers/gaming headphones.

Congratulations on the K7's design. While you didn't manage it yourself, it's one of Fosi Audio's most beautiful and, above all, functional designs. Having physical controls is a practical advantage for everyday use.

The K7 is excellent; I'm sure gamers have been impressed by its quality.

Just a suggestion for improvement: perhaps an application for PC adjustments, expert settings, or a mobile app with parameter configuration capabilities.

But as a standalone device, the K7 doesn't need anything else to configure it, and that's a very positive advantage.

Happy Holidays
Perhaps reprocessing the original audio signal could enhance certain frequency ranges or highlight specific details.
--Yes, we can selectively capture these specific sound frequency ranges and enhance them through algorithms to better distinguish directionality.
I'm not sure if the C3 allows signal processing before it reaches the audio system
--For example, in a PC → C3 → headphones setup, the C3 can process the audio signal before it reaches the headphone
Just a suggestion for improvement: perhaps an application for PC adjustments, expert settings, or a mobile app with parameter configuration capabilities.
--Yes, C3 has developed a dedicated application for this and supports PEQ, allowing users to freely configure the parameters


I have a few more questions:


1、Are you more of a gamer or a hi-fi enthusiast?
2、Why did you choose to purchase the K7?
3、Do you usually use the 4.4 mm output on the K7? Do you think this connector is necessary, or should it be removed?”*
 
Hello Will.

1 At home, our living room has become a hub of entertainment, with two audio zones and a gaming area.
As we share it, I tend to use it more for audio, video conferencing and, in my spare time, games.
My percentage is 70% audio and 30% gaming.
My partners (son and daughter) have a different percentage, which could be 60% gaming and 40% music.
And we share the K7.

2 Because it is a complete and autonomous device, having physical controls is an advantage over other devices and offers quick and intuitive adjustment. It is not a toy or gadget that will become obsolete due to a lack of updates; it is a hybrid between the two worlds of hi-fi and gaming.

3 If I use the 4.4 mm with various headphones, it is one of the important features of the K7.
Regarding the existence of the connector, it really is an advance, but even though it is a very positive thing, I am sure that 95% of users or more will never use it and only know the usual 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm connectors.
Although there are good quality gaming headphones, most of them use the 3.5 mm connector.
Best regards.
 
Hello Will.

1 At home, our living room has become a hub of entertainment, with two audio zones and a gaming area.
As we share it, I tend to use it more for audio, video conferencing and, in my spare time, games.
My percentage is 70% audio and 30% gaming.
My partners (son and daughter) have a different percentage, which could be 60% gaming and 40% music.
And we share the K7.

2 Because it is a complete and autonomous device, having physical controls is an advantage over other devices and offers quick and intuitive adjustment. It is not a toy or gadget that will become obsolete due to a lack of updates; it is a hybrid between the two worlds of hi-fi and gaming.

3 If I use the 4.4 mm with various headphones, it is one of the important features of the K7.
Regarding the existence of the connector, it really is an advance, but even though it is a very positive thing, I am sure that 95% of users or more will never use it and only know the usual 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm connectors.
Although there are good quality gaming headphones, most of them use the 3.5 mm connector.
Best regards.
Hi

So when you chose to purchase the K7, it wasn’t mainly because it has a 4.4mm output, right?
In other words, if the next-generation K7 removed the 4.4mm output, would you still consider buying it?


We’re currently conducting research for the next-generation K7. If you have a moment, we’d really appreciate it if you could fill out our survey. Thank you very much!

 
Hi Fosi Audio Team, Happy New Year!

Games I usually play:
Helldivers 2, Rainbow Six Siege, War Thunder, Star Citizen.

Critical Audio Issues (Pain Points): My biggest issue is the lack of precise spatial imaging. Often, the in-game audio feels like a hard "Left vs. Right" separation. I can tell which side a sound is coming from, but I cannot perceive the exact distance or a continuous 360-degree soundstage. It feels like the sound is "inside my head" rather than around me.

I have tried software solutions like Dolby Atmos for Headphones, but I feel they are optimized for over-ear headphones. When using IEMs, the spatial effect feels unnatural or "off."

What I wish a gaming DAC could improve: I hope the C3 can provide a more natural crossfeed or spatial algorithm that works well with IEMs. I want to pinpoint enemy locations and distance accurately, filling the "dead zone" between the center and the sides, without ruining the original sound quality.And No Need to Buy software to achieve this !

Current Setup:
  • Pre-Amp: Fosi Audio P3
  • DAC: Moondrop Dawn Pro
  • IEM: Moondrop May
    HeadPhone : Logitech AstroA10
  • Speakers: Vintage Apple Pro Speakers + Harman Kardon iSub (2.1 Setup)
Best Regards
JieLin
 
Hi Fosi Audio Team, Happy New Year!

Games I usually play:
Helldivers 2, Rainbow Six Siege, War Thunder, Star Citizen.

Critical Audio Issues (Pain Points): My biggest issue is the lack of precise spatial imaging. Often, the in-game audio feels like a hard "Left vs. Right" separation. I can tell which side a sound is coming from, but I cannot perceive the exact distance or a continuous 360-degree soundstage. It feels like the sound is "inside my head" rather than around me.

I have tried software solutions like Dolby Atmos for Headphones, but I feel they are optimized for over-ear headphones. When using IEMs, the spatial effect feels unnatural or "off."

What I wish a gaming DAC could improve: I hope the C3 can provide a more natural crossfeed or spatial algorithm that works well with IEMs. I want to pinpoint enemy locations and distance accurately, filling the "dead zone" between the center and the sides, without ruining the original sound quality.And No Need to Buy software to achieve this !

Current Setup:
  • Pre-Amp: Fosi Audio P3
  • DAC: Moondrop Dawn Pro
  • IEM: Moondrop May
    HeadPhone : Logitech AstroA10
  • Speakers: Vintage Apple Pro Speakers + Harman Kardon iSub (2.1 Setup)
Best Regards
JieLin
Hi JieLin,
Thanks for your reply.

First, let me explain the two sound modes of the C3:

1、7.1 Spatial Audio
When the input source is 7.1-channel or 5.1-channel audio, the C3 uses proprietary algorithms to process it into two-channel stereo output. Since headphones are inherently stereo, this processing creates a more immersive and spatial surround experience.
2、AI Audio Enhancement
This mode uses AI-based algorithms to dynamically enhance specific frequency ranges, making subtle or low-level sounds more audible without altering perceived distance. This helps improve directional awareness and positional accuracy.


I have tried software solutions like Dolby Atmos for Headphones,
--Is this the Dolby Atmos function that comes with the headset? It should also require that the audio signal from the input source be produced in Dolby format, right?

I hope the C3 can provide a more natural crossfeed or spatial algorithm that works well with IEMs.
---I think this may require you to test C3 yourself 😊 .We can continue OTA upgrades through feedback. We are preparing to launch it on kickstart in February.
 
Hey everyone!

Here is my entry:

What games you usually play?
Rocket League, Rainbow Six Siege, Battlefield

What audio problems or pain points you experience in those games?
As JieLin already wrote, I have the same problem with correct spatial imaging. It's very hard in a competitive game like Rainbow Six to really pin down where sounds are coming from in time.
Another issue I have is that in most shooters you cannot turn down the weapon sounds seperately. In one moment you're focusing on the footsteps which are very subtle and a second later the weapon is really loud. That would be a great thing to enhance footsteps or other environmental sounds and turn down the loudness of the weapons.

What you wish a gaming DAC or sound card could help improve?
I think the two sound modes Will Zhang described are a very good idea. So you can use 7.1 when you are playing cinematic games and AI enhancement when playing competitive. It would be great if you can switch these modes easily with a hardware button and not fiddle around with some taskbar icons in Windows :-) Generally I like the layout of the K7 and that you have a high quality product on the desk.

Your current audio setup (headphones / IEMs / DAC / amp, etc.)
Headphones: Steelseries Arctis 9
Speakers: Fosi ZA3 + 3D printed speakers

A few other ideas:
- Another important point is output latency. At least when playing competitive, it's very important to only have small delay when using AI enhancement. I could not state a concrete value but I think up to ~35ms would be okay.
- Just out of curiosity: Is the inferencing of the models completely happening on the C3? Can you give a little detail what hardware will be in the C3 (esp. regarding AI/NPU)?

I am really looking forward to the C3 :)

All the best
Benjamin
 
Hey everyone!

Here is my entry:

What games you usually play?
Rocket League, Rainbow Six Siege, Battlefield

What audio problems or pain points you experience in those games?
As JieLin already wrote, I have the same problem with correct spatial imaging. It's very hard in a competitive game like Rainbow Six to really pin down where sounds are coming from in time.
Another issue I have is that in most shooters you cannot turn down the weapon sounds seperately. In one moment you're focusing on the footsteps which are very subtle and a second later the weapon is really loud. That would be a great thing to enhance footsteps or other environmental sounds and turn down the loudness of the weapons.

What you wish a gaming DAC or sound card could help improve?
I think the two sound modes Will Zhang described are a very good idea. So you can use 7.1 when you are playing cinematic games and AI enhancement when playing competitive. It would be great if you can switch these modes easily with a hardware button and not fiddle around with some taskbar icons in Windows :-) Generally I like the layout of the K7 and that you have a high quality product on the desk.

Your current audio setup (headphones / IEMs / DAC / amp, etc.)
Headphones: Steelseries Arctis 9
Speakers: Fosi ZA3 + 3D printed speakers

A few other ideas:
- Another important point is output latency. At least when playing competitive, it's very important to only have small delay when using AI enhancement. I could not state a concrete value but I think up to ~35ms would be okay.
- Just out of curiosity: Is the inferencing of the models completely happening on the C3? Can you give a little detail what hardware will be in the C3 (esp. regarding AI/NPU)?

I am really looking forward to the C3 :)

All the best
Benjamin
Hi Ben,

Thank you very much for your reply.

I have the same problem with correct spatial imaging.
Another issue I have is that in most shooters you cannot turn down the weapon sounds seperately. In one moment you're focusing on the footsteps which are very subtle and a second later the weapon is really loud. That would be a great thing to enhance footsteps or other environmental sounds and turn down the loudness of the weapons.

---I noticed that you are using the SteelSeries Arctis 9. Are you using the GG software? It includes many preset sound profiles—do these presets fail to resolve the two issues you mentioned?
1768268456844.png

Yes, all of these modes can be switched using physical buttons; of course, they can also be switched via the app we are currently developing.

Yes, we place a strong emphasis on latency. For gaming, any noticeable delay would seriously degrade the overall experience.

Yes, the model inference feature has already been implemented on the C3. As for the specific hardware configuration, we will release the details after the product goes live.
 
First do not use AI it's that the very least theft of other people knowledge but I and many others see it for what it is slavery. If you use it it will be considered AI slop.
If you truly want to make a gaming dac make a low latency audio gaming dac as most game audio is very laggy due to jow its processes this would be a killer feature and the only reason to buy over a normal pc dac.
 
Hello Will,

Yes, I'm using the GG Software, but these profiles you can choose are only equalizer settings for the game. There is no specific AI enhancement for each game available.

Screenshot 2026-01-15 204708.jpg


In the GG software is an option for Spatial Audio Enhancement (which I didn't know). It helps a bit with the issue of spatial orientation. I have to test it in more detail, if this actually solves the problem.

Screenshot 2026-01-15 204643.jpg

In my first tests there is a problem with deciding if the sound is in front of you or behind which makes playing harder not easier. I think spatial direction in general is a hard problem to fix, especially if you don't know what headphones the player uses. You could guess compatible settings or better, provide options to the user so he can tune the settings matching his headphones.
 
Hello Will,

Yes, I'm using the GG Software, but these profiles you can choose are only equalizer settings for the game. There is no specific AI enhancement for each game available.

View attachment 2514


In the GG software is an option for Spatial Audio Enhancement (which I didn't know). It helps a bit with the issue of spatial orientation. I have to test it in more detail, if this actually solves the problem.

View attachment 2515

In my first tests there is a problem with deciding if the sound is in front of you or behind which makes playing harder not easier. I think spatial direction in general is a hard problem to fix, especially if you don't know what headphones the player uses. You could guess compatible settings or better, provide options to the user so he can tune the settings matching his headphones.
Hi

Thanks for your sharing
 
Hello, discovered FOSI Audio this year, love you're products, and love that you ask fan what they want, keep this way. I use FOSI audio product since several month now and i will like to had à new DAC, love my K5 pro but i would like it will be more HiFi too.

What games you usually play?
Clair obscure expedition 33 and call of duty black ops 7.

What audio problems or pain points you experience in those games?
Sometimes i would love to had a DAC with a gain and a mute switch for microphone, and à better spacialization.

What you wish a gaming DAC or sound card could help improve?
A microphone with gain setting and mute switch and also bass and treeble setting for headphone and other output when i dont' use my headphone, i think the bets playing and hifi DAC is near you, it could be the FOSI ZD3 with microphone input with a gain and mute switch, à good headphone output and also keeping bass and treeble setting, everything in front of the DAC, with all other ZD3 output and imput at the back, keeping the same design and other audio feature of the ZD3 like DSD or APTX who'se so cool and i think it could be the dream plalying DAC for every player and audio fan for music.

Your current audio setup (headphones / IEMs / DAC / amp, etc.)
I actually play with FOSI K5pro on USB, with seinnheiser HD 569 on Fosi K5 pro, or use the output of the K5 Pro to the FOSI P4 to FOSI V3 stereo with DAVIS MIA 20 speaker.
HI

You may want to take a look at the K7 that we launched last year.

Based on the requirements you described, it appears to be a very good match.
 
  • Apex Legends, Escape from Tarkov, Battlefield 6, Black Ops, Hunt Showdown, Delta Force.
  • Apex legends have the worst audio, hard sometimes to predict where pllayers are, Tarkov can also be a issue to determine the location of the players especially the bosses.
  • Larger 6.35 mmm audio jack with a reducer Jack, Software to update firmware and preset EQ's to different headset/IEM profiles. XLR mic jack. and a angled version to see the LCD screen better during game play.
  • Fosi K7, Shiit Hel V2, Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X, Senheiser GSP 500, JBL Quantum Duo and KZ ZSN PRO IEM.
I've had a very positive gaming/music experience with the K7 compared to my older Schiit Hel V2 and the build quallity is very nice! I'm sure the the c3 would be even better as i'm sometimes struggling to set the best audio preset for each game.
HI

Yes, we received a lot of valuable feedback from the K7, and we’ve incorporated many improvements into our subsequent gaming products:


  1. Companion App & EQ
    We developed a dedicated app that allows users to upgrade firmware directly. The app also supports multi-band EQ with full customization. In addition, based on our experience, we’ve created several preset EQ profiles optimized for different games, which users can apply instantly.
  2. Self-developed AI audio model
    We have developed our own AI model and optimized it specifically for different types of games. In my opinion, this delivers even better results than manual EQ adjustments.
    Users can switch between the EQ mode and the AI mode either on the device itself or within the app, allowing them to experience and compare the two approaches.
  3. Microphone interface and features
    Due to cost and size constraints, the C3 does not include an XLR microphone input (this has been added in the next-generation C5). However, the C3 still supports microphone gain control, monitoring (sidetone), mute, and voice effects.
  4. Display
    The C3 does not feature a screen. The next-generation C5, however, includes a larger display with various dynamic visual effects。

But I have a question:
Do you think a 4.4 mm balanced headphone output is really necessary for a gamer? As you know, if someone isn’t a hi-fi enthusiast, most people are not familiar with 4.4 mm connectors and don’t own headphones with a 4.4 mm plug.
 
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