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SOP-8 / DIP-8 · NE5532
ActiveDual Low-Noise Op-Amp
NE5532
Texas Instruments · SOP-8 / DIP-8 · Dual Low-Noise Op-Amp
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Overview
The NE5532 is the dual low-noise operational amplifier that defined the modern audio signal path. Originally developed by Signetics and now produced by Texas Instruments, it pairs a low-noise bipolar input stage with a high-output-current class-AB output stage that comfortably drives 600 Ω loads. Equivalent input noise voltage is 5 nV/√Hz typical and maximum at 1 kHz, rising to 8 nV/√Hz at 30 Hz, with input current noise of 0.7 pA/√Hz — figures that still make it the benchmark against which budget audio op-amps are measured.
The device runs from dual supplies of ±5 V to ±15 V per TI's current recommended operating conditions, with ±3 V to ±20 V published across second sources and older revisions; keep the total supply inside the ±18 V absolute maximum. Unity-gain bandwidth is 10 MHz, slew rate 9 V/µs, CMRR 100 dB typical, large-signal gain 25 V/mV to 100 V/mV depending on load, and total supply current is 6 mA typical with a 16 mA maximum at no load. Output short-circuit current is 38 mA and unlimited in duration, which is why the part survives hot-plugging in patch bays. Input bias current is 200 nA typical and 800 nA maximum, so feedback and source impedances should stay below a few kilohms to avoid adding offset and noise.
Two practical notes for designers. The inputs have protection diodes, and TI warns that excessive current flows if a differential input voltage beyond roughly 0.6 V is applied, so add series limiting resistors in circuits that can be plugged with phantom power or a live signal. The SA5532 is the −40 °C to +85 °C industrial version, and the NE5532A/SA5532A grades carry tighter noise limits.
NE5532 is heavily second-sourced: TI (NE5532ADR, NE5532P), STMicroelectronics, onsemi, Nisshinbo/JRC and several Asian fabs all ship pin-compatible parts, which keeps pricing stable but also makes the audio market a magnet for remarked and re-badged die. Inspect laser marking, measure noise in a 60 dB gain jig on a sample, and buy through an authorized channel. MOQ is 1 reel (2,500 pcs SOIC-8) or 100 pcs loose, with 1-2 day dispatch from Shenzhen stock.
Key Features
- 5 nV/√Hz input voltage noise at 1 kHz — the classic audio benchmark
- 10 MHz unity-gain bandwidth with 9 V/µs slew rate
- Drives 600 Ω loads; 38 mA short-circuit current, unlimited duration
- Dual supplies from ±5 V to ±15 V (±18 V absolute maximum)
- Pin-compatible second sources from TI, ST, onsemi and JRC
Typical Applications
- Microphone preamplifiers, mixing consoles and DI boxes
- Line-level buffering, active filters and tone stacks in pro audio
- Headphone amplifiers and DAC output stages
- Low-noise instrumentation front ends and photodiode amplifiers
- Synthesizer VCF/VCA control paths and effects pedals
Specifications
- Number of Channels
- 2
- Supply Voltage (Dual)
- ±3 to ±20 V
- Gain Bandwidth Product
- 10 MHz
- Slew Rate
- 9 V/µs
- Input Noise Voltage Density (1 kHz)
- 5 nV/√Hz
- Input Offset Voltage (Max)
- 4 mV
- Input Bias Current (Typ)
- 200 nA
- Operating Temperature
- 0 to 70 °C
- Pins
- 8
- RoHS
- Compliant
Procurement Tips
For critical audio builds, specify TI NE5532ADR or the SA5532A industrial grade explicitly on the BOM and request a lot-traceable certificate; for high-volume consumer products the second-source parts from ST and onsemi are electrically adequate and materially cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between NE5532 and NE5532A?
Both are the same architecture and pinout. The A grade carries tighter specified limits — in particular it is guaranteed for equivalent input noise voltage, which the base part historically was not — and is the version most audio manufacturers put on the BOM. SA5532/SA5532A are the same parts specified from −40 °C to +85 °C.
How does the NE5532 compare with the OPA2134 or TL072?
The NE5532 has roughly three times lower voltage noise than the OPA2134 (8 nV/√Hz) and about 3.5 times lower than the JFET-input TL072 (18 nV/√Hz), plus far higher output drive. The TL072 wins on input bias current (65 pA versus 200 nA) for very high source impedances, and the OPA2134 wins on distortion figures and FET input impedance. For low-impedance sources under 1 kΩ, the NE5532 usually remains the lowest-noise choice of the three.
Can I run the NE5532 from a single 12 V or 24 V supply?
Yes, if you create a virtual mid-rail reference and AC-couple the signal. The part is specified for dual supplies, so its input common-mode range only extends to about ±13 V of the rails; bias the non-inverting input to VCC/2 with a resistor divider and keep signal swings inside that window. For single-supply-only designs, a rail-to-rail part such as the OPA2350 or NE5534-based topology is simpler.
Why do I need series input resistors on a NE5532?
The input stage has protection diodes between the two bases. TI states that excessive input current flows when a differential voltage beyond approximately 0.6 V is applied. In patch bays, mixer inserts and equipment that can be hot-plugged, a 470 Ω to 1 kΩ resistor in each input leg limits that current and protects the die.
Is the NE5532 counterfeit-prone?
Yes — it is one of the most remarked parts in the audio market because the retail price premium for genuine material is high. Common frauds are sanded and re-lasered JRC or generic die, and parts that meet DC specs but show 20 nV/√Hz noise. Verify laser marking quality, date-code format, lead plating cross-section, and run a noise measurement on a sample lot before releasing production.
What is the MOQ and lead time?
MOQ 1 reel (2,500 pcs SOIC-8) for NE5532ADR or 100 pcs loose for prototyping; PDIP-8 is available in tube quantities. Shenzhen stock ships in 1-2 business days, and TI authorized channel replenishment is typically 5-10 days.
What supply decoupling does the NE5532 need?
Use 100 nF ceramic X7R from each supply pin to ground as close to the package as possible, backed by 10 µF to 47 µF bulk per rail. Because the output stage can deliver tens of milliamps into 600 Ω, poor decoupling shows up immediately as inter-channel crosstalk and motorboating in multi-stage preamps.
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