Create an array of paper lanterns and control them with sound.

This guide uses a Feather ESP32 V2 loaded with the free, open source WLED software.

WLED runs on the Feather, using WiFi to allow you to control the lights with your phone, PC, or any wifi-enabled device. This is a lot of fun, and will make for a beautiful piece of light art in your space that's easy to control and program with your phone.

But this guide goes further! WLED interfaces seamlessly with LEDFx, an open-source program that runs on your computer to capture and analyze sound, either from your music player or from your computer's microphone. It takes the sound and translates it into light effects, so your lights can run sound-reactive animations over WiFi without needing to add a physical microphone.

WLED has sound reactive effects. Why not just use WLED?

WLED does have sound reactive modes available, but the sound needs to be run and processed through a small microphone soldered to your ESP32. These microphones don't have the same quality pickup as the one on your PC, and may not be physically located where the sound is optimal. The effects don't have as many controls, and tend to be a little "blinky".

LEDFx gives you great sound input and a lot of solid animations with controls that allow you to really dial in your animations. It's just as easy to use but I've gotten much nicer results with LEDFx.

Parts

Additional Materials

• Paper lanterns in various sizes 
• A computer and speakers to run the software