Raspberry Pi Audio AMP SHIM (3W Mono Amp)

Description Raspberry Pi Audio AMP SHIM (3W Mono Amp)

• MAX98357A DAC / amplifier chip (datasheet)
• Mono 3W audio out
• SHIM size board with friction fit connectors
• 2x mounting holes (M2.5) if you want to attach everything together with bolts
• Fully curated
• No soldering required (*unless you're using a Pi that doesn't come with a header)
• Compatible with all 40 pin header Raspberry Pi-models
• Dimensions: 63,3 x 15,2 x 5,4 mm (L x W x D, including speaker connection)

Software Audio Amp SHIM

The easiest way to get everything set up is to use our Pirate audio software and installer which configures I2S audio, as well as installing Mopidy and our custom Pirate Audio plugins which will let you stream Spotify and play local files.

Here's how to get started:

1. Set an SD card up with the latest version of Raspberry Pi BONE.
2. Connect to WiFi or a wired network.
3. Open a terminal and type the following:git clone https://github.com/pimoroni/pirate-audio
cd pirate-audio/mopidy
sudo ./install.sh
4. Reboot your Pi

You can find more detailed instructions here: https://github.com/pimoroni/pirate-audio/tree/master/mopidy or get tons more info in our Getting Started with Pirate Audio tutorial.

Alternatively, if you'd rather not install all the Mopidy stuff, you can set Audio Amp SHIM as your default Alsa device in Raspberry Pi OS by adding the following line to your /boot/config.txt file:

dtoverlay=hifiberry-dac


If you're using a Pi that has an audio jack you might also need to disable onboard audio by adding a # to the beginning of the following line (this can help applications find the correct audio device automatically)

#dtparam=audio=on

Notes

• You can use an Audio Amp SHIM with HATs and mini HATs without a booster header, as long as they don't have any chunky components on the underside (it's a good idea to check there are no metal components on the underside of your HAT that touch the metal components on the top of the SHIM).
• If you want to use one with a Pibow Coupé case (either for the Zero / Zero W or Pi 4), then you'll need to use a boosterheader to raise it up a little.
• If you're planning on using Audio Amp SHIM to add an audio output to your Pi 400, you'll also need a booster header. If you're plugging it directly into the back of a Pi 400, bear in mind that the SHIM should be upside down, with the mounting holes at the bottom. Alternatively, you could plug it in via a Flat HAT Hacker (in which case you won't need a booster header or to plug anything in upside down).
• Maximum wire size for the push fit connectors is 0.75mm² (1mm diameter, 18AWG). You'll need tinned ends on your speaker wires, so that they are stiff enough to push into the connectors (all the speakers we sell have tinned wires) .
• Audio Amp SHIM uses GPIO 18, 19, and 21 (as well as 3.3v, 5v and ground). If you're planning on using it in conjunction with other boards you'll need to check for pin conflicts using pinout.xyz.