diff --git a/neopixel.py b/neopixel.py
index 3a36826..014e1c9 100644
--- a/neopixel.py
+++ b/neopixel.py
@@ -128,13 +128,13 @@ def __init__(
                 order_list = [RGBW[order] for order in pixel_order]
                 pixel_order = "".join(order_list)
 
+        self.pin = digitalio.DigitalInOut(pin)
+        self.pin.direction = digitalio.Direction.OUTPUT
+
         super().__init__(
             n, brightness=brightness, byteorder=pixel_order, auto_write=auto_write
         )
 
-        self.pin = digitalio.DigitalInOut(pin)
-        self.pin.direction = digitalio.Direction.OUTPUT
-
     def deinit(self):
         """Blank out the NeoPixels and release the pin."""
         self.fill(0)