Sound Sensor Module KY-038 KY-037 for Arduino – Analog & Digital
Sound Sensor Detection Module for Arduino, AVR & PIC – KY-038 / KY-037
Add reliable sound detection to your next electronics project with this high-sensitivity microphone voice sound sensor module. Compatible with Arduino, AVR, and PIC microcontrollers, this compact SMD module delivers both analog (AO) and digital (DO) outputs — making it incredibly versatile for alarms, sound-activated lighting, noise monitoring, and more.
Built around the trusted LM393 comparator chip and featuring an electret condenser microphone, it detects ambient sound levels with precision and responds with single-channel signal output. Whether you're a beginner building your first Arduino alarm system or an experienced maker, this module is a plug-and-play solution ready for your breadboard or PCB.
Made in Mainland China.
Key Features
- Dual Output: Analog output (AO) provides real-time voltage signal; Digital output (DO) switches HIGH/LOW when sound exceeds a set threshold
- LM393 Comparator Chip: Stable, accurate threshold detection with adjustable sensitivity via onboard potentiometer
- High-Sensitivity Electret Condenser Microphone: Reliably picks up sound events for trigger-based applications
- Wide Voltage Range: Works with DC 4–6V operating input; VCC supply range 3V–24V
- LED Indicators: Two red LEDs — one for power status, one that lights when sound is detected
- 3mm Mounting Hole: Easy and secure installation in enclosures or project panels
- Single-Channel Signal Output: Clean, straightforward interface for any microcontroller project
- SMD Package: Compact, lightweight form factor ideal for embedded builds
Interface Definition
- AO – Analog output (real-time microphone voltage signal)
- DO – Digital output (comparator threshold output, HIGH/LOW)
- VCC – Power supply input (3V–24V)
- GND – Ground
Sample Arduino Code
Digital Output Example
int Led = 13; // LED interface
int buttonpin = 3; // D0 sensor interface
int val;
void setup() {
pinMode(Led, OUTPUT);
pinMode(buttonpin, INPUT);
}
void loop() {
val = digitalRead(buttonpin);
if (val == HIGH) {
digitalWrite(Led, HIGH);
} else {
digitalWrite(Led, LOW);
}
}
Analog Output Example
int sensorPin = A5;
int ledPin = 13;
int sensorValue = 0;
void setup() {
pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
Serial.begin(9600);
}
void loop() {
sensorValue = analogRead(sensorPin);
digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
delay(sensorValue);
digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
delay(sensorValue);
Serial.println(sensorValue, DEC);
}
Specifications
- Model: KY-038 / KY-037
- Main Chip: LM393
- Microphone Type: Electret condenser
- Supply Voltage: DC 4–6V (operating); VCC 3V–24V
- Package: SMD
- Mounting Hole: 3mm
- Output Types: Analog + Digital
- Origin: Made in Mainland China
What's in the Box
- 1 × Voice Sound Sensor Module (KY-038 / KY-037)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the KY-038 and KY-037 sound sensor modules?
A: Both the KY-038 and KY-037 are microphone sound sensor modules based on the LM393 comparator chip and deliver analog and digital outputs. The primary difference lies in microphone sensitivity — the KY-037 typically features a larger, higher-sensitivity microphone capsule for picking up quieter sounds, while the KY-038 is designed for general-purpose sound detection. Both are fully compatible with Arduino, AVR, and PIC microcontrollers.
Q: Can I use this sound sensor module with a 3.3V microcontroller like a Raspberry Pi or ESP32?
A: Yes. The VCC power input supports a range of 3V–24V, making it compatible with both 3.3V and 5V systems including ESP32, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi (via GPIO), and standard Arduino boards. Always check your specific board's current limits when wiring the module.
Q: How do I adjust the detection sensitivity of the sound sensor?
A: The module features an onboard potentiometer (trim pot) that you can turn with a small screwdriver to raise or lower the sound threshold. Rotating it changes the voltage reference point of the LM393 comparator, so the digital output (DO) triggers at a higher or lower sound level. The analog output (AO) always reflects the raw microphone signal regardless of the threshold setting.