Very basic arduino/sensor volt question

Using Arduino LEDs and Multiplexing
1

I'm looking for some basic instructions. I'm not trained at all in electronics, only what I've watched through youtube videos and tinkered myself. For the most part I get the gist of a lot of things but some of the simple concepts still are hazy. For example, I started diagramming an idea I had, using the parts I know I have (see below). I noticed that the microphone I have is specifically marked as DC 12V while my arduino is only geared for 3.3 and 5v connections. My brain is sure this is a simple concept however I'm unsure of what to do. Will the 5v connection provide enough to run the sensor do I need an external dc power input.

Also, I know this is an ohms law thing and needs details about the leds themselves, but any suggestions for what resistors I should use for my leds. I believe they are called 5mm.

If your curious. This is called, as labeled, my How-Loud-Is-Lukenator. I'm going to set it to light more lights as the volume increase. Therefore, my son can get a kick out of whispering/yelling at the top of his lungs. lol, good times.

2

The power going to your microphone is probably used to power an amplifier (if it is designed to connect to a speaker) or a 'pre-amplifier' if it is designed to connect to the line input of an amplifier.

Line level inputs take voltages close to 1 Volt so that's fine for an Arduino.

If it's a speaker output then the voltage might be higher.

Do you have a pointer to the schematic or specifications for the microphone?

3

Thanks for commentary and probing questions. Sometimes just knowing the right questions helps me think it through. I went back onto ebay to see what the specs were and wallaa I found sample setups and sample coding. It's called "Sound Sensor Module." I'd forgotten it was made specifically for the arduino so of course it's going to work. Its says <=12V so I'm going to get crackin' and see what I can come up with.