The Synesthesia Machine is a circuit designed to detect notes being played on an instrument, and display a corresponding color on the stage lights. The prototype version of this system is a set of circuit boards called “shields,” designed to connect with the popular microcontroller board, Arduino. It consists of a basic multicolor LED driver, and an amplifier circuit which is designed to allow a microprocessor to read audio signals from a variety of instruments and recording devices.

Based on common designs for LED Drivers, the lighting board is able to drive 3w RGB LEDs, which are capable of displaying a full range of colors. The audio amplifier board uses an LM3886 op amp to read small audio signals into a voltage detector within the correct voltage range. It was chosen because the DC bias on the opamp’s output allowed for easy reading into the analog pin of an Arduino.

The initial version of the Synesthesia Machine was designed to use common, easily accessible components. The shields were designed be adaptable to different uses, as well as compatible with other shield brands, and other projects.