SparkFun
SparkFun Spectrum Shield
The SparkFun Spectrum Shield splits a stereo audio input into 7 frequency bands per channel using two MSGEQ7 graphic equaliser ICs. Read the amplitude of eac...
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The SparkFun Spectrum Shield splits a stereo audio input into 7 frequency bands per channel using two MSGEQ7 graphic equaliser ICs. Read the amplitude of each band via your Arduino's ADC to create sound-reactive projects — from LED visualisers and light shows to sound-activated motors, relays, and more.
The shield features two 3.5 mm (1/8″) stereo jacks: one for audio input and one as a pass-through output, allowing you to connect it in-line between your audio source and speakers without interruption. Updated to the Arduino R3 layout.
Key Features
- Dual MSGEQ7 ICs – 7-band frequency analysis on both left and right channels
- Stereo Input – 3.5 mm jack for audio source connection
- Pass-Through Output – 3.5 mm jack to forward audio to speakers/headphones
- Arduino R3 Layout – Standard shield form factor
- ADC Readable – Band amplitudes read directly via Arduino analogue pins
Ideal For
- Audio visualisers and LED light shows
- Sound-reactive art installations
- Music pattern detection
- Sound-activated projects (motors, relays, lighting)
Package Contents
- 1× SparkFun Spectrum Shield (headers not included)
Resources
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- ADC
- An analogue-to-digital converter reads a changing voltage and turns it into a number the microcontroller can use. It matters when connecting analogue sensors such as light, sound, or variable-resistor sensors.
- Headers
- Rows of connector contacts on a fixed pitch (commonly 2.54 mm) used to link a board to a breadboard, jumper wires, or another board. They come as male pin headers and female socket headers; when a module ships with pre-soldered headers it can be used straight away, whereas bare pads require soldering the pins yourself.
- LED
- A light-emitting diode (LED) is a small electronic component that emits light when current flows through it in the correct direction. Because it only conducts one way, its polarity matters, and a through-hole LED must be soldered the correct way around to light up.
- Shield
- An add-on board that plugs into a main controller board to give it extra features such as sensing, motor control or communication. Knowing a product supports shields helps you judge whether it can connect neatly into an existing maker-board setup.
Find this product in
Audio & Video
Brands
Spectrum Shield Schematic
Schematic · 91.3 KB · Click any page to view full size
MSGEQ7 Datasheet
Datasheet · 145.5 KB · Click any page to view full size
MSGEQ7 Application Notes
Datasheet · 181.5 KB · Click any page to view full size
Supplier page — sparkfun.com
Supplier Description · 810.0 KB · Click any page to view full size
Resources & Downloads
Guides, code examples, and more
Source Code
Open-source libraries, firmware & example projects for this product
Spectrum Shield for Arduino, available from SparkFun Electronics.
192ccfc
about 6 years ago
· 32 commits
- Firmware Update Notation over 6 years ago
- Hardware Fixed QC Checklist Items about 11 years ago
- Production deleted old panel, created new v16 panel about 11 years ago
- .gitattributes Updating README to new product links, adding example sketch over 11 years ago
- .gitignore Updating README to new product links, adding example sketch over 11 years ago
- LICENSE.md updating readme, adding license file over 10 years ago
- README.md Update README.md about 6 years ago
Related Tutorials
Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au
