Polish open {hardware} specialist Sonocotta has launched a tool designed to improve outdated audio techniques to the “leading edge” of media streaming — by hooking them in to an Espressif ESP32 microcontroller module: the Esparagus HiFi MediaLink.
“I did few audio initiatives previously, some utilizing [Espressif] ESP32, some utilizing bigger Orange Pi and Raspberry Pi gadgets. Every has its execs and cons, and every iteration I am making an attempt to concentrate on the main points that had been working finest for me, whereas really utilizing them,” the Sonocotta’s Andriy Malyshenko explains of his creation. “What I like about ESP32 is how light-weight it’s. It barely attracts energy, so it’s possible you’ll not care to show it off in any respect. It boots in seconds and is prepared to be used in a snap.”
In case your outdated Hello-Fi wants just a little web connectivity in its life, Sonocotta’s Esparagus HiFi MediaLink is right here for you. (📷: Sonocotta)
It is these options which have put the Espressif ESP32 on the coronary heart of Malyshenko’s creation, the Esparagus HiFi MediaLink. “[It’s] a useful low value media gadget,” he explains, “that can improve your legacy audio system with cutting-edge web streaming capabilities and improve your audio expertise.”
The gadget is constructed across the Espressif ESP32-WROVER module, giving it two 32-bit Tensilica Xtensa LX6 cores operating at as much as 240MHz plus 4MB of usable pseudo-static RAM (PSRAM) — used, within the case of the Esparagus, for audio buffering. That is linked to a Texas Devices PCM5100A digital-to-analog converter (DAC), driving a 2.1 VRMS line-level audio output on a 3.5mm stereo jack.
It is this jack which interfaces the Esparagus to powered audio system, a hi-fi, or some other otherwise-disconnected audio playback gadget. There is a USB Sort-C port for energy, and a connector for an exterior antenna — a necessity, given the board is designed to be housed in a sturdy metallic venture field.
The board is designed to be used with present firmware, like squeezelite-esp32. (📷: Sonocotta)
“Over previous couple of years I [saw a] few superb software program merchandise created to ship audio on the ESP32, like squeezelite-esp32 or euphonium,” Malyshenko explains. “Esparagus HiFi MediaLink is designed particularly to run these nice items of software program and convey a brand new life into ageing audio tools that almost all of us have at house however don’t use that a lot nowadays — since it’s not working with Spotify and the household.”
The design recordsdata and firmware for the Esparagus HiFi MediaLink can be found on GitHub beneath the permissive Apache 2.0 license; kits are that can be purchased for $25 together with the aluminum field and exterior antenna, with a $5 low cost when you do not want the field, on the Sonocotta Tindie retailer.
And as for the gadget’s uncommon title? “ChatGPT made me name it that manner,” Malyshenko explains. “I solely requested if there’s a fruit or vegetable that’s phonetically near ESP32, which is a coronary heart of this gadget.”