Remote Analog Audio Processing for Loudness Without Distortion

Solution Overview

Problem

Current audio processing methods struggle to achieve commercially competitive loudness without flattening volume dynamics or introducing distortion, particularly for home enthusiasts and hobbyists who lack training and resources for professional-level equipment.

Innovation Solution

A system that remotely controls analog signal processors to master digital audio files in the analog domain, using a higher clock frequency for playback to enhance sound characteristics and reduce distortion, allowing for increased loudness while preserving dynamic changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If dynamic compression or limiting is applied to increase volume levels, then loudness is improved, but volume dynamics are flattened and distortion is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveloudnessVSAvoiddistortion

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the clock frequency based on the instantaneous volume level of the audio signal. When the signal exceeds a threshold, the clock frequency is increased to push the signal into the analog domain for processing, then returned to normal frequency. This dynamic frequency modulation allows the system to achieve compression and limiting effects while preserving the original signal's dynamic characteristics and avoiding the distortion associated with traditional static compression methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the clock frequency parameter of the digital audio signal during processing. By temporarily increasing the clock frequency above the normal playback rate when volume thresholds are exceeded, the system transforms the digital signal characteristics, processes it through analog circuitry, and then restores the original frequency. This parameter change enables the system to achieve professional-grade dynamic processing without the harmful side effects of conventional compression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If dynamic compression or limiting is applied to increase volume levels, then loudness is improved, but volume dynamics are flattened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveloudnessVSAvoidvolume dynamics

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the clock frequency based on the instantaneous volume level of the audio signal. When the signal exceeds a threshold, the clock frequency is increased to push the signal into the analog domain for processing, then returned to normal frequency. This dynamic frequency modulation allows the system to achieve compression and limiting effects while preserving the original signal's dynamic characteristics and avoiding the distortion associated with traditional static compression methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical analog compression system with a hybrid digital-analog approach. Instead of using traditional analog compressors that inherently flatten dynamics, the system uses digital clock frequency manipulation to simulate analog processing only when needed. This substitution preserves the beneficial dynamic characteristics of the original signal while achieving the desired loudness increase, eliminating the need for aggressive compression that would flatten volume dynamics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If professional-level analog equipment is used to achieve competitive loudness without distortion, then audio quality is improved, but cost and training requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedistortionVSAvoidequipment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a digital copy of the analog processing effect by manipulating clock frequencies. Instead of requiring physical analog equipment, the invention uses digital signal processing to simulate the behavior of analog circuits during specific time intervals. By temporarily increasing the clock frequency and processing through analog-to-digital conversion, the system replicates the sound quality benefits of professional analog equipment without the associated cost and complexity, making high-quality audio processing accessible to home enthusiasts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical analog compression system with a hybrid digital-analog approach. Instead of using traditional analog compressors that inherently flatten dynamics, the system uses digital clock frequency manipulation to simulate analog processing only when needed. This substitution preserves the beneficial dynamic characteristics of the original signal while achieving the desired loudness increase, eliminating the need for aggressive compression that would flatten volume dynamics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10546610B2Systems and methods for dynamic audio processing

Publication Date: 2020.01.28 LEONARD COLIN

AI summary

An audio processing system includes a server complex in communication with a network. The server complex receives a digital audio file and one or more analog domain control settings from a client device across the network. A digital-to-analog converter converts the digital audio file to an analog signal. One or more analog signal processors apply at least one analog modification to the analog signal in accordance with the one or more analog domain control settings. An analog-to-digital converter converts the modified analog signal to a modified digital audio file. The server complex can then deliver the modified digital audio file to the client device across the network.