Is the Waveshare WM8960 Audio Module compatible with Raspberry Pi and STM32?

Yes, the Waveshare WM8960 Audio Module is fully compatible with Raspberry Pi, STM32, and other microcontrollers that support I2S and I2C interfaces. Waveshare provides comprehensive development resources and manual examples specifically for STM32 to help you start playing and recording audio quickly.

How does this module differ from a standard USB microphone?

This module communicates directly with your microcontroller's hardware pins via I2S and I2C, whereas a USB microphone requires a full USB host controller and operating system drivers. The WM8960 provides much lower latency and is ideal for embedded systems and bare-metal programming where USB overhead is not desired.

Do I need an external amplifier to use the included speakers?

No, you do not need an external amplifier to use the included 8Ω 5W speakers. The Waveshare WM8960 Audio Module features a built-in 1W per channel speaker driver that powers the included dual speaker unit directly from the board's SPK interface.

Can I get technical advice for my DIY audio project at your store?

Yes, you can bring your DIY audio project ideas to Sun Cheong Computer Co. Ltd. (新昌電腦有限公司) in Sham Shui Po for expert advice. Our technical staff can help you verify your I2S wiring and ensure your 3.3V power supply is stable enough to drive the CODEC without distortion.

Can I use the onboard MEMS mic and an external earphone mic at the same time?

No, you generally cannot record from both the onboard MEMS microphone and an external 3.5mm headset microphone simultaneously. The WM8960 CODEC multiplexer requires you to select which audio input source to route to the ADC via your I2C control software.

Waveshare WM8960 Audio Module | I2S CODEC + 5W Speaker

Name: Waveshare WM8960 Audio Module | I2S CODEC + 5W Speaker
Brand: Waveshare
SKU: 21PS002654
Price: 185.0 HKD
Availability: InStock

Short Product Description

The Waveshare WM8960 Stereo CODEC Audio Module is a high-fidelity sound board designed for DIY audio playback and recording in STEM and IoT projects. Featuring a built-in MEMS microphone, a 3.5mm earphone jack, and an included 8Ω 5W dual speaker unit, it connects seamlessly to microcontrollers via I2S and I2C interfaces. Available for instant pickup at Sun Cheong Computer Co. Ltd.(新昌電腦有限公司) in Sham Shui Po, our staff provides expert technical advice to help you integrate this module with your STM32 or Raspberry Pi development boards.

Key Features

Advanced WM8960 CODEC: Delivers high-quality stereo audio processing with 98dB DAC SNR and 94dB ADC SNR for crystal-clear sound.
Dual Audio Interfaces: Utilizes I2S for high-speed audio data transfer and I2C for reliable control parameter configuration.
Integrated MEMS Microphone: Allows for immediate environmental sound recording without needing to wire external microphone modules.
Direct Speaker Drive: Features a 1W per channel driver and includes a plug-and-play 8Ω 5W dual speaker unit for instant audio output.
Broad Sampling Rate Support: Compatible with 8, 11.025, 22.05, 44.1, and 48KHz sampling rates to handle diverse WAV audio files.
3.5mm 4-Segment Jack: Supports standard headsets with microphones for private listening and external voice input.

Full Product Description

High-Fidelity Audio Playback and Recording for STEM

The Waveshare WM8960 Stereo CODEC Audio Module delivers crisp, low-noise stereo sound for both playback and recording in custom microcontroller projects. By utilizing the advanced WM8960 CODEC chip, this board achieves an impressive DAC SNR of 98dB and an ADC SNR of 94dB. This ensures your DIY audio systems produce clear, high-fidelity sound without the static interference commonly found in lower-end audio modules.

Versatile I2S and I2C Interface Integration

This Stereo Audio Module utilizes the industry-standard I2S audio interface and I2C control interface for seamless communication with your mainboard. Whether you are building an internet radio with a Raspberry Pi or a voice-activated assistant using an STM32, the Waveshare WM8960 provides reliable, high-speed data transfer. It supports common sampling rates from 8KHz up to 48KHz, making it highly adaptable for various WAV audio formats and 3D surround sound effects.

Built-in MEMS Microphone and 3.5mm Jack

The Waveshare WM8960 Audio Board features a high-quality onboard MEMS silicon microphone for immediate, out-of-the-box sound recording. If your project requires a private headset, the standard 3.5mm 4-segment earphone jack allows you to plug in external earphones equipped with a microphone. This dual-input capability makes the module perfect for developing two-way communication devices or custom intercom systems.

Powerful 1W Speaker Driver with Included Speakers

This CODEC Module features a robust onboard dual-channel speaker interface capable of driving 1W per channel (8Ω BTL) directly. To get you started immediately without sourcing extra parts, the package includes a dedicated 8Ω 5W dual speaker unit that plugs straight into the board. This built-in amplification eliminates the need for external audio amplifiers, saving valuable space and wiring complexity in your custom electronic builds.

Pro Tip from Our Technicians

To prevent audio distortion, our Sham Shui Po technical team strongly advises ensuring your microcontroller can supply a highly stable 3.3V power source, as voltage drops will severely impact the WM8960 CODEC's performance. When wiring the I2S interface, you must keep your jumper wires as short as possible to minimize clock signal degradation and audio stuttering.

Technical Specifications

Product Type: Stereo CODEC Audio Module
Audio CODEC Chip: WM8960
Operating Voltage: 3.3V DC
Control Interface: I2C
Audio Interface: I2S
Supported Audio Format: WAV
DAC Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 98dB
ADC Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 94dB
Earphone Driver Output: 40mW (16Ω at 3.3V)
Speaker Driver Output: 1W per channel (8Ω BTL)
Included Accessory: 8Ω 5W dual speaker unit

Delivery Options

Local delivery within Hong Kong and in-store pickup.
Free shipping for orders of HK$400 or above; HK$35 shipping fee for orders below HK$400.
Shipped by SF Express, usually dispatched the same day for orders confirmed before 6:00 PM (Mon–Sat).
Estimated delivery time: 1–3 business days after dispatch (Hong Kong).
In-store pickup details (location and time) will be confirmed by email or phone message.
Delivery times are estimates and may be affected by weather or unforeseen circumstances.

FAQ Section

Is the Waveshare WM8960 Audio Module compatible with Raspberry Pi and STM32?Yes, the Waveshare WM8960 Audio Module is fully compatible with Raspberry Pi, STM32, and other microcontrollers that support I2S and I2C interfaces. Waveshare provides comprehensive development resources and manual examples specifically for STM32 to help you start playing and recording audio quickly.
How does this module differ from a standard USB microphone?This module communicates directly with your microcontroller's hardware pins via I2S and I2C, whereas a USB microphone requires a full USB host controller and operating system drivers. The WM8960 provides much lower latency and is ideal for embedded systems and bare-metal programming where USB overhead is not desired.
Do I need an external amplifier to use the included speakers?No, you do not need an external amplifier to use the included 8Ω 5W speakers. The Waveshare WM8960 Audio Module features a built-in 1W per channel speaker driver that powers the included dual speaker unit directly from the board's SPK interface.
Can I get technical advice for my DIY audio project at your store?Yes, you can bring your DIY audio project ideas to Sun Cheong Computer Co. Ltd. (新昌電腦有限公司) in Sham Shui Po for expert advice. Our technical staff can help you verify your I2S wiring and ensure your 3.3V power supply is stable enough to drive the CODEC without distortion.
Can I use the onboard MEMS mic and an external earphone mic at the same time?No, you generally cannot record from both the onboard MEMS microphone and an external 3.5mm headset microphone simultaneously. The WM8960 CODEC multiplexer requires you to select which audio input source to route to the ADC via your I2C control software.

Target Users / Applications

IoT Developers: Building custom voice-activated smart home assistants that require high-fidelity microphone input and speaker output.
STEM Educators & Students: Learning digital audio processing, I2S protocols, and WAV file playback using STM32 development boards.
DIY Arcade Builders: Adding compact, high-quality stereo sound effects and background music to miniature Raspberry Pi arcade cabinets.