diff --git a/usermods/audioreactive/audio_reactive.h b/usermods/audioreactive/audio_reactive.h
index be86186e..41aff83c 100644
--- a/usermods/audioreactive/audio_reactive.h
+++ b/usermods/audioreactive/audio_reactive.h
@@ -564,7 +564,7 @@ void FFTcode(void * parameter)
             newZeroCrossingCount++;
       }
     }
-    newZeroCrossingCount = (newZeroCrossingCount*2)/3; // reduce value so it typicially stays below 256
+    newZeroCrossingCount = (newZeroCrossingCount*2)/3; // reduce value so it typically stays below 256
     zeroCrossingCount = newZeroCrossingCount; // update only once, to avoid that effects pick up an intermediate value
 
     // release highest sample to volume reactive effects early - not strictly necessary here - could also be done at the end of the function
@@ -602,6 +602,7 @@ void FFTcode(void * parameter)
         #endif
         FFT.compute( FFTDirection::Forward );                       // Compute FFT
         FFT.complexToMagnitude();                                   // Compute magnitudes
+        vReal[0] = 0;   // The remaining DC offset on the signal produces a strong spike on position 0 that should be eliminated to avoid issues.
         #else
         FFT.DCRemoval(); // let FFT lib remove DC component, so we don't need to care about this in getSamples()
 
diff --git a/wled00/FX.cpp b/wled00/FX.cpp
index 5fa0a0fe..075a2ba9 100644
--- a/wled00/FX.cpp
+++ b/wled00/FX.cpp
@@ -5627,7 +5627,7 @@ uint16_t mode_2DPlasmaball(void) {                   // By: Stepko https://edito
                                     (rows - 1 - cy == 0)) ? ColorFromPalette(SEGPALETTE, beat8(5), thisVal, LINEARBLEND) : CRGB::Black);
     }
   }
-  SEGMENT.blur(SEGMENT.custom2>>5);
+  SEGMENT.blur(SEGMENT.custom2>>5, (SEGMENT.custom2 > 132));  // WLEDMM
 
   return FRAMETIME;
 } // mode_2DPlasmaball()
@@ -5645,6 +5645,8 @@ uint16_t mode_2DPolarLights(void) {        // By: Kostyantyn Matviyevskyy  https
 
   const uint16_t cols = SEGMENT.virtualWidth();
   const uint16_t rows = SEGMENT.virtualHeight();
+  const float maxRows  = (rows <= 32) ? 32.0f : (rows <= 64) ? 64.0f : 128.0f;  // WLEDMM safe up to 128x128
+  const float minScale = (rows <= 32) ? 12.0f : (rows <= 64) ? 4.6f : 2.1f;     // WLEDMM
 
   const CRGBPalette16 auroraPalette  = {0x000000, 0x003300, 0x006600, 0x009900, 0x00cc00, 0x00ff00, 0x33ff00, 0x66ff00, 0x99ff00, 0xccff00, 0xffff00, 0xffcc00, 0xff9900, 0xff6600, 0xff3300, 0xff0000};
 
@@ -5653,8 +5655,11 @@ uint16_t mode_2DPolarLights(void) {        // By: Kostyantyn Matviyevskyy  https
     SEGMENT.fill(BLACK);
   }
 
-  float adjustHeight = mapf(rows, 8, 32, 28, 12); // maybe use mapf() ??? // WLEDMM yes!
+  float adjustHeight = mapf(rows, 8, maxRows, 28, minScale); // maybe use mapf() ??? // WLEDMM yes!  
   uint16_t adjScale = map(cols, 8, 64, 310, 63);
+
+  adjustHeight = max(min(adjustHeight, 28.0f), minScale);     // WLEDMM bugfix for larger fixtures
+  adjScale = max(min(adjScale, uint16_t(310)), uint16_t(63)); // WLEDMM
 /*
   if (SEGENV.aux1 != SEGMENT.custom1/12) {   // Hacky palette rotation. We need that black.
     SEGENV.aux1 = SEGMENT.custom1/12;
@@ -5813,6 +5818,8 @@ uint16_t mode_2DSunradiation(void) {                   // By: ldirko https://edi
 
   const uint16_t cols = SEGMENT.virtualWidth();
   const uint16_t rows = SEGMENT.virtualHeight();
+  const int minSize = min(cols, rows);          // WLEDMM
+  const int magnify = (minSize <= 32) ? 8 : 46; // WLEDMM
 
   if (!SEGENV.allocateData(sizeof(byte)*(cols+2)*(rows+2))) return mode_static(); //allocation failed
   byte *bump = reinterpret_cast<byte*>(SEGENV.data);
@@ -5841,10 +5848,10 @@ uint16_t mode_2DSunradiation(void) {                   // By: ldirko https://edi
       ++vlx;
       int8_t nx = bump[x + yindex + 1] - bump[x + yindex - 1];
       int8_t ny = bump[x + yindex + (cols + 2)] - bump[x + yindex - (cols + 2)];
-      byte difx = abs8(vlx * 7 - nx);
-      byte dify = abs8(vly * 7 - ny);
+      byte difx = min(abs(vlx * 7 - nx), 255);  // WLEDMM replaced abs8 as it does not work for numbers >127
+      byte dify = min(abs(vly * 7 - ny), 255);  // WLEDMM
       int temp = difx * difx + dify * dify;
-      int col = 255 - temp / 8; //8 its a size of effect
+      int col = 255 - temp / magnify; //8 its a size of effect // WLEDMM size adjusts to matrix dimensions
       if (col < 0) col = 0;
       SEGMENT.setPixelColorXY(x, y, HeatColor(col / (3.0f-(float)(SEGMENT.intensity)/128.f)));
     }
diff --git a/wled00/FX.h b/wled00/FX.h
index 8df52855..037ef181 100644
--- a/wled00/FX.h
+++ b/wled00/FX.h
@@ -617,7 +617,7 @@ typedef struct Segment {
     void setPixelColor(float i, CRGB c, bool aa = true)                                         { setPixelColor(i, RGBW32(c.r,c.g,c.b,0), aa); }
     uint32_t __attribute__((pure)) getPixelColor(int i);  // WLEDMM attribute added
     // 1D support functions (some implement 2D as well)
-    void blur(uint8_t);
+    void blur(uint8_t, bool smear = false);
     void fill(uint32_t c);
     void fade_out(uint8_t r);
     void fadeToBlackBy(uint8_t fadeBy);
@@ -658,12 +658,15 @@ typedef struct Segment {
       return (x%width) + (y%height) * width;
     }
     void setPixelColorXY(int x, int y, uint32_t c); // set relative pixel within segment with color
-    void setPixelColorXY(int x, int y, byte r, byte g, byte b, byte w = 0) { setPixelColorXY(x, y, RGBW32(r,g,b,w)); } // automatically inline
-    void setPixelColorXY(int x, int y, CRGB c)                             { setPixelColorXY(x, y, RGBW32(c.r,c.g,c.b,0)); } // automatically inline
-    void setPixelColorXY(float x, float y, uint32_t c, bool aa = true, bool fast = true);
-    void setPixelColorXY(float x, float y, byte r, byte g, byte b, byte w = 0, bool aa = true) { setPixelColorXY(x, y, RGBW32(r,g,b,w), aa); }
-    void setPixelColorXY(float x, float y, CRGB c, bool aa = true)                             { setPixelColorXY(x, y, RGBW32(c.r,c.g,c.b,0), aa); }
-    uint32_t __attribute__((pure)) getPixelColorXY(uint16_t x, uint16_t y);   // WLEDMM attribute pure
+    inline void setPixelColorXY(unsigned x, unsigned y, uint32_t c)               { setPixelColorXY(int(x), int(y), c); }
+    inline void setPixelColorXY(int x, int y, byte r, byte g, byte b, byte w = 0) { setPixelColorXY(x, y, RGBW32(r,g,b,w)); }
+    inline void setPixelColorXY(int x, int y, CRGB c)                             { setPixelColorXY(x, y, RGBW32(c.r,c.g,c.b,0)); }
+    //#ifdef WLED_USE_AA_PIXELS
+    void setPixelColorXY(float x, float y, uint32_t c, bool aa = true, bool fast=true);
+    inline void setPixelColorXY(float x, float y, byte r, byte g, byte b, byte w = 0, bool aa = true) { setPixelColorXY(x, y, RGBW32(r,g,b,w), aa); }
+    inline void setPixelColorXY(float x, float y, CRGB c, bool aa = true)                             { setPixelColorXY(x, y, RGBW32(c.r,c.g,c.b,0), aa); }
+    //#endif
+    uint32_t __attribute__((pure)) getPixelColorXY(int x, int y);
     // 2D support functions
     void blendPixelColorXY(uint16_t x, uint16_t y, uint32_t color, uint8_t blend);
     void blendPixelColorXY(uint16_t x, uint16_t y, CRGB c, uint8_t blend)  { blendPixelColorXY(x, y, RGBW32(c.r,c.g,c.b,0), blend); }
@@ -672,8 +675,8 @@ typedef struct Segment {
     void addPixelColorXY(int x, int y, CRGB c, bool fast = false)                             { addPixelColorXY(x, y, RGBW32(c.r,c.g,c.b,0), fast); }
     void fadePixelColorXY(uint16_t x, uint16_t y, uint8_t fade);
     void box_blur(uint16_t i, bool vertical, fract8 blur_amount); // 1D box blur (with weight)
-    void blurRow(uint16_t row, fract8 blur_amount);
-    void blurCol(uint16_t col, fract8 blur_amount);
+    void blurRow(uint32_t row, fract8 blur_amount, bool smear = false);
+    void blurCol(uint32_t col, fract8 blur_amount, bool smear = false);
     void moveX(int8_t delta, bool wrap = false);
     void moveY(int8_t delta, bool wrap = false);
     void move(uint8_t dir, uint8_t delta, bool wrap = false);
@@ -692,32 +695,36 @@ typedef struct Segment {
     void nscale8(uint8_t scale);
     bool jsonToPixels(char *name, uint8_t fileNr); //WLEDMM for artifx
   #else
-    uint16_t XY(uint16_t x, uint16_t y)                                    { return x; }
-    void setPixelColorXY(int x, int y, uint32_t c)                         { setPixelColor(x, c); }
-    void setPixelColorXY(int x, int y, byte r, byte g, byte b, byte w = 0) { setPixelColor(x, RGBW32(r,g,b,w)); }
-    void setPixelColorXY(int x, int y, CRGB c)                             { setPixelColor(x, RGBW32(c.r,c.g,c.b,0)); }
-    void setPixelColorXY(float x, float y, uint32_t c, bool aa = true)     { setPixelColor(x, c, aa); }
-    void setPixelColorXY(float x, float y, byte r, byte g, byte b, byte w = 0, bool aa = true) { setPixelColor(x, RGBW32(r,g,b,w), aa); }
-    void setPixelColorXY(float x, float y, CRGB c, bool aa = true)         { setPixelColor(x, RGBW32(c.r,c.g,c.b,0), aa); }
-    uint32_t getPixelColorXY(uint16_t x, uint16_t y)                       { return getPixelColor(x); }
-    void blendPixelColorXY(uint16_t x, uint16_t y, uint32_t c, uint8_t blend) { blendPixelColor(x, c, blend); }
-    void blendPixelColorXY(uint16_t x, uint16_t y, CRGB c, uint8_t blend)  { blendPixelColor(x, RGBW32(c.r,c.g,c.b,0), blend); }
-    void addPixelColorXY(int x, int y, uint32_t color, bool fast = false)  { addPixelColor(x, color, fast); }
-    void addPixelColorXY(int x, int y, byte r, byte g, byte b, byte w = 0, bool fast = false) { addPixelColor(x, RGBW32(r,g,b,w), fast); }
-    void addPixelColorXY(int x, int y, CRGB c, bool fast = false)          { addPixelColor(x, RGBW32(c.r,c.g,c.b,0), fast); }
-    void fadePixelColorXY(uint16_t x, uint16_t y, uint8_t fade)            { fadePixelColor(x, fade); }
-    void box_blur(uint16_t i, bool vertical, fract8 blur_amount) {}
-    void blurRow(uint16_t row, fract8 blur_amount) {}
-    void blurCol(uint16_t col, fract8 blur_amount) {}
-    void moveX(int8_t delta, bool wrap = false) {}
-    void moveY(int8_t delta, bool wrap = false) {}
-    void move(uint8_t dir, uint8_t delta, bool wrap = false) {}
-    void fill_circle(uint16_t cx, uint16_t cy, uint8_t radius, CRGB c) {}
-    void drawLine(uint16_t x0, uint16_t y0, uint16_t x1, uint16_t y1, uint32_t c) {}
-    void drawLine(uint16_t x0, uint16_t y0, uint16_t x1, uint16_t y1, CRGB c) {}
-    void drawCharacter(unsigned char chr, int16_t x, int16_t y, uint8_t w, uint8_t h, uint32_t color) {}
-    void drawCharacter(unsigned char chr, int16_t x, int16_t y, uint8_t w, uint8_t h, CRGB color) {}
-    void wu_pixel(uint32_t x, uint32_t y, CRGB c) {}
+    inline uint16_t XY(uint16_t x, uint16_t y)                                    { return x; }
+    inline void setPixelColorXY(int x, int y, uint32_t c)                         { setPixelColor(x, c); }
+    inline void setPixelColorXY(unsigned x, unsigned y, uint32_t c)               { setPixelColor(int(x), c); }
+    inline void setPixelColorXY(int x, int y, byte r, byte g, byte b, byte w = 0) { setPixelColor(x, RGBW32(r,g,b,w)); }
+    inline void setPixelColorXY(int x, int y, CRGB c)                             { setPixelColor(x, RGBW32(c.r,c.g,c.b,0)); }
+    //#ifdef WLED_USE_AA_PIXELS
+    inline void setPixelColorXY(float x, float y, uint32_t c, bool aa = true)     { setPixelColor(x, c, aa); }
+    inline void setPixelColorXY(float x, float y, byte r, byte g, byte b, byte w = 0, bool aa = true) { setPixelColor(x, RGBW32(r,g,b,w), aa); }
+    inline void setPixelColorXY(float x, float y, CRGB c, bool aa = true)         { setPixelColor(x, RGBW32(c.r,c.g,c.b,0), aa); }
+    //#endif
+    inline uint32_t getPixelColorXY(uint16_t x, uint16_t y)                       { return getPixelColor(x); }
+    inline void blendPixelColorXY(uint16_t x, uint16_t y, uint32_t c, uint8_t blend) { blendPixelColor(x, c, blend); }
+    inline void blendPixelColorXY(uint16_t x, uint16_t y, CRGB c, uint8_t blend)  { blendPixelColor(x, RGBW32(c.r,c.g,c.b,0), blend); }
+    inline void addPixelColorXY(int x, int y, uint32_t color, bool fast = false)  { addPixelColor(x, color, fast); }
+    inline void addPixelColorXY(int x, int y, byte r, byte g, byte b, byte w = 0, bool fast = false) { addPixelColor(x, RGBW32(r,g,b,w), fast); }
+    inline void addPixelColorXY(int x, int y, CRGB c, bool fast = false)          { addPixelColor(x, RGBW32(c.r,c.g,c.b,0), fast); }
+    inline void fadePixelColorXY(uint16_t x, uint16_t y, uint8_t fade)            { fadePixelColor(x, fade); }
+    inline void box_blur(uint16_t i, bool vertical, fract8 blur_amount) {}
+    inline void blurRow(uint32_t row, fract8 blur_amount, bool smear = false) {}
+    inline void blurCol(uint32_t col, fract8 blur_amount, bool smear = false) {}
+    inline void moveX(int8_t delta, bool wrap = false) {}
+    inline void moveY(int8_t delta, bool wrap = false) {}
+    inline void move(uint8_t dir, uint8_t delta, bool wrap = false) {}
+    inline void fill_circle(uint16_t cx, uint16_t cy, uint8_t radius, CRGB c) {}
+    inline void drawLine(uint16_t x0, uint16_t y0, uint16_t x1, uint16_t y1, uint32_t c) {}
+    inline void drawLine(uint16_t x0, uint16_t y0, uint16_t x1, uint16_t y1, CRGB c) {}
+    inline void drawCharacter(unsigned char chr, int16_t x, int16_t y, uint8_t w, uint8_t h, uint32_t color, uint32_t = 0, int8_t = 0) {}
+    inline void drawCharacter(unsigned char chr, int16_t x, int16_t y, uint8_t w, uint8_t h, CRGB color) {}
+    inline void drawCharacter(unsigned char chr, int16_t x, int16_t y, uint8_t w, uint8_t h, CRGB c, CRGB c2, int8_t rotate = 0) {}
+    inline void wu_pixel(uint32_t x, uint32_t y, CRGB c) {}
   #endif
   uint8_t * getAudioPalette(int pal); //WLEDMM netmindz ar palette
 } segment;
diff --git a/wled00/FX_2Dfcn.cpp b/wled00/FX_2Dfcn.cpp
index 2844d492..45e37598 100644
--- a/wled00/FX_2Dfcn.cpp
+++ b/wled00/FX_2Dfcn.cpp
@@ -214,18 +214,14 @@ uint32_t WS2812FX::getPixelColorXY(uint16_t x, uint16_t y) {
 void IRAM_ATTR_YN Segment::setPixelColorXY(int x, int y, uint32_t col) //WLEDMM: IRAM_ATTR conditionally
 {
   if (Segment::maxHeight==1) return; // not a matrix set-up
-  if (x >= virtualWidth() || y >= virtualHeight() || x<0 || y<0) return;  // if pixel would fall out of virtual segment just exit
+  if (x<0 || y<0 || x >= virtualWidth() || y >= virtualHeight()) return;  // if pixel would fall out of virtual segment just exit
 
   if (ledsrgb) ledsrgb[XY(x,y)] = col;
 
   uint8_t _bri_t = currentBri(on ? opacity : 0);
   if (!_bri_t && !transitional) return;
   if (_bri_t < 255) {
-    byte r = scale8(R(col), _bri_t);
-    byte g = scale8(G(col), _bri_t);
-    byte b = scale8(B(col), _bri_t);
-    byte w = scale8(W(col), _bri_t);
-    col = RGBW32(r, g, b, w);
+    col = color_fade(col, _bri_t);
   }
 
   if (reverse  ) x = virtualWidth()  - x - 1;
@@ -310,8 +306,8 @@ void Segment::setPixelColorXY(float x, float y, uint32_t col, bool aa, bool fast
 }
 
 // returns RGBW values of pixel
-uint32_t Segment::getPixelColorXY(uint16_t x, uint16_t y) {
-  if (!isActive()) return 0; // not active
+uint32_t IRAM_ATTR_YN Segment::getPixelColorXY(int x, int y) {
+  if (x<0 || y<0 || !isActive()) return 0; // not active or out-of range
   int i = XY(x,y);
   if (ledsrgb) return RGBW32(ledsrgb[i].r, ledsrgb[i].g, ledsrgb[i].b, 0);
   if (reverse  ) x = virtualWidth()  - x - 1;
@@ -356,59 +352,71 @@ void Segment::fadePixelColorXY(uint16_t x, uint16_t y, uint8_t fade) {
 }
 
 // blurRow: perform a blur on a row of a rectangular matrix
-void Segment::blurRow(uint16_t row, fract8 blur_amount) {
+void Segment::blurRow(uint32_t row, fract8 blur_amount, bool smear){
   if (!isActive()) return; // not active
   const uint_fast16_t cols = virtualWidth();
   const uint_fast16_t rows = virtualHeight();
 
   if (row >= rows) return;
   // blur one row
-  uint8_t keep = 255 - blur_amount;
+  uint8_t keep = smear ? 255 : 255 - blur_amount;
   uint8_t seep = blur_amount >> 1;
-  CRGB carryover = CRGB::Black;
-  for (uint_fast16_t x = 0; x < cols; x++) {
-    CRGB cur = getPixelColorXY(x, row);
-    uint32_t before = uint32_t(cur);     // remember color before blur
-    CRGB part = cur;
-    part.nscale8(seep);
-    cur.nscale8(keep);
-    cur += carryover;
-    if (x>0) {
-      CRGB prev = CRGB(getPixelColorXY(x-1, row)) + part;
-      setPixelColorXY(x-1, row, prev);
+  uint32_t carryover = BLACK;
+  uint32_t lastnew;
+  uint32_t last;
+  uint32_t curnew = 0;
+  for (unsigned x = 0; x < cols; x++) {
+    uint32_t cur = getPixelColorXY(x, row);
+    uint32_t part = color_fade(cur, seep);
+    curnew = color_fade(cur, keep);
+    if (x > 0) {
+      if (carryover)
+        curnew = color_add(curnew, carryover, !smear); // WLEDMM don't use "fast" when smear==true (better handling of bright colors)
+      uint32_t prev = color_add(lastnew, part, !smear);// WLEDMM
+      if (last != prev) // optimization: only set pixel if color has changed
+        setPixelColorXY(int(x - 1), int(row), prev);
     }
-    if (before != uint32_t(cur))         // optimization: only set pixel if color has changed
-      setPixelColorXY(x, row, cur);
+    else // first pixel
+      setPixelColorXY(int(x), int(row), curnew);
+    lastnew = curnew;
+    last = cur; // save original value for comparison on next iteration
     carryover = part;
   }
+  setPixelColorXY(int(cols-1), int(row), curnew); // set last pixel
 }
 
 // blurCol: perform a blur on a column of a rectangular matrix
-void Segment::blurCol(uint16_t col, fract8 blur_amount) {
+void Segment::blurCol(uint32_t col, fract8 blur_amount, bool smear) {
   if (!isActive()) return; // not active
   const uint_fast16_t cols = virtualWidth();
   const uint_fast16_t rows = virtualHeight();
 
   if (col >= cols) return;
   // blur one column
-  uint8_t keep = 255 - blur_amount;
+  uint8_t keep = smear ? 255 : 255 - blur_amount;
   uint8_t seep = blur_amount >> 1;
-  CRGB carryover = CRGB::Black;
-  for (uint_fast16_t y = 0; y < rows; y++) {
-    CRGB cur = getPixelColorXY(col, y);
-    CRGB part = cur;
-    uint32_t before = uint32_t(cur);     // remember color before blur
-    part.nscale8(seep);
-    cur.nscale8(keep);
-    cur += carryover;
-    if (y>0) {
-      CRGB prev = CRGB(getPixelColorXY(col, y-1)) + part;
-      setPixelColorXY(col, y-1, prev);
+  uint32_t carryover = BLACK;
+  uint32_t lastnew;
+  uint32_t last;
+  uint32_t curnew = 0;
+  for (unsigned y = 0; y < rows; y++) {
+    uint32_t cur = getPixelColorXY(col, y);
+    uint32_t part = color_fade(cur, seep);
+    curnew = color_fade(cur, keep);
+    if (y > 0) {
+      if (carryover)
+        curnew = color_add(curnew, carryover, !smear);  // WLEDMM don't use "fast" when smear==true (better handling of bright colors)
+      uint32_t prev = color_add(lastnew, part, !smear); // WLEDMM
+      if (last != prev) // optimization: only set pixel if color has changed
+        setPixelColorXY(int(col), int(y - 1), prev);
     }
-    if (before != uint32_t(cur))         // optimization: only set pixel if color has changed
-      setPixelColorXY(col, y, cur);
-    carryover = part;
+    else // first pixel
+      setPixelColorXY(int(col), int(y), curnew);
+    lastnew = curnew;
+    last = cur; //save original value for comparison on next iteration
+    carryover = part;        
   }
+  setPixelColorXY(int(col), int(rows - 1), curnew);
 }
 
 // 1D Box blur (with added weight - blur_amount: [0=no blur, 255=max blur])
diff --git a/wled00/FX_fcn.cpp b/wled00/FX_fcn.cpp
index 0bf310dc..537dc662 100644
--- a/wled00/FX_fcn.cpp
+++ b/wled00/FX_fcn.cpp
@@ -1030,11 +1030,7 @@ void IRAM_ATTR_YN Segment::setPixelColor(int i, uint32_t col) //WLEDMM: IRAM_ATT
   uint8_t _bri_t = currentBri(on ? opacity : 0);
   if (!_bri_t && !transitional && fadeTransition) return; // if _bri_t == 0 && segment is not transitioning && transitions are enabled then save a few CPU cycles
   if (_bri_t < 255) {
-    byte r = scale8(R(col), _bri_t);
-    byte g = scale8(G(col), _bri_t);
-    byte b = scale8(B(col), _bri_t);
-    byte w = scale8(W(col), _bri_t);
-    col = RGBW32(r, g, b, w);
+    col = color_fade(col, _bri_t);
   }
 
   // expand pixel (taking into account start, grouping, spacing [and offset])
@@ -1357,42 +1353,43 @@ void Segment::fadeToBlackBy(uint8_t fadeBy) {
 /*
  * blurs segment content, source: FastLED colorutils.cpp
  */
-void Segment::blur(uint8_t blur_amount)
-{
+void Segment::blur(uint8_t blur_amount, bool smear) {
   if (!isActive() || blur_amount == 0) return; // optimization: 0 means "don't blur"
 #ifndef WLED_DISABLE_2D
   if (is2D()) {
     // compatibility with 2D
-    const uint_fast16_t cols = virtualWidth();
-    const uint_fast16_t rows = virtualHeight();
-    for (uint_fast16_t i = 0; i < rows; i++) blurRow(i, blur_amount); // blur all rows
-    for (uint_fast16_t k = 0; k < cols; k++) blurCol(k, blur_amount); // blur all columns
+    const uint_fast32_t cols = virtualWidth();
+    const uint_fast32_t rows = virtualHeight();
+    for (uint_fast32_t i = 0; i < rows; i++) blurRow(i, blur_amount, smear); // blur all rows
+    for (uint_fast32_t k = 0; k < cols; k++) blurCol(k, blur_amount, smear); // blur all columns
     return;
   }
 #endif
-  uint8_t keep = 255 - blur_amount;
+  uint8_t keep = smear ? 255 : 255 - blur_amount;
   uint8_t seep = blur_amount >> 1;
-  CRGB carryover = CRGB::Black;
-  uint_fast16_t vlength = virtualLength();
-  for(uint_fast16_t i = 0; i < vlength; i++)
-  {
-    CRGB cur = CRGB(getPixelColor(i));
-    CRGB part = cur;
-    uint32_t before = uint32_t(cur); // remember color before blur
-    part.nscale8(seep);
-    cur.nscale8(keep);
-    cur += carryover;
-    if(i > 0) {
-      uint32_t c = getPixelColor(i-1);
-      uint8_t r = R(c);
-      uint8_t g = G(c);
-      uint8_t b = B(c);
-      setPixelColor((uint16_t)(i-1), qadd8(r, part.red), qadd8(g, part.green), qadd8(b, part.blue));
+  unsigned vlength = virtualLength();
+  uint32_t carryover = BLACK;
+  uint32_t lastnew;
+  uint32_t last;
+  uint32_t curnew = 0;
+  for (unsigned i = 0; i < vlength; i++) {
+    uint32_t cur = getPixelColor(i);
+    uint32_t part = color_fade(cur, seep);
+    curnew = color_fade(cur, keep);
+    if (i > 0) {
+      if (carryover)
+        curnew = color_add(curnew, carryover, !smear);  // WLEDMM
+      uint32_t prev = color_add(lastnew, part, !smear); // WLEDMM
+      if (last != prev) // optimization: only set pixel if color has changed
+        setPixelColor(int(i - 1), prev);
     }
-    if (before != uint32_t(cur))     // optimization: only set pixel if color has changed
-      setPixelColor((uint16_t)i,cur.red, cur.green, cur.blue);
+    else // first pixel
+      setPixelColor(int(i), curnew);
+    lastnew = curnew;
+    last = cur; // save original value for comparison on next iteration
     carryover = part;
   }
+  setPixelColor(int(vlength - 1), curnew);
 }
 
 /*
diff --git a/wled00/bus_wrapper.h b/wled00/bus_wrapper.h
index 5e41f263..ada486d5 100644
--- a/wled00/bus_wrapper.h
+++ b/wled00/bus_wrapper.h
@@ -1179,14 +1179,22 @@ class PolyBus {
       #else
       // standard ESP32 has 8 RMT and 2 I2S channels
       #ifndef WLEDMM_FASTPATH
-      if (num > 9) return I_NONE;
-      if (num == 8) offset = 2;  // first use I2S#1 (so #0 stays available for audio)
-      if (num == 9) offset = 1;  // use I2S#0 as the last driver
+        #ifdef WLEDMM_SLOWPATH // I2S flickers on large installs. Favor stability over framerate.
+          if (num > 7) return I_NONE;
+        #else
+          if (num == 8) offset = 2;  // first use I2S#1 (so #0 stays available for audio)
+          if (num == 9) offset = 1;  // use I2S#0 as the last driver
+          if (num > 9) return I_NONE;        
+        #endif
       #else
-      // ESP32 "audio_fastpath" - 8 RMT and 1 I2S channels. RMT 5-8 have sending delays, so use I2S#1 before going for RMT 5-8
-      if (num > 8) return I_NONE;
-      if (num == 1) offset = 2;    // use I2S#1 as 2nd bus - seems to be a good compromise for performance, and reduces flickering for some users
-      //if (num == 0) offset = 2;  // un-comment to use I2S#1 as 1st bus - sometimes helps, if you experience flickering during Wifi or filesystem activity.
+        // ESP32 "audio_fastpath" - 8 RMT and 1 I2S channels. RMT 5-8 have sending delays, so use I2S#1 before going for RMT 5-8
+        #ifdef WLEDMM_SLOWPATH // I2S flickers on large installs. Favor stability over framerate.
+          if (num > 7) return I_NONE;
+        #else
+          if (num > 8) return I_NONE;
+          if (num == 1) offset = 2;    // use I2S#1 as 2nd bus - seems to be a good compromise for performance, and reduces flickering for some users
+          // if (num == 0) offset = 2;  // un-comment to use I2S#1 as 1st bus - sometimes helps, if you experience flickering during Wifi or filesystem activity.
+        #endif
       #endif
       #endif
       switch (busType) {
diff --git a/wled00/colors.cpp b/wled00/colors.cpp
index 30d31927..6546043b 100644
--- a/wled00/colors.cpp
+++ b/wled00/colors.cpp
@@ -35,18 +35,65 @@ IRAM_ATTR_YN uint32_t color_blend(uint32_t color1, uint32_t color2, uint_fast16_
  * color add function that preserves ratio
  * idea: https://github.com/Aircoookie/WLED/pull/2465 by https://github.com/Proto-molecule
  */
-IRAM_ATTR_YN uint32_t color_add(uint32_t c1, uint32_t c2)   // WLEDMM added IRAM_ATTR_YN
+IRAM_ATTR_YN uint32_t color_add(uint32_t c1, uint32_t c2, bool fast)   // WLEDMM added IRAM_ATTR_YN
 {
-  uint32_t r = R(c1) + R(c2);
-  uint32_t g = G(c1) + G(c2);
-  uint32_t b = B(c1) + B(c2);
-  uint32_t w = W(c1) + W(c2);
-  uint_fast16_t max = r;
-  if (g > max) max = g;
-  if (b > max) max = b;
-  if (w > max) max = w;
-  if (max < 256) return RGBW32(r, g, b, w);
-  else           return RGBW32(r * 255 / max, g * 255 / max, b * 255 / max, w * 255 / max);
+  if (c2 == 0) return c1;  // WLEDMM shortcut
+  if (c1 == 0) return c2;  // WLEDMM shortcut
+
+  if (fast) {
+    uint8_t r = R(c1);
+    uint8_t g = G(c1);
+    uint8_t b = B(c1);
+    uint8_t w = W(c1);
+    r = qadd8(r, R(c2));
+    g = qadd8(g, G(c2));
+    b = qadd8(b, B(c2));
+    w = qadd8(w, W(c2));
+    return RGBW32(r,g,b,w);
+  } else {
+    uint32_t r = R(c1) + R(c2);
+    uint32_t g = G(c1) + G(c2);
+    uint32_t b = B(c1) + B(c2);
+    uint32_t w = W(c1) + W(c2);
+    uint32_t max = r;
+    if (g > max) max = g;
+    if (b > max) max = b;
+    if (w > max) max = w;
+    if (max < 256) return RGBW32(r, g, b, w);
+    else           return RGBW32(r * 255 / max, g * 255 / max, b * 255 / max, w * 255 / max);
+  }
+}
+
+/*
+ * fades color toward black
+ * if using "video" method the resulting color will never become black unless it is already black
+ */
+
+IRAM_ATTR_YN uint32_t color_fade(uint32_t c1, uint8_t amount, bool video)
+{
+  if (amount == 0) return 0; // WLEDMM shortcut
+
+  uint32_t scaledcolor; // color order is: W R G B from MSB to LSB
+  uint32_t r = R(c1);
+  uint32_t g = G(c1);
+  uint32_t b = B(c1);
+  uint32_t w = W(c1);
+  if (video)  {
+    uint32_t scale = amount; // 32bit for faster calculation
+    scaledcolor = (((r * scale) >> 8) << 16) + ((r && scale) ? 1 : 0);
+    scaledcolor |= (((g * scale) >> 8) << 8) + ((g && scale) ? 1 : 0);
+    scaledcolor |= ((b * scale) >> 8) + ((b && scale) ? 1 : 0);
+    if (w>0) scaledcolor |= (((w * scale) >> 8) << 24) + ((scale) ? 1 : 0);  // WLEDMM small speedup when no white channel
+    return scaledcolor;
+  }
+  else  {
+    uint32_t scale = 1 + amount;
+    scaledcolor = ((r * scale) >> 8) << 16;
+    scaledcolor |= ((g * scale) >> 8) << 8;
+    scaledcolor |= (b * scale) >> 8;
+    if (w>0) scaledcolor |= ((w * scale) >> 8) << 24;                              // WLEDMM small speedup when no white channel
+    return scaledcolor;
+  }
 }
 
 void setRandomColor(byte* rgb)
diff --git a/wled00/fcn_declare.h b/wled00/fcn_declare.h
index e3473043..ff44bbd9 100644
--- a/wled00/fcn_declare.h
+++ b/wled00/fcn_declare.h
@@ -51,7 +51,8 @@ bool getJsonValue(const JsonVariant& element, DestType& destination, const Defau
 
 //colors.cpp
 uint32_t __attribute__((const)) color_blend(uint32_t,uint32_t,uint_fast16_t,bool b16=false);  // WLEDMM: added attribute const
-uint32_t  __attribute__((const)) color_add(uint32_t,uint32_t);                                // WLEDMM: added attribute const
+uint32_t __attribute__((const)) color_add(uint32_t,uint32_t, bool fast=false);                // WLEDMM: added attribute const
+uint32_t __attribute__((const)) color_fade(uint32_t c1, uint8_t amount, bool video=false);
 inline uint32_t colorFromRgbw(byte* rgbw) { return uint32_t((byte(rgbw[3]) << 24) | (byte(rgbw[0]) << 16) | (byte(rgbw[1]) << 8) | (byte(rgbw[2]))); }
 void colorHStoRGB(uint16_t hue, byte sat, byte* rgb); //hue, sat to rgb
 void colorKtoRGB(uint16_t kelvin, byte* rgb);
diff --git a/wled00/wled.h b/wled00/wled.h
index 23321384..647bfb9c 100644
--- a/wled00/wled.h
+++ b/wled00/wled.h
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
  */
 
 // version code in format yymmddb (b = daily build)
-#define VERSION 2404161
+#define VERSION 2404181
 
 // WLEDMM  - you can check for this define in usermods, to only enabled WLEDMM specific code in the "right" fork. Its not defined in AC WLED.
 #define _MoonModules_WLED_