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Reddit user LxGNED built a large, three-dimensional audio spectrum visualizer with 14 frequency bands and 20 illuminated acrylic pixels in each band. The Arduino-controlled display uses WS2812B LEDs and a DMS-308 V2 spectrum analyzer board to turn broad changes in music’s frequency energy into a colorful physical display. Hackster News reports that the build cost $1,000, with most of that going to custom acrylic blocks.
How the 14-band visualizer works
The project separates incoming audio into 14 bands spanning roughly the commonly cited human-hearing range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. That works out to about 1.5 kHz per band, according to Hackster News. The bands show broad bass-to-treble activity rather than isolating individual notes.
Each band has 20 illuminated blocks that represent amplitude: more illuminated pixels indicate stronger activity in that band. Across 14 bands, that makes 280 band pixels. The display is therefore detailed enough to make the overall shape of the music and changes in equalizer settings visible, but its frequency divisions are too broad to identify a specific note.
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What hardware the build uses
- Lighted pixels: Custom laser-cut transparent acrylic blocks, edge-lit by individually addressable WS2812B RGB LEDs.
- LED count: 280 LEDs for the spectrum bands, plus 16 for the logo, for 296 LEDs total.
- Controller: An Arduino board controls the LEDs.
- Audio analysis: A DMS-308 V2 spectrum analyzer board monitors the audio source through an RCA input.
The analyzer board is described as having adjustments for color speed, peak pause, peak delay, delay, and brightness. The visualizer also offers 30 preset color schemes. Those controls and presets shape how the display looks and responds; the source does not describe the firmware or explain the individual adjustment ranges.
#1 Best Overall
- High-Resolution VFD Sound Level Meter: The AK2515 analyzer boasts a 25x15 resolution VFD display, ensuring accurate frequency band representation. It also includes a precise clock display, utilizing an SD3078 built-in crystal oscillator for ±3.8ppm accuracy, with a monthly error within 10 seconds, providing both functionality and style.
- Versatile Frequency Range and Connectivity: Covering an extensive 20Hz-20kHz frequency sweep, the AK2515 offers high-precision frequency point testing. The 3.5mm AUX and MIC inputs support both wired and wireless connections, capturing every nuance in sound with ease.
- Advanced AGC and Customizable Display Modes: The AK2515 features a special AGC and spectrum algorithm for optimal visual effects across a wide range of input signals. Switch between -10/-5/-3/-1/0dB gain settings and choose from three display modes (real output, smooth output I, smooth output II) to meet your specific needs.
- Extensive Customization and Adjustable Settings: Tailor your experience with adjustable brightness, main light column falling speed, peak holding and falling speeds, and more. The AK2515 also supports date and time display, four font types, five music spectrum modes, five clock modes, and three level modes, all with a power-off memory function for convenience.
- Noise Filtering and Multiple Modes: With five frequency division and amplification curve modes, the AK2515 enhances visual clarity and sound quality. The noise filtering function significantly improves sound clarity, making it suitable for various environments. Choose from auto, deep sleep, music spectrum, and clock display modes to optimize your audio analysis.
What the design is—and is not
This is a dedicated hardware display, not a software effect built into a music player. Its combination of 14 frequency bands and 20 amplitude steps per band creates a striking physical readout of changing audio energy. The trade-off is resolution: each band covers a broad section of the spectrum, so the display communicates overall frequency balance rather than precise musical pitch.
The defining construction choices are the acrylic light blocks, addressable LEDs, Arduino control, and RCA-fed analyzer board. They also shape what someone would need to investigate when planning a similar build: frequency-band count, vertical pixel resolution, LED type, audio input, controller and firmware, optical construction, color and peak behavior, fabrication cost, and replacement-part availability.
Rank #2
- 10 Preset modes & EQ BYPASS: 10 preset effects can be saved for quicker use next time. Also support Independent adjustment of high/mid/bass And Intelligent noise reduction.
- Upgrade 31 segments with LED spectrum indication, : real-time observation of the sound, four kinds of light colors intuitive display the change of frequency band. quality condition upgrade LED light group,the light is softer, work in the dark night light bright and not blinding. Every slight change of sound can be shown visually.
- Convenient Machine Debugging: Featuring a BYPASS switch, this stereo equalizer simplifies machine debugging. Its standard rack-mount design ensures straightforward installation,making it user-friendly and hassle-free
- Multifunctional configuration: This stereo graphic Equalizer Built-in wireless Bluetooth 5.2 module, the back is equippe with enhanced antenna, USB connection playback，Lossless music audio source Equipped with a USB slot.This audio spectrum analyzer can be widely use for home theater systems, KTV venues, music studios, and DJ equipment
- Wide Application: The audio control equalizer supports various input and output methods, including XLR balanced and 1/4" TRS unbalanced inputs and outputs. Also equipped with one Independent overweight bass output, The frequency can be adjusted freely.This versatility ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio setups, catering to diverse usage needs.Suitable for live applications, audio installations, and for use in a studio.
Can you build a similar Arduino music visualizer?
The listed components suggest a direction for a DIY project, but they are not a complete build recipe. Hackster News does not provide a reproducible bill of materials, exact Arduino model, power design, dimensions, firmware, or acrylic measurements. Those details matter: LED density and electrical requirements affect wiring and power planning, while analyzer-board availability and compatibility need to be confirmed before choosing parts.
For a comparable project, WS2812B individually addressable RGB LEDs, an Arduino-compatible board, acrylic material, and a suitable spectrum analyzer could be starting points to evaluate—not a verified drop-in parts list. Check the exact LED voltage and current needs, the controller and analyzer compatibility, the audio connection, and the dimensions and optical properties of the acrylic before purchasing or fabricating anything.
Rank #3
- 【Unmatched Visual Display】Experience absolute signal precision with a dynamic 31-band real-time display. Each frequency band is represented by 30 individual LEDs (930 total), providing a crystal-clear, detailed view of your audio spectrum for accurate monitoring and adjustment
- 【Professional-Grade Performance & Control】Powered by a high-performance DSP chip, this analyzer offers critical professional settings: adjustable PEAK HOLD TIME (PHT), MAIN FALL TIME (MFT), and input level sensitivity. Fine-tune the analyzer's response to match any audio environment or application
- 【Ultra-Flexible Connectivity & Stereo Sampling】Equip your rack with versatile I/O options. Support for both XLR and RCA inputs/outputs ensures compatibility with any professional or consumer gear. The stereo sampling feature allows the left and right channels to be displayed independently and simultaneously on the spectrum
- 【Streamlined 2U Rack Design & Robust Construction】Designed with a standard 2U thin and ultra-small chassis, it saves precious rack space without compromising performance. The panel is engineered for simplicity, durability, and stability, built to withstand daily studio use
- 【User-Centric Features for Enhanced Workflow】Go beyond basic analysis with practical features: a dedicated microphone output with volume adjustment, automatic gain control, real-time input level meters, and adjustable spectrum light brightness for optimal visibility in any lighting condition.
What the visualizer cost
LxGNED’s project cost $1,000, as reported by Hackster News; most of the expense went to the custom acrylic blocks. The article does not break out the remaining component costs, so that figure should be treated as the reported cost of this particular build, not a general estimate for making an Arduino spectrum visualizer.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dual-channel 11 stereo modes
- Adjustable colors/brightness/speed/gain/band
- Supports manual single-knob control
- Voice-controlled audio switching
- RCA interface and 3.5mm earphone jack
Rank #4
- Note: it is just a flashing LED panel. no frequency analyzer function.
- Note: it is just a flashing LED panel. Not a spectrum analyzer.
- 1. Suitable for ambient lighting, decoration and audio modification;
- 2. Dimensions are 110X wide, 33X high, 9MM thick, 17MM at the thickest point, without a shell;
- 3. Type-C power supply interface 5V1A;
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