The Adafruit PCM5122 I2S DAC delivers excellent stereo line-level audio with 112dB SNR and -93dB THD. Out of the box it works in hardware mode — just pipe I2S audio in with no MCLK or configuration needed. For advanced control, switch to I2C or SPI mode to access software volume, EQ, filtering, and gain settings.

The PCM5122 accepts 16, 24, or 32-bit audio and automatically determines the correct format from the WSEL/BCLK ratio. It generates its own master clock internally, so no MCLK connection is required. Two MODE pins select between hardware-only, I2C, or SPI configuration. Audio output is line-level through a 3.5mm jack (plus breakout pads), centred on ground and not AC-coupled.

Key Features

• 112dB SNR, -93dB THD – Excellent stereo audio quality from the PCM5122 chip
• I2S Input – Just BCLK, WSEL, and DIN (3.3V logic) — no MCLK needed
• Three Operating Modes – Hardware (default, zero-config), I2C, or SPI via MODE pins
• 16/24/32-bit Audio – Automatically detects bit depth from clock ratio
• 3.5mm Line-Level Output – Plus breakout pads for direct wiring
• 3–5V Power – Wide supply voltage range
• I2S or Left-Justified – Toggle the Format pin to switch modes

Hardware Mode Controls

• Filter – Normal or low-latency (pull high)
• Mute – Pull low to set outputs to ground
• De-emphasis – For 44.1kHz audio (off by default)
• 3× ATT Gain Pins – Adjustable gain from -6dB to +15dB (see datasheet Table 3)

I2C/SPI Mode Controls

In I2C or SPI configuration mode, gain/volume, filtering, and de-emphasis are controlled via digital register commands. The hardware Mute pin still functions as expected.

Ideal For

• High-fidelity audio output from ESP32, RP2350, Raspberry Pi, and other I2S-capable boards
• Projects requiring software-controlled volume, EQ, or gain adjustment
• Audio prototyping on breadboards with the included header
• Driving powered speakers or amplifier inputs from digital audio sources

Also Consider

• PCM5102 I2S DAC (112dB SNR) – Same audio quality, hardware mode only, lower cost
• PCM5100 I2S DAC (100dB SNR) – Good quality, hardware mode only, most affordable

Package Contents

• 1× PCM5122 I2S Stereo DAC Breakout
• 1× Header strip for breadboard use