Sound Source Localisation with MEMS Microphone Array Kit for Pi 5
MEMS Microphone Array Kit: Real-Time Sound Source Localisation on Raspberry Pi 5
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Transform a Raspberry Pi 5 into a 4-channel acoustic camera capable of pinpointing sound sources in real time. Whether you are validating a final-year engineering project, running a research experiment on phased arrays, or preparing a Smart India Hackathon prototype, this kit delivers a complete, lab-ready system out of the box. No separate component hunting, no driver mismatches - just unbox, assemble, and start capturing directional audio.
What You'll Build
A compact, USB-powered microphone array that performs delay-and-sum beamforming. The unit listens to its environment through four MEMS microphones, calculates time differences of arrival, and outputs a live heatmap showing the dominant sound direction. Processed data and raw 48 kHz audio streams are logged to the NVMe SSD, making the setup ideal for offline acoustic analysis and algorithm iteration.
What You'll Learn
- Implement delay-and-sum beamforming algorithms in Python on a Raspberry Pi 5
- Configure the ReSpeaker 4-Mic HAT for simultaneous multi-channel I2S audio capture
- Visualise direction of arrival (DOA) in real time using matplotlib and the onboard GPU
- Optimise NVMe SSD read/write paths for continuous acquisition of acoustic data
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi 5 4GB | 1 |
| ReSpeaker 4-Mic HAT | 1 |
| NVMe SSD 128GB | 1 |
| Pi 5 M.2 HAT+ | 1 |
| USB-C PSU | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
B.Tech ECE and EEE students pursuing digital signal processing or acoustics as their capstone project, participants in Smart India Hackathon tackling sound-based sensing challenges, and researchers at IITs, NITs, and VIT who need a ready-to-deploy phased array. The kit is also ideal for ATL Tinkering Labs guiding advanced students toward real-world signal processing applications.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project - accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code to start a guided session with the AI companion, which understands every component in this kit. If you need human help, reach us on WhatsApp for same-day troubleshooting.
Can I use this kit for a final-year project on sound source separation?
Yes. The beamformer output provides clean directional channels that you can feed into blind source separation algorithms. The AI companion includes an extension guide for implementing DUET and ICA on the captured data.
Does the kit support simultaneous recording from all four microphones?
Yes, the ReSpeaker 4-Mic HAT streams four independent 48 kHz audio channels to the Pi over I2S. Example scripts in the build companion demonstrate synchronised multi-channel capture and time-stamped storage to the SSD.
Is this suitable for outdoor drone-mounted sound localisation?
The hardware can be powered by a portable USB battery, making it possible to mount on a UAV. For outdoor use, consider vibration isolation - the beamforming algorithms remain effective, and the AI companion includes mounting tips and ground-truth recording strategies.
4-element MEMS microphone array on Raspberry Pi 5 performs beamforming and sound source localisation.
What's in this kit
- Raspberry Pi 5 4GB
- ReSpeaker 4-Mic HAT
- NVMe SSD 128GB
- Pi 5 M.2 HAT+
- USB-C PSU
Ask Soldr above what you can build with this — it knows every Compoden kit this part appears in.
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items