IQaudio DAC Pro

The Pi-DAC PRO is a new audiophile DAC type for Raspberry Pi! With support for Phono (RCA), Headphone (3.5 mm), and Balanced/Differential output (for use with XLR in a studio or home studio), it allows you to connect to studio equipment or powered speakers with long cables. You can now run your disco, radio station, or home studio from a Raspberry Pi!

The Pi-DAC PRO comes with PCB separators, screws, and two 3-pin JST headers for balanced output support. It uses the Texas Instruments PCM5242 DAC, which is a higher-end model than the PCM5122 found in the Pi-DAC+. This results in better Signal-to-Noise Ratio and THD for the balanced output.

Getting started

The IQaudio DAC Pro can be connected to the 40-pin GPIO header of Raspberry Pi 1 Model B+, Raspberry Pi 2, Raspberry Pi 3, or Raspberry Pi 4 without the need for soldering or external power.

The DAC Pro exposes differential/balanced outputs through the XLR sockets on top of the Raspberry Pi's USB/Ethernet ports, which are utilized by the optional XLR card with two 3-pin headers (P7/P9).

P1: Analog output (0-2V RMS). GPIO27 carries the MUTE signal (headphone detection), left and right audio, and left and right ground.

P6: Headphone socket signals. Pin 1: LEFT, pin 2: GROUND, pin 3: RIGHT, pin 4: GROUND, pin 5: DETECT.

P7/9: Differential output (0-4V RMS). P7: LEFT, P9: RIGHT.

P10: An alternative 5V input to power the Raspberry Pi in parallel.

Pi-DAC PRO doesn't require kernel recompilation as it comes with built-in Linux drivers included in Raspbian. It's compatible with all standard audio software and works seamlessly with Raspberry Pi. Additionally, it includes a headphone amplifier for an all-in-one Full HD audio experience, and the audio level is hardware-based and shared with the HAT Output.

Pi-DAC PRO is a fully HAT-compatible Raspberry Pi expansion board with EEPROM support that provides Full HD audio from your Raspberry Pi. It uses the same audio chip family as Pi-DAC+, and it already has official Raspbian Linux distribution support with full Linux device driver integration.

The IQaudio Pi-DAC PRO Full-HD Audio Card features:

• Raspberry Pi HAT (A+ / B+ / 2/3) compatible accessory.
• Full-HD audio playback, supporting up to 24-bit / 192 kHz.
• Integrated hardware audio control through ALSA.
• Built-in high-quality headphone amplifier (TI TPA6133A).
• Outstanding audio performance: 114dB SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) and -94dB THD (Total Harmonic Distortion).
• Audiophile-grade TI Burr Brown 32-bit / 384kHz DAC (TI PCM5242).
• Advanced ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) protection.
• Utilizes digital I2S audio signals to reduce CPU load compared to USB audio solutions.
• Raspberry Pi supported, no external power required.
• Industry-standard Phono/RCA connectors for audio.
• Includes JST headers for attaching Balanced output like XLR (XLR connectors not included).
• Create a mini DSP (Digital Signal Processor) with ease.
• Fully assembled and tested Raspberry Pi accessory.
• Designed and manufactured in the UK.

NOTES

• Balanced output is supported but requires soldering two mismatched headers by yourself.
• To make it compatible with Pi-AMP+, an additional 2x5 pin header needs to be soldered.
• Standard IQaudio cases will work with Pi-DAC PRO, but they are not designed for balanced output.