Silent True Bypass Switching for Audio Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Signal processing systems, particularly in audio signal processing, face challenges in minimizing unwanted switching transients when engaging or disengaging signal processing devices, which can introduce undesirable sounds like pops, static bursts, and clicks, making it difficult to isolate desired audio signals.
Innovation Solution
A 'silent' true bypass system that employs a bypass switching system with a switch state detection unit, signal conditioning units, and a signal switching unit to minimize and suppress transient signals by rerouting signal paths and using gain control mechanisms to constrain signal amplitudes, thereby reducing switching transients during mode changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If signal processing devices are engaged or disengaged in the signal path, then the desired audio effects can be activated or deactivated, but switching transients such as pops, static bursts, and clicks are introduced into the audio signal
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting the switch state change before it occurs and pre-adjusting the gain of adjacent signal processing devices. The first signal processing device's gain is adjusted in response to a switch state change indicating engagement, while the second device's gain is adjusted in response to disengagement. This preliminary gain adjustment prevents abrupt signal level changes that cause switching transients.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the switch state detection unit continuously monitors the engagement state of signal processing devices. This feedback information is used to dynamically control the gain of adjacent devices, creating a closed-loop system that automatically compensates for potential switching transients by adjusting gain based on real-time switch state changes.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If gain control mechanisms are applied to adjacent signal processing devices, then switching transients are suppressed, but the system complexity increases due to additional control circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The switch state detection unit serves multiple functions: it detects switch state changes, triggers gain adjustments, and coordinates the timing of these adjustments. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate control circuits for each signal processing device, thereby minimizing overall system complexity while still achieving effective transient suppression.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and apparatus in the field of signal processing with particular applications to the specialized field of audio signal processing as it is used in the production or performance of music that is adapted and/or configured to mitigate or attenuate unwanted signals during a switching process between an effects apparatus and a signal bypass.