Change how you create with sensors and sound. Bela Gem is an open, real-time platform for expressive audio systems, powered by PocketBeagle 2.

Bela Gem Stereo is a compact, open hardware expansion board that turns the PocketBeagle 2 into a low-latency platform for real-time audio and physical computing. It combines high-quality stereo audio with rich analog and digital I/O, making it ideal for building embedded instruments, sound installations, and sensor-driven systems where timing and responsiveness matter.

Core Capabilities

• Stereo audio I/O for input, output, and headphone monitoring
• Low-latency real-time processing using the Bela software environment
• Analog and digital I/O for sensors, control voltages, gates, and triggers
• USB host and device support for MIDI, networking, and peripherals
• Open-source hardware and software, designed for hacking, modification, and research

What You Can Build

• Embedded and portable musical instruments
• Audio effects processors and experimental DSP platforms
• Interactive installations and responsive sound environments
• Sensor-driven controllers and expressive interfaces
• Wearables, robotics, and real-time audio + physical computing projects

What’s Included

The Starter Kit includes everything you need to power up and start building with Bela Gem Stereo straight out of the box.

Technical Specifications

Audio

• Inputs: 2 channels, up to 24-bit / 96 kHz
• Outputs: 2 channels, up to 24-bit / 96 kHz
• Monitoring: Headphone output, differential line out

Analog I/O

• Inputs: 8 channels, 16-bit / 24 kHz
  

Digital & Connectivity

• GPIO: 16 digital I/O (3.3 V logic)
• USB Device: USB Type-C
• USB Host: USB-A (WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB MIDI)
• I²C: Dedicated pins and Qwiic connector

Power

• Input: 5 V (battery powered supported)

Mechanical

• Dimensions: 58 × 45 mm
• Height: 22 mm (assembled)

Compatibility

• Designed exclusively for PocketBeagle 2

Software & Development

Bela Gem Stereo runs the Bela web-based IDE, giving you a fast, browser-based workflow for developing real-time audio and interactive systems directly on the board. You can program in C++, Pure Data, SuperCollider, and other supported environments, with access to a large library of examples, tutorials, and open-source tools. The platform is designed for both rapid prototyping and long-term development, supported by an active community and extensive documentation.

Need More I/O?

For multi-channel audio, expanded analog outputs, and DC-coupled outputs for spatial audio and advanced control systems, take a look at Bela Gem Multi.