My passions for technology, art, and music have in the past led me to create lighting setups that were at least partially controlled by audio input. Therefore, I have decided to again run with this love of art and music and create what I decided should be called a “sound cloud”. This will be taking my existing experience with audio controlled LEDs and take it to a new level, adding some new challenges along the way.
This device will consist of a box coated in cotton balls which each contain an LED. Unfortunately, such an aesthetic will likely appear to be some sort of middle schooler’s arts and crafts project until it is turned on or opened up. The inside will contain a microcontroller, power distribution, audio break outs, and a small speaker system. The rear will contain a single RGB LED to indicate status and modes. Also of note is the budget for this project will attempt to maximize quality of components as I intend on making something of lasting utility. A basic drawn explanation is shown below.
I have already attained plenty of cotton balls as they are pretty easy to come by. I tested their diffuse with some LEDs I already posses and was happy with the result. I have also begun browsing for assorted parts and attempted to determine a suitable internal structure for the box (which as of now, a shoe box seems to be the best in terms of time to attain balanced with utility and robustness).
My prior experience in audio controlled LEDs is shown as a part of this project: https://github.com/MikaylaFischler/dorm-leds
Control and Logic
Microcontroller (180MHz): Teensy 3.6 [https://www.sparkfun.com/products/14058]
Audio Amplifier for Internal Speakers: Stereo 20W Class D Audio Amplifier [https://www.adafruit.com/product/1752]
7-band Audio Splitter (MSGEQ7 out of stock, this provides the two I need plus all additional circuitry): SparkFun Spectrum Shield [https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13116]
Output
LEDs: Either option A (cheaper and 3 wire): Adafruit NeoPixel light strings [https://www.adafruit.com/product/3630] or option B (more expensive and 4 wire, but protruded which could help lighting): WS2801 diffused strings [https://www.adafruit.com/product/738] Option A is currently the more likely candidate. The price of these LED strings will directly effect the size of the overall project due to having the goal of illuminating each cotton ball directly.
Internal Audio: 20W full range speakers [https://www.adafruit.com/product/1732] or if cost is preferred over quality, these 3W speakers [https://www.adafruit.com/product/1669]
Misc Components
Volume & Brightness potentiometers: https://www.adafruit.com/product/562
Knobs for Volume and Brightness potentiometers: https://www.adafruit.com/product/2048 and https://www.adafruit.com/product/2047
5v Voltage Regulator (if using 12v source and unable to find ones I already own): https://www.sparkfun.com/products/107
Breadboard: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9567
Power Switch: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/883
3.5mm Breakout: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11570
3.5mm Pigtail: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11580
3.5mm Cable (short, for internal relaying): https://www.sparkfun.com/products/14163
Status LED (common cathode): https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9264
Status LED holder: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11840