Nanoleaf, the company behind the HomeKit-enabled Aurora smart modular lighting system, recently introduced a $49 accessory that lets the Aurora lights respond to music, adding a whole new sound-based dimension to an already great product.
Called the Nanoleaf Aurora Rhythm, the add-on module is a small three-triangle accessory that slots into an existing Nanoleaf setup using the same plastic connector tabs that connect the Aurora lights together.
It can be plugged into any triangle-shaped light in an Aurora setup, as they are all capable of supplying auxiliary power. Setting up the Rhythm is as easy as connecting it to the Aurora setup — there are no other steps involved.
I had a bit of a problem with the first Rhythm I tested, which killed my WiFi connection after plugging it in. I’m not sure if it’s the Rhythm or a glitch in my WiFi setup, but Nanoleaf sent a replacement Rhythm. And the second version worked perfectly without any interference.
Once Rhythm is plugged in, Rhythm mode can be selected on the Aurora via the Nanoleaf app. Although Aurora supports HomeKit, the Rhythm feature is not compatible and needs to be enabled manually in the app.
When activated, the Rhythm module itself has a blue light to let you know it’s working, and the Aurora lights will start responding to sound. With rhythm, the aurora lights remain off until a sound is detected.
Rhythm has a sound sensor (and a 3.5mm jack) and is able to detect music, television, conversation, a cat meowing, a door slamming, or a baby crying, and all sounds when it hears them. A sound, it activates connected Aurora lights in different patterns, colors and brightness levels.
It’s sensitive enough that it picks up most nearby sounds, and the sound-light response is tied to both sound volume and duration. A quiet “hello” uttered around the rhythm activates only a few triangle lights because it’s a soft sound, while something like a door slam activates all the lights in a dazzling pattern with each one glowing brightly before fading out.
Although the Rhythm will respond to any sound, it makes sense to use it with loud music because it can detect the beat of the song by matching the light pattern to the music. The rhythm paired well with all the songs I tested, from pop and EDM to hip hop and rock, though I wish it had better bass and treble detection. I like it best with songs with a fast beat, because that’s where it really shines. There is a small delay between the music and Aurora’s response, but it’s hardly noticeable.
My office is having a proper dance party tonight with Aurora beats.
It matches the beat and tone of the music well with the light accompaniment, and while it’s great on its own, it’s a amazing Setup for parties. For anyone who already has an Aurora setup and often has parties or get togethers where music is played, the Rhythm add-on is a no-brainer as it adds such a wow factor.
In the Aurora app, there are several different light patterns to choose from to work with, and all patterns can be combined with user-selected colors to customize for an endless number of options. You can create your own color palette, pair them with patterns, choose a brightness and save the scene for future use.
Nanoleaf lets users upload their light creations with dozens of rhythm mixes downloadable from the app.
Although colors are customizable, patterns are not. Rhythm comes with eight light “scenes” that dictate how the lights activate when sound is detected. Fireworks, for example, light up a handful of tiles in rapid succession without fading like fireworks.
Meteor showers flow from color to color in a linear pattern setting the transitions between colors to the tempo of the song, while paint splatter is more random. Pulse Pop Beats changes color more slowly and also dims and brightens the tiles to the beat of the music, and Rhythmic Northern Lights keeps the lights at full brightness but changes quickly between colors. Streaking notes, sound bars and ripple are other options, and each is unique.
For each rhythm mix, the brightness is customizable, a nice touch because depending on the number of panels, the room’s ambient lighting, and the music playing, it can get a little cluttered if it’s too bright.
It’s worth noting that the rhythm will look different depending on the number of Aurora panels you have set up and their layout. I have 21 panels in a sort of key/flower shape and the rhythm looks great with this setup. I can’t pull my panels off the wall to test other configurations because they’re glued in there and it’s a maddening mess to get them down, but I suspect the different rhythm patterns look great in any Aurora configuration.
The rhythm feature is something you’ll probably want to turn on occasionally while listening to music, though I found it very satisfying to see my lights flash when I hit my door. I was able to enjoy it when I was having a conversation with someone.
I tried Rhythm with the TV, but in general, the color transitions and patterns were a bit too chaotic. Your mileage may vary, though – it’s really based on setup and personal preference.
In the future, I’d like to see Nanoleaf partnering like Philips did with Syfy for Hugh Sharknado and Twelve Monkeys, pairing lights with carefully chosen patterns to TV shows or movies to enhance what you’re watching. I would like to have more options to customize and create patterns myself.
bottom line
If you’ve already invested in a Nanoleaf Aurora setup and listen to music, the $50 Rhythm add on is a fun and inexpensive way to add utility and interactivity to the Aurora Lite. And if you throw parties, it’s a must.
If you don’t already have Aurora Lights, but you entertain a lot or want to spice up a room, it’s worth considering picking up a set. The Aurora isn’t cheap at $200 for the starter pack (which comes with nine tiles) and $60 for each additional pack of three tiles, but it’s one of the nicest modular lighting systems available. The only real downsides are the cost and the fact that they stick to the wall using glue.
I have had Aurora lights in my office since the beginning of the year and have had no complaints. I still love to set the colors to match my mood, the game I’m playing, or the show I’m watching, and they’ve worked reliably without any issues. I’m constantly adding to my Aurora designs and I’m up to 21 panels. It’s hard not to love Aurora, and Rhythm makes a good product even better.
How to buy
The Aurora Rhythm can be purchased from the Nanoleaf website for $49.99. The Nanoleaf Aurora itself is currently on sale from Best Buy for $187.99.
Note: Nanoleaf provided MacRumors with an Aurora Rhythm for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. This post contains an affiliate link to Best Buy.
