Choose a supported Raspberry Pi Pico-family controller (Pico/Pico W with RP2040 or Pico 2/Pico 2 W with RP2350), a compatible SID or documented replacement, and a USBSID-Pico revision whose voltage and audio controls match your chips. The board is USB-powered, provides regulated SID rails, and can run one or two SIDs for mono or stereo use. Buy an assembled or bare board only after checking the revision, socket-voltage jumpers, required Pico board and USB cable, and the seller’s live stock and price.
What USBSID-Pico is and what you need to buy
USBSID-Pico is an interface board built around a Raspberry Pi Pico-family microcontroller. It lets a computer, phone, ASID-capable player or USB MIDI controller communicate with one or two MOS SID sound chips or supported hardware SID emulators over USB or WebUSB. The project description covers both the RP2040-based Pico/Pico W and the RP2350-based Pico 2/Pico 2 W.
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The USBSID-Pico board is not a SID chip, a complete Commodore computer, or necessarily a complete kit. Listings can be for a bare PCB, a parts kit, a partially assembled board, or a finished board. A Pico controller, SID device, USB cable, sockets and audio wiring may be separate purchases. Read the exact listing before ordering.
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- Controller: Raspberry Pi Pico, Pico W, Pico 2 or Pico 2 W from the supported families.
- Sound device: one or two original MOS SIDs or a documented replacement emulator.
- Power: USB input to the USBSID-Pico assembly, with regulated rails for the controller and SID sockets.
- Configuration: the official USBSID-Configtool is required for practical setup; firmware features remain under development and can change.
- Audio: socket audio outputs, ground and control connections, with stereo/mono selection on v1.3 and later socket-voltage control on v1.5.
Which SID chips and replacements are supported?
The documented original-chip choices for v1.3 are MOS6581, MOS6582 and MOS8580. These parts are not electrically interchangeable without setting the corresponding socket voltage correctly. The project also names SIDKick-Pico, ARMSID, FPGASID and SwinSID as replacement devices. Replacement compatibility depends on the board revision and firmware, so verify the specific device and revision in the current project documentation before buying.
#1 Best Overall
- The Raspberry Pi Pico is a beginner-friendly microcontroller board that uses MicroPython to give you a taste of the Internet of Things and microcontrollers. The RP2040 is a well-designed microprocessor that can be utilized in almost any Internet of Things project. It has enough power to complete the task quickly.
- 【Raspberry Pi RP2040 Microcontroller】Raspberry Pi Pico features Dual-core ARM Cortex M0+ processor, flexible clock running up to 133 MHz. With 264KB of SRAM, and 2MB of on-board Flash memory.Supports up to 16 MB of off chip flash memory via a dedicated QSPI bus
- 【Multiple Software Support】Pico has rich and complete software support, it comes with a complete Rasberry Pi official C/C++ SDK, Micropython SDK.The programming and burning of Pico need to be carried out on the computer. Supported operating systems and computers include:Raspberry Pie with Raspberry Pi OS,Other platforms equipped with Debian based Linux system Computer with MacOS, Computers with Windows, etc.
- 【Rich Hardware Interface】Raspberry Pi Pico has 30 GPIO pins, 4 pins for analog signal input and 26 × multi-function GPIO pins, 2 × SPI, 2 × I2C, 2 × UART, 3 × 12-bit ADC, 16 × controllable PWM channels.USB 1.1 supported by host and device, The installation mode can be flexibly selected by users to facilitate welding with other development boards.
- 【Build Project in Tiny Size】Only 2.1cm*5.1cm ( as small as your thumb). Pico has been designed to use either soldered 0.1" pin-headers or can be used as a surface-mountable 'module'.
| Device category | Examples documented by the project | Buying and setup implication |
|---|---|---|
| Original MOS SID | MOS6581, MOS6582, MOS8580 | Check authenticity and condition; set each socket’s voltage jumper for the installed chip. |
| Hardware SID emulator | SIDKick-Pico, ARMSID, FPGASID, SwinSID | Confirm that the exact emulator revision is supported by the USBSID-Pico hardware and firmware. |
Using two devices is optional. One SID can run in mono, while two can be assigned to left and right channels for stereo arrangements supported by the firmware. The board documents two SID sockets and address-range settings; configure the addresses in the official tool rather than assuming a default that suits every player or MIDI setup.
Original 6581 versus 6582/8580
The practical distinction for a buyer is the supply voltage required by the socket. A MOS6581 is commonly operated from the board’s 12 V socket setting, while MOS6582 and MOS8580 use the 9 V setting in the documented mixed-voltage example. Treat that as a wiring decision, not a sound preset: install the chip’s data-sheet-appropriate voltage before applying power.
Because used MOS chips vary in age and condition, inspect pins and orientation and use a socket rather than soldering a valuable chip directly. The USBSID-Pico documentation supports mixed-voltage operation, so one socket can be set to 12 V for a MOS6581 while the other is set to 9 V for a MOS6582 or MOS8580. Never copy one jumper position to both sockets without checking the chips installed.
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Which Raspberry Pi Pico should you buy?
Buy one of the four project-supported families: Pico or Pico W (RP2040), or Pico 2 or Pico 2 W (RP2350). The “W” suffix denotes the wireless variant; the USBSID-Pico connection described here is USB, so wireless capability is not a requirement unless you have another reason to use it.
| Controller family | MCU named by the project | Choose it when | Check before ordering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pico | RP2040 | You want the original supported Pico generation and a widely available board. | Connector type, genuine or compatible board, and firmware support. |
| Pico W | RP2040 | You specifically need the wireless-equipped Pico variant. | That wireless variant is supported by the firmware version you will install. |
| Pico 2 | RP2350 | You prefer the newer RP2350 platform listed by the project. | Current firmware support and the exact USB connector on the board. |
| Pico 2 W | RP2350 | You need the Pico 2 generation with wireless hardware. | Current firmware support, connector, and physical clearance. |
The Raspberry Pi Pico datasheet documents powering a Pico through its micro-USB connector, the 3V3 pin or the VSYS pin. In a USBSID-Pico purchase, follow the interface board’s documented power path and do not inject power into an unverified pin. A clone may use a different connector or protection circuitry, so do not assume that every board sold as “Pico compatible” behaves identically. Confirm the connector and pinout in the board listing and the controller’s documentation, then choose a cable that physically fits.
USBSID-Pico v1.3 versus v1.5
Revision matters more than the color of a PCB or whether a seller calls a listing “new.” The project identifies two useful feature differences:
Rank #2
- with pre-soldered header Raspberry Pi Pico. RP2040 microcontroller chip designed by Raspberry Pi in the United Kingdom
- Dual-core Arm Cortex M0+ processor, flexible clock running up to 133 MHz. 264KB of SRAM, and 2MB of on-board Flash memory.
- Castellated module allows soldering direct to carrier boards. USB 1.1 with device and host support. Low-power sleep and dormant modes. Drag-and-drop programming using mass storage over USB. 26 × multi-function GPIO pins.
- 2 × SPI, 2 × I2C, 2 × UART, 3 × 12-bit ADC, 16 × controllable PWM channels.Accurate clock and timer on-chip.Temperature sensor.
- Accelerated floating-point libraries on-chip.8 × Programmable I/O (PIO) state machines for custom peripheral support
| Feature | v1.3 | v1.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Stereo/mono audio control | Included | Included |
| Socket-voltage control | Not the added v1.5 feature | Added; simplifies control of socket voltage in the documented design |
| Volume daughterboard | Requires a small modification | Plug-and-play |
Choose v1.5 when you want the later socket-voltage control or plan to add the optional volume daughterboard without modifying a v1.3 board. Choose v1.3 only when its documented feature set and the seller’s assembly state meet your needs. A v1.3 board can still provide stereo/mono control and the documented regulated rails; it simply lacks the later convenience features.
Ask a seller to identify the revision printed on the PCB or in the build documentation. A listing that says only “USBSID-Pico” does not establish whether it is v1.3, v1.5 or another revision.
How the power system works
USBSID-Pico is powered through USB. The v1.3 documentation describes three regulated voltage domains: one fixed 5 V rail and two independently selectable 9 V or 12 V rails for the SID sockets. A 5 V step-up stage supplies clean SID VCC. Each socket has its own 9 V/12 V jumper, allowing the documented mixed-voltage arrangement.
- Fixed 5 V domain: a regulated board rail used by the interface circuitry and SID power arrangement.
- Socket rail 1 and socket rail 2: each can be set to 9 V or 12 V, independently, according to the installed SID.
- USB source: the board expects USB power; use a sound cable and a supply capable of maintaining stable voltage under load.
Do not connect a 9 V or 12 V external adapter directly to a socket. The board’s conversion and jumpers are part of the power design. Before connecting a SID, read its required supply voltage, set the corresponding jumper, and verify orientation. If you change chips later, power down and recheck both jumpers; a setting that was correct for a MOS8580 can damage a MOS6581.
9 V or 12 V: selecting each socket
- Identify the exact chip or emulator going into socket 1 and socket 2.
- Check the current USBSID-Pico documentation for that device’s supported voltage.
- Set socket 1’s jumper independently from socket 2’s jumper. For the documented example, use 12 V for a MOS6581 and 9 V for a MOS6582 or MOS8580.
- Inspect the jumper position and chip orientation before plugging in USB power.
- After a chip swap, repeat the check; never assume both sockets use the same voltage.
On v1.5, socket-voltage control is an added board feature. That does not remove the need to understand the chip’s electrical requirements; it changes how the setting is controlled. Follow the v1.5 labeling and configuration instructions for your assembly.
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The board exposes audio and ground connections, UART, an external-input connection and expansion GPIO. These are useful when integrating the board into a case, mixer, diagnostic setup or another controller, but the exact connector population depends on the assembly you buy. Check the seller’s photographs and build notes for headers, sockets and cable requirements.
Rank #3
- ⚡ Dual-Core RP2040 Performance：Equipped with the RP2040 dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor running up to 133MHz, this board delivers fast execution and stable multitasking for a wide range of embedded and DIY projects.
- 💻 MicroPython & C/C++ Support：Fully compatible with MicroPython and the official C/C++ SDK, making firmware development easy for both beginners and experienced developers on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi OS.
- 🔧 Rich I/O for Hardware Expansion：Features 30 GPIO pins, 4 analog inputs, 3 ADC channels, 16 PWM channels, plus SPI, I2C, and UART interfaces—ideal for robotics, sensing, automation, and IoT applications.
- 📏 Compact Size for Embedded Projects：With a compact 2.1 × 5.1 cm footprint, the board fits well in tight spaces including enclosures, wearables, small devices, and custom electronics. Supports both soldered headers and surface-mount installation.
- 🔌 Stable Memory & USB Connectivity：Built with 264KB SRAM and 2MB QSPI flash (expandable up to 16MB), offering reliable storage for larger codebases. USB 1.1 device/host support ensures simple programming and dependable data transfer.
v1.3 includes stereo/mono control. With one SID, select mono unless your software specifically routes a stereo-compatible signal. With two SIDs, configure the documented address ranges and stereo/mono mode in the official tool and in the player you use. The two sockets are not automatically a left/right pair for every application; software and firmware routing determine how channels are assigned.
The optional volume daughterboard provides independent left and right volume control. It is plug-and-play with v1.5 and later. A v1.3 board needs a small modification, so include that work in your purchase decision or buy a later revision if you do not want to modify the PCB.
Assembled board, semi-assembled kit or bare PCB?
| Purchase form | What you typically receive | Best for | Risks to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assembled board | A populated USBSID-Pico board, sometimes without the Pico, chips or cables. | Users who want the shortest path to testing. | Confirm revision, included controller, sockets, headers and test status. |
| Semi-assembled or parts kit | PCB plus some components, with soldering or fitting still required. | Builders comfortable identifying parts and checking jumpers. | Missing parts, incorrect socket orientation and unclear revision labeling. |
| Bare PCB | Unpopulated circuit board. | Experienced builders sourcing every component themselves. | Bill of materials, component substitutions, programming and rework are your responsibility. |
The project names SmallRun, PCBWay and Retro8BITshop as purchase routes. SmallRun is identified with assembled or semi-assembled boards, including a v1.3 blue unsoldered PCB kit. PCBWay is named for bare or assembled boards with a minimum order of five. Retro8BITshop is identified as the first licensed reseller. These references do not establish current stock, shipping cost, price or commission; verify those details on the seller’s live listing before paying.
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A listing that includes only the PCB does not include a Raspberry Pi Pico, SID, USB cable or audio lead unless it says so. Make a parts checklist before checkout:
- USBSID-Pico PCB and stated revision.
- Supported Pico, Pico W, Pico 2 or Pico 2 W controller, if not included.
- One or two compatible SID chips or replacement devices.
- Correct sockets, preferably quality sockets for valuable original chips.
- USB cable matching the controller and board connector.
- Audio cable or headers required by your enclosure and amplifier.
- Optional volume daughterboard, checking the v1.3 modification requirement.
First-time setup procedure
- Inventory the package. Record the board revision, controller model, included sockets, jumpers and any missing hardware before soldering.
- Install the Pico. Fit the supported Pico-family board in the orientation shown by the USBSID-Pico documentation. Confirm that its connector remains accessible for USB.
- Prepare the SID sockets. Install sockets rather than soldering irreplaceable chips directly. Check pin-1 markings on the PCB and socket.
- Set voltage per socket. Choose 9 V or 12 V for each socket based on the installed device. Mixed-voltage pairs are supported in the documented design.
- Connect audio and ground. Wire the documented audio output and ground to your amplifier, interface or test equipment. Avoid leaving signal wiring able to short against a power rail.
- Connect USB power. Use a cable that fits the controller’s connector. Do not add a second power source unless the board documentation explicitly permits it.
- Install firmware. Follow the current project release instructions for your RP2040 or RP2350 board. The project warns that firmware remains in development, so feature names and behavior can change.
- Configure the board. Open the official USBSID-Configtool. Set the number of SIDs, address ranges, stereo/mono mode and any available socket-voltage controls, then save the configuration.
- Test with one known-good device. Start with one SID or emulator, confirm audio and USB communication, then add the second socket and stereo routing.
The project calls the USBSID-Configtool a must-have configuration tool. Even if a board appears to work with defaults, use it to make the socket count, addresses and audio mode explicit.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Firmware limits and operating cautions
Embedded USBSID-Player and Cynthcart modes can overclock the Pico MCU to 250 MHz. The project warns that passive cooling might be needed. Treat this as an operating condition, not a guaranteed requirement for every mode: provide airflow or a suitable passive heatsink if your enclosure becomes warm, and test stability after enabling an overclocked mode.
Rank #4
- 🔌Solderable Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040 Development Boards This version comes with unsoldered pin headers, allowing flexible custom wiring and integration with breadboards or custom PCBs, perfect for hobbyists, makers, and embedded projects requiring tailored connections.
- ⚡High-Performance RP2040 Microcontroller Powered by the dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ RP2040 processor running up to 133MHz, these boards provide fast processing, 264KB SRAM, and 2MB onboard flash, delivering reliable performance for real-time control and IoT experiments.
- 🧰Flexible Hardware Interfaces Equipped with 30 GPIO pins, analog inputs, PWM channels, SPI, I2C, UART, and USB 1.1 support, these solderable Pico boards allow users to connect sensors, displays, motors, and other peripherals for educational, DIY, and embedded applications.
- 📐Compact Design for Custom Projects With its small thumb-sized footprint and solderable headers, the boards can be used on breadboards, custom PCBs, or as surface-mounted modules, making them ideal for space-constrained or portable projects.
- 🎓Ideal for Learning, DIY and Embedded Systems These Raspberry Pi Pico boards are widely used in education, robotics, automation, and hobby electronics, providing beginners and advanced makers with a reliable platform for firmware development, electronics experiments, and project prototyping.
Because firmware is still in development, a configuration that works on one release may expose different labels or behavior on another. Keep a record of the firmware version and board revision when troubleshooting, and consult the current project documentation before concluding that a hardware fault exists.
Buying decisions by use case
You want the simplest build
Select an assembled board, a supported Pico already fitted if offered, and one verified replacement device or SID. Prefer v1.5 or later if you want plug-and-play volume control and the added socket-voltage control. Confirm that the USB cable and audio connection are included or budget for them separately.
You want authentic SID behavior
Choose a tested MOS6581, MOS6582 or MOS8580, use sockets, and set each rail correctly. A MOS6581/ MOS8580 pair is not a reason to use one shared jumper: the documented board allows independent socket settings for mixed-voltage operation.
You want stereo
Buy a board with two populated sockets or the parts needed to populate both. Verify that your player supports the project’s stereo arrangement, configure both address ranges, and connect left, right and ground correctly. Add the volume daughterboard if independent channel-level adjustment is important; v1.5+ avoids the v1.3 modification.
You are building several units
PCBWay is named by the project for bare or assembled orders with a minimum quantity of five. Obtain a current quotation and confirm that the quoted revision, component substitutions and assembly state match your intended design before ordering.
Troubleshooting before you blame the SID
No USB connection
- Check that the Pico is a supported RP2040 or RP2350 family board.
- Try a known data-capable USB cable; some cables provide charging only.
- Verify that the controller’s connector is not obstructed by the enclosure or incorrectly fitted board.
- Install the firmware version intended for that controller and board revision, then reopen the official configuration tool.
No audio or one channel is silent
- Confirm audio ground and the correct left/right wiring.
- Use the configuration tool to check mono/stereo mode, SID count and address ranges.
- Test one socket and one known-good device before diagnosing the second channel.
- Check that a volume daughterboard is correctly installed; v1.3 requires the documented modification.
A chip becomes hot or behaves erratically
- Disconnect USB power immediately.
- Recheck chip orientation and every socket’s 9 V/12 V setting.
- Remember that the documented mixed-voltage example uses 12 V for a MOS6581 and 9 V for a MOS6582 or MOS8580.
- Inspect for bent pins, solder bridges or a damaged used SID before trying another device.
Playback is unstable in a special mode
Embedded USBSID-Player and Cynthcart modes can run the MCU at 250 MHz. If instability appears only in those modes, return to the standard clock, improve passive cooling and test again before changing audio wiring.
USBSID-Pico purchase checklist
- Is the board revision explicitly identified as v1.3, v1.5 or another documented revision?
- Is the Pico board included, and is it Pico/Pico W (RP2040) or Pico 2/Pico 2 W (RP2350)?
- Does the controller’s USB connector match the cable and enclosure?
- Are you installing a MOS6581, MOS6582, MOS8580 or a verified supported replacement?
- Can each socket be set independently to 9 V or 12 V?
- Do you need one SID in mono or two SIDs with stereo routing?
- Is the volume daughterboard plug-and-play for your revision?
- Are sockets, headers, USB cable and audio leads included?
- Have you checked live stock, shipping and price with SmallRun, PCBWay or Retro8BITshop rather than relying on an old listing?
- Will you use the official USBSID-Configtool and keep firmware matched to the board revision?
Bottom-line buying recommendation
For most new builds, a documented v1.5-or-later board with a supported Pico-family controller, sockets for one or two verified SID devices, and a suitable USB cable is the least ambiguous choice. Set each socket’s voltage for its actual chip, configure mono or stereo in the official tool, and treat replacement-device support and firmware behavior as revision-dependent. Choose a v1.3 kit when its lower-level build experience and stereo/mono feature are sufficient, but account for the volume-board modification and the absence of the later socket-voltage control.
Quick Recap
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