Sound Sensors
Sound sensor modules (KY-037, KY-038) — a microphone with a comparator that reacts to claps, noise and sound level. For clap-activated lights, sound-activated toys and sound level indicators.
Sound Sensors — buying guide
A sound sensor detects the ambient sound level with a microphone. The Sound Sensors category is for simple sound-triggered projects: the module does not record audio, it only measures its intensity.
What to look for
- Variants: Sound sensor modules come in KY-030 (small microphone), KY-037 (large microphone) and LM393 (blue board) versions. For sounds farther away, choose the KY-037 with the large microphone.
- Threshold: the trimmer screw on the board sets the trigger threshold. When the sound exceeds this level, the digital output changes state.
- Analog output: to measure sound level, connect a version with analog output to an analog pin of your board.
- Reading speed: to catch short sounds like a clap, do not use long delays in your code.
Typical projects
- A lamp that turns on when you clap.
- A panel that shows sound level with LEDs.
- A light that indicates when noise in a classroom or room exceeds a set limit.
Related categories
Can this module record sound or recognize speech?
No. The module only outputs sound intensity. For recording audio or recognizing speech, you need a different microphone and a more powerful processor.
The module outputs a constant signal, what can I do?
The threshold is set too low. Turn the screw on the module until the LED turns off in silence, then test again with sound.
