WM8960 Audio HAT for Raspberry Pi
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The WM8960 Audio HAT is a compact sound card add-on board designed to bring high-fidelity stereo audio playback and recording capabilities to Raspberry Pi single-board computers via the I2S digital interface. It uses the Wolfson WM8960 CODEC chip to deliver clean stereo output and microphone input with 3D surround processing, making it a notable step up from the Pi's limited onboard audio. Overall it offers solid audio quality and broad compatibility at an accessible price point, though it does require some software configuration to get running.
Key Features & Specs
| Audio CODEC | Wolfson WM8960 stereo CODEC with Hi-Fi playback and recording support |
|---|---|
| Interface | I2S digital audio interface for low-noise, high-quality signal transmission |
| Compatibility | Raspberry Pi Zero, Zero W, Zero WH, 2B, 3B, and 3B+ |
| Audio Features | Stereo playback, stereo recording, and 3D surrounding sound enhancement |
| Connectivity | 40-pin GPIO header connection with onboard 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks |
| Power | Powered directly through the Raspberry Pi GPIO header, no external power required |
| Setup | Requires driver installation and I2S configuration via Raspbian or compatible Linux OS |
Best for: Raspberry Pi enthusiasts, makers, and hobbyists who need reliable stereo audio input and output for projects such as media players, voice assistants, or digital radio applications.