IQaudIO IQA003 User manual
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IQaudIO
User Guide
This document covers the installation, software configuration and
usage of IQaudIO audio cards for the Raspberry Pi.!
If you would like to see additional information within this document please email us at
v27!
IQaudIO!Limited,!Company!No:!09461908!
For those who simply need the /boot/config.txt
details —> Just jump to section 1
IQaudIO user instructions
Contents
1) Getting started
2) The Pi-DAC+
3) The Pi-DigiAMP+
4) The Pi-AMP+
5) The Pi-DAC PRO
6) The Pi-Digi+
7) The Pi-DACZero / ZeroHeadphone
8) Connecting the Pi-DAC+ to your Raspberry Pi
9) Connecting the Pi-DigiAMP+ to your Raspberry Pi
10) Connecting the Pi-AMP+ to your Pi-DAC+
11) Building the Raspberry Pi and IQaudIO sound cards into your Pi-CASE+
12) Configuring Linux/Raspbian to include sound card support
13) Checking audio is working through the IQaudIO sound card
14) Advanced troubleshooting
15) Controlling the Pi-AMP+ or Pi-DigiAMP+’s Mute / Un-mute
16) Common Linux audio distribution configurations
17) Adding the optional PIN headers to the Pi-DAC+
18) Advanced hardware information
19) Adding a Rotary Encoder (Physical volume control)
20) Adding an IR (Remote Control) Sensor
21) Sonic_Pi and IQaudIO
22) Storing alsamixer settings
23) Using external USB devices
24) MPD based audio with volume control
25) Useful data (screw sizes / part numbers / wire gauge size etc.)
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1) Getting Started
Thank you for choosing an IQaudIO sound card. Next you need to play music, but first you may need
to configure the Raspberry Pi’s Linux OS.
You will find several audio applications with pre-configured Micro SD Card images on
www.iqaudio.com/downloads we also include quickest images which will help you check that you
have the IQaudIO sound card installed correctly on your Raspberry Pi.
What output does each IQaudIO card support?
Each of the IQaudIO sound cards has a specific purpose. Chose the correct sound card for your
specific need:
Enabling the IQaudIO sound card in Raspbian / example SD card images.
The following will help you check your sound card is working and it’s configured correctly.
Disabling the standard Raspberry Pi On-Board Audio
You may want to disable the Raspberry Pi’s on-board “low quality” audio card. This is done simply by
commenting out the {dtparam=audio=on} device tree parameter in your /boot/config.txt file by placing
a #at the start of the line, saving the file and rebooting
!dtparam=audio=on!
"#$%&'()*$+&
,-$&./(0-1
2'0-)3%4)56*78
9$:$0;-&)5<268)
=.-$>-+1
?'@'4$:)3%4.%4
Pi-DAC+
Pi-DAC+!/!AMP+
Pi-DigiAMP+
Pi-DACZero
Pi-DACZero!
Headphones
Pi-DAC!PRO
Pi-DAC!PRO!/!AMP+
Pi-Digi+
"#$%&"3)*$+&
AB((4A;(0C'@D4E4
#%';>4-14)'F@
Pi-DAC+
dtoverlay=iqaudio-dacplus
IQ_0_quicktestDAC_DigiAMP_AMP.zip
Pi-DigiAMP+
dtoverlay=iqaudio-dacplus,unmute_amp!!
or!
dtoverlay=iqaudio-dacplus,auto_mute_amp
IQ_0_quicktestDAC_DigiAMP_AMP.zip
Pi-DACZero
dtoverlay=iqaudio-dacplus
IQ_0_quicktestDAC_DigiAMP_AMP.zip
Pi-DAC!PRO
dtoverlay=iqaudio-dacplus
IQ_0_quicktestDAC_DigiAMP_AMP.zip
Pi-Digi+
dtoverlay=iqaudio-digi-wm8804-audio
IQ_0_quicktestDigi.zip
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What’s Headless?
Many of the software packages used with the Raspberry Pi simply turn the Pi into a Headless end-
point. That is to say that it doesn't need to or expect a screen to be attached to the Pi’s HDMI socket.
So if there’s no screen how do you control it?
Well in some cases you don’t need to do anything with the Pi at all. Take the RoonLabs images,
these turn the Pi into a Roon Certified end-point. The Pi is then controlled form the RoonLabs PC/
Mac application which connects to and plays music through the IQaudIO sound card.
This is again similar with the Shairport-sync utility - it turns the Pi into a Apple Airport compatible
speaker, music and volume is then controlled from your iPad / iPhone, or iTunes. Below, LivingRoom
and Snug are both RaspberryPi running Shairport-sync.
Other “headless” applications install a web server onto the Pi, so to control it you simply open a
browser window on your PC / Mac / Tablet or similar and interact with the Pi based application
through a web page. Applications such as MoodeAudio, Volumio and RuneAudio work this way.
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How do I install software on the Pi?
The Raspberry Pi loads its software from the micro-SD card. Most audio applications assume they
are the only thing running on the Pi so most require a dedicated SD card. The applications are
normally distributed as a compressed .img file (likely a .zip or .gz file) and this .img file will need to be
written to the Pi’s SD card to allow the Pi to boot.
Can’t I just copy the .img file over to the Pi?
Err, no. Doing this will just store the .img file on the SD card. The Pi needs the SD card to be
formatted in a particular way to allow it to boot / start up and run. Don’t worry, there are several ways
to do this and some are VERY simple.
Got a Mac? Get ApplePi-Baker - https://www.tweaking4all.com/
Use Windows? Use Win32DiskImager - https://sourceforge.net/projects/win32diskimager/
Top Tip: Buy a few extra micro SD cards, you’ll find it much easier to try things. Also, once you have a
working Pi SD card, back it up to your PC/Mac. It’s easier to re-write the SD card if things go wrong.!
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2) The Pi-DAC+
The Pi-DAC+ is a fully HAT compliant add-on accessory for the Raspberry Pi A+/B+/Pi2/Rpi3.
The Pi-DAC+ takes the digital audio signals (I2S) from the Raspberry Pi and through the onboard
Texas Instruments PCM5122 DAC delivers variable output (hardware volume control) analog audio to
the Pi-DAC+’s Phono connectors. The PI-DAC+ also, via the Texas Instruments TPA6133A
headphone amp, supports the direct use of headphones via the Pi-DAC+’s 3.5mm audio jack.
The Pi-DAC+ can be connected to the Raspberry Pi’s 40way pin header without any additional
soldering.
Component selection and track layout have been in the forefront of our design to ensure noise
immunity and best possible audio playback with the Pi-DAC+.
Pi-AMP+ Power delivery HAT EEPROM Write Enable Headphone Socket
Rotary Encoder Header
IR Header Pi-DAC+ Audio out (for Pi-AMP+) Phono Connectors
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3) The Pi-DigiAMP+
The Pi-DigiAMP+ is a fully HAT compliant add-on accessory for the Raspberry Pi.
The Pi-DigiAMP+ takes the digital audio signals (I2S) from the Raspberry Pi and through the onboard
Texas Instruments TAS5756M PowerDAC delivers direct connection to stereo speakers at up to
2x35w with variable output. Adjustable gain (+20db or +26db) is selectable by a pin header P7 (not
shown below). Only remove and set this when NO POWER IS APPLIED.
The Pi-DigiAMP+ can be connected to the Raspberry Pi A+/B+/RPi2 or RPi3’s 40way pin header
without any additional soldering. The Pi-DigiAMP+ requires a 12-19volt power source to operate.
Power should be applied via the Pi-DigiAMP+’s standard barrel connector or the two pin JST socket
provided.
The Pi-DigiAMP+, when powered, has been designed to provide power to the Raspberry Pi and Pi-
DigiAMP+ combination safely. You can continue to use your Pi devices without risk of damage. The
Pi-AMP+ is by default muted at power on (mute LED lit). Mute state / LED is under software control
(Raspberry Pi GPIO22). Component selection and track layout have been in the forefront of our
design to ensure noise immunity and best possible audio playback / experience with the Pi-DigiAMP
+.
Power LED Mute LED GPIO Header
!
Power In (12-19v) Speaker Terminals
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4) The Pi-AMP+
The Pi-AMP+ is an add-on accessory for the Pi-DAC+ and Raspberry Pi.
The Pi-AMP+ takes the variable output analog audio from the Pi-DAC+ and through the onboard
Texas Instruments TPA3118D2 Class D amplifier delivers audio to the Pi-AMP+’s speaker terminals
delivering up to 2x35w@19v input.
The Pi-AMP+ requires a 12–19volt power source to operate. Power should be applied via the Pi-AMP
+’s standard barrel connector or the two pin JST socket provided.
The Pi-AMP+, when powered, has been designed to provide power to the Raspberry Pi / Pi-DAC+
and Pi-AMP+ combination safely. You can continue to use your Pi devices without risk of damage. As
with the Pi-DAC+, we’ve focused on the components selected and the attention to audio performance
during PCB layout when developing the Pi-AMP+.
The Pi-AMP+ is by default muted at power on (mute LED lit). Mute state / LED is under software
control (Raspberry Pi GPIO22) but mute may be overridden by shorting the Pi-AMP+’s P9 pins with a
suitable jumper – note the mute LED will remain lit if P9 is shorted.
Pi Power out 12v-19v Power In Speaker Terminals
Audio In (from Pi-DAC+) Mute Override (P9)!
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5) The Pi-DAC PRO
The Pi-DAC PRO is a fully HAT compliant add-on accessory for the Raspberry Pi.
The Pi-DAC PRO users the Texas Instruments PCM5242 to deliver outstanding Signal to Noise
Ration and supports Balanced / Differential out in parallel to Phono / RCA line level output. It also
includes the IQaudIO Headphone amp.
The Pi-DAC PRO can be connected to the Raspberry Pi A+/B+/RPi2 or RPi3’s 40way pin header
without any additional soldering. The Pi-DAC PRO is powered from the Raspberry Pi.
HAT EEPROM Write Enable Headphone Socket
Power LED Rotary Encoder Header
Left Differential out (P7) Right Differential out (P9) Phono / RCA out!
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6) Pi-Digi+
The Pi-Digi+ is a fully HAT compliant add-on accessory for the Raspberry Pi.
The Pi-Digi+ takes the digital audio signals (I2S) from the Raspberry Pi and through the onboard
Wolfson / Cirus Logic WM8804 delivers Optical TOSLINK and isolated electrical SPDIF connection to
an external DAC.
The Pi-Digi+ can be connected to the Raspberry Pi A+/B+/RPi2 or RPi3’s 40way pin header without
any additional soldering. The Pi-Digi+ is powered from the Raspberry Pi.
Electrical (S/PDIF)
40way!header Power LED Optical (TOSLINK)
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7) The Pi-DACZero / DACZeroHeadphone
The Pi-DACZero is a smaller version of the IQaudIO Pi-DAC+ which is designed to be used with the
Raspberry Pi-Zero.
The Pi-DACZero delivers audio Line Out and uses the same Linux drivers as the Pi-DAC+.
There is an optional Headphone daughter card for the Pi-DACZero which can be mounted above the
DACZero to give an amplified headphone output in parallel. The Pi-DACZero and Pi-
DACZeroHeadphone boards are powered from the Raspberry Pi-Zero itself.
Rotary Encoder Header (P3) Pin1:GPIO23, Pin2:GROUND, Pin3:GPIO24
Daughter card header (P1)
See Advanced Hardware Section for details
Power LED Phono (RCA) Output
DACZero Headphone
Power LED
3.5mm Stereo Headphone Jack!
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8) Connecting the Pi-DAC+ to your Raspberry Pi
WARNING: PLEASE ENSURE ALL CABLES ARE DISCONNECTED FROM THE Pi-DAC+ AND THE
RASPBERRY PI BEFORE ATTEMPTING THIS PROCEDURE.
The Pi-DAC+ can be connected to the Raspberry Pi’s 40way pin header without any additional
soldering.
The Pi-DAC+ is normally supplied* along with 4x 12mm PCB spacers and 8x M2.5 screws. You may
want to use a 30way right-angled I/O pin header (only needed if you wish to use the exposed
Raspberry Pi GPIO).
!
The spacers should be screwed (finger tight only) to the Raspberry Pi before adding the Pi-DAC+.
!
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Once the Pi-DAC+ has been fitted the remaining screws can be tightened (finger tight please) as
required.
!
!
If you are using the Pi-CASE+ then replace the 4x screws beneath the Pi with the 4x 5mm PCB
standoffs provided with the Pi-CASE+
! !
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Apply power to your Raspberry Pi in the normal way. You should see that the Raspberry Pi and the
Pi-DAC+ both have power LEDs – this indicates that the power is successfully being applied to the
Pi-DAC+.
!
You can now remove power and reconnect any necessary peripherals.
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9) Connecting the Pi-DigiAMP+ to your Raspberry Pi
WARNING: PLEASE ENSURE ALL CABLES ARE DISCONNECTED FROM THE Pi-DigiAMP+ AND
THE RASPBERRY PI BEFORE ATTEMPTING THIS PROCEDURE.
The Pi-DigiAMP+ can be connected to the Raspberry Pi’s 40way pin header without any additional
soldering.
The Pi-DigiAMP+ is supplied* along with 4x 12mm PCB spacers and 8x M2.5 screws.
The spacers should be screwed (finger tight only) to the Raspberry Pi before adding the Pi-DigiAMP
+.
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Once the Pi-DigiAMP+ has been fitted the remaining screws can be tightened (finger tight please) as
require
If you are using the Pi-CASE+ then replace the 4x screws beneath the Pi with the 4x 5mm PCB
standoffs provided with the Pi-CASE+
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DO NOT APPLY POWER TO YOUR RASPBERRY PI VIA THE PI’s MICRO USB SOCKET.
The Pi/Pi-DigiAMP+ combination MUST be powered via the Pi-DigiAMP+, not the Raspberry Pi.
Once you are happy with that the Raspberry Pi and Pi-DigiAMP+ are connected correctly you are
nearly ready to apply power.
Power should only be applied to the Pi-DigiAMP+ once speakers have been attached. Powering the
Pi-DigiAMP+ without speakers attached may damage the device.
The Pi-DigiAMP+ has been designed to be powered by the recommended XP Power DC supply. The
Power supply’s output connector should be inserted into the Pi-AMP+’s DC input terminal (marked
P4). Only then should the Power supply’s AC input be plugged into the mains.
When power has been applied to the Pi-DigiAMP+ it will also provide power to the Raspberry Pi. You
should see that the Raspberry Pi and the Pi-DigiAMP+ both have power LEDs – when both are lit it
indicates that the power is successfully being applied to the Pi-DigiAMP+ and Pi. The Pi-DigiAMP+’s
Mute LED will also be lit.
You can now remove power and reconnect any necessary peripherals, install in case etc.
For accurate performance, your loudspeakers must be connected in phase. For both left and right
loudspeakers.
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P3 is for connecting the RIGHT speaker P1 is for connecting the LEFT speaker
Attach the speaker -ve terminal (often black) to
the - on the amplifier output
Attach the speaker +ve terminal (often red) to
+ on the amplifier output
Now select the output gain +20db or +26db by selecting the appropriate pin header position on P7.
Selecting +26db will result in louder volume overall but it also slightly increases the THD+N (Total
Harmonic Distortion plus Noise) figure and noise floor. DO NOT MOVE THIS PIN WHEN POWER IS
APPLIED.
"
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10)Connecting the Pi-AMP+ to your Pi-DAC+
WARNING: ENSURE YOU HAVE DISCONNECTED ALL POWER BEFORE ATTEMPTING THIS
PROCEDURE
The Pi-AMP+ connects to the Pi-DAC+ through both Pi-DAC+’s two pin headers (the 2x4 audio pin
header, and the 2x5 power header).
NOTE: Older Pi-DAC+ may not have the 2x5 power header fitted. Please see Section 10 for details
on how to solder this to the Pi-DAC+ before continuing.
The Pi-AMP+ is supplied* with 4x male/female 12mm M2.5 PCB spacers. Use these spacers to
attach the Pi-DAC to the Raspberry Pi.
!
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