FFT vs MSGEQ7 chip

Projects Programming
1

Has anyone used a software based FFT or experience of software FFT vs the MSGEQ7 chip?

Thanks

Steve

2

Yes to both, millions of people.

3

I haven't used either one but if 7-bands are enough and the fixed frequency bands are OK, the MSGEQ7 has somes of advantages...

FFT is software-intensive and the MSGEQ7 frees-up the processor to do other things. i.e. If you are using addressable LEDs, that can also be software-intensive. And it makes your code a LOT simpler.

The MSGEQ7 can also accept a regular AC audio signal whereas the direct ADC input has to be biased (because it can't read the negative half of the waveform).

4

Well the data sheet I found is from 2004, which means I've been overlooking this chip for at least 17 years.

Now I know what to ask for when my birthday rolls up.

a7

5

A few years ago I tried to use several FFT libraries but without success - maybe I'm dumb to figure out how to use them. However, everything works with MSGEQ7 and the program has become simpler.

6

Thanks for the replies people, looks like the MSGEQ7 is best.

Steve

7

It depends what you want of it.
A word of caution before you buy. There are some fake chips on the market, and by fake I mean chips with nothing inside. I was talking to the owner of SparkFun at the 2011 New York maker faire, and he told me he ordered a reel of them and they didn't work. When they got them x-rayed there was nothing inside. So get them from a reputable dealer like SparkFun.

Here is a video of a stereo version I made for the Raspberry Pi.
Spectrum Display

And this is what I did with it later, used the data to make dancing skeletons for a Halloween project.
Danse Macabre

8

This topic was automatically closed 180 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.