MAX4466 MAX9814 Sound Sensor Module for Arduino & Pi

MAX4466 & MAX9814 Sound Sensor Module for Arduino & Raspberry Pi

Add a high-quality audio input to your next electronics project with this fully assembled and tested electret microphone amplifier breakout board. Available in multiple variants — including the MAX4466, MAX9814, KY-037, and KY-038 — this compact module delivers clean, low-noise audio capture for voice changers, audio recording, audio sampling, FFT-based audio-reactive projects, and more.

MAX4466 Microphone Amplifier — Features & Benefits

• Fully assembled with a 20Hz–20KHz electret microphone soldered on
• Uses the Maxim MAX4466 op-amp, specifically engineered for microphone amplification
• Excellent power supply noise rejection for clean, clear audio capture
• Adjustable gain via onboard trimmer pot: 25x to 125x (~200mVpp to ~1Vpp for normal speaking volume at ~6" distance)
• Rail-to-rail output — up to 5Vpp at loud volumes
• DC-coupled output with VCC/2 bias; use a 100µF capacitor for AC-coupled audio equipment
• Supply voltage: 2.4V – 5V DC
• Connect GND → ground, VCC → 2.4–5VDC, OUT → microcontroller ADC pin

MAX9814 Microphone Amplifier with Automatic Gain Control (AGC)

The MAX9814 is a high-performance microphone amplifier featuring built-in Automatic Gain Control (AGC), a low-noise front-end amplifier, variable gain amplifier (VGA), output amplifier, and microphone bias voltage generator.

• Supply voltage: 2.7V – 5.5V @ 3mA
• Output: 2Vpp on 1.25V bias
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20KHz
• Selectable maximum gain: 40dB, 50dB, or 60dB
• Low input-referred noise density: 30nV/√Hz
• Low THD: 0.04% (typ)
• Programmable attack and release ratio
• Low-power shutdown mode
• Built-in 2V low-noise microphone bias
• Space-saving 14-pin TDFN (3mm × 3mm) package
• Extended operating temperature: –40°C to +85°C

KY-037 / KY-038 Sound Detection Module — Features

These sound detection modules provide both analog and digital output for versatile project integration:

• AO (Analog Output): Real-time voltage signal directly from the microphone
• DO (Digital Output): High/low signal triggered when sound intensity reaches a set threshold
• 3mm mounting screw hole for easy installation
• 5V DC power supply
• Threshold level output with onboard LED indicator
• Power indicator light and comparator output LED
• High-sensitivity electret microphone

How to Connect

• MAX4466 / MAX9814: Connect GND to ground, VCC to 2.4–5VDC, and OUT to your microcontroller ADC pin. For best performance on Arduino, use the 3.3V supply rail.
• KY-037 / KY-038: Connect to 5V DC; read analog audio from AO pin or digital threshold detection from DO pin.
• For audio-reactive FFT projects, connect the OUT pin directly to your Arduino/Raspberry Pi ADC and use an FFT driver library to translate audio input into frequency data.

Ideal Applications

• Voice changers & audio recording
• Audio sampling & FFT frequency analysis
• Sound-reactive LED & light displays
• Arduino & Raspberry Pi audio input projects
• Robotics and smart home automation

Package Options

• KY-038 (Sound Blue)
• KY-037 (Sound Red)
• MAX4466 Microphone Amplifier Breakout
• MAX9814 AGC Microphone Amplifier Breakout

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between the MAX4466 and MAX9814 sound sensor modules?

A: The MAX4466 is a fixed-gain microphone amplifier with an adjustable trimmer pot (25x–125x gain), ideal for projects needing a simple, clean audio signal. The MAX9814 features built-in Automatic Gain Control (AGC) that automatically adjusts gain (40dB, 50dB, or 60dB) to handle varying sound levels — making it better suited for environments with changing audio intensity.

Q: Is this sound sensor module compatible with Arduino and Raspberry Pi?

A: Yes! All variants — MAX4466, MAX9814, KY-037, and KY-038 — are fully compatible with Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Simply connect VCC (2.4–5V), GND, and the output pin (AO or OUT) to your microcontroller's ADC input pin. No additional components are required for a basic connection.

Q: What projects can I build with the MAX4466 or MAX9814 sound sensor module?

A: These modules are excellent for a wide range of projects including voice changers, audio recording and sampling, FFT-based audio-reactive light displays, sound-activated triggers, robotics, and smart home automation systems. The analog output provides a real-time waveform, while the digital output (on KY-037/KY-038) provides simple threshold-based triggering.

Q: What is the operating voltage range for these sound sensor modules?

A: The MAX4466 operates on 2.4V to 5V DC, the MAX9814 on 2.7V to 5.5V, and the KY-037/KY-038 modules on 5V DC. For best audio performance on Arduino, the 3.3V supply rail is recommended for the MAX4466.

Production & Packaging Notice

To maintain high stock availability and fast shipping times, our items are sourced from multiple verified manufacturing facilities. While the core quality, materials, and product specifications remain identical, you may notice slight variations in the packaging design, manufacturing origin, or the wording of the printed instructions.