MAX98357A I2S 3W Class D Digital Audio Amplifier Breakout
MAX98357A I2S 3W Class D Digital Audio Amplifier – Crystal Clear Audio for Makers & Builders
Upgrade your DIY audio projects with the MAX98357A I2S 3W Class D Amplifier Breakout Board — a compact, plug-and-play digital audio solution designed for Raspberry Pi, ESP32, Arduino, and other microcontroller or development board platforms. Featuring an integrated I2S DAC decoder, this board delivers crisp, high-fidelity sound output with minimal external components required. Made in Mainland China.
Key Features
- Output Power: 3.2W at 4Ω (THD 10%) | 1.8W at 8Ω (THD 10%)
- I2S Sampling Rate: 8 kHz – 96 kHz for wide audio format compatibility
- Adjustable Class D Amplifier Gain: 3 dB / 6 dB / 9 dB / 12 dB / 15 dB
- No Master Clock (MCLK) Required — simplifies integration
- Plug & Play: Single power supply; auto-configures 35 different clocks and 128 digital audio formats
- Supply Voltage: DC 2.5V – 5.5V (VCC)
- Compact Size: 19.1 × 17.7 mm — ideal for space-constrained builds
- Material: Plastic + Metal
Pin Reference
- LRC: Left/Right clock (I2S / LJ mode) / sync clock (TDM mode)
- BCLK: Bit clock input
- DIN: Digital audio input signal
- GAIN: Gain & channel selection (fixed at 12 dB in TDM mode)
- GND: Ground / power return
- VCC: Positive power supply (DC 2.5V – 5.5V)
Perfect For
- Robot voice systems and DIY audio builds
- Raspberry Pi, ESP32, and Arduino audio output projects
- Smart home devices, IoT systems, and development board prototypes
- Hobbyists, engineers, and makers who demand clean, efficient audio
What's in the Box
- 1 × MAX98357A I2S 3W Class D Amplifier Breakout Board
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the MAX98357A amplifier board compatible with Raspberry Pi and ESP32?
A: Yes! The MAX98357A I2S Class D amplifier breakout board is fully compatible with Raspberry Pi, ESP32, Arduino, and most other microcontrollers or development boards that support I2S audio output. It requires no master clock (MCLK), making integration straightforward.
Q: What power supply does the MAX98357A board require?
A: The board operates on a single DC power supply ranging from 2.5V to 5.5V, making it easy to power directly from a standard 3.3V or 5V microcontroller supply without additional regulation.
Q: What gain settings are available on this Class D amplifier?
A: The MAX98357A supports five selectable gain levels: 3 dB, 6 dB, 9 dB, 12 dB, and 15 dB, configurable via the GAIN pin. In TDM mode, the gain is fixed at 12 dB.
Q: What audio formats does this I2S DAC decoder support?
A: The board auto-configures up to 128 digital audio formats across 35 different clocks, supporting I2S sampling rates from 8 kHz to 96 kHz — covering everything from voice audio to high-quality stereo playback.
Production & Packaging Notice
To maintain high stock availability and fast shipping times, our items are sourced from multiple verified manufacturing facilities. While the core quality, materials, and product specifications remain identical, you may notice slight variations in the packaging design, manufacturing origin, or the wording of the printed instructions.