Electret Microphone Breakout SparkFun
Electret Microphone Breakout SparkFun
Electret Microphone Breakout SparkFun
Electret Microphone Breakout SparkFun
Electret Microphone Breakout SparkFun
Electret Microphone Breakout SparkFun
Electret Microphone Breakout SparkFun
Electret Microphone Breakout SparkFun

Electret Microphone Breakout SparkFun

Sensors
DET701
Part.No: BOB-12758
€11.95
Upon Request
Delivered within 3-5 days
BOB-12758 SparkFun Electret Microphone Breakout — compact sound sensor with 60x preamplifier, 100Hz–10kHz frequency range, and 2.7V–5.5V supply. Ready to connect to any microcontroller's analog input for voice, clap, or knock detection.

 

The SparkFun Electret Microphone Breakout (BOB-12758) is a fully assembled sound-sensing module that pairs an electret microphone capsule with a 60x preamplifier stage, delivering an amplified analog voltage directly to your microcontroller's ADC pin. Whether you're building a voice-activated project, a noise-level monitor, or a clap-detection circuit, this breakout gives you a clean, amplified signal without any additional op-amp circuitry. The wide supply range of 2.7V to 5.5V makes it compatible with both 5V and 3.3V systems straight out of the box.

Key Features

  • 60x Microphone Preamplifier: onboard amplification stage boosts the electret capsule's weak output → strong analog signal readable by any ADC
  • Frequency Response 100Hz–10kHz: covers the full range of human speech and common environmental sounds → ideal for voice and acoustic event detection
  • Wide Supply Voltage 2.7V–5.5V: single voltage range covers both 3.3V and 5V logic systems → no level shifting needed
  • Amplitude Output: the board translates acoustic amplitude (sound pressure) into an analog voltage — two conducting plates (one vibrating diaphragm, one fixed) convert sound waves into electrical signals → direct connection to analog input pin
  • Fully Assembled: no soldering of components required, headers ready to install → fast prototyping

Pinout & Wiring

PINSymbolDescription
1VCCSupply voltage 2.7V–5.5V
2GNDGround
3AUDAnalog audio output — connect to ADC pin of microcontroller

Wiring note: Connect VCC to your board's 3.3V or 5V rail, GND to ground, and AUD to an analog input pin (e.g., A0 on Arduino). Read the ADC value in your sketch to detect sound amplitude changes.

Compatibility

  • Arduino UNO / Nano (5V): connect VCC to 5V, AUD to any analog pin — full ADC range utilised
  • ESP32 / ESP8266 (3.3V): connect VCC to 3.3V, AUD to ADC pin — operates correctly within 3.3V logic
  • Raspberry Pi (3.3V via external ADC): use an SPI ADC (e.g., MCP3008) to read the analog output since Raspberry Pi has no native ADC

Typical Applications

  • Clap / knock detection: trigger lights, relays or notifications when a loud sound is detected
  • Voice activity detection: wake-word pre-processing or simple speech-present/absent logic in Arduino sketches
  • Noise level monitoring: log ambient sound levels over time with a data-logging shield
  • Sound-reactive LED animations: drive NeoPixel or FastLED effects that respond to music amplitude
  • Security / intrusion alerts: detect door knocks or breaking glass and send alerts via ESP32 Wi-Fi

Technical Specifications

ParameterValue
InterfaceAnalog output (AUD)
Supply Voltage2.7V – 5.5V
Preamplifier Gain60x
Frequency Response100Hz – 10kHz
Output TypeAmplitude (analog voltage)
AssemblyFully assembled
BrandSparkFun
MPNBOB-12758

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this module output a digital HIGH/LOW signal or an analog value?
A: It outputs an analog voltage proportional to sound amplitude. You read it with an ADC pin — it does not include a digital comparator output.

Q: Can I use it at 3.3V with an ESP32?
A: Yes. The supply range starts at 2.7V, so 3.3V is fully supported and no level shifting is required.

Package contents: 1× SparkFun Electret Microphone Breakout (BOB-12758), fully assembled PCB. Headers may require soldering depending on batch.

⚠ Note: This module measures sound amplitude, not decibel level. For calibrated SPL measurements, a dedicated sound level sensor is recommended.
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