Audio Plug-in Control via Mixer Computer Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio plug-ins developed for digital audio workstations are not directly usable in professional mixers, requiring adaptation and doubling of labor, and often result in a 'personal' tone color that may not be desired.
Innovation Solution
A device and process that integrates an audio plug-in host on a computer connected to a mixer via audio tie lines and a control line, allowing the mixer's control system to manage plug-ins, with automatic allocation to effect slots and communication through TCP/IP or ATM, enabling seamless operation and control of plug-ins within the mixer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional audio plug-ins are adapted for use in mixers, then plug-in functionality is available in mixers, but development labor is doubled and personal tone color is created
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows a single audio plug-in to serve multiple purposes: it can be used in both digital audio workstations and mixers through a unified architecture. The mixer acts as a remote control for the computer-based plug-in host, eliminating the need to create separate adapter versions for different platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixer's control interface creates a virtual copy of the plug-in's control panel, allowing the user to interact with plug-in parameters through the mixer's fader and knob controls. This copying approach eliminates the need for physical adaptation while maintaining full functionality.
2Ease of operation
If audio plug-ins are used in digital audio workstations, then sound processing is available within a single channel, but they cannot be used directly in professional mixers at events
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the audio processing function (running on the computer with full plug-in capabilities) from the control function (handled by the mixer at the event). This segmentation allows the mixer to control plug-ins remotely without requiring the full DAW environment to be present at the event.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer acts as an intermediary between the mixer and the audio plug-ins. The mixer sends control signals to the computer, which then executes the plug-in processing and returns audio signals. This intermediary approach enables plug-in usage in mixer environments without direct integration.
3Ease of operation
If mixer control system manages plug-in parameters, then seamless operation is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages the connection and control mapping between the mixer and plug-ins. The control system autonomously handles parameter routing, allowing seamless operation without requiring manual configuration of each control connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the mixer's control capabilities with the computer's plug-in processing capabilities into a unified control architecture. This merging allows the mixer to control plug-in parameters as if they were native mixer functions, achieving seamless operation despite the distributed system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a device for using audio plug-ins in a mixer, provided with a mixer and a computer, whereby the mixer has a control panel and signal-processing electronics and the computer has an audio interface, and audio plug-ins can be installed on it, in which an audio plug-in host is installed on the computer for receiving plug-ins, that the mixer has a plug-in control system, that computer and mixer are connected to one another by means of audio tie lines and at least one control line, and that the entire control, including that of the audio plug-ins, can be carried out by the mixer. Furthermore, the present invention proposes a process for using audio plug-ins in a mixer, in which audio plug-ins to be used are automatically sought by a control system of the mixer in a file folder containing plug-ins installed on a computer, and that the audio plug-ins are each assigned to an effect slot (FX slot), whereby the audio tie lines required for this are occupied, as a result of which the audio plug-in is available for use in the mixer.