Audio Mixer Channel Localization for 3D Panning Simplicity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio mixers for stage performances face difficulties in allowing operators to easily specify and manage three-dimensional sound localization for multiple channels, as existing methods require complex parameter settings and vary significantly between internalization and externalization modes, making it hard for operators to handle the audio mixer effectively.
Innovation Solution
An audio mixer with a user interface that receives parameters for each channel to generate stereo signals, a localization device for three-dimensional sound processing, and an output circuit to combine signals, allowing easy specification of localization positions and balancing internalization and externalization levels, thereby simplifying the operation of sound signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional externalization processing using head-related transfer function is applied to monitor stage performance, then three-dimensional sound localization is achieved, but the number of parameters to be set increases significantly making it difficult for operators to grasp and handle the audio mixer
Solution Approach 1:
The audio signal processing is segmented into two distinct paths: an externalization processing path that applies head-related transfer function for three-dimensional localization, and an internalization processing path that maintains conventional stereo panning. This segmentation allows operators to choose the appropriate processing mode for different channels without being overwhelmed by all parameters simultaneously, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining precision where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring all channels to use complex externalization processing with multiple parameters, the system inverts the approach by providing a simple internalization mode as the default and allowing selective application of externalization processing. This reversal makes the system more operator-friendly while still achieving three-dimensional localization when required.
2Measurement precision
If conventional externalization processing is used for stage performance monitoring, then three-dimensional sound localization is achieved, but the operation method varies greatly depending on whether externalization is performed making it difficult for operators to handle the audio mixer
Solution Approach 1:
The audio mixer is designed with universal channel strips that can operate in both externalization and internalization modes using the same control interface. Each channel can be independently assigned to either processing mode, allowing the device to perform multiple functions (three-dimensional localization and conventional mixing) through a unified operational framework, thereby maintaining ease of operation regardless of the processing mode being used.
3Measurement precision
If conventional externalization processing is applied to all channels, then three-dimensional sound localization is achieved, but it becomes difficult for operators to easily specify localization position for each channel
Solution Approach 1:
Different processing qualities are applied locally to different channels based on their assignment. Channels assigned to externalization processing receive three-dimensional localization with head-related transfer function, while channels in internalization mode receive conventional stereo panning. This local differentiation allows operators to specify localization positions using simple left-right panning controls for internalization channels, while externalization channels automatically receive appropriate three-dimensional processing, making position specification easy for each channel type.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio mixer includes a user interface, panners, a first adder, a localization device, a second adder, and an output circuit. The user interface supplies a first parameter and a second parameter for each channel based on a user operation. The first parameter indicates a position in a right-left direction. The second parameter specifies internalization or externalization. The panners respectively correspond to channels and, based on the first parameter, pan a sound signal corresponding to the each channel to generate first stereo signals. The first adder generates a second stereo signal by mixing first stereo signals respectively corresponding to externalization channels. The localization device generates two third stereo signals. The second adder generates a fourth stereo signal by mixing the two third stereo signals and first stereo signals respectively corresponding to internalization channels. The output circuit outputs the fourth stereo signal.