Audio Reactive LED System

A hardware system that performs real-time audio analysis and translates frequency data into LED animations. Built around a Teensy microcontroller with an audio shield for low-latency DSP processing.

Why it was built

Off-the-shelf audio visualizers either lack detail or require complex software stacks. A hardware-native approach offers lower latency and more physical flexibility.

The idea

Process audio signals on a Teensy microcontroller and drive addressable LEDs directly based on frequency band analysis.

How it was built

Teensy 4.1 with Teensy Audio Shield for analog input and FFT processing. FastLED library controls addressable LED strips. Custom FFT band mappings tune the visual response.

Current state

Working prototype with real-time frequency-reactive LED output. Bass and high-frequency bands mapped to distinct visual behaviors.

Next steps

Enclosure design. Multiple LED zones. Configurable sensitivity via hardware knobs.