HACK Lab HackLED Pro is an Adafruit Sparkle Motion-like LED controller that runs a custom version of WLED and supports both WS2812 and RGBCW LEDs, making it ideal for DIY lighting projects, smart home setups, and audio-reactive light displays.
Built around an ESP32 MCU, this board includes 2-way WS2812 LED outputs, 5 PWM channels (RGBCW), and an onboard silicon microphone for music reactive LED setup. Like the Sparkle Motion, the outputs of this board are level-shifted, and there’s also a power switch that toggles the output power between 5V and 12V. The board features a USB-C port with a PD controller, with which you can power and program the board. The controller is housed in a thermally protected 3D printed case and is also compatible with the generic version of the WLED firmware.
HackLED Pro specifications:
- Wireless module – ESP32-WROOM-32E-N4 WiFi and Bluetooth module with 4MB Flash
- LED Control
- 2x level-shifted (SN74HC244) output channels with terminal blocks
- 5 PWM channels for RGBCW (Red, Green, Blue, Cool White, Warm White)
- 5x AO3400A N-channel MOSFETs
- Audio Input – Built-in silicon MEMS microphone (ICS-43434) for music-reactive lighting
- USB – USB Type-C port for power via CH224 and programming via CH343P
- Expansion
- 2x 3-pin 3.81mm terminal blocks for addressable LEDs
- 1x 6-pin 3.81mm terminal block for RGBCW LEDs
- Misc
- User button on GPIO
- 5v/12v Toggle Switch
- Built-in WS2812B LED
- Power Input
- USB Type-C PD input with slide switch for 5V/12V
- SY8120B1/E1 step-down converter
- CJ78L05 5V LDO regulator
- Dimensions – Not mentioned
While searching, I discovered the HACKLED Network installation firmware program, a WLED-like programming interface designed to work with the WS2812 and RGBCW LED controller board, and supporting RGBW LED strips. I also came across HACKLED’s Interactive BOM and PCB Viewer, a tool that shows the Bill of Materials (BOM) alongside a KiCad-generated board view for easy component identification and repair.
This is not the first WLED controller we’ve covered — we’ve previously written about the Adafruit Sparkle Motion Stick, SMLIGHT A1-SLWF-03, and YULC (USB-C LED Controller), all of which are Addressable LED controllers built around an ESP32 MCU and are compatible with WLED firmware.
At the time of writing, the HackLED Pro board is only available on AliExpress for $31.01. I couldn’t find any official product page or detailed documentation, so buyers will need to rely on the board’s silkscreen for setup and pinout information. I did come across a Bilibili video, but it’s in Mandarin, which may not be accessible to all users.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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