Audio output with Jetson Nano?

Autonomous Machines Jetson & Embedded Systems Jetson Nano
1

Hello there,

for my project, it’s important for my Jetson Nano to output audio (voice commands and such things), but don’t know how to build this feature into a portable system. So here are my main questions:

  1. How do I even implement playing of audio in my Python code? Are there any libraries which can help me? The only library I know for playing sounds is PyGame, but I don't want to use it since then the rest of the program must also be configured to work with PyGame.
  2. How do I achieve sound output in terms of hardware on the Jetson Nano? Since it doesn't have a 3.5mm audio jack, you need to go with something different. I had the idea to use the HDMI output with an VGA/Audio jack adapter, but with that, the sound output is only availible when a VGA cable is connected. This is a problem because in the robot I want this to impement in has no display. Has somebody got any ideas for this?

Thanks for your answers in advance!

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2

If you have a HDMI display that decodes the audio, that’s the easiest way.
If not, you’d want to buy a USB headphone adapter, and take the audio out of that.
Most USB audio adapters will work with the built-in USB Audio class drivers.

To play audio, you generally use a higher-level API like PulseAudio or gStreamer, you don’t talk to the device directly.
You could for example use “pulsesink” using a gstreamer pipeline: pulsesink

3

Hi,

If you decide on USB audio, the Behringer UMC series has served me well. Each model has its own personality (TRS vs XLR, MIDI Y or N, etc) and the UMC series stands up to much more costly devices - in my opinion.

4

Hi,

Anyone have tried the I2S connection for audio output?

Thanks

5

Yes, tried with adafruit bonnet. Does not boot. Came here looking for an alternative

6

Hi, I ended up using an external USB soundcard as originally suggested by @snarky. Works perfectly to this day!
You can use any type you want, for me this one worked well: https://www.amazon.de/UGREEN-Externe-Soundkarte-Adapter-Klinke-Buchse/dp/B06XP5R449/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&keywords=Externe%20USB%20Soundkarte&language=en_GB&qid=1563344977&s=gateway&sr=8-7

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