Ordering Parts
How pi-Stomp compares
pi-Stomp is a DIY platform, not a commercial product. If you want a polished, warranty-backed unit, buy a MOD Dwarf, HX Stomp, or Headrush. If you want to build something yourself and hack on it, pi-Stomp is the only open-source option at this level.
| pi-Stomp v3 | MOD Dwarf | HX Stomp | Headrush MX5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio | 24-bit 48–96 kHz | 24-bit 48 kHz | 24-bit 96 kHz | 24-bit 96 kHz |
| Plugins | 600+ (upgradeable) | 330+ (upgradeable) | 200 (fixed) | 107 (fixed) |
| Simultaneous | 12+ (CPU-dependent) | 12+ | 6 | 12 |
| Routing | Fully flexible | Fully flexible | Serial or 2 parallel | Serial or 2 parallel |
| MIDI | Optional DIN + USB | DIN in/out + USB | DIN in/out/thru | DIN in/out |
| Expression | Optional (1 jack) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Footswitches | 4 (assignable) | 2 (assignable) | 3 (multi-mode) | 4 (multi-mode) |
| True bypass | No (codec routing) | Yes (relay) | Yes (relay) | No |
| LCD | 2.8" color TFT | 2x monochrome | Color | Color touch |
| Wi-Fi | Built-in | Built-in | None | None |
| Software | Open source | Open source | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| Hardware | Hackable/upgradeable | Expandable via port | Fixed | Fixed |
| Cost (kit) | USD 299 | USD 550 | USD 650 | USD 599 |
v3 Kit (recommended)
The pi-Stomp v3 kit costs USD 299 and includes everything needed to build a working unit:
- pi-Stomp v3 PCB (pre-soldered)
- Custom aluminum enclosure
- Raspberry Pi 5 (2GB) with Active Cooler
- IQAudio Codec Zero audio board
- 2.8" TFT LCD (240x320) with ribbon cable
- 4 footswitches with pre-wired connector
- 4 soft touch knobs
- Nylon and metal hardware
- 32GB micro SD card (Class 10)
- 27W USB-C power supply
No soldering required. A small Phillips screwdriver is the only tool needed.
Optional: MIDI + Expression Add-On Kit
The MIDI+Expression Add-On Kit (USD 22) adds 1/8" (3.5mm) TRS MIDI input and output jacks plus a 1/4" expression pedal input. It connects to the pi-Stomp via a 5-wire ribbon cable.
This add-on is only available with a kit order. It requires soldering and drilling the enclosure (a drill template is included).
USB-MIDI works out of the box on all four Pi USB ports — this add-on is only needed for traditional DIN MIDI or expression pedal support.
Optional deductions
You can order without certain components if you already have them:
| Deduction | Savings |
|---|---|
| Without Raspberry Pi | -USD 50 |
| Without Active Cooler | -USD 8 |
| Without 27W power supply | -USD 11 |
Shipping
Free shipping within the US. Kits typically ship the Thursday following the order. International customers are responsible for customs and import taxes.
v2 Core / DIY
The pi-Stomp Core v2 board is no longer sold. If you already have one, the build requires through-hole soldering and sourcing your own components (Pi 3/4, enclosure, audio card, LCD, etc.). Those builds are documented on the old wiki, which this manual does not duplicate:
| Wiki page | What's on it |
|---|---|
| pi-Stomp Core v2 | Landing page for everything v2 |
| Core build instructions | Full through-hole assembly, step by step |
| Full bill of materials | Every part with supplier links |
| Enclosure considerations | Which Hammond 1590 sizes fit, LCD mounting options, drill template PDF |
| Customization guide | Wiring the analog and switch expansion headers, direct GPIO, swapping the audio card, balanced I/O, GPIO pinouts for v2 and v3 |
| pi-Stomp v1 | The original build, unsupported by current software |
The MIDI + Expression add-on is a soldered kit for both v2 and v3; its assembly and the v3 drill template live on the breakout board build page.
Using a different Raspberry Pi
The v3 board takes any "B" form-factor Pi 3, 4, or 5. A Pi 4 or a CM4 on a B-form carrier works; a Pi 3 will run out of CPU quickly. The Pi 5 is what the shipped JACK defaults are tuned for and what you want if you plan to run NAM or convolution.