The focus of this project is to pass an audio signal through an amplifier circuit for output to a speaker system. Through the use of a microprocessor, the system will also generate corresponding outputs on an LED light strip based on the input audio system. The LEDs will be mounted to the exterior of the speaker + amplifier housing to create a single visually and aurally entertaining unit. The parts selected for this project are chosen with the intention that the final product will be on a scale that can be enjoyed in a full classroom sized environment.

We will use four speakers to output left and right channel high frequencies & mid-low frequencies driven by an amplifier circuit for each channel. For convenience, and because of the low cost in implementing, we will be adding a Bluetooth module to the amplifier input to allow for wireless music sources.

We decided to approach this project as two sub-projects: a microcontroller based sound reactive light array and a custom amplified bluetooth speaker system. The design for the light array will be headed by Garrett, building off of the Arduino based LED sound meter from his EE296 project. Jason, with experience in home and car audio systems, will take charge of the speaker system design.

As we have never done a project on this scope before, this will prove to be an excellent opportunity for us to apply the knowledge we have gained through the electrical engineering program and apply it toward expanding our horizons in our respective areas of interest. Through the course of this project, we will be working together on each sub-project to learn about both focuses.

To see how this project is going, check out project progress blog. If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to make a user account and drop us a line in the guestbook. Your user account will also give you the option to receive direct updates for this project and any future projects we undertake. You can also contact us directly through the link up top. Please stay for a while and enjoy!