Audio transmitter for a guitar and audio wireless system

Abstract

An audio transmitter (8) for a guitar comprises an electrochemical energy storage device (13) for supplying the audio transmitter (8) with the electrical energy required for operation, a microphone (14) for converting the guitar sound into an electrical audio signal, a radio module (11) for transmitting the audio signal, and a mounting bracket (16.1) for attaching the audio transmitter (8) to an edge of a soundhole of the guitar such that the microphone (14) is located in the body of the guitar. Furthermore, an audio radio system (1) with such an audio transmitter (8) is included.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a wireless audio transmitter for a guitar. Furthermore, the invention relates to a wireless audio system comprising such a wireless audio transmitter.

[0002] US Patent 2010 / 0034399 A1 discloses a device for attaching an audio recording unit to the body of an instrument, particularly a guitar. The device includes fasteners for gluing to the outside of the instrument. Disadvantages include the potential damage to the instrument's surface from the fasteners, the distraction caused by the audio recording unit when playing the instrument, the external placement leading to the pickup of unwanted noise, the difficulty of repositioning the device, and the inability to influence the audio signal.

[0003] An audio transmitter for a guitar is known from US 5,422,955 A. US 2021 / 0185542 A1 discloses a bandwidth for a radio signal of a mobile network. EP 3,255,905 A1 discloses a system for processing audio signals recorded using a lavalier microphone. DE 20 2021 102229 U1 discloses a device for the wireless transmission of audio signals.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved radio audio transmitter for a guitar, which in particular ensures a particularly high-quality capture and transmission of the guitar sound as well as easy installation, whereby the player should be largely undisturbed by the radio audio transmitter.

[0005] This problem is solved by a wireless audio transmitter with the features of claim 1. It has been found that a wireless audio transmitter for a guitar, comprising an electrochemical energy storage device, a microphone, and a radio module, can have a bracket for attaching the wireless audio transmitter to an edge of the guitar's soundhole, wherein the bracket is designed such that the microphone is located within the body of the guitar to ensure particularly high-quality recording of the guitar sound and to achieve an arrangement that is neither disruptive to the player nor detracts from the guitar's appearance. Attaching the wireless audio transmitter by means of the bracket, such that the microphone is located within the body of the guitar, ensures that the guitar sound can be recorded in a location where extraneous noise is reduced and the guitar sound is particularly intense and clear.The mounting bracket's position at the soundhole also acts as a sound barrier against extraneous noise. This prevents feedback that could result from playing the audio signal through a loudspeaker. The wireless audio transmitter attached to the soundhole is visually unobtrusive and does not interfere with the player's handling of the guitar. The bracket's dimensions, based on one of the established soundhole sizes, ensure a reliable and secure connection between the wireless audio transmitter and the guitar. Furthermore, a relatively large wireless antenna can be integrated within the body, providing improved transmission without being disruptive to the player or affecting the guitar's appearance.The audio transmitter is preferably reversibly attachable to the sound hole, so that the audio transmitter can be flexibly removed from the guitar and / or used alternately on different guitars.

[0006] The bracket is preferably designed to be attached to the edge of a sound hole with a diameter of 86 mm or 100 mm. For this purpose, the bracket can have a contact section, in particular a cylindrical section, and / or a centering section having a diameter in the range of 84 mm to 88 mm, in particular 86 mm, or in the range of 98 mm to 102 mm, in particular 100 mm.

[0007] The radio module preferably includes a radio antenna. The radio antenna can be arranged inside the housing of the audio transmitter or, preferably, protrude from it. The radio antenna preferably protrudes at least 4 cm, in particular at least 6 cm, in particular at least 8 cm, and / or a maximum of 15 cm, from the housing of the audio transmitter. The radio antenna improves the radio signal. Preferably, the mounting is designed such that the radio antenna is completely integrated into the body of the guitar.

[0008] The electrochemical energy storage device is preferably a battery, in particular a lithium polymer battery.

[0009] For charging the electrochemical energy storage device, the audio transmitter can have a charging socket, in particular a USB socket, especially a USB-C socket.

[0010] According to one aspect, the mount features a rubber-elastic material, and in particular, it is made of such material. This rubber-elastic material can have a hardness ranging from 10 Shore A to 80 Shore A, specifically from 20 Shore A to 60 Shore A. This promotes sound transmission from the housing to the surrounding area and / or ensures a particularly secure attachment of the radio audio transmitter to the edge of the sound hole.

[0011] The bracket is preferably designed for reversible, and in particular tool-free, connection to the edge of the sound hole.

[0012] The audio radio transmitter, in particular the audio radio system described below, can be designed for completely wireless operation.

[0013] According to another aspect, the mounting and the edge of the soundhole can overlap each other by at least 40%, in particular at least 60%, in particular at least 70%, in particular at least 80%, in particular 100% of the circumference of the soundhole. This overlap can be omitted in the area of ​​the guitar's fretboard.

[0014] According to another aspect, the bracket can have at least one locking element, in particular at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least four, locking elements for forming a locking connection with the edge of the sound hole. The at least one locking element can be designed as a locking projection or as a locking lug. This allows a positive-locking connection to be established with the edge of the sound hole.

[0015] Alternatively or in addition to the at least one locking element, the holder may include at least one positive locking means, for example a locking element, and / or at least one clamping means, for example at least one screw clamp, and / or at least one spring clamp and / or at least one snap connection and / or at least one toggle lever, for fastening to the edge of the sound hole.

[0016] According to another aspect, the bracket can be designed as a sound hole cover. A sound hole cover is understood to be a cover that largely closes the sound hole, i.e., to a proportion of at least 50%, in particular at least 60%, in particular at least 70%, in particular at least 80%, in particular at least 90% of the sound hole's surface, and in particular completely.

[0017] According to another aspect, the bracket, particularly when designed as a soundhole cover, can have at least one, and preferably many, sound openings. The at least one sound opening can penetrate the bracket completely. This at least one sound opening establishes an air-conducting connection between the interior of the body and the surrounding environment. This promotes sound transmission to the environment and enhances the clarity of the sound within the body.

[0018] According to another aspect, the mount can have a contact surface for contacting the outer edge of the soundhole, with the audio transmitter projecting outwards beyond the contact surface by a maximum of 8 mm, in particular a maximum of 6 mm, in particular a maximum of 4 mm, and / or a minimum of 2 mm. This reliably prevents interference with the player from the audio transmitter while playing the guitar. Preferably, the housing is set back from the mount towards the inside of the body, in particular by at least 1 mm.

[0019] Preferably, the total thickness of the audio transmitter is a maximum of 6 cm, in particular a maximum of 4 cm, in particular a maximum of 3 cm, in particular a maximum of 2.5 cm, and / or a minimum of 0.5 cm, in particular a minimum of 1 cm.

[0020] The wireless audio transmitter can include a tone-shaping device for adjusting the sound and / or volume of the audio signal. This tone-shaping device can be configured for frequency adjustment, particularly with at least one frequency filter. Preferably, the tone-shaping device includes at least one control element for the user to manually adjust the sound and / or volume. Because the wireless audio transmitter is equipped with the tone-shaping device, adjustments can be made directly at the instrument. This eliminates the need to route the signal to an amplifier and / or a wireless audio receiver, especially during a performance.

[0021] Preferably, the wireless audio transmitter includes a phase inverter for inverting the audio signal. This reliably prevents feedback, especially when the audio signal is output via a loudspeaker in the vicinity of the guitar.

[0022] According to another aspect, the radio module can be configured to transmit in a frequency range of 600 MHz to 720 MHz, specifically from 614 MHz to 700 MHz, and particularly from 640 MHz to 698 MHz. This frequency range is largely free of interference, especially from Bluetooth or Wi-Fi signals. This allows for particularly reliable signal transmission and increases the range.

[0023] Preferably, the radio module can be configured to perform automatic and / or manual channel switching. The radio module can be configured to transmit via at least two, in particular at least four, and in particular at least ten, different radio channels.

[0024] Preferably, the audio transmitter, and in particular the radio module, is designed exclusively as an analog signal for handling, and especially for transmitting, the audio signal. By avoiding conversion to a digital signal, a particularly high audio signal quality can be achieved.

[0025] Another aspect is that the microphone can be attached to a flexible support, particularly a gooseneck. The gooseneck is also known as a flex arm or a coiled metal tube. This allows the microphone to be positioned and aligned within the guitar body in such a way that the guitar sound can be captured with exceptional clarity.

[0026] Preferably, the microphone can be a condenser microphone, in particular a lavalier microphone. Such a microphone ensures the conversion of the guitar sound into the electrical audio signal with particularly high quality and in a particularly small installation space.

[0027] Another objective of the invention is to create an improved audio radio system which is particularly flexible in its application and easy to handle, and which ensures high-quality audio signal transmission.

[0028] This problem is solved by a radio audio system comprising a radio audio transmitter according to the preceding description and a radio audio receiver, preferably comprising an electrochemical energy storage device for supplying the radio audio receiver with the electrical energy required for operation, a radio module for receiving the audio signal transmitted by the radio audio transmitter, and a signal connection, in particular an electrical signal connection, especially a jack connector, for outputting the audio signal. That the signal connection is a jack connector is optional, but preferred.

[0029] Alternatively, other electrical signal connections or an infrared connection are possible. The advantages of the audio radio system preferably correspond to the advantages of the audio radio transmitter. The audio radio system can be further developed with at least one of the features described above in connection with the audio radio transmitter.

[0030] The audio signal is preferably captured, transmitted wirelessly and / or output in a single channel, particularly as a mono signal, or alternatively in multiple channels, particularly as a stereo signal.

[0031] The invention also relates to a combination comprising the audio radio transmitter, in particular the audio radio system, and an instrument, in particular the guitar.

[0032] While it is preferred that the wireless audio transmitter or system, and especially its mount, be designed for a guitar, this is optional. The wireless audio transmitter or system is also suitable for other instruments, such as stringed instruments and / or percussion instruments, particularly a cajón, but in any case for instruments with a body containing at least one soundhole. The mount can be adapted to the specific instrument, especially its soundhole.

[0033] It is particularly advantageous, but optional, for the audio transmitter to have a mounting bracket for attaching it to the edge of the sound hole. Many aspects have been described above that offer particular advantages regardless of whether a mounting bracket is actually used.

[0034] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of several exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1. A front view of a guitar and an audio radio system, comprising an audio radio transmitter and an audio radio receiver, wherein the audio radio transmitter is reversibly attached to the edge of the sound hole of the guitar, Fig. 2 a top view of the audio radio transmitter in the Fig. 1, comprising an electrochemical energy storage device, a microphone, a radio module and a bracket for attaching the audio transmitter to the edge of the sound hole, Fig. 3 a rear view of the audio radio transmitter in the Fig. 1, Fig. 4 a sectional view of the audio radio transmitter along the section line IV-IV in the Fig. 3, Fig. 5 a perspective view of the bracket in the Fig. 1, or Fig. 6 a perspective view of a bracket for an audio radio transmitter according to a further embodiment.

[0035] Based on the Fig. Figures 1 to 5 describe a first embodiment of a wireless audio system 1 for a guitar 2. The guitar 2, preferably an acoustic guitar, comprises a body 3, a fingerboard 4, a bridge 5, strings 6, and a soundhole 7 in the body 3.

[0036] The audio radio system 1 comprises an audio radio transmitter 8 and an audio radio receiver 9. The audio radio receiver 9 has an electrochemical energy storage device 10, a radio module 11, and a jack connector 12. The radio module 11 is configured to receive an audio signal, in particular from the audio radio transmitter 8, and convert it into an electrical signal. The electrical signal can be output via the jack connector 12, either directly or after further signal processing.

[0037] The electrochemical energy storage device 10 supplies the audio radio receiver 9, in particular the radio module 11, with the electrical energy required for operation.

[0038] The audio radio transmitter 8 is in the Fig. 2 further detailed. This preferably comprises an electrochemical energy storage device 13 for supplying the audio transmitter 8 with the electrical energy required for operation, a microphone 14 for converting the guitar sound into an electrical audio signal, a radio module 15 for transmitting the audio signal and a bracket 16.1 for attaching the audio transmitter 8 to the guitar 2.

[0039] The electrochemical energy storage device 13 is preferably designed as a battery, in particular as a lithium-polymer battery. The electrochemical energy storage device 13 can be charged via a charging port 17, in particular a USB interface.

[0040] The microphone 14 is preferably a condenser microphone, in particular a lavalier microphone.

[0041] The microphone 14 can be connected to the mount 16.1 via a flexible support 18, in particular a gooseneck. The flexible support 18 preferably has a length L of at least 4 cm, in particular at least 8 cm, in particular at least 10 cm, and / or a maximum of 20 cm, in particular a maximum of 15 cm.

[0042] The radio module 15 of the audio radio transmitter 8 and / or the radio module 11 of the audio radio receiver 9 are preferably designed for radio communication in a frequency range of 600 MHz to 720 MHz, in particular from 614 MHz to 698 MHz.

[0043] Preferably the radio modules 11, 15 are designed to switch between several, in particular at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least four, in particular at least eight, and / or a maximum of 50, radio channels, in particular manually and / or automatically.

[0044] The radio module 15 of the audio transmitter 8 comprises a radio antenna 19. Preferably, the radio antenna 19 projects from a housing 20 of the audio transmitter 8. The radio antenna 19 may have a flexible section, particularly outside the housing 20.

[0045] The radio antenna 19 preferably has a length of at least 4 cm, in particular at least 6 cm and / or a maximum of 20 cm. This improves the radio signal strength.

[0046] The bracket 16.1 is designed to attach the audio transmitter 8 to the edge of the sound hole 7, in particular such that the microphone 14 is arranged inside the body 3 of the guitar 2.

[0047] The bracket 16.1 can be designed as a sound hole cover. The bracket 16.1 can cover at least 70%, in particular at least 80%, in particular at least 90%, in particular completely, and / or up to a maximum of 95% of the area of ​​the sound hole 7. This reduces acoustic feedback and / or the pickup of extraneous noise.

[0048] Preferably, the mounting 16.1 has at least one, and in particular several, sound openings 21. The respective sound opening 21 preferably penetrates the mounting 16.1, and in particular the audio transmitter 8, completely. The sound opening 21 provides, in particular, an air-conducting connection between the interior of the body 3 and the environment.

[0049] The bracket 16.1 preferably overlaps the edge of the soundhole 7 by at least 40%, in particular at least 60%, in particular at least 70%, and / or a maximum of 90% of the circumference of the soundhole 7. In the area of ​​a fingerboard 4, the edge of the soundhole 7 is preferably not overlapped by the bracket 16.1.

[0050] The holder 16.1 can be configured to form a snap-fit ​​connection with the edge of the sound hole 7. For this purpose, the holder 16.1 can have at least one snap-fit ​​element 22, in particular at least one snap-fit ​​projection, in particular at least one snap-fit ​​lug. Preferably, at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least four, corresponding snap-fit ​​elements 22 are provided on the holder 16.1.

[0051] The bracket 16.1 can comprise, and in particular consist of, a rubber-elastic material. Preferably, the bracket 16.1 comprises a material with a Shore A hardness in the range of 10 to 80, in particular from 20 to 60.

[0052] The housing 20 can be made of a material with a higher hardness than the mounting 16.1, in particular a rigid material. The housing 20 is preferably attached to the mounting 16.1, in particular permanently, for example by bonding, and / or, preferably detachably, in particular by friction and / or form-fitting, for example by means of at least one screw connection 23.

[0053] The audio transmitter 8 preferably includes a sound-controlling device 24 for adjusting the sound signature and / or the volume of the audio signal. The sound-controlling device 24 can have at least one, in particular at least two, and in particular exactly two, actuating elements 25.1, 25.2. The respective actuating element 25.1, 25.2 can be designed for manual operation by the user, in particular as a rotary element, and in particular as a rotary knob. Preferably, one actuating element is provided for adjusting the volume and / or one actuating element for adjusting the sound signature, in particular for adjusting the audio frequency. The respective actuating element 25.1, 25.2 can be connected to a potentiometer. Alternatively, instead of being designed as a rotatable element, the respective actuating element 25.1, 25.2 can be designed as a linearly displaceable element, and in particular connected to a linear potentiometer.

[0054] The audio radio transmitter 8 can include a phase inverter 26. The phase inverter 26 is configured to invert the audio signal.

[0055] The phase reversal can preferably be activated or deactivated manually by the user via an actuating element 27 or automatically.

[0056] Another actuating element 28 may be provided to establish the radio connection between the audio radio transmitter 8 and the audio radio receiver 9 and / or to change the radio channel.

[0057] An indicator element 29 can visually display the status of the operation and / or the radio connection. Alternatively or additionally, a means of acoustic feedback of corresponding information to the user can be provided, for example via a loudspeaker or by a corresponding signal output via the jack connection 12.

[0058] The bracket 16.1 can have a contact surface 30 for contacting the outer surface 31 of the edge of the sound hole 7. The audio radio system 1 preferably projects beyond the contact surface 30 by a distance x. A of a maximum of 10 mm, in particular a maximum of 6 mm, in particular a maximum of 4 mm, and / or at least 2 mm, to the outside.

[0059] The total thickness B of the audio radio transmitter 8 is preferably a maximum of 40 mm, in particular a maximum of 30 mm, in particular a maximum of 25 mm, and / or a minimum of 5 mm.

[0060] Starting from the contact surface 30, the audio transmitter 8 preferably extends by a distance x I of a maximum of 40 mm, in particular a maximum of 20 mm and / or a minimum of 5 mm.

[0061] The bracket 16.1 has a cylindrical shell-shaped section 32 for insertion into the sound hole 7. According to the first embodiment, this section can have a diameter D of 84 mm to 88 mm, in particular 86 mm, especially to ensure a fit with the edge of the sound hole 7.

[0062] According to the Fig. In the embodiment of a bracket 16.2 shown in Figure 6, the diameter D can be in the range of 98 mm to 102 mm, and in particular 100 mm. Otherwise, the bracket 16.2 corresponds to the embodiment shown in the Fig. The embodiment shown in section 6 is essentially the same as the bracket 16.1 described above. The number and arrangement of the sound holes 21 may differ.

[0063] The operation of the audio radio system 1, in particular of the audio radio transmitter 8 or the audio radio receiver 9, is as follows: The housing 20, comprising the electrochemical energy storage device 13, the radio module 15, the tone-shaping device 24, and the phase-reversing device 26, are attached to the mounting 16.1. The radio audio transmitter 8 is inserted into the soundhole 7 of the guitar 2, so that the microphone 14, and in particular the radio antenna 19, are located inside the body 3. When the radio audio transmitter 8 is inserted into the soundhole 7, the locking elements 22 engage with the edge of the soundhole 7.

[0064] The microphone 14 can be positioned within the body 3 using the flexible carrier 18 in such a way as to produce the desired sound image.

[0065] The connection between the radio modules 11 and 15 of the audio radio transmitter 8 and the audio radio receiver 9 is established via the actuating element 28.

[0066] Guitar 2 is played. Microphone 14 converts the guitar sound into an electrical audio signal, which, after adjustment by the sound processing device 24, is transmitted via radio module 15 to the radio module 11 of the audio receiver 9. The audio receiver 9 outputs the audio signal as an electrical signal via jack connector 12. The audio signal can be fed to an amplifier, for example, via jack connector 12.

[0067] The volume and sound characteristics of the audio signal can be influenced using the control elements 25.1 and 25.2.

[0068] The wireless audio system 1, in particular the wireless audio transmitter 8 and / or the wireless audio receiver 9, advantageously ensures that any guitar with a soundhole 7 can be used to transmit the guitar sound produced as an electrical audio signal, especially wirelessly, to an amplifier, recording device, and / or playback device. Unlike magnetic pickups, the wireless audio transmitter 8 is also suitable for guitars 2 with non-metallic strings 6, especially nylon strings 6. The microphone 14, designed as a lavalier microphone, ensures high audio signal quality. Transmission of the audio signal in the frequency range of 600 MHz to 720 MHz ensures interference-free transmission, particularly unaffected by the increasingly prevalent signals transmitted in the Bluetooth or WiFi frequency range.The design of both the audio transmitter 8 and the audio receiver 9 with an electrochemical energy storage device 10, 13 makes the audio wireless system 1 largely independent of external power sources or a cable connection to them. The elastic design of the mounting bracket 16.1, 16.2 ensures flexible adaptation, at least to slightly varying geometries of the respective sound hole 7. The design of the audio transmitter 8 with the tone-shaping device 24 and / or the phase-reversing device 26 ensures easy adjustment of the sound, volume, and / or phase directly by the player, especially directly at the instrument, and thus while playing, without having to first access the audio receiver 9. The audio wireless system 1 is therefore particularly user-friendly.

Claims

[1] Audio radio transmitter (8) for a guitar (2), comprising 1.1 an electrochemical energy storage device (13) for supplying the audio radio transmitter (8) with the electrical energy required for operation, 1.2 a microphone (14) for converting the guitar sound into an electrical audio signal, 1.3 a radio module (15) for transmitting the audio signal, and 1.4 a holder (16.1, 16.2) for attaching the audio transmitter (8) to an edge of a sound hole (7) of the guitar (2) such that the microphone (14) is arranged in a body (3) of the guitar (2). characterized by , 1.5 that the bracket (16.1, 16.2) is designed as a sound hole cover, 1.5.1 wherein the support (16.1, 16.2) and the edge of the sound hole (7) overlap each other over at least 40% of the circumference of the sound hole (7) and / or 1.5.2 wherein the support (16.1, 16.2) closes off the sound hole (7) to a proportion of at least 50% of the area of ​​the sound hole (7). [2] Audio radio transmitter (8) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the holder (16.1, 16.2) has a rubber-elastic material. [3] Audio radio transmitter (8) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the support (16.1, 16.2) and the edge of the sound hole (7) overlap each other over at least 60% of the circumference of the sound hole (7). [4] Audio radio transmitter (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the holder (16.1, 16.2) has at least one locking element (22) for forming a locking connection with the edge of the sound hole (7). [5] Audio radio transmitter (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the bracket (16.1, 16.2) closes off the sound hole (7) to a proportion of at least 70% of the area of ​​the sound hole (7). [6] Audio radio transmitter (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the bracket (16.1, 16.2) has a plurality of sound openings (21). [7] Audio radio transmitter (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the holder (16.1, 16.2) has a contact surface (30) for contacting the outside (31) of the edge of the sound hole (7), wherein the audio transmitter (8) extends outwards beyond the contact surface (30) by a maximum of 6 mm. [8] Audio radio transmitter (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a thickness (B) of a maximum of 40 mm. [9] Audio radio transmitter (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a sound control means (24) for adjusting the sound image and / or the volume of the audio signal. [10] Audio radio transmitter (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a phase inversion device (26) for inverting the audio signal. [11] Audio radio transmitter (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the radio module (15) is designed to transmit in a frequency range of 600 MHz to 720 MHz. [12] Audio radio transmitter (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a design for transmitting the audio signal as an analog signal. [13] Audio radio transmitter (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the microphone (14) is attached to a shape-flexible carrier (18). [14] Audio radio transmitter (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the microphone (14) is a condenser microphone. [15] Audio radio system (1), with 15.1 an audio radio transmitter (8) according to one of the preceding claims, and 15.2 a radio audio receiver (9), comprising 15.2.1 an electrochemical energy storage device (10) for supplying the audio radio receiver (9) with the electrical energy required for operation, 15.2.2 a radio module (11) for receiving the audio signal transmitted by the audio radio transmitter (8) and 15.2.3 a jack connection (12) for outputting the audio signal.

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