WLED SoundReactive – Intelligent Audio-Responsive Lighting with ESP32
This project showcases my personal implementation of a SoundReactive WLED setup using the ESP32 microcontroller. With intelligent real-time music visualization, you can light up your space in sync with audio signals – ideal for parties, ambient lighting, or just a cool tech DIY.
Included in this repository:
Full YAML automation examples for Home Assistant
Hardware setup instructions
Configuration tips for WLED SoundReactive fork
Visual enhancements for a responsive LED effect
Whether you're a smart home enthusiast or just getting started with ESP32 and WLED, this project will help you create stunning lighting effects that react to sound with minimal effort.
Warning
The schematic does not show the length of the strip or the number of LEDs, as this is not important.
- ESP32 DEV: the model isn't very important; in this project, the "ESP32 WROOM-32 Entwicklungsboard TYPE-C CH340C/ CP2102" was used.
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ESP32 Adapter: The advantages of this "Terminal Adapter" are many. Here are a few:
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No soldering required, yet stable and solid.
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You don't have to program the "ESP32 WROOM-32 Entwicklungsboard TYPE-C CH340C/ CP2102" in place—just slot it in after programming.
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Allows testing with multiple chips (while one works, you can tweak settings on another and swap them).
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Prevents pin shorting.
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Convenient for bridging two pins.
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Microphone: MAX9814 is the ideal choice for this project, but can be replaced by other types.
Warning
Before powering on, make sure the wires going to the microphone are exactly as in the schematic above and are not touching each other. Otherwise, the microphone will burn out and become unusable. You can verify this with a multimeter. The four channels of the microphone must not short—if they do, check the solder joints or assume it's already damaged.
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Power Supply: You can use something else, but for this project I used "vusum Schalt-LED-Netzteil, 5-V-Netzteil, Transformator".
Warning
It must operate at 5V and provide at least the power required by the LED strips. As you can see in the listing, the price difference between 150W and 350W isn't large. My advice: get the highest wattage possible. The PSU will only deliver as much as the LEDs consume—no more.
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LED Strip: For this project I chose Individually Addressable Led Strip,5m 300Pixels 5V Led.
Warning
Choosing an LED strip is highly individual. In my case, I needed 4 strips of 2.3 meters each, so I chose two 5-meter strips with the maximum number of LEDs to achieve the strongest effect.
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Other: This project also required LED connectors, wires, angled aluminum profiles, and terminal blocks
Warning
Be careful when buying the LED strip and power supply. They must operate at 5V, since the ESP32 also uses 5V. The microphone should run on 3V or within that range—but not over 5V.
WLED is a web server for controlling NeoPixel (WS2812B, WS2811, SK6812) LEDs or also SPI-based chipsets like WS2801 and APA102! Connect the ESP32 to any USB port of a Windows/Linux/MAC machine to install the WLED web server.
- VCP Drivers: reboot your system after installation.
- Flash software:: simple and easy to use.
- WEB Flash: a convenient method to flash “.bin” files provided by Tasmota.
- WLED web server binary:
Warning
Use this specific file, as it’s modified and works flawlessly with ESP32, and is compatible with all OSs. Don’t worry about versioning—I’ll update it if there’s a newer one.
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Wi-Fi network settings: this is optional, a matter of preference.
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LED strip settings: count the exact number of LEDs; each strip must have the same number.
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Microphone settings:
Warning
If "Home Assistant" suggests updating WLED, skip it. Otherwise, you'll lose your microphone configuration options.
Tip
If you liked this project, HERE you’ll find more interesting creations by me.
If you have questions or need help, feel free to contact me.