{"title":"Adafruit PCM5122 I2S DAC with Line Level Output - HW, I2C or SPI","handle":"adafruit-pcm5122-i2s-dac-with-line-level-output-hw-i2c-or-spi-ada6421","url":"/products/adafruit-pcm5122-i2s-dac-with-line-level-output-hw-i2c-or-spi-ada6421","description":"The Adafruit PCM5122 I2S DAC delivers excellent stereo line-level audio with 112dB SNR and -93dB THD. Out of the box it works in hardware mode — just pipe I2S audio in with no MCLK or configuration needed. For advanced control, switch to I2C or SPI mode to access software volume, EQ, filtering, and gain settings.\n\nThe PCM5122 accepts 16, 24, or 32-bit audio and automatically determines the correct format from the WSEL/BCLK ratio. It generates its own master clock internally, so no MCLK connection is required. Two MODE pins select between hardware-only, I2C, or SPI configuration. Audio output is line-level through a 3.5mm jack (plus breakout pads), centred on ground and not AC-coupled.\n\nKey Features\n\n\n112dB SNR, -93dB THD – Excellent stereo audio quality from the PCM5122 chip\n\nI2S Input – Just BCLK, WSEL, and DIN (3.3V logic) — no MCLK needed\n\nThree Operating Modes – Hardware (default, zero-config), I2C, or SPI via MODE pins\n\n16/24/32-bit Audio – Automatically detects bit depth from clock ratio\n\n3.5mm Line-Level Output – Plus breakout pads for direct wiring\n\n3–5V Power – Wide supply voltage range\n\nI2S or Left-Justified – Toggle the Format pin to switch modes\n\n\nHardware Mode Controls\n\n\nFilter – Normal or low-latency (pull high)\n\nMute – Pull low to set outputs to ground\n\nDe-emphasis – For 44.1kHz audio (off by default)\n\n3× ATT Gain Pins – Adjustable gain from -6dB to +15dB (see datasheet Table 3)\n\n\nI2C/SPI Mode Controls\nIn I2C or SPI configuration mode, gain/volume, filtering, and de-emphasis are controlled via digital register commands. The hardware Mute pin still functions as expected.\n\n\nNote: This is a line-level output — it cannot drive headphones directly. Use with amplifiers or powered speakers rated for 1K ohm or greater loads.\n\n\nIdeal For\n\nHigh-fidelity audio output from ESP32, RP2350, Raspberry Pi, and other I2S-capable boards\nProjects requiring software-controlled volume, EQ, or gain adjustment\nAudio prototyping on breadboards with the included header\nDriving powered speakers or amplifier inputs from digital audio sources\n\n\nAlso Consider\n\n\nPCM5102 I2S DAC (112dB SNR) – Same audio quality, hardware mode only, lower cost\n\nPCM5100 I2S DAC (100dB SNR) – Good quality, hardware mode only, most affordable\n\n\nPackage Contents\n\n1× PCM5122 I2S Stereo DAC Breakout\n1× Header strip for breadboard use\n","vendor":"Adafruit","product_type":"physical","in_stock":true,"options":[],"variants":[{"id":96,"title":"Default Title","sku":"AF-6421","mpn":"ADA6421","price":14.14,"compare_at_price":0.0,"on_sale":false,"in_stock":true,"available_quantity":100,"option1":"Default Title"}]}