Light organ

This article is about electronic sound-responsive lighting devices. For historical optical music instruments, see Color organ. For biological light organs, see bioluminescence.

A light organ is an electronic device that automatically converts an audio signal (such as music) into rhythmic light effects. Light organs became popular in the 1970s as lighting effects for discotheques and dance parties. During this period, home entertainment manufacturer Morse-Electrophonic produced stereo systems with built-in light organ displays, such as their "Stereo Bar" model. The multicolored lights would pulsate to the beat of the music.

The circuit of a light organ separates the audio signal into frequency bands and controls the light channels according to the average level of each band using dimmers. A typical party light organ of the 1970s featured three spotlights—red, green, and blue—responding to bass, medium, and high frequencies respectively.

Due to their simple structure, light organs became popular DIY projects for electronics hobbyists in the 1970s and can still be found for sale on the internet.

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