Microphones
Electret preamp boards, MEMS microphone modules, multi-mic arrays, and sound-level sensors capture audio or detect sound presence — the interface (analog, I2S, PDM) and application differ significantly across them.
MAX4466 and MAX9814 electret preamp breakouts for analog audio, I2S MEMS mics (ICS-43434, SPH0645LM4H, INMP441) for digital audio, PDM breakouts, ReSpeaker arrays for far-field pickup, and an LM386 sound detector.
- MAX4466 and MAX9814 electret microphone amplifier breakouts output an analog audio waveform for ADC sampling, FFT, or audio-reactive effects; MAX9814 adds automatic gain control to handle varying sound levels.
- I2S MEMS microphone breakouts — ICS-43434, SPH0645LM4H, INMP441 — deliver a digital audio stream directly to an I2S peripheral, with no ADC stage required on the host.
- ReSpeaker 4-mic and 7-mic PDM arrays are designed for far-field voice pickup and beam-forming; the Fermion S15OT421 and generic MEMS sensor modules are simpler single-capsule options.
- The LM386 sound sensor gives a digital threshold output for sound presence detection — it is not a calibrated audio capture device, and treating it as one will disappoint.
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Swap guidanceCan I swap these?
Pick the board you have - we'll show what we know about swapping it.
Known swap options (1)
General board checks (5)
- Do you need a continuous analog waveform, or only sound-present / louder-than-threshold detection?
- Check whether the receiving board expects a biased analog signal, a threshold digital input, or an AC-coupled audio input.
- Confirm supply voltage, ADC range and gain setting before swapping modules.
- For dB readings, add calibration or use a sound-level sensor intended for that job.
- Check mounting, microphone direction and noise from nearby motors/regulators.
