Overview
If you want clean, amplified audio from a Raspberry Pi or microcontroller without extra audio hardware, this breakout is one of the simplest ways to do it. The Adafruit MAX98357A I2S Amp Breakout takes standard I2S digital audio (the same format used inside many modern processors) and handles both jobs in one board: it converts that digital audio into analog and amplifies it to drive a speaker directly. In other words, what normally needs an I2S DAC board + an amplifier board is combined into a single compact breakout.
Unlike analog audio designs that can pick up noise, I2S keeps the signal digital until the final stage, so your project gets clear sound with fewer wiring headaches. You only need the typical I2S pins — Data, Bit Clock, and Left/Right Clock (no MCLK required) — plus power, and you’re ready to play audio files, voice prompts, alarms, and sound effects.
Even though it’s small, the amplifier is surprisingly capable. With a 5V supply and a 4Ω speaker, it can deliver up to 3.2W (at 10% THD). Because it’s a Class-D amplifier, it runs cooler and more efficiently than many linear amps, making it a great fit for portable and battery-powered builds. It also includes protection features like thermal shutdown and over-current protection for safer operation in real-world projects.
This board uses a bridge-tied-load (BTL) speaker output, meaning the speaker connects directly to the two output pins (not to ground). That’s normal for Class-D designs, but it also means you should not feed the output into another amplifier — it’s meant to drive speakers directly.
Specification
Technical details for Adafruit MAX98357A I2S 3W Class D Audio Amplifier Breakout Board
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Type | Mono Class-D amplifier with built-in DAC |
| Audio Input | I2S digital audio (Data, Bit Clock, Left/Right Clock) |
| Output Power | 3.2W @ 4Ω, 10% THD (5V supply); 1.8W @ 8Ω, 10% THD (5V supply) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.7V to 5.5V DC |
| Logic Level Compatibility | 3.3V or 5V I2S logic |
| I2S Sample Rates | 8kHz to 96kHz |
| MCLK Requirement | No MCLK required |
| PSRR | 77 dB typical @ 1kHz |
| Gain Options | 5 pin-selectable gains: 3dB, 6dB, 9dB (default), 12dB, 15dB |
| Speaker Output Type | Bridge-tied-load (BTL) differential output (speaker connects to output pins, not ground) |
| Click/Pop Handling | Click + pop reduction with excellent suppression |
| Protection Features | Thermal shutdown protection, over-current protection |
| Recommended Use | Directly drive a speaker (not designed to feed another amplifier) |
| Compatible Platforms | Raspberry Pi, Arduino Zero, and other I2S-capable microcontrollers/microcomputers |
Pinout
Pinout guide for MAX98357A 3W Class D Audio Amplifier Breakout.
| Pin | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| VIN | Power Input | 2.7V–5.5V DC power supply for the amplifier |
| GND | Ground | Common ground for power and logic |
| DIN | I2S Data In | I2S digital audio data input from microcontroller or SBC |
| BCLK | Bit Clock | I2S bit clock input |
| LRC | Left/Right Clock | I2S word select (left/right channel clock) |
| GAIN | Gain Select | Sets amplifier gain via resistor or direct connection: 3dB, 6dB, 9dB (default), 12dB, or 15dB |
| SD / MODE | Shutdown / Mode | Controls shutdown and channel selection. Default outputs (L+R)/2 mono. Can be configured for Left-only or Right-only output. |
| SPK+ | Speaker Output + | Positive differential speaker output (BTL) |
| SPK− | Speaker Output − | Negative differential speaker output (BTL) |
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