MERC-MINI - Now Shipping!
Merc-Mini FAQQ: Do all Merc-Mini outputs work simultaneously?
A: Yes, all outputs deliver the same audio data at the same time. This includes the I2S over HDMI. Q: What power supply does with Merc-Mini Require? A: Merc-Mini is designed to operate with a Standard USB-C Supply with 2A Minimum. The Merc-Mini Accessory Pack comes with a 5.1V @ 3A USB-C Power Supply with Universal AC Plug for USA, UK, EU and Australia. Q: But aren't switching supplies bad ? A: Merc-Mini is designed with a highly effective noise filter on the USB-C input. This circuit reduces the input supply noise by a factor of 100x! Q: What pinout is supported by the I2S over HDMI? A: Merc-Mini supports the PS Audio and GD-Audio pinouts. The SWAP switch on the back of the unit selects between these two options. Q: What Operating Systems does Merc-Mini support? A: Merc-Mini is offered with one of three OS options: Volumio, Moode Audio and Ropieee. See the descriptions below along with the links to download pre-configured images. Other OS's may be available upon request. Note that any Raspberry Pi OS will run on Merc-Mini, but may require configuration to run properly. Contact us if you have questions. Q: Where is the WiFi/Bluetooth antenna? A: The front panel of Merc-Mini is made of black, matte finish acrylic. This material easily passes the RF signals from a Planar PCB antenna mounted on the inside. Q: Is the 6.35mm Balanced Output AES compliant? A: Yes. This connector is an accepted alternative to the much bigger XLR Connector. 
Preconfigured images for Merc-MiniImportant Note - These images have been configured for the Merc-Mini. In most cases, no additional configuration is needed other than WiFi. Do not update from within the OS as this may break the Power Switch functionality. Contact us if you feel you need to go to a different version.
Moode and Volumio will create a WiFi access point that can be used to connect via phone, tablet or PC to setup the final WiFi configuration. Ropieee requires a wired Ethernet connection first. Download Moode 9.3.7 ssh username: moode ssh password: moodeaudio Moode Start Guide Download Volumio 3.832 ssh username: pi ssh password: volumio Volumio Start Guide Download Ropieee 2025.6.1 Ropieee Start Guide Note - This Ropieee image does not implement the Power Switch Control. This is due to the fact that it loads itself into memory and thus does not need to protect the SD Card from corruption. 
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Merc-Mini FeaturesMERC-MINI, designed and manufactured by PI 2 Design, is a Compute Module 4 based device designed for Professional, Studio Grade, Digital Audio Streaming. MERC-MINI converts the Compute Module 4 I2S Interface to High-Definition Digital Audio Coax, Balanced AES and I2S over HDMI. These multiple, simultaneously active digital audio outputs allow MERC-MINI to optimally interface with virtually any High-Performance DAC on the market.
The major features of the Merc-Mini Streamer are as follows:
MERC-MINI BLOCK DIAGRAM
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Mercury Mini - 2GB
$299.00
Compute Module 4 based Digital Network Audio Streamer. 2GB DRAM, 2.4g/5g WiFi, Bluetooth. Chosen OS pre-installed on 16GB SD-Card. PSU and Cable Adapters sold separately
Typical Leadtime is 1-2 weeks after receipt of order.
Available Products
Mercury V3 DAC
$599.00
$449.00
Only a few left!
Raspberry Pi 4 based Digital and Analog Network Audio Streamer. 4GB DRAM, 2.4g/5g WiFi, Bluetooth. Chosen OS pre-installed on 32GB SD-Card, Meanwell GST40A12-P1J PSU included. Power Cord included for US shipments only.
Typical Leadtime is less than one week after receipt of order.
Typical Leadtime is less than one week after receipt of order.
PI2AES 2.0 - PRO AUDIO SHIELD
$249.00
PI2AES 2.0, Professional Studio Grade Audio I/O Shield. Includes Clear Acrylic Case
FEATURES
- FORM FACTOR – Raspberry Pi ® Shield Size w/40-Pin mating connector.
- AES TRANSMITTER – The industry standard WM8804 converts the RPi I2S stream to AES3/SPDIF formatted data at 24-Bit up to 192Khz Frame Rate
- COAX OUTPUT – A 1:1 Isolation Transformer provides Bit Perfect Impedance Controlled Coaxial Transmission of the Digital Audio Data
- SPDIF OPTICAL OUTPUT – Isolated Optical Transmitter Drives Consumer Level DAC and AVR
- BALANCED OUTPUT – An RS-422 Transmitter coupled with a 1:1 Isolation Transformer allows the transmission of balanced audio data via the Professional Audio Standard XLR Connector
- DIFFERENTIAL I2S OUTPUT – A DS2063 Differential Transmitters is used to drive the I2S Bus over a standard HDMI Connector. The Pinout is Selectable Between the PS Audio and Gustard Standards.
- HIGH RESOLUTION CLOCKS – A pair of Ultra-Low Noise NDK NZ2520SDA oscillators allow the WM8804 to operate in non-PLL mode for the lowest possible noise.
- ULTRA-LOW NOISE LDO’s – Ultra-Low Noise LT3045 LDO (0.9uV noise and 80dB PSRR) is used to power the WM8804 AES Transmitter, while a 2nd LT3045 LDO powers the NDK Clocks.
- LOW NOISE PCB LAYOUT – Constructed with 4-layer Split Ground PCB with noise reduction techniques refined from years of High-Speed Mixed-Signal Design work
PI2AES 2.0 includes a PI3 and 4 compatible clear acrylic case.
Raspberry Pi Not included
Typical Leadtime is less than one week after receipt of order.
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