Bela Gem Stereo and Bela Gem Multi are audio and sensor add-on boards designed for the PocketBeagle 2 SBC powered by a Texas Instruments Sitara AM6232/AM6254 dual-core or quad-core SoC.
As its name implies, the Bela Gem Stereo board features two audio outputs and inputs, while the Bela Gem Multi board offers more flexibility with ten audio interfaces for more complex audio projects such as spatial audio systems. Both boards can be expanded through headers with sixteen GPIO and eight analog inputs, as well as a Qwicc I2C connector.
Bela Gem Stereo
Specifications:
- Compatibility – PocketBeagle 2 only
- Audio
- Inputs – 2 channels, up to 24-bit, 96 kHz (TLV320AIC3104)
- Outputs – 2 channels, up to 24-bit, 96 kHz (TLV320AIC3104), headphones, differential line out
- MIDI plug-and-play via either USB port below
- USB
- USB Type-C device port
- USB Type-A host port for Wifi, Bluetooth, or Ethernet peripherals
- Expansion
- 16x GPIO with 3.3V logic
- Analog Inputs – 8 channels, 16-bit, 24 kHz (ADS8166)
- I2C via dedicated pins and a QWIIC connector
- Power Supply – 5V (can be battery powered)
- Dimensions – 58 x 45 x 22 mm
The Bela Gen Stereo audio board ships with a baseplate, spacers, and screws. It can be used to design digital musical instruments, custom audio effects boxes and wearable devices, Â hearing aids, active noise cancellation applications, and sound art projects.
Bela Gen Multi
Specifications:
- Compatibility – PocketBeagle 2 only
- Audio
- Inputs – 10 channels, 2x (TLV320AIC3106) + 8x (2x TLV320ADC3140) AC-coupled, up to 24-bit, 96 kHz
- Outputs – 10 channels, 2x AC-coupled (TLV320AIC3106) with headphones and differential line out + 8x DC-coupled (ES9080Q), up to 24-bit, 96 kHz
- MIDI plug-and-play via either USB port below
- USB
- USB Type-C device port
- USB Type-A host port for Wifi, Bluetooth, or Ethernet peripherals
- Expansion
- 16x GPIO with 3.3V logic
- Analog Inputs – 8 channels, 16-bit, 24 kHz (ADS8166)
- I2C via dedicated pins and a QWIIC connector
- Power Supply
- 5V via USB-C
- LiPo battery connector
- Dimensions – 70 x 58 x 22 mm (or 32mm with extension boards attached)
The Bela Gen Multi audio board ships with a baseplate, spacers, screws, and two extension boards with 4x 3.5mm stereo jacks for all audio channels. With its additional audio channels, the Multi board is suitable for spatial audio systems (e.g., ambisonic soundfields, speaker arrays…), haptic feedback systems, microphone arrays, immersive home entertainment or automotive infotainment systems, and as a platform for Eurorack experimentation.
Web-based development with the Bela IDE
Programming, debugging, and hardware monitoring are done through the Bela IDE that runs in your browser and offers the following features:
- Integrated Monitoring & Debugging – Visualize signals, generate test signals, and debug circuits with built-in tools
- Enhanced Visualization – An advanced oscilloscope
- Supported languages – C++, Pure Data, SuperCollider, FAUST, Max RNBO, and Csound
- Code Autocompletion
- Integrated documentation
The PocketBeagle 2 runs an OS based on Xenomai (Real-Time) Linux, and we’re told the Bela IDE ships with every Bela Gem board, but I guess that only works if you purchased the 64GB preloaded with the Bela Gen software. You can also install it on your own microSD card. Many resources are available on Github, but right now, everything seems to be for the first-generation Bela board for the BeagleBone Black, and it will take time to get everything updated for the new Bela Gem Stereo/Multi board.
Competing audio boards and pricing
The Bela Gem boards offer an alternative to competing Raspberry Pi audio boards such as the PiSound, HiFiBerry DAC2 ADC Pro, or Raspiaudio 8xIN+8xOUT. Benefits of the Bela Gem include a larger number of audio channels (for the Multi board), more expansion options for sensors through GPIO, analog inputs, or I2C, open-source schematics (soon), and the use of real-time Linux for lower latency.
The Bela Gen Stereo and Multi audio boards have just been launched on Crowd Supply with a $20,000 funding target. Rewards start at $69 for the stereo board and $159 for the multichannel board. There are also bundles for the boards, a 64GB microSD card preloaded with Bela software, a PocketBeagle 2 SBC, and USB cables as options. The prices include worldwide shipping, and delivery are scheduled to start by November 25, 2025.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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