Mixing Console Segmented Signal Processing for Custom Audio Mixes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mixing consoles lack flexibility in processing input signals to create diverse auxiliary output mixes without requiring numerous channels and increased processor requirements, limiting individualization of audio signals for performers.
Innovation Solution
A mixing console with multiple input and output channels featuring primary, secondary, and tertiary processing means that allow independent application of various audio processing techniques, enabling the creation of distinct auxiliary output mixes with different characteristics from the master output mix without splitting input signals into separate channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If input signals are split into separate channels for individual processing in auxiliary output mixes, then flexibility in processing is improved, but device complexity and processor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing function by separating primary processing (applied once to input signals) from secondary processing (applied independently to each auxiliary output). This allows different processing characteristics for each auxiliary output without duplicating the entire signal path, resolving the contradiction by enabling flexibility while avoiding proportional increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the common processing functions into a single primary processing stage that serves all auxiliary outputs, while allowing individual customization through secondary processing stages. This combining of shared functions reduces the total number of processing channels needed while maintaining the ability to create diverse auxiliary mixes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple auxiliary output mixes with different characteristics are created, then adaptability for different performers is improved, but the number of processing channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing architecture is segmented into primary processing (common to all auxiliary outputs) and secondary processing (specific to each auxiliary output). This segmentation enables multiple customized auxiliary mixes to be created without proportionally increasing the total number of processing channels, as the primary processing stage is shared across all auxiliary outputs.
3Device complexity
If the same input signals are used across multiple auxiliary output mixes, then processor requirements are reduced, but the ability to provide unique processing characteristics is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides processing into primary (shared) and secondary (individual) stages. The primary processing stage handles common signal processing once, reducing processor requirements, while the secondary processing stage applies unique characteristics to each auxiliary output, maintaining adaptability and versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
In live music performances each musician may prefer to receive a customised signal comprising one or more signals including their own output and/or other musicians' output. This is achievable by providing a mixing console for receiving and processing input signals comprising receiving means for receiving at least two input signals and operating so as to process (205, 255) them simultaneously in different ways to create at least three first and at least three second output signals, further processing (210, 215, 260, 265) at least two of the at least three first and at least three second output signals to create tertiary output signals each tertiary output signal having characteristics, other than its gain, different from one another, combining and processing (280) at least two tertiary output signals to create a first auxiliary output mix, and combining and processing (290) at least two other tertiary output signals to create a second auxiliary output mix, and combining and processing (300) a first and second output signal to create a master output mix.