How Does It Work?
The Music Box sound to light controller has 10 output channels. Channels 1-4 sync to the beat, channels 5-10 sync to other parts of the music (note: not all of the channels will fire all of the time, it just depends on the music/source nuances). The controller can handle up to 125 watts (1.25 amps) per output channel, 10 amps max total on the controller. The synchronization algorithm syncs to both the beat of the sound as well as̴ to the nuances and frequencies of other various parts of the music/audio.
There are many ways to setup the Music Box controller so that you can send audio from your sound source to both the Music Box controller AND to a source output source so that you can hear the music. Here are some of the more common:
Using a "Y" audio splitter cable
Probably the most common setup. Simply purchase a Y audio cable like this one: https://www\.amazon\.com/Hosa\-YMM\-232\-Dual\-TRSF\-Cable/dp/B000068O5G/ref=sr\_1\_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1536757051&sr=8\-3&keywords=1%2F8\+stereo\+y\+adapter&dpID=41ohlTt9cSL&preST=\_SY300\_QL70\_&dpSrc=srch
Then run one side of the Y to the Music Box controller using a standard 1/8" stereo audio cable and run the other side of the Y to your sound output device - be it a stereo, powered speaker, jam box, FM transmitter, etc.
Using a small audio mixer
Another common way to setup the Music Box controller is to use a small audio mixer like this one: https://www\.amazon\.com/Behringer\-802\-Premium\-8\-Input\-Preamps/dp/B000J5XS3C/ref=sr\_1\_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1536757243&sr=8\-5&keywords=2\+channel\+mixer&dpID=61W%252B4lk8wqL&preST=\_SY300\_QL70\_&dpSrc=srch
Then run the line out from the mixer to the Music Box controller and run your main audio outputs from the mixer to your speaker/sound device such as PA system, stereo, boom box, FM transmitter, etc.
Using an FM transmitter and multiple receivers
If you want to build a larger, synchronized display using the Music Box controller. one way to achieve this is by using an FM transmitter that sends the audio over an open FM frequency out to small FM receivers that you connect to any number of Music Box controllers. For example, if you use the audio mixer example above, you would run the line out from your audio source (phone, mp3 player, etc.) into the sound input jack on your FM transmitter. Then simply attach a small fm receiver to each of your Music Box controller inputs - and tune the receiver to the same FM frequency that you are using on your FM transmitter. VIOLA! A synchronized light show using multi Music Box controllers!
*NOTE: This is a line level only* device. do not connect the audio input to a stereo system or other amplified sound source unless it has a line level output. you will blow the sounds chip in the Music Box controller!_
