Summary of HOW-TO: Music Reactive Desk Light
This article guides users in building a music-reactive desk light using an Arduino Nano, a sound detector module, and addressable LED strips. The project converts audio signals into dynamic lighting effects suitable for gaming or ambient decoration, utilizing a 12V-to-5V power setup and an IKEA Droppar jar for housing.
Parts used in the Music Reactive Desk Light:
- Arduino Nano (or any equally small Arduino type)
- Sound Detector Module
- 5 volt power supply (or 12 volt with stepdown module)
- Individually Addressable LED strips (60 leds per meter)
- The tallest IKEA Droppar jar
- A small length of PVC pipe
- Step down module
Hi! In this build we’ll make a good looking light that dances to all sounds and music, using simple components and some basic Arduino programming. It makes an awesome effect while standing on the desk when gaming, playing music, and anything else that makes sound really. Let’s get going!
(Click here to download schematic)
STEP 1: MAIN SUPPLIES
First things first: what kind of supplies do we need and what do they cost? Well, they are largely optional, and can be made with much improvisation. Even so, some key items are needed if you want to follow this guide:
- Arduino Nano (or any equally small Arduino type) (3$ buy link)
- Sound Detector Module (1$ buy link)
- 5 volt power supply (or 12 volt with this stepdown module, as I’ll be doing it here)
- Individually Addressable LED strips 60 leds per. meter (buy link)
Depending on the look you want, you might want to arrange the strips differently or diffuse the light in another way. This is where you can be creative. If you like my approach, I used the following items:
- The tallest IKEA Droppar jar (IKEA Link)
- A small length of PVC pipe.
All things considered I spent around 30$, where the LED strips were by far the most expensive part.
STEP 2: POWERING THE COMPONENTS
The star of the show is the sound detector module. This will provide an analog signal to the Arduino, which we can use to (hopefully) cleverly light the RGB lights. To be able to do this, we need to power both devices. Luckily they both require a 5 volt input. I am using a step down module to step down from 12 volts to 5 volts, but it would be easier to use a 5 volt power source directly. Wire the VIN on the Arduino and on the sound detector board to the positive input. Then wire the GND on the Arduino and the detector to the negative. Look at the black and the red wires on the attached schematic. We also need to hook the positive and negative input on the LED-strip to the power source.
Read more: HOW-TO: Music Reactive Desk Light
-
What components are needed to build this music reactive light?
You need an Arduino Nano, a Sound Detector Module, a 5 volt or 12 volt power supply with a stepdown module, individually addressable LED strips, an IKEA Droppar jar, and a small length of PVC pipe. -
Can I use a 12 volt power source instead of 5 volts?
Yes, you can use a 12 volt power source by adding a step down module to convert it to 5 volts for the components. -
How does the sound detector module interact with the LEDs?
The sound detector module provides an analog signal to the Arduino, which is used to control the RGB lights based on sound. -
What voltage do the Arduino and sound detector board require?
Both the Arduino and the sound detector board require a 5 volt input to operate. -
Which parts were the most expensive in this project?
The LED strips were by far the most expensive part of the project. -
How should I wire the positive inputs for the components?
You must wire the VIN on the Arduino and the positive input on the sound detector board to the positive input of the power source. -
Is it possible to customize the look of the light?
Yes, you can arrange the strips differently or diffuse the light in another way depending on the look you want. -
What is the estimated total cost for this build?
The author spent around 30 dollars for all the supplies required to complete the build.
