Adafruit PCM5122 I2S DAC with Line Level Output - HW, I2C or SPI

For converting digital I2S audio from your ESP32, RP2350, or Raspberry Pi into analog, the Adafruit PCM5122 I2S DAC offers simplicity and excellence. Experience clean, high-quality stereo audio without the need for an MCLK signal or I2C configuration.

Simply pipe I2S audio into the DAC, and it's ready to use. Default hardware mode is ideal for quick starts, while configuration through I2C or SPI using MODE pins enables volume control, software mute, EQ, and filters.

The PCM5122 boasts impressive audio specs with a 112dB signal-to-noise/dynamic range and -93 dB THD. The breakout simplifies I2S digital audio setup: power it with 3-5VDC, and supply BCLK, WSEL, and DIN lines—3.3V logic only.

By standard, it's set for I2S with optional Left-Justified configuring via Format pin. The chip seamlessly supports 16, 24, or 32-bit audio through WSEL/BCLK ratio detection. No MCLK pin is necessary, as it auto-generates internally, or use MCLK input if preferred.

Additional features include filtering (normal to low-latency switch), de-emphasis for 44.1kHz audio, and a mute function. Three attenuation/gain pins adjust gain from -6dB to +15dB; pin-to-gain settings are detailed in the datasheet.

For I2C/SPI mode, digital register commands manage gain, filtering, and de-emphasis, while the hardware mute pin remains operational. Breakout pads provide direct audio output connections or use the 3.5mm jack. Outputs are at line-level and should connect to a minimum 1K ohm load.

Each order includes one I2S Stereo DAC breakout and headers for breadboard usage. This product facilitates a seamless transition to high-quality analog audio from digital I2S sources.