SparkFun Spectrum Shield

SparkFun Spectrum Shield

Do you want to make an LED equalizer project that changes according to the sound of music? Do you need to do sound analysis for your project? The SparkFun Spectrum Shield is exactly for you.

Thanks to the MSGEQ7 ICs on it, the Spectrum Shield allows you to input audio to your Arduino® board and split this signal into 7 channels. By reading the intensity of each frequency band from the analog inputs of your Arduino®, you can drive your LEDs and run motors according to these values. You can easily use it in your projects that will work to the rhythm of the music.

There are 2 MSGEQ7 ICs on the shield. One of them is connected to the A0 pin, and the other is connected to the A1 pin. The D4 pin is the strobe, and the D5 pin is the reset pin. The strobe pin is used to select which frequency base will be worked on. For detailed usage information, you can read the article at this link.

The board features two 3.5 mm stereo audio connections for audio input and output. Thus, you can use your Arduino® by connecting it between your audio source and your speaker/headphones.

MSGEQ7 Frequency Graph

Note: The shield is shipped without header pins soldered on it. You need to purchase the headers separately and solder them yourself.

SparkFun Spectrum Shield Technical Specifications:

• Features 2 x MSGEQ7 chips.
• 2 x 3.5 mm stereo connectors (input-output).
• Channel Frequencies: 63Hz – 160Hz – 400Hz – 1kHz – 2.5kHz – 6.24kHz – 16kHz
• Analog Pins Used: A0 - A1
• Control Pins: D4 - D5 (strobe and reset)

Products That Can Be Used Together:

• Development Boards Compatible with Arduino
• Arduino® UNO R3
• Shield Types Compatible with Arduino
• Super Soldering Kit
• Headers

Documents & Useful Links:

• Schematic
• Board Schematic (Eagle)
• Hookup Guide
• DEMO Code
• MSGEQ7 Datasheet
• GitHub Page (Sample code and design files)