Unlike most Raspberry Pi audio HATs, the HiFiBerry DAC+ ADC features an analogue audio input, so you can record, as well as play, sound. That’s perfect for compact audio production projects.

Physical setup is easy, but you’ll need a Linux 4.18.12 kernel to use the analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) hardware. For full kernel upgrade and boot configuration instructions, see the DAC+ ADC data sheet on HiFiBerry’s site.

This article first appeared in The MagPi 78 and was written by K.G. Orphanides

The Burr-Brown PCM5122 DAC chip is a popular choice for reasonably priced computer audio hardware, and with good reason. It’s a pleasure to listen to and, via a stereo RCA output, really sings through high-quality speakers. There’s no on-board headphone amp, though.

The ADC – a Burr-Brown PCM1861 – has a 3.5 mm stereo input. This is, by default, configured to accept line-level audio, such as you’d get out of your mobile phone or the line-out connectors on most audio gear. You can use it to digitise analogue media such as cassette tapes, turn your Pi into a portable instrument effects box, or record from a mixing desk.

Singing its praises

You can also connect dynamic microphones – we tested this with a Shure SM58 – if you adjust a jumper switch to enable 32 dB gain. It works perfectly for vocal recording, karaoke parties, or even enabling a software audio passthrough to make an improvised public address system.

Note that the DAC+ ADC can’t provide the phantom power required by either studio-grade ‘true’ condenser mics or compact electret mics. Additional headers on the board allow you to hook up external amplifiers and balanced inputs.

Verdict

9/10

The DAC+ ADC handles lossless music, games, MIDI soft synths, and sound production brilliantly. If you want a compact board to add full audio functionality to your Pi, this is it.