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Transistorized Music Level Indicator Circuits for Amplifiers

A series of LEDs is illuminated successively in a push-pull switching fashion in response to an audio source, indicating the different intensities of the music. This type of indication is known as an LED music level indicator.

This switching LED chain is called a music level indicator because the brightness of each LED seems to move forward and backward in accordance with the varying music frequencies.

Circuit Operation

The following explanation can be used to understand the offered LED music level indication circuit: The matching diode, base preset, emitter resistor, and related NPN transistor are the parts that turn on the LED lighting.

To achieve the intended push-pull effect according to the supplied music volume at the input, the procedure described above is the same for every LED in the circuit.

Though majority of the component arrangement is same, there is one distinction between the LED stages: the diodes make a distinctive pattern.

The circuit shows that the ground to the initial transistor/LED stage on the left side only meets a single diode, whereas the previous stages' ground potential must pass through a further set of diodes.

Given that diodes have the ability to drop 0.6 volts, it follows that the first transistor would conduct significantly quicker than the second, the second transistor would conduct faster than the third, and so on.

As the quantity of diodes in a given transistor's route expands, conduction becomes impeded until the voltage rises to a level where the diodes' total forward voltage is bypassed.

This voltage increase can only occur whenever the pitch of the sound being played increases, resulting in a progressively scrolling LED bar graph that moves ahead in response to the frequency or amplitude of the input music.

PNP transistors are used at the input in conjunction with other transistors used to light the LEDs.

The supplied low level music signal is amplified by the PNP transistor at the input to levels that are just sufficient to light the LEDs in accordance with the music volumes.

Parts List for the explained LED music level indicator circuit

Using for Festive Seasons

Constructing your own music-controlled Christmas lights might not be as hard as it seems. In this post, two straightforward arrangements for party hall décor are covered.

No Celebration is Possible without Music Lights

The aura of a party is enhanced when one imagines all those flashing and sparkling lights surrounding them, accompanied by loud music rhythms radiating up and down.

Are you thinking about building one of these at home? An explanation of two circuits that can be utilized for music-controlled Christmas lights is provided here.

Without music and lighting, it is impossible to have an event or jubilation, and during a Christmas party, creating a more festive atmosphere is crucial.

We've all seen vibrating, strobing, and dashing lights rather frequently during festivities and gatherings.

Adding music to lights, or better yet, syncing the two so that the lights flash in time with the music, may bring a whole new level of excitement to the celebratory atmosphere.

Simple Music Light Circuits

Using vibrant LEDs, the first circuit combines music intensity control with a dance-like forward/backward pattern that changes as the music is played.

The results of the second circuit, which uses incandescent lighting powered by the mains, are identical to those seen above, mimicking and sequencing with the connected music bursts.

Despite the design's seeming complexity, combining the two factors is actually rather simple; nevertheless, some electrical wiring may be required.

I've written about LED lights and the circuits that allow for a variety of decorative lighting options in a number of my earlier pieces.

In this post, we'll go over how to create moving, shuffling, and input-controlled arrays of LED and 220V AC operated incandescent bulbs that react to changes in music volume.

To create a highly pulsing visual effect, the connected incandescent bulbs can be grouped in rows and columns. In simple terms, the visual effects produced by the light arrays reacting to the music peaks may become quite pleasing.

The following section discusses a few circuits that may be utilized for manipulating Christmas lights with music. Let's look at this description to better grasp how they work:

Circuit Diagram

Parts  List

Circuit Operation

According to the picture, the first circuit consists of basic transistor amplifier stages placed in a sequential order. The designs are rather simple.

An NPN transistor with a base connected to a voltage splitting circuitry through a preset makes up each stage. As the sequence is accompanied, its emitters are connected to the ground potential via a diode or diodes, while its collector manages the load in the form of LEDs.

In this case, controlling the transistor bias voltage is one of the diodes' key functions.

Around 0.6 volts will be dropped across each diode, allowing the next transistor stage to activate only when the music peaks approach the proper levels.

The presets, which may be carefully maintained in place to ensure that each succeeding stage conducts gently or consecutively with scaling musical peaks, also aid in the aforementioned function.

In order to maximize the light sequencing changes across a broader range, an input PNP transistor is incorporated to first appropriately enhance the music level accessible across the speaker terminals.

Operating identically to the above, the following circuit regulates incandescent lights that are powered by the mains.

Since we don't require the AC lights to likewise be rectified and provide just half of the light, voltage regulation using diodes and zeners is used here to the bases of the transistor rather than the emitters.

With the inclusion of more diodes and zeners, the base of each consecutive transistor is given a greater voltage drop.

Practically speaking, though, it turns out that's not necessary at all; one diode to each base seems to be sufficient, and the presets themselves efficiently streamline the sequencing pattern setup.

The music-controlled Christmas light circuits mentioned above can be put together on a general-purpose PCB, installed within the corresponding amplifier cabinet, and driven directly from that location.

Nonetheless, the lights' output connections need to be attended to and should be terminated with extreme caution using high-grade insulated PVC wires.

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