WM8960 Audio HAT for Raspberry Pi

If you love to work with Electronics, but have always found audio to be the trickiest part, then you will be delighted with the introduction of the WM8960 Audio HAT for Raspberry Pi, which is a fantastic little expansion module for Raspberry Pi Boards that conveniently adds stereo audio playback and recording in one of the easiest ways known to Makers. And of course, just to make your life as a Maker as easy as possible, these Pi HATs also include a set of 8Ω 5W speakers with a JST-PH2.0 connector so that you don’t even need to find your own to use with this module.

The WM8960 Audio HAT features all of the important parts to deliver great quality low power stereo audio for your projects, and can be integrated within minutes by simply plugging the module into the top of a Raspberry Pi before installing the necessary drivers and testing to see if it works. This is arguably one of the easiest ways to add quality Audio to a Pi project, even offering the option to connect the left and right speakers up separately, or via a single 4-pin JST-PH2.0 connector – which is the same connector that the included 8Ω 5W speakers use.

Typical Applications for WM8960 Audio HAT for Raspberry Pi:

If you love to work with Electronics and Raspberry Pi, but don’t have the time or inclination to figure out all of the complexities of audio recording and playback, then this WM8960 Audio HAT for Raspberry Pi is the perfect solution for you. And instead of focusing on complicated audio, you can get straight to the important work that you love most, enjoying projects like:

• Adding audio to your little robotic buddy, so it can keep you updated on important news, or even reply when you  shout at it  tell it that you love it.
• Integrating sound effects and music into your custom Game Arcade machine or personalised handheld console.
• Adding value to the world by creating an amazing project like the amazing “HANDTALK” Sign-Language Translator.

These are just a few great ideas on how to use the WM8960 Audio HAT for Raspberry Pi, but of course you can always just choose to use it for simple audio too.

Additional Resources:

• Official WM8960 Audio HAT Wiki page, featuring the user manual, schematics, datasheet for the WM8960 Stereo CODEC, as well as demo code for getting started.

When it comes to producing unique electronics components and modules, there are very few brands that can provide the quality that Waveshare can. Based in the Futian District in Shenzhen, China, Waveshare are experts in developing electronics to a high standard of quality, which have been thoroughly tested to work seamlessly with corresponding development platforms and systems – such as the E-Ink HATs for Raspberry Pi’s.

What we love most about Waveshare is how they are dedicated to providing quality products, and have moved away from the typical “Made in China” stigma – cheap products with cheap parts and components. Instead, Waveshare understand the value of supplying quality products and building sustainable relationships with international resellers and distributors. They know that consistent quality will result in consistent business, and as such they always ensure strict quality control for each and every product that comes out of the manufacturing plant.

We are always excited to peruse through their vast catalogue of exciting new products to find unique modules, components or even entire development boards that are designed with quality in mind. Because we know that every cent that we spend with Waveshare will be well-spent, with each product that order adding real value to our own catalogue of products.