I want my Arduino to do some action when there is a specific volume for some period of time. I need to get the volume from a microphone (would be nice if you could point me to a nice mic that would work).
Can you give me some code or point me to a reference, please?
I would prefer to just connect a simple mic to the arduino instead of getting a shield, because I want this to be as compact as possible and also for a couple other reasons. I just need a working mic and instructions, please.
You can interface mic (I mean common electret mic) directly to arduino, only if on-board AVR chip has an amplifier. I have a project with Leonardo. In case if your arduino with AtMega328 you need an amplifier, at least one low power / high gain transistor with couple resistors and caps. Better OPA.
Sorry to say, but I am a newbie at Arduino. So, can you please give me more specific instructions. I'm really from the software programming world but, I am fine with soldering.