Direct vocal and instrument monitor

Abstract

The present invention relates to direct voice and instrument monitoring systems and methods of use thereof.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of International Application Serial No.: PCT / US2008 / 062415, filed May 1, 2008, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 915,223, filed May 1, 2007. The entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]Hearing ones own voice has long been known by vocal performers as important to successful vocal performance, as evidenced by the number of tools and electronic vocal and instrument monitoring and recording products developed over many years. Products range from well-designed auditoriums, state of the art wireless in-ear vocal and instrument monitoring, to the time tested closing of one ear to perceive their own voice through the vibrations in their own head.[0003]Vocal and instrument monitoring equipment and technology remains quite expensive, putting it out of reach of most musicians. Even with advances in technology, prices are still p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]Provided herein are systems and method of vocal and instrument monitoring that provide low-cost, user friendly, high quality voice and instrument monitoring. Advantages may include, for example, one or more of the following: direct transmission to the users ear(s); no need for transmitter body-pack to return signal to musician from traditional mixing board, and then pass it along to ear pieces; allow for higher level before feedback through a closed system; does not use traditional monitoring equipment on stage, such as stage wedge, side fill, or microphone-stand mounted, resulting in lower power consumption, less weight and mass to transport; allows one to control the sound and monitor mix on-stage thereby increasing an individuals ability to control and effectively monitor their voice; there is also no need to use long-range public open airwaves that can cause difficulty finding usable frequency, and risking distortion or interference.

[0006]The systems and methods described herein also result in less vocal strain, increased performance accuracy, protection against hearing damage from feedback, portability, simplicity in set-up and use, lower power consumption, increased user control, simplified monitoring conducted by user only, less microphone bleeding, and / or will lower the expense of vocal and instrument monitoring.

[0032]In one aspect, provided herein are methods of aiding, curing, and / or alleviating hearing-based speech impediments, comprising: amplifying directly a speaker's voice into a monitoring device thereby allowing monitoring of voice level, tone and quality.

[0033]In one aspect, provided herein are methods of monitoring a voice in a way to lower the likelihood of hearing damage for user of monitoring device.

Problems solved by technology

Vocal and instrument monitoring equipment and technology remains quite expensive, putting it out of reach of most musicians.

Even with advances in technology, prices are still prohibitive for most vocalists and musicians to use newer technologies such as in-ear monitoring.

Moreover, the space requirements and heavy equipment used in industry standard wedge or side monitoring systems are quite complicated and cumbersome.

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