Audio mixer and control method of audio mixer

Abstract

An audio mixer includes an operation panel having a first area including a first operation member that receives a parameter operation and a second area including a second operation member that receives a parameter operation, a processing section, and a control section. The control section, in a first mode, divides a plurality of input channels into a first input channel and a second input channel, divides a mix bus into a first mix bus and a second mix bus, and controls so that the processing section processes a sound signal output from the first input channel to the first mix bus in accordance with a first parameter in a first signal processing system and processes a sound signal output from the second input channel to the second mix bus in accordance with a second parameter in a second signal processing system. In a second mode, the control section controls so that the plurality of input channels operate in the same processing system and controls so that the processing section processes a sound signal output from the plurality of input channels to the mix bus in accordance with the first parameter or the second parameter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an audio mixer and a method for controlling the audio mixer. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses the preparation of multiple digital mixers of the same type, with the input board set as common, and the mixing output connector of the preamp connected to the sub-mixing input connector of the amp.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 06-310957 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] One purpose of this disclosure is to provide an easy-to-use audio mixer when multiple people are using a single mixer.

[0008] Methods for solving problems

[0009] The audio mixer has an operation panel, a processing unit, and a control unit. The operation panel has a first area for a first operation element that includes operation of receiving parameters and a second area for operation of a second operation element that includes operation of receiving parameters. The processing unit processes audio signals output from multiple input channels to multiple mixing buses according to the parameters. The control unit controls the operation of the processing unit.

[0010] In the first mode, the control unit divides the plurality of input channels into a first input channel for a first signal processing system and a second input channel for a second signal processing system; divides the plurality of mixing buses into a first mixing bus for the first signal processing system and a second mixing bus for the second signal processing system; and divides the parameters into a first parameter corresponding to the first operator and a second operation corresponding to the second operator. In the first signal processing system, the control unit controls the processing unit to process the audio signal output from the first input channel to the first mixing bus according to the first parameter. In the second signal processing system, the control unit also controls the processing unit to process the audio signal output from the second input channel to the second mixing bus according to the second parameter. In the second mode, the control unit treats the plurality of input channels and the plurality of mixing buses as the same signal processing system and controls the processing unit to process the audio signal output from the plurality of input channels to the plurality of mixing buses according to the parameters within the same signal processing system.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to this embodiment, an easy-to-use audio mixer can be provided when multiple people use a single mixer. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the structure of an audio mixer.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram of signal processing.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the settings screen for the input patch.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a block diagram that functionally illustrates the signal processing structure of the input channel 302 and the hybrid bus 303.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the structure of the operation panel 100 of the audio mixer 1.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the switching action between the split mode (mode 1) and the normal mode (mode 2) in CPU16.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing the signal processing structure of the input channel 302 and the hybrid bus 303 in the first mode.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on display 11A when an operation is being performed on the first signal processing system.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on display 11B when an operation is being performed on the second signal processing system.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of a channel copy acceptance screen displayed on monitor 11.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a block diagram showing the audio mixer 1 involved in Variation 1 and the PC2 connected to the audio mixer 1. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the audio mixer 1. The audio mixer 1 includes a display 11, an operation unit 12, an audio I / O (input / output) unit 13, a processing unit 14, a communication interface (I / F) 15, a CPU 16, a flash memory 17, and a RAM 18.

[0025] The display 11, operation unit 12, audio I / O (input / output) 13, processing unit 14, communication interface (I / F) 15, CPU 16, flash memory 17, and RAM 18 are interconnected.

[0026] Audio I / O 13 is an interface for accepting input of sound signals that should be processed by processing unit 14. Audio I / O 13 is provided with analog input ports or digital input ports for accepting sound signal input. Furthermore, audio I / O 13 is also an interface for outputting the sound signal processed by processing unit 14. Audio I / O 13 is provided with analog output ports or digital output ports for outputting sound signals.

[0027] The Communication I / F15 is an interface used for communication with other devices. For example, the Communication I / F15 can be connected to an external PC. Alternatively, the Communication I / F15 can send and receive audio signals conforming to standards such as Dante (registered trademark) via a network.

[0028] CPU 16 is a control unit that controls the operation of audio mixer 1. CPU 16 performs various operations by reading a predetermined program stored in flash memory 17, which serves as storage, into RAM 18.

[0029] The display 11 displays various information under the control of the CPU 16. The display 11 is constructed, for example, using LCD, OLED, or LED.

[0030] The operation unit 12 receives operations from the user for the audio mixer 1. The operation unit 12 consists of various keys, buttons, switches, rotary encoders, or sliders. In addition, the operation unit 12 is sometimes also composed of a touchpad superimposed on the display 11.

[0031] The processing unit 14 is composed of a DSP for performing various signal processing operations such as mixing or effects processing. The processing unit 14 performs mixing or effects processing on the audio signals provided from the audio I / O 13 or communication I / F 15. The processing unit 14 outputs the processed digital audio signal via the audio I / O or communication I / F.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram of signal processing. For example... Figure 2 As shown, signal processing is functionally performed by input plug-in 301, input channel 302, hybrid bus 303, output channel 304, and output plug-in 305.

[0033] Input insert 301 inputs audio signals from multiple input ports (e.g., analog input ports or digital input ports) in audio I / O 13, and assigns any one of the multiple ports to at least one channel of multiple input channels (e.g., 32ch).

[0034] Figure 3 This diagram shows an example of the setup screen for input connector 301. The setup screen for input connector 301 is displayed on display 11. The setup screen for input connector 301 displays channel names and port numbers in a matrix format. A touchpad is overlaid on display 11. The user specifies the channel assigned to each port by selecting the port number in the matrix. As a result, audio signals are provided to each channel of input channel 302.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a block diagram functionally illustrating the signal processing structure of the input channel 302 and the mixing bus 303. Each channel of the input channel 302 undergoes gain adjustment of the audio signal in a preamplifier (HA, head amp) 350 corresponding to a port assigned by the input insert 301. Furthermore, in the signal processing block 351, each channel of the input channel 302 performs equalization, compression, and other signal processing on the audio signal whose gain has been adjusted by the HA 350.

[0036] After signal processing, the audio signal is leveled by the mixer potentiometer (FADER) 352 and then sent to the subsequent mixing bus 303 via the panning unit (PAN) 353. The panning unit 353 adjusts the balance of the signal provided to the mixing bus 3031 (a bus that becomes the main output of the two channels) of the stereo bus 3031 to the mixing bus 303.

[0037] Furthermore, the processed audio signal, after being leveled by the transmitting unit (SEND1 to SEND48) 354, is sent to the subsequent mixing bus 303. The transmitting unit 354 can be switched by the user to provide signals to each of the MIX buses 3032 (MIX1 to MIX48) of the mixing bus 303. Moreover, the transmitting unit 354 adjusts the level of the signal provided to each MIX bus according to the transmission amount set by the user.

[0038] Output channel 304 has the same number of channels as the mixing bus. In each channel of output channel 304, various signal processing operations are performed on the audio signal output from the mixing bus 303. Each channel of output channel 304 sends the processed audio signal to output connector 305. Output connector 305 assigns each channel to one of a plurality of ports among analog output ports or digital output ports. Thus, the signal-processed audio signal is provided to the audio I / O.

[0039] The above signal processing is controlled based on the values ​​of various parameters. The CPU 16 stores the current values ​​(current data) of various parameters in the RAM 18. The CPU 16 updates the current data when the user operates the operation unit 12.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the structure of the operation panel 100 of the audio mixer 1. The operation panel 100 of the audio mixer 1 is as follows... Figure 5 As shown, it has a first region 100A and a second region 100B.

[0041] The first area 100A is provided with a display 11A, a strip 63A, a store button 72A, a recall button 73A, and add / delete buttons 74A. The display 11A is a display that overlays a touchpad as one form of the operation unit 12, displaying a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen for handling user operations. The GUI 11A, strip 63A, store button 72A, recall button 73A, and add / delete buttons 74A of the display 11A correspond to the operation unit 12 and are associated with the first operation element of the present invention.

[0042] The second area 100B is equipped with a display 11B, a channel bar 63B, a save button 72B, a recall button 73B, and an increase / decrease button 74B. The display 11B is also a display that overlays a touchpad as one form of the operation unit 12, displaying a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen for handling user operations. The GUI 11B, channel bar 63B, save button 72B, recall button 73B, and increase / decrease button 74B of the display 11B correspond to the operation unit 12 and are associated with the second operation element of the present invention.

[0043] Channel strips 63A and 63B are areas where multiple operating elements are arranged longitudinally, each accepting operations for one channel. Each channel in channel strips 63A and 63B has... Figure 4 The operating components corresponding to the mixer potentiometer (FADER) 352, the image sensor (PAN) 353, and the transmitter 354 are shown. The audio mixer 1 accepts parameter operations via the operating component (first operating component) of channel strip 63A and the operating component (second operating component) of channel strip 63B.

[0044] In addition, in this diagram, only one mixer potentiometer and one knob are shown for each channel as operating components, but in reality, multiple knobs or switches are sometimes provided.

[0045] Channel strips 63A and 63B can each be assigned any number of input channels. For example, channel strip 63A has 16 channels and can assign input channels 1 to 16. Similarly, channel strip 63B has 16 channels and can assign input channels 17 to 23.

[0046] Furthermore, channel strips 63A and 63B can be assigned different input channels or the same input channels. For example, channel strip 63A can be assigned input channels 1 to 16, and channel strip 63B can also be assigned input channels 1 to 16.

[0047] Furthermore, in this example, the number of input channels and the number of channel strips are both 32, but the number of input channels can also be more than the number of channel strips. For example, even when the number of input channels is 64, channel strips 63A and 63B can each be assigned any of the 64 input channels.

[0048] Save buttons 72A and 72B are buttons that indicate the saving of scene storage data. By activating save button 72A or save button 72B, the user can save the current data as the data for one scene storage to flash memory 17. Flash memory 17 stores multiple scene storages. Furthermore, by activating add / remove buttons 74A or add / remove buttons 74B, the user can select a scene storage to save and retrieve from the multiple scene storages. By activating recall buttons 73A or recall button 73B, the user can recall the settings of various parameters by retrieving the necessary scene storage data. Alternatively, these buttons can also be configured using a GUI that utilizes a touchpad overlaid on display 11.

[0049] Next, Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the switching action between the split mode (mode 1) and the normal mode (mode 2) in CPU16.

[0050] CPU 16 determines whether the current mode is Mode 1 or Mode 2 (S11). The change between Mode 1 and Mode 2 is handled via a dedicated operation device, such as that of Operation Unit 12. If Mode 1 is determined to be present (S11: Mode 1), CPU 16 divides the input channels into a first input channel for a first signal processing system and a second input channel for a second signal processing system, and divides the mixing bus into a first mixing bus for a first signal processing system and a second mixing bus for a second signal processing system (S12). Furthermore, CPU 16 divides the parameters into a first parameter for a first signal processing system and a second parameter for a second signal processing system (S12). Then, CPU 16 causes Processing Unit 14 to perform signal processing in each system (S13). Specifically, the CPU16 controls the processing unit 14 to perform the operation of processing the audio signal output from the first input channel to the first mixing bus according to the first parameter in the first signal processing system, and controls the processing unit 14 to perform the operation of processing the audio signal output from the second input channel to the second mixing bus according to the second parameter in the second signal processing system.

[0051] Figure 7 This is a block diagram functionally illustrating the signal processing structure of the input channel 302 and the hybrid bus 303 in the first mode. In the first mode, the CPU divides the input channel 302 into a first input channel 302A and a second input channel 302B. Furthermore, the CPU16 divides the hybrid bus 303 into a first hybrid bus 303A and a second hybrid bus 303B.

[0052] In this embodiment, the number of input channels is 32. Therefore, the CPU 16 divides these 32 input channels into 16 first input channels and 16 second input channels. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of MIX buses in the hybrid bus is 48. Therefore, the CPU 16 divides these 48 MIX buses 3032 into 24 first MIX buses 3032A and 24 second MIX buses 3032B. In addition, in this example, the CPU 16 also divides other buses, such as the stereo bus 3031, into first stereo bus 3031A and second stereo bus 3031B.

[0053] like Figure 7 As shown, the gain of each channel of the first input channel 302A is adjusted via HA350A. Furthermore, in the signal processing block 351A, the gain-adjusted audio signal from each channel of input channel 302A undergoes equalization, compression, and other signal processing. The processed audio signal is then leveled via the mixer potentiometer unit (FADER) 352A and sent to the subsequent mixing bus 303A via the pan unit (PAN) 353A. The pan unit 353A adjusts the signal balance of the stereo bus (the bus that becomes the two main output channels) 3031A supplied to the mixing bus 303A. Additionally, the processed audio signal is leveled via the transmitter units (SEND1~SEND24) 354A and then sent to the subsequent mixing bus 303A.

[0054] Similarly, the gain of each channel of the second input channel 302B is adjusted via HA350B. Furthermore, in the signal processing block 351B, the gain-adjusted audio signal from each channel of input channel 302B undergoes equalization, compression, and other signal processing. The processed audio signal is then leveled by the attenuator (FADER) 352B and sent to the subsequent mixing bus 303B via the imaging unit (PAN) 353B. The imaging unit 353B adjusts the signal balance of the stereo bus (the bus that becomes the two main output channels) 3031B supplied to the mixing bus 303B. Additionally, the processed audio signal is leveled by the transmitter (SEND1~SEND24) 354B and then sent to the subsequent mixing bus 303B.

[0055] The signal processing of the first input channel 302A is controlled based on the value of the first parameter. The signal processing of the second input channel 302B is controlled based on the value of the second parameter. The CPU 16 stores the current data of the first parameter and the current data of the second parameter as different current data in the RAM 18.

[0056] The first parameter corresponds to the first operating element (e.g., channel bar 63A) in the first region 100A of the operation unit 12. The second parameter corresponds to the second operating element (e.g., channel bar 63B) in the second region 100B of the operation unit 12.

[0057] The user can adjust the value of the first parameter by operating the first operand (e.g., channel bar 63A) in the first area 100A. The user can adjust the value of the second parameter by operating the second operand (e.g., channel bar 63B) in the second area 100B. The CPU 16 updates the current data of the first parameter when the user operates the first operand. The CPU 16 updates the current data of the second parameter when the user operates the second operand.

[0058] Furthermore, the user can save the current data of the first parameter as the first scene to the flash memory 17 by operating the first save operation of the save button 72A, and can also save the current data of the second parameter as the second scene to the flash memory 17 by operating the second save operation of the save button 72B. The CPU 16 stores the data stored in the first scene and the data stored in the second scene as different data in the flash memory 17.

[0059] Furthermore, the first scene storage can be read from the flash memory 17 by operating the first call-out operation of the call-out button 73A, and the second scene storage can also be read from the flash memory 17 by operating the second call-out operation of the call-out button 73B.

[0060] Therefore, a user can operate one audio mixer 1 as two audio mixers, one for zone 100A and the other for zone 100B. For example, a first user can operate the first action of zone 100A to operate audio mixer 1 as the first mixer. On the other hand, a second user can operate the second action of zone 100B to operate audio mixer 2 as the second mixer. The first parameter of the first input channel reflects the operation of the first action but not the operation of the second action. The second parameter of the second input channel reflects the operation of the second action but not the operation of the first action. Therefore, the first user and the second user will not mistakenly change the parameters operated by different users. Thus, audio mixer 1 is easy to use when multiple people use one mixer.

[0061] Furthermore, preferably, the CPU 16 changes the display of the display 11A and the display 11B when it accepts an operation for the first signal processing system and when it accepts an operation for the second signal processing system. Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the screen displayed on display 11A when an operation is being performed on the first signal processing system. Figure 9This is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on display 11B when an operation is being performed on the second signal processing system.

[0062] When CPU 16 receives an operation for the first parameter through the first operating element of the first region 100A, it causes display 11A to... Figure 8 The display is shown in the first display mode. Furthermore, when the CPU 16 receives an operation for the second parameter via the first operating element of the second region 100B, it causes the display 11B to display in the first display mode shown. Figure 9 The second display mode is shown.

[0063] Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the example, CPU16 changes the background color in the first display mode and the second display mode. Furthermore, the first and second display modes are not limited to examples with different background colors; for example, they could also be modes with different brightness levels. This allows the user to easily determine whether an operation is being performed on the first signal processing system or the second signal processing system.

[0064] Furthermore, the audio mixer 1 of this embodiment has two displays, a first region display 11A and a second region display 11B. However, assuming there is only one display, the CPU 16 switches... Figure 8 The first display mode and Figure 9 The display can be shown in the second display mode. In this case, the audio mixer 1 has an operating unit for accepting the switching operation between the first signal processing system and the second signal processing system. When the CPU 16 accepts the switching operation between the first signal processing system and the second signal processing system via the operating unit, it switches the display to either the first display mode or the second display mode.

[0065] Furthermore, in Mode 1, the same input port can be assigned to both the first and second input channels. In this case, the first parameter of the HA350A and the second parameter of the HA350B become the same value. That is, the first signal processing system and the second signal processing system each include situations where sound processing is performed based on common signal processing parameters.

[0066] In this case, during both the first and second save operations, CPU 16 stores the common signal processing parameters in flash memory 17. Furthermore, during both the first and second fetch operations, CPU 16 reads the common signal processing parameters from flash memory 17.

[0067] Furthermore, when the gain of HA350A and HA350B are common signal processing parameters, if the user changes the gain of HA350A, the gain of HA350B will also be changed. For example, if the gain of HA350A is changed to -3dB, the gain of HA350B will also be changed to -3dB.

[0068] In this regard, the audio mixer 1 can also accept gain compensation settings, which maintain the gain setting of the second input channel even if the user changes the gain of the HA350A of the first input channel. More specifically, the signal processing block 351B has a gain adjustment unit for compensating for gains changed in the HA350B. When a gain compensation setting is accepted, for example, if the gain of the HA350A is changed to -3dB, the gain adjustment unit of the signal processing block 351B performs a +3dB gain adjustment. Thus, the gain setting of the second input channel is maintained. Gain compensation can also be accepted separately for each of the first and second input channels. That is, a gain compensation setting that maintains the gain setting of the first input channel can also be accepted. In this case, the signal processing block 351A has a gain adjustment unit for compensating for gains changed in the HA350A.

[0069] Gain compensation can also be automatically set when a channel copy operation is accepted. Figure 10 This diagram illustrates an example of a channel copy acceptance screen displayed on the monitor 11. On the channel copy acceptance screen, the user can select whether to copy the first input channel (Ch A) to the second input channel (Ch B) or to copy the second input channel (Ch B) to the first input channel (Ch A). That is, the user can copy the first signal processing settings related to the multiple first input channels in the first parameter to the second signal processing settings of the multiple second input channels in the second parameter, or copy the second signal processing settings related to the multiple second input channels in the second parameter to the first signal processing settings of the multiple first input channels in the first parameter. Figure 8 In the example, the user makes the choice to copy the first input channels 1-16 (Ch A1-16) to the second input channels 1-16 (ChB1-16).

[0070] In addition, users can select the parameters to be copied on the channel copy acceptance screen.

[0071] In addition, users can choose whether to set gain compensation on the channel copy acceptance screen. If the user sets gain compensation (selects "Set GC for copied HA") on the channel copy acceptance screen and performs a copy operation, CPU16 sets gain compensation for the input channel on the copied side. Figure 10 In the example, since the user selects to copy the first input channels 1-16 (Ch A1-16) to the second input channels 1-16 (Ch B1-16), gain compensation is set for the second input channels 1-16 (Ch B1-16).

[0072] On the other hand, Figure 6 In the flowchart, when the CPU 16 determines that it is in mode 2 (S11: mode 2), it sets all input channels 302 and mixing buses 303 to the same signal processing system (S14). Specifically, it unifies the first input channel (which is the first signal processing system) and the second input channel (which is the second signal processing system) into the same signal processing system, and unifies the first mixing bus (which is the first signal processing system) and the second mixing bus (which is the second signal processing system) into the same signal processing system (S14). Furthermore, the CPU 16 reads the parameters used in mode 2 into RAM 18 as a parameter different from the first and second parameters (the third parameter) (S14). This third parameter is the current data that was last read into RAM 18 when switching from mode 2 to mode 1 and stored in flash memory 17 as the third parameter. Alternatively, when the CPU 16 changes from mode 1 to mode 2, it may also read either the first or the second parameter into RAM 18 as a parameter used in mode 2.

[0073] Then, the CPU 16 causes the processing unit 14 to perform signal processing in the same signal processing system (S15). Specifically, the CPU 16 controls the processing unit 14 to perform the operation of processing the audio signal output from the input channel 302 to the mixing bus 303 according to the third parameter read into the RAM 18.

[0074] As described above, for example, channel bar 63A can be assigned to input channels 1 to 16 and channel bar 63B can be assigned to input channels 17 to 32. In this case, the user can operate the 32 input channels of the same signal processing system using both the first operating unit of the first region 100A and the second operating unit of the second region 100B.

[0075] In this way, audio mixer 1 can operate in mode 2 as an audio mixer with a greater number of input channels and a mixing bus.

[0076] Furthermore, in the first mode, the amount of audio signal transmitted from each input channel of the first signal processing system to each MIX bus in the first parameter and the amount of audio signal transmitted from each input channel of the second signal processing system to each MIX bus in the second parameter are independent of each other. On the other hand, the third parameter in the second mode may include, for example, the amount of audio signal transmitted from the input channel of the first signal processing system to the MIX bus of the second signal processing system in the first mode, and may also include the amount of audio signal transmitted from the input channel of the second signal processing system to the MIX bus of the first signal processing system in the first mode. In addition, as described above, when the CPU 16 changes from the first mode to the second mode, it may also read either the first parameter or the second parameter as a parameter used in the second mode into the RAM 18. However, for example, when the CPU 16 reads the first parameter as a parameter used in the second mode into the RAM 18, it may also set the amount of audio signal transmitted to the MIX bus of the second signal processing system to -∞dB, and not output audio signal to the MIX bus of the second signal processing system. Similarly, if the CPU 16 reads the second parameter as a parameter to be used in the second mode into the RAM 18, it can also set the transmission amount of the audio signal provided to the MIX bus belonging to the first signal processing system to -∞dB, and not output the audio signal to the MIX bus belonging to the first signal processing system. Next, Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating an audio mixer 1 according to Modification 1 and a PC 2 connected to the audio mixer 1. The audio mixer 1 and PC 2 are connected, for example, via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable. Alternatively, the audio mixer 1 and PC 2 can be connected, for example, via a network cable, a wireless LAN, or an Internet connection.

[0077] PC2 is an example of an external device of the present invention. PC2 is connected to the audio mixer 1, for example, via a web application program (GUI program), and is subject to operation of the audio mixer 1 by the user of PC2. Thus, the user of PC2 can operate the audio mixer 1 from a location remote from the audio mixer 1.

[0078] However, the CPU 16 of the audio mixer 1 only accepts operations for the first signal processing system from the PC2, while operations for the second signal processing system are only accepted from the second operating unit in the second area 100B. That is, the CPU 16 is configured such that operations for the first parameter are accepted from an external device or the first operating unit, and operations for the second parameter are accepted only from the second operating unit.

[0079] For example, a first user operates the first parameter via PC2. Conversely, a second user can operate the second parameter by operating the second actuator in the second area 100B. The first parameter of the first input channel reflects the operation from PC2 or the operation of the first actuator, but not the operation of the second actuator. The second parameter of the second input channel reflects only the operation of the second actuator, and not the operation from PC2 or the operation of the first actuator. Therefore, the second user is not subject to accidental operation by other users at a remote location.

[0080] The audio mixer 1 preferably includes backup memory, which temporarily stores the configuration information of the audio mixer 1, including a first parameter and a second parameter. Although the backup memory can be an external storage device connected to the audio mixer 1, it is preferably secured by flash memory 17.

[0081] The settings information for audio mixer 1 includes not only the first and second parameters, but also data stored in the first scene, data stored in the second scene, common signal processing parameters, or preference settings such as display brightness and display language.

[0082] Every specified time interval (e.g., 1 minute), when switching between Mode 1 and Mode 2, or when receiving a switching operation between the first signal processing system and the second signal processing system, the CPU 16 temporarily stores the setting information of the audio mixer 1 to the backup memory. The user can retrieve the setting information stored in the backup memory at any time interval and reset the audio mixer 1.

[0083] Therefore, if the user accidentally changes the parameters, adjusts the parameters, or wants to compare the sound difference with the parameters before adjustment, they can freely return to the state of the audio mixer 1 at a certain point in time.

[0084] The description of this embodiment is exemplary in all respects and is not intended to be limiting. The scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but is defined by the claims. Furthermore, the scope of the invention is intended to include all modifications within the meaning or scope equivalent to the claims.

[0085] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0086] 1: Audio Mixer

[0087] 11: Monitor

[0088] 11A: Monitor

[0089] 11B: Display

[0090] 12: Operations Department

[0091] 13: Audio I / O

[0092] 14: Processing Department

[0093] 15: Communication I / F

[0094] 16: CPU

[0095] 17: Flash Memory

[0096] 18: RAM

[0097] 63A: Channel strip

[0098] 63B: Channel strip

[0099] 72A: Save button

[0100] 72B: Save button

[0101] 73A: Call-up button

[0102] 73B: Call-up button

[0103] 74A: Add / Remove Buttons

[0104] 74B: Add / Remove Buttons

[0105] 100: Control Panel

[0106] 100A: Zone 1

[0107] 100B: Area 2

[0108] 301: Input Plugin

[0109] 302: Input Channel

[0110] 302A: Input Channel 1

[0111] 302B: Second Input Channel

[0112] 303: Hybrid Bus

[0113] 303A: Hybrid Bus 1

[0114] 303B: Hybrid Bus 2

[0115] 304: Output Channel

[0116] 305: Output insert

[0117] 351: Signal Processing Block

[0118] 351A: Signal Processing Block

[0119] 351B: Signal Processing Block

[0120] 353: Audiovisual Department

[0121] 353A: Audiovisual Department

[0122] 353B: Audiovisual Department

[0123] 354: Sending Department

[0124] 3031: Stereo Bus

[0125] 3031A: First Stereo Bus

[0126] 3031B: Second Stereo Bus

[0127] 3032: MIX bus

[0128] 3032A: First MIX bus

[0129] 3032B: 2nd MIX bus

Claims

1. An audio mixer having: The control panel has a first area of ​​a first operating element that includes an operation for accepting parameters, and a second area of ​​a second operating element that includes an operation for accepting said parameters; The processing unit processes the audio signals output from multiple input channels to multiple mixing buses according to the parameters. as well as The control unit controls the operation of the processing unit. In mode 1, the control unit The plurality of input channels are divided into a first input channel for a first signal processing system and a second input channel for a second signal processing system. The plurality of hybrid buses are divided into a first hybrid bus for the first signal processing system and a second hybrid bus for the second signal processing system. The parameters are divided into a first parameter corresponding to the first operating element and a second parameter corresponding to the second operating element. The processing unit is controlled to perform operations in the first signal processing system to process the audio signal output from the first input channel to the first mixing bus according to the first parameter. The processing unit is controlled to perform operations in the second signal processing system to process the audio signal output from the second input channel to the second mixing bus according to the second parameter. In the second mode, the control unit The multiple input channels and the multiple hybrid buses are treated as a single signal processing system. In the same signal processing system, the processing unit is controlled to perform actions that process the audio signals output from the plurality of input channels to the plurality of mixing buses according to the parameters.

2. The audio mixer as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control unit is configured such that operations on the first parameter are accepted from external devices, and operations on the second parameter are accepted only from the second operating element.

3. The audio mixer as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Equipped with a monitor When the control unit receives an operation on the first parameter via the first operating element, it causes the display to show in a first display mode; when it receives an operation on the second parameter via the second operating element, it causes the display to show in a second display mode.

4. The audio mixer as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Equipped with a storage unit, The control unit The system accepts a first save operation and a first recall operation. The first save operation stores the first parameter as a first scene in the storage unit. The first recall operation reads the first parameter stored as the first scene from the storage unit and sets it in the first signal processing system. The system accepts a second save operation and a second recall operation. The second save operation stores the second parameter as a second scene storage in the storage unit. The second recall operation reads the second parameter stored as the second scene storage from the storage unit and sets it in the second signal processing system.

5. The audio mixer as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The first signal processing system and the second signal processing system each include a case where sound processing is performed based on common signal processing parameters. The storage unit stores the common signal processing parameters. The control unit stores the common signal processing parameters in the storage unit during both the first save operation and the second save operation, and reads the common signal processing parameters from the storage unit during both the first recall operation and the second recall operation, and sets them in the first signal processing system and the second signal processing system.

6. The audio mixer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The system includes a backup memory that temporarily stores the audio mixer's settings information, which includes the first parameter and the second parameter. The control unit Accepts the switching operation between the first signal processing system and the second signal processing system. When accepting the switching operation between the first signal processing system and the second signal processing system, the setting information is temporarily stored in the backup memory.

7. The audio mixer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The control unit accepts a copy operation, which copies the first signal processing settings related to the plurality of first input channels in the first parameter to the second signal processing settings of the plurality of second input channels in the second parameter, or copies the second signal processing settings related to the plurality of second input channels in the second parameter to the first signal processing settings of the plurality of first input channels in the first parameter.

8. The audio mixer of claim 7, wherein, When the control unit accepts the copying operation... If an operation to change the gain in either the first signal processing setting or the second signal processing setting is accepted, a gain compensation setting to maintain the gain setting in the other signal processing setting is accepted.

9. The audio mixer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The number of the first input channel and the number of the second input channel are different. The number of the first hybrid bus is different from the number of the second hybrid bus.

10. A control method for an audio mixer, wherein, The audio mixer has: The control panel has a first area of ​​a first operating element that includes an operation for accepting parameters and a second area of ​​a second operating element that includes an operation for accepting said parameters; The processing unit processes the audio signals output from multiple input channels to multiple mixing buses according to the parameters. as well as The control unit controls the operation of the processing unit. In mode 1, the control unit The plurality of input channels are divided into a first input channel for a first signal processing system and a second input channel for a second signal processing system. The plurality of hybrid buses are divided into a first hybrid bus for the first signal processing system and a second hybrid bus for the second signal processing system. The parameters are divided into a first parameter corresponding to the first operating element and a second parameter corresponding to the second operating element. The processing unit is controlled to perform operations in the first signal processing system to process the audio signal output from the first input channel to the first mixing bus according to the first parameter. The processing unit is controlled to perform operations in the second signal processing system to process the audio signal output from the second input channel to the second mixing bus according to the second parameter. In the second mode, the control unit The multiple input channels and the multiple hybrid buses are treated as a single signal processing system. In the same signal processing system, the processing unit is controlled to perform actions that process the audio signals output from the plurality of input channels to the plurality of mixing buses according to the parameters.

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