Music-Reactive LED Matrix Project

This project creates a real-time audio visualization on an 8x8 LED matrix using an ESP32 (LilyGO T-Display) and Python for audio processing.

📁 Repository Structure

• /arduino: Contains the .ino firmware for the ESP32.
• /python: Contains the audio_to_leds.py script and virtual environment setup.
• handout.md: Original project instructions and technical specs.

🔌 Hardware Configuration

Pin Mapping (Current Setup)

LED Matrix	ESP32 Pin	Wire Color
VCC	5V	RED
GND	GND	BLACK
DIN	G13	YELLOW
CLK	G17	GREEN
CS	G15	BLUE

Note: If the matrix does not display data, consider moving CLK to G14 as G17 can sometimes conflict with internal PSRAM on specific LilyGO boards.

🚀 Getting Started

1. Arduino Setup

1. Open arduino/esp32_max7219_matrix.ino in Arduino IDE.
2. Install library: MD_MAX72XX.
3. Board: ESP32 Dev Module (or LilyGO T-Display specific).
4. Hold the BOOT button on the ESP32 while clicking Upload. Release when "Connecting..." appears.

2. Python Setup (Mac)

1. Navigate to the project folder.
2. Create and activate virtual environment:

   python3 -m venv venv
   source venv/bin/activate
   pip install pyserial numpy scipy sounddevice

3. Running the Visualization

1. Activate venv: source venv/bin/activate
2. Run script: python3 python/audio_to_leds.py
3. Ensure your Mac volume is up. The script currently uses the MacBook Pro Microphone to capture audio from your speakers.

✨ Features

• Falling Peaks: Professional audio visualization effect.
• Auto-Smoothing: Prevents flickering for a clean look.
• Frequency Analysis: Uses Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to split music into 8 distinct frequency bands.

🛠 Troubleshooting

• No Output: Check G17/G13/G15 wiring. Ensure RED is on 5V.
• Serial Error: Ensure the Arduino Serial Monitor is CLOSED before running the Python script.
• Quiet Visualization: Increase your Mac volume or get closer to the mic.