Mixing Console Solo Output for Isolated Channel Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mixing console operators face challenges in optimizing and correcting master and auxiliary output signals, especially in live concerts where multiple input signals complicate the process of providing appealing and desired sound quality, making it difficult to address performer concerns effectively.
Innovation Solution
A mixing console design with primary, secondary, and tertiary processing means that allows for the production of identical output signals for operators, enabling finer control over specific input signals by mimicking the processing of secondary and tertiary means, and automatic adjustment of quaternary processing to match changes in secondary and tertiary settings, allowing for clearer isolation and adjustment of individual input signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the mixing console processes multiple input signals through multiple processing stages to create master and auxiliary output signals, then the sound quality and processing capability are improved, but the operator's ability to identify and correct issues with specific input signals deteriorates due to signal mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mixed output signal into separate solo signals for each input channel. Each solo signal contains only one input signal processed through the same processing stages (secondary and tertiary processing means) as the master output, allowing the operator to hear and adjust each channel independently without interference from other channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of the processing chain (secondary and tertiary processing means) for each input channel. The quaternary processing means generates solo signals that are identical copies of what each individual channel contributes to the master output, enabling the operator to hear each channel in isolation with the same processing applied to the final mix.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mixing console provides separate auxiliary output signals for each performer, then individual performer needs are met, but the operator cannot effectively adjust processing for specific input signals without affecting other channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the auxiliary mix adjustment process by providing solo signals for each input channel. The operator can adjust the processing (equalization, compression, etc.) for each channel's solo signal independently, and these adjustments are automatically applied to the corresponding channel in the auxiliary mix, eliminating the need to manually adjust each auxiliary send individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The solo signals provide immediate feedback to the operator about how each individual input signal sounds after processing. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to make informed adjustments to each channel's processing parameters, knowing exactly how changes will affect the final mix without having to guess or make multiple trial adjustments.
3Manufacturing precision
If the mixing console applies multiple processing stages to each input signal, then the processing quality and control capability are improved, but the complexity of the console increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the processing means universal by designing the secondary and tertiary processing stages to handle multiple input signals in the same way. The same processing algorithms and parameters are applied to all channels, and the solo signals reuse these processing stages rather than creating separate processing chains for each channel, reducing overall complexity while maintaining processing quality.
Data Source
AI summary
In live music performances it is desirable for a mixing console operator to be able to hear the result of all the processing of a single input signal provided by the various processing steps without the other input signals being present. This is achievable by providing a console (10) which processes an input signal independently of other input signals to produce an operator output signal (210), wherein the processing is arranged to be identical to that applied in combination to the same signal as it is processed, in combination with other signals, for the creation of an output mix (180).