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LM386 Audio Amplifier

Here is a simple LM386 based audio amplifier circuit with the author’s prototype shown below.

LM386 based audio amplifier: circuit and working

Circuit diagram of the LM386 based audio amplifier is shown in Fig. 2. It is built around popular amplifier LM386 (IC1), an 8-ohm, one-watt speaker (LS1), four capacitors and a few other components. A 6V battery is used to power this project.

LM386 based audio amplifier author prototype
Fig. 1: Author’s prototype of LM386 based audio amplifier

Four electrolytic capacitors [two 10µF, 16V (C1 and C2) and two 220µF, 16V (C3 and C4)] are used in this circuit. C1 is connected to the middle terminal of 10k potmeter VR1. C2 is connected to pins 1 and 8 of IC1. Pin 5 of IC1 is its output terminal, which is connected to speaker LS1 through C3.

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C4 is connected to the positive terminal of 6V battery and ground. Positive side of 6V is connected to pin 6 of IC1 and the other side to ground terminal to pin 4.

Circuit diagram of the LM386 based audio amplifier
Fig. 2: Circuit diagram of the LM386 based audio amplifier

Inverting pin 2 of IC1 is connected to ground and non-inverting pin 3 is connected to the input terminal through VR1. Audio input is fed to CON1. VR1 is used to control volume.
Construction and testing

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A single-side PCB for LM386 amplifier is shown in Fig. 3 and its component layout in Fig. 4. After assembling the circuit on a PCB, enclose it in a suitable box. Fix connector CON1 on the front panel for input and loudspeaker LS1 at the rear side of the box. Connect VR1 on the front panel for controlling the volume.

PCB pattern of the LM386 based Audio Amplifier
Fig. 3: PCB pattern of the LM386 based Audio Amplifier
Fig. 4: Component layout of the PCB

Download PCB and component layout PDFs: click here

Before using this project, test it using the 6V battery. Connect the 8-ohm, one-watt speaker to output pin 5 of IC1 through C3. Switch on S1 and keep VR1 to its mid position. Now, take a screwdriver and gently touch it on input terminal pin 3 of IC1. You should hear a humming sound from the speaker. This will confirm that your circuit is working and ready to use.

Note. LM386 provides an output of 250 milliwatts to one watt depending on supply voltage and load. Refer its datasheet for details.


Raj K. Gorkhali is a regular contributor to EFY. His interests include designing electronics circuits.

This article was first published on 28 February 2017 and was updated on 17 April 2019.

24 COMMENTS

  1. Hi, This looks like a nice wee project for my young secondary school students. It will be more convenient to have a 9v supply. Do you think this will require any other changes to be made? Regards, Chris

  2. LM386 can work without any problem from 6 – 12 volt. (Refer datasheet). Only make sure the capacitors are of higher voltage (16 volt in the given circuit is fine).
    You will get better sound and more volume with higher voltage

  3. This IC is basically a power amplifier. It is not meant to be used with very high gain. So you can not directly use a microphone to drive this amp. Assuming a power output of 700 mW across 8 ohms, with a gain of 26 dB you need an input signal of roughly 120 mV. A dynamic microphone has an output of about 0.6mV to 1mV. assuming 1mV, you need a pre-amplification of about 100 or 40dB. This can be achieved by a simple two transistor pre-amplifier. Hope this helps.

    • Dear Chinmoy Mitra, a very nice suggestion for this Audio Amplifier. The IC itself, fondly called “The Workhorse IC” by hobbyists, will go on and on for a very long time. LM386N-4 can operate in up to 19VDC supply.Besides being an audio amplifier, this can also be used as Power Converters and DC Drivers. Thank you very much.

  4. Sir I am very much interested in your LM 386 of audio board PCB with LM 386 IC removable mount.How much does the 150 nos of PCB ,s cost and where it is available in Hyderabad sir.

    Kindly provide me the information.
    Thank you.

  5. I already have these components, am going to make up as many as possible for crystal radio projects as well as regenerative shortwave radios. Thank you and hope to see more of these simple projects I have a article by Lance Borden of Borden Radio in the USA of almost the same lay-out.. But I like your layout much better especially the curcuit board version. Steven

  6. Hi sir. I am restoring my 1970’s transistor radio MW/SW receiver. It has AC127 /128 complimentary pairs whereas AC127 has collector to emitter leakage so the hum is very audible. May I replace the entire output stage with LM386 for its 8ohm speaker. Also the unregulated dc voltage comes around 8 volts. Please suggest.

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