The INMP441 is a high-performance, low-power omnidirectional MEMS microphone with a digital I2S audio output.

Unlike analogue microphone modules, the INMP441 integrates a MEMS sensor, signal conditioning, analogue-to-digital converter, anti-aliasing filter, power management and industry-standard 24-bit I2S interface.

This allows the microphone to connect directly to digital processors, DSPs and I2S-compatible microcontrollers without requiring an external audio codec.

It is particularly suitable for ESP32 projects, where the microcontroller's I2S peripheral can receive the microphone's digital audio stream directly.

The INMP441 provides a 61 dBA signal-to-noise ratio, -26 dBFS sensitivity and stable frequency response from 60 Hz to 15 kHz, making it suitable for near-field applications and natural sound capture.

Its low current consumption of approximately 1.4 mA also makes it suitable for portable and battery-powered projects.

Main features

Type: digital microphone module
Microphone: INMP441
Technology: MEMS
Polar pattern: omnidirectional
Output: digital audio
Interface: I2S
Interface resolution: 24-bit
Signal-to-noise ratio: 61 dBA
Sensitivity: -26 dBFS
Frequency response: 60 Hz to 15 kHz
Current consumption: approx. 1.4 mA
PSR: -75 dBFS
Supply voltage: 1.8 to 3.3 V
Channel selection: left or right
Listed compatibility: ESP32 and I2S-compatible processors/microcontrollers
External audio codec: not required
Main application: digital audio capture and processing.

Connections / Pinout

SCK: I2S serial data clock
WS: I2S word select
L/R: left/right channel selection
SD: I2S serial data output
VCC: 1.8 to 3.3 V supply
GND: power ground

With L/R low, the microphone outputs data on the left channel of the I2S frame. With L/R high, it outputs on the right channel.

Recommended applications

ESP32 projects
Voice recognition and voice commands
Digital audio recording
Speech processing
DIY voice assistants
Audio IoT projects
Digital intercom systems
Sound detection systems
DSP analysis and processing
Amateur radio audio-processing projects
Digital audio prototyping

Important note

The INMP441 uses a digital I2S interface. It should not be confused with analogue microphone modules or I2C devices.

The listed supply voltage is 1.8 to 3.3 V. Do not apply 5 V directly to VCC.

Before connection, always confirm the microcontroller logic voltage, pinout, I2S configuration, L/R selection and software compatibility.

The microphone provides a digital output and cannot be connected directly to a conventional analogue microphone input.

This item corresponds only to the INMP441 microphone module. ESP32, Raspberry Pi, microcontroller, cables, power supply and other accessories are not included unless expressly stated otherwise.