Spectrum Shield Hookup Guide (v2)

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Contributors: Toni_K, santaimpersonator
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Introduction

Update: This tutorial is an updated version of the original hookup guide (retired) to make use of the Serial Plotter feature of the Arduino IDE, reduce the setup complexity in the examples, and update some of the format of the content. For users looking for the original tutorial, use the following link: retired version.

Have you ever wanted to have your project react to music? Then this is the product for you! The Spectrum Shield provides your Arduino board with the capability of measuring a stereo audio input across 7 frequency bands. By reading the amplitude of each band with the ADC of your Arduino board, the users can control how attached devices respond to the audio input.

SparkFun Spectrum Shield

SparkFun Spectrum Shield

DEV-13116
$28.95
15

Materials Required

To follow along with this tutorial, we recommend the following items.

SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic

SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic

DEV-15123
$21.50
20
Arduino Stackable Header Kit - R3

Arduino Stackable Header Kit - R3

PRT-11417
$1.75
12
USB Micro-B Cable - 6"

USB Micro-B Cable - 6"

CAB-13244
$2.10
3
Audio Cable TRRS - 1ft

Audio Cable TRRS - 1ft

CAB-14163
$1.60

Required Tools

Some assembly is required for this product. You will need a soldering iron, solder, and/or general soldering accessories to solder on headers to your Spectrum Shield.

Solder Lead Free - 15-gram Tube

Solder Lead Free - 15-gram Tube

TOL-09163
$3.95
4
Soldering Iron - 30W (US, 110V)

Soldering Iron - 30W (US, 110V)

TOL-09507
$10.95
7

Click the button above to toggle a list of accessories that are available from our catalog.

Additional Accessories

Below is a sample selection of our other headers and soldering tools in our catalog that you may be interested in. For a full selection of our available Headers or Soldering Tools, click on the associated link.

Extended GPIO Female Header - 2x20 Pin (16mm/7.30mm)

Extended GPIO Female Header - 2x20 Pin (16mm/7.30mm)

PRT-16763
$2.25
Extended GPIO Female Header - 2x20 Pin (13.5mm/9.80mm)

Extended GPIO Female Header - 2x20 Pin (13.5mm/9.80mm)

PRT-16764
$2.25
Female Headers

Female Headers

PRT-00115
$1.75
8
Arduino Nano Stackable Header Kit

Arduino Nano Stackable Header Kit

PRT-16279
$1.75
Hot Plate Preheater - MHP50-B5 (Brass)

Hot Plate Preheater - MHP50-B5 (Brass)

TOL-26588
$119.95
PINECIL Soldering Iron Kit

PINECIL Soldering Iron Kit

KIT-24063
$69.95
3
PINECIL - Smart Mini Portable Soldering Iron

PINECIL - Smart Mini Portable Soldering Iron

TOL-23913
$35.99
Insulated Silicone Soldering Mat

Insulated Silicone Soldering Mat

TOL-14672
$10.95
9

Suggested Reading

We recommend you be familiar with these resources before continuing on with this hookup guide.

How to Solder: Through-Hole Soldering

This tutorial covers everything you need to know about through-hole soldering.

Serial Communication

Asynchronous serial communication concepts: packets, signal levels, baud rates, UARTs and more!

Connector Basics

Connectors are a major source of confusion for people just beginning electronics. The number of different options, terms, and names of connectors can make selecting one, or finding the one you need, daunting. This article will help you get a jump on the world of connectors.

Analog to Digital Conversion

The world is analog. Use analog to digital conversion to help digital devices interpret the world.

What is an Arduino?

What is this 'Arduino' thing anyway? This tutorials dives into what an Arduino is and along with Arduino projects and widgets.

Installing Arduino IDE

A step-by-step guide to installing and testing the Arduino software on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Integrated Circuits

An introduction to integrated circuits (ICs). Electronics' ubiquitous black chips. Includes a focus on the variety of IC packages.

Analog vs. Digital

This tutorial covers the concept of analog and digital signals, as they relate to electronics.