Questyle QCC DONGLE PRO 2

Questyle QCC Dongle Pro 2, USB-C Bluetooth transmitter

An iPhone, console or laptop often makes do with the most basic Bluetooth codecs, even when connected to wireless headphones capable of much more. Plugged into a USB-C port, this dongle weighing just a few grams replaces the device’s built-in transmitter and provides access to aptX Lossless, LDAC or LHDC V5. It succeeds the QCC Dongle Pro, retaining its form factor while adding a newer Bluetooth chip and LE Audio.

High-resolution codecs on any source

A Bluetooth codec is the compression method that allows music to fit within the radio link between the source and the headphones. The higher its bitrate and the more refined its processing, the less information it removes from the signal. An iPhone remains limited to SBC and AAC, and most PCs and consoles go little further, regardless of the headphones connected at the other end. The QCC Dongle Pro 2 receives audio via USB and handles Bluetooth transmission itself, with a much broader list of codecs than these devices offer.

The full aptX family is supported, as the dongle is Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound certified. aptX and aptX HD are the original versions. aptX Adaptive adjusts its bitrate according to the quality of the connection. aptX Lossless transmits music without loss, provided the headphones are also Snapdragon Sound certified. LDAC reaches up to 990 kbit/s and qualifies for the Hi-Res Audio label. LHDC V5 is the other high-resolution codec on the list, and LC3 is the standard codec for LE Audio. SBC serves as a universal fallback. The headphones must support the same codec as the dongle: the best codec shared by both devices is always selected, and headphones limited to SBC will go no further.

Bluetooth 6.1, LE Audio and Auracast sharing

The chip moves to Bluetooth 6.1, compared with 5.4 on the QCC Dongle Pro. This version handles interference better in places crowded with radio signals (stations, offices, public transport), maintains a more stable connection, consumes less power and synchronizes audio more precisely, which is especially noticeable when watching a video. The stated range is 10 meters, in the 2.4 GHz band.

LE Audio is the new generation of low-energy Bluetooth audio, based on the LC3 codec. It brings Auracast, a broadcast feature that sends a single source to multiple compatible earbuds, headphones, speakers or hearing aids at the same time. Two people can watch a film on a tablet during a journey, each with their own headphones, without disturbing the rest of the carriage. In the evening, at the computer, each person can listen separately. All receivers must support LE Audio to join the broadcast.

Reduced latency for gaming and video

Latency is the delay between picture and sound, and it is often what rules out Bluetooth for consoles. With SBC, it typically falls between 150 and 250 milliseconds, enough for a gunshot or dialogue to arrive late relative to the on-screen action. With aptX Adaptive, the QCC Dongle Pro 2 brings it down to 48 ms. In LE Audio, Questyle claims 20 ms with a compatible Qualcomm Gen2 receiver, a level that sounds close to a wired connection.

Questyle has optimized this operation for the PS5, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck and Windows PCs. The dongle also works on Xbox. On a handheld console, it fits into the USB-C port without protruding much: its dimensions of 25.2 × 10.3 × 15.25 mm remain compatible with most phone cases.

Compatibility with Apple, PCs, consoles and hi-fi devices

Apple MFi certification guarantees proper operation with USB-C-equipped iPhone, iPad and Mac devices, power management tailored to these devices and ongoing compatibility with iOS updates. Supported operating systems include Windows XP through 11, macOS, iOS, Android, HarmonyOS and Linux, with no driver to install: the dongle is recognized as soon as it is plugged in. The included USB-C to USB-A adapter is intended for older computers or the USB-A ports on a television or docking station.

The QCC Dongle Pro 2 also works with wired hi-fi devices, such as the Questyle M18i MAX portable converter, which then gains a Bluetooth output for wireless headphones. Powered at 5 V by the source’s USB port, it consumes 37 mA in 24-bit / 48 kHz LDAC, a small drain on a phone or console battery.

The Questyle app, on iOS and Android, is not essential for operation, but it provides control over several settings. You can select the codec manually, for example to prioritize latency when gaming or bitrate when listening to music. You can also install firmware updates, manage paired devices and monitor the connection status in real time. The dongle is available in black.

Technical specifications

Product overview

• Product type: Bluetooth audio transmitter in USB-C dongle format.
• Function: add high-resolution Bluetooth codecs to devices that do not support them natively.
• Successor to the QCC Dongle Pro, retaining the same compact format and incorporating a newer Bluetooth chip.

Wireless connectivity

• Bluetooth 6.1: better interference resistance, more stable connection, better synchronization, reduced power consumption.
• Frequency band: 2.402 to 2.480 GHz.
• Transmission range: 10 m.

Audio codecs and broadcasting

• Supported codecs: SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LDAC up to 990 kbit/s, LHDC V5, LC3.
  • LC3: core codec for LE Audio.
• LE Audio compatibility: new generation of low-energy Bluetooth.
• Auracast: broadcasting a single source to multiple compatible earphones, headphones, speakers or hearing aids.
  • Uses: watching a film together, sharing music while traveling, listening without disturbing others.

Latency and gaming

• Latency:
  • aptX Adaptive: 48 ms.
  • LE Audio: 20 ms with a compatible Qualcomm Gen2 receiver.
• Optimized for gaming on PS5, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck and Windows PC.
• Headphones.

Certifications

• Apple MFi:
  • Guaranteed compatibility with iPhone, iPad and Mac via USB-C.
  • Adapted power management and support for iOS updates.
• Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound: support for the entire aptX family, including aptX Lossless.
• Hi-Res Audio via LDAC.

Compatibility and operation

• Compatible devices: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, Xbox, wired hi-fi devices such as the Questyle M18i MAX.
• Compatible systems: Windows XP to Windows 11, Linux, Android, HarmonyOS, macOS, iOS.
• Plug-and-play operation, with no driver installation required.
• theaudiophileman.

Questyle app

• App available on iOS and Android.
• Manual codec selection.
• Firmware updates.
• Paired device management.
• Real-time operating status display.

Connector and power supply

• Connector: male USB-C.
• Power supply: 5 V via the source’s USB port.
• Power consumption: 37 mA in LDAC, 24 bits / 48 kHz.

Box contents

• 1 QCC Dongle Pro2 dongle.
• 1 USB-C to USB-A adapter.

Physical specifications

• Color: black.
• Dimensions: 25.2 × 10.3 × 15.25 mm.