EP3244399B1 - Sound processing system and signal processing device - Google Patents
Sound processing system and signal processing device Download PDFInfo
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- EP3244399B1 EP3244399B1 EP17169484.7A EP17169484A EP3244399B1 EP 3244399 B1 EP3244399 B1 EP 3244399B1 EP 17169484 A EP17169484 A EP 17169484A EP 3244399 B1 EP3244399 B1 EP 3244399B1
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- signal processing
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- 230000005236 sound signal Effects 0.000 claims description 195
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000001755 vocal effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000005069 ears Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003032 molecular docking Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009527 percussion Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
- G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
- G10H1/00—Details of electrophonic musical instruments
- G10H1/0033—Recording/reproducing or transmission of music for electrophonic musical instruments
- G10H1/0041—Recording/reproducing or transmission of music for electrophonic musical instruments in coded form
- G10H1/0058—Transmission between separate instruments or between individual components of a musical system
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- G—PHYSICS
- G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
- G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
- G10H1/00—Details of electrophonic musical instruments
- G10H1/46—Volume control
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
- H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
- H04H60/02—Arrangements for generating broadcast information; Arrangements for generating broadcast-related information with a direct linking to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time; Arrangements for simultaneous generation of broadcast information and broadcast-related information
- H04H60/04—Studio equipment; Interconnection of studios
- H04H60/05—Mobile studios
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
- H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
- H04H60/02—Arrangements for generating broadcast information; Arrangements for generating broadcast-related information with a direct linking to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time; Arrangements for simultaneous generation of broadcast information and broadcast-related information
- H04H60/04—Studio equipment; Interconnection of studios
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R3/00—Circuits for transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R3/12—Circuits for transducers, loudspeakers or microphones for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a technique for processing audio signals that represent sounds such as instrumental or vocal sounds.
- Patent Document 1 discloses a system including a plurality of units, and that enables musicians to perform music together.
- audio signals are each supplied from respective electric musical instruments to corresponding units.
- An audio signal is supplied from an electric musical instrument to a corresponding unit, and is then further supplied to other units via a different path used by other of the respective musical instruments to further supply audio signals.
- Each unit has a mixer that combines an audio signal supplied from a corresponding electric musical instrument with audio signals supplied from other units and that outputs the combined signals to headphones.
- Patent Document 1 suffers from a drawback in that a complicated configuration must be implemented to realize the technique. Namely, an audio signal that is supplied to a unit from an electric musical instrument is required to be supplied to other units via a different path used by other of the respective musical instruments to further supply audio signals; and, moreover, a mixer is also required to be mounted to each unit to combine (the supplied) audio signals.
- Patent Document 2 JP 2014-204205 A (Patent Document 2), US 2009/282967 A1 (Patent Document 3) and D3 WO 01/06751 A1 (Patent Document 4) disclose signal processing devices according to the preamble part of claim 1.
- Patent Document 1 it is an object of the present invention to provide a simple configuration for mixing audio signals and outputting the mixed audio signals.
- the present invention provides a signal processing device as defined in claim 1.
- Advantageous embodiments may be configured according to any of claims 2-8.
- a sound processing system is provided as defined in claim 9.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of a sound processing system 100 according to the first example.
- the sound processing system 100 according to the first example is a system used for a plurality of users (N users) U _1 to U _N to play musical instruments (N being a natural number of two or more).
- a signal source 22 _n and a sound emitting device 24 _n are connected to each signal processing device 10 _n .
- the signal source 22 _n supplies to the signal processing device 10 _n an analog audio signal (an example of a first audio signal) X _n that represents a sound such as an instrumental or vocal sound.
- a preferable example of the signal source 22 _n is an electric musical instrument that outputs an audio signal X _n of a performance sound according to a performance by a user U _n .
- electric musical instruments of various types such as string instruments (e.g., guitars or violins), keyboard instruments (e.g., pianos), or percussion instruments (e.g., drums) are used as the signal source 22 _n .
- a sound receiving device e.g., a microphone
- a playback device e.g., a portable music player
- the audio signal X _n is either stereo or monaural.
- the signal processing device 10 _n is an analog mixer that supplies an audio signal (an example of a second audio signal) Y _n to the sound emitting device 24 _n , the audio signal Y _n being obtained by combining N streams of audio signals X _1 to X _N generated by the different signal sources 22 _n .
- the sound emitting device 24 _n may, for example, be headphones or earphones worn by a user U _n on his/her ears, and that reproduces a sound represented by the audio signal Y _n supplied from the signal processing device 10 _n (i.e., an ensemble sound obtained by musicians playing music together).
- each user U _n can perform music while listening through the sound emitting device 24 _n to the sound of N users U _1 to U _N playing music together.
- This configuration is common among the N signal processing devices 10 _1 to 10 _N , and therefore, the following explanation focuses on a freely selected single signal processing device 10 _n .
- the signal processing device 10 _n includes a case 11 that is approximately cuboid in shape.
- a plurality of operators P (P 1 and P 2 ) are mounted to the upper surface of the case 11 and accept the operation of a user U _n .
- Each operator P according to the first example is a knob that the user U _n can freely rotate.
- the user U _n can adjust a characteristic of an audio signal Y _n generated by the signal processing device 10 _n .
- Positioning of the operators P is not limited to the upper surface of the case 11.
- the signal processing device 10 _n incudes a plurality of terminals (T IN , T OUT , T C1, and T C2 ). More specifically, an input terminal T IN , an output terminal T OUT , a connecting terminal T C1 , and a connecting terminal T C2 are mounted to the sides of the case 11. Positioning of the terminals is not limited to the sides of the case 11.
- the input terminal T IN is a stereo jack to and from which the signal source 22 _n can be freely connected and disconnected.
- the terminal T IN accepts input of an audio signal X _n supplied from the signal source 22 _n .
- the output terminal T OUT is a stereo jack to and from which the sound emitting device 24 _n can be freely connected and disconnected.
- the terminal T OUT outputs to the sound emitting device 24 _n an audio signal Y _n generated by the signal processing device 10 _n .
- an audio signal X _n may be transmitted by radio from the signal source 22 _n to the signal processing device 10 _n ; and/or an audio signal Y _n may be transmitted by radio from the signal processing device 10 _n to the sound emitting device 24 _n .
- the scheme of radio communication between the signal source 22 _n and the signal processing device 10 _n , as well as that between the signal processing device 10 _n and the sound emitting device 24 _n may be freely chosen. However, it is of note that Near Filed Communication, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), is preferable.
- the connecting cable T C1 and the connecting cable T C2 of the signal processing device 10 _n are terminals for connecting the signal processing device 10 _n (the subject device) and other signal processing devices (hereinafter, other devices).
- the connecting cable T C1 and the connecting cable T C2 according to the first example are stereo jacks to and from which the plugs at the end of connecting cables 12 are freely connected and disconnected.
- a signal processing device 10 _n1 1 to N
- a signal processing device 10 _n2 1 to N, n1 ⁇ n2).
- stereo shielded cables are preferably used as connecting cables 12.
- either one or both of the connecting terminal T C1 and the connecting terminal T C2 of the signal processing device 10 _n is/are connected, via connecting cable(s) 12, to connecting terminal T C1 or/and connecting terminal T C2 of other device(s).
- N signal processing devices 10 _1 to 10 _N are connected in series. More specifically, the connecting terminal T C1 of each of the second to the N th signal processing devices 10 _n is connected to the connecting terminal T C2 of the immediately preceding signal processing device 10 _n-1 .
- the connecting terminal T C1 of the signal processing device 10 _1 at one end of a sequence of N signal processing devices 10 _n and the connecting terminal T C2 of the signal processing device 10 _N at the other end are in an open, separate state, and are not connected to any other devices.
- it is also possible to interconnect the connecting terminal T C1 of the signal processing device 10 _1 and the connecting terminal T C2 of the signal processing device 10 _N i.e., the N signal processing devices 10 _1 to 10 _N may be connected in a circle).
- An N number (hereinafter, the connection number) of signal processing devices 10 _n that are interconnected may be freely changed.
- N signal processing devices 10 _1 to 10 _N that correspond to a number of users U _n actually participating in a performance are connected.
- N 2
- a signal processing device 10 _1 and a signal processing device 10 _2 are interconnected by one connecting cable 12.
- signal processing devices 10 _1 to 10 _5 are interconnected by four connecting cables 12.
- Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration including a station (docking station) in which a predetermined number of spaces (docks) are formed (hereinafter, comparative example 1).
- a station docking station
- a predetermined number of spaces spaces
- the configuration disclosed in comparative example 1 is subject to a problem in that a total number of performers who are able to perform music together is limited.
- the number N of connected signal processing devices 10 _n can be freely changed, and there is no limit to the number of users U _n .
- FIG. 2 illustrates an electric configuration of the signal processing device 10 _n .
- the signal processing device 10 _n according to the first example is an analog circuitry that includes an analog bus 42, a resistive element 44, a first adjuster 46, and a second adjuster 48. These elements are mounted inside the case 11.
- the analog bus 42, the resistive element 44, the first adjuster 46, and the second adjuster 48 are mounted for each of the left and right channels.
- first adjuster 46 or the second adjuster 48 may be mounted to the exterior of the case 11; or the first adjuster 46 and the second adjuster 48 may be omitted from the signal processing device 10 _n .
- the configuration in which the first adjuster 46 and the second adjuster 48 are omitted has an advantage in that a circuitry size and manufacturing cost of the signal processing device 10 _n can be reduced.
- the analog bus 42 is a signal line that transmits analog signals. As FIG. 2 exemplifies, the analog bus 42 is connected to the connecting terminal T C1 and the connecting terminal T C2 . More specifically, one end of the analog bus 42 is connected to the connecting terminal T C1 and the other end is connected to the connecting terminal T C2 . Accordingly, where N signal processing devices 10 _1 to 10 _N are interconnected, as in the example of FIG. 1 , the analog buses 42 of the signal processing devices 10 _n are electrically connected across the N signal processing devices 10 _1 to 10 _N . In other words, a single bus unit is formed of the analog buses 42 of the N signal processing devices 10 _1 to 10 _N interconnected by connecting cables 12. In FIG.
- FIG. 1 an example configuration is shown in which the connecting terminal T C1 of a signal processing device 10 _n and the connecting terminal T C2 of a signal processing device 10 _n-1 are connected.
- the connecting terminal T C1 and the connecting terminal T C2 are electrically equivalent.
- FIG. 2 it is also possible to mutually connect the connecting terminals T C1 of different signal processing devices 10 _n , or to mutually connect the connecting terminals T C2 of different signal processing devices 10 _n . That is, it is not necessary to distinguish between the connecting terminal T C1 and the connecting terminal T C2 when using the device.
- FIG. 2 it is also possible to mutually connect the connecting terminals T C1 of different signal processing devices 10 _n , or to mutually connect the connecting terminals T C2 of different signal processing devices 10 _n . That is, it is not necessary to distinguish between the connecting terminal T C1 and the connecting terminal T C2 when using the device.
- FIG. 1 an example configuration is shown in which the connecting terminal T C1 of a signal processing
- the analog buses 42 of the signal processing devices 10 _n convey a common audio signal Q that is a mix of audio signals X _1 to X _N of N streams.
- the resistive element 44 and the first adjuster 46 are disposed on a path W A situated between the input terminal T IN and the analog bus 42.
- the resistive element 44 (an example of a first resistive element) consists of an electric resistance between the input terminal T IN and the analog bus 42.
- the first adjuster 46 is disposed between the input terminal T IN and the resistive element 44, and is used to adjust a volume of an audio signal X _n that is supplied from the signal source 22 _n to the input terminal T IN . More specifically, the first adjuster 46 is an amplifier that amplifies an audio signal X _n by a variable gain G A_n .
- the gain G A_n of the first adjuster 46 is set as variable depending on how the operator P 1 of the signal processing device 10 _n is operated (the position to which the operator P 1 is rotated, i.e., the angle of rotation of the operator P 1 ).
- an audio signal X _n that is supplied from the signal source 22 _n to the input terminal T IN is then supplied to the analog bus 42 through the resistive element 44 after its volume has been adjusted by the first adjuster 46.
- the first adjuster 46 also functions as a buffer amplifier that reduces an influence of the output impedance of the signal source 22 _n .
- the second adjuster 48 is disposed on a path W B situated between the analog bus 42 and the output terminal T OUT , and is used to generate an audio signal Y _n by adjustment of the volume of an audio signal Q supplied from the analog bus 42. More specifically, the second adjuster 48 is an amplifier that amplifies the audio signal Q by a variable gain G B_n .
- the gain G B_n of the second adjuster 48 is set as variable depending on how the operator P 2 of the signal processing device 10 _n is operated (the position to which the operator P 2 is rotated, i.e., the angle of rotation of the operator P 2 ).
- the audio signal Y _n that has been adjusted by the second adjuster 48 is output from the output terminal T OUT to the sound emitting device 24 _n .
- the second adjuster 48 according to the first example also functions as a headphone amplifier that cuts off an electric current that flows from the analog bus 42 to the sound emitting device 24 _n .
- the first adjuster 46 and the second adjuster 48 are electrically operated by an electric current supplied from a battery contained inside the case 11, for example. However, it is also possible for the first adjuster 46 and the second adjuster 48 to be electrically operated by an electric current supplied from an external electric source.
- FIG. 3 explains a relationship between audio signals X _n (X _1 to X _N ) and audio signals Y _n (Y _1 to Y _N ).
- V MIX G A_1 ⁇ X _1 + whil + G A_N ⁇ X _N ).
- the audio signal Y _n output from the output terminal TOUT of the signal processing device 10 _n can be expressed by the following mathematical expression (2).
- Y _ n 1 N G B _ n ⁇ V MIX
- the audio signal Y _n that consists of a mix of N streams of audio signals X _1 to X N supplied from different signal sources 22 _n is output from the signal processing device 10 _n to the sound emitting device 24 _n .
- the analog bus 42 is connected to another device through the connecting terminal T C1 or the connecting terminal
- an audio signal Y _n that consists of a mix of the N streams of audio signals X _1 to X _N that are supplied to the input terminals T IN of different signal processing devices 10 _n , to supply the audio signal Y _n to different sound emitting devices 24 _n .
- a preferable configuration is one in which the resistance element 44 of each signal processing device 10 _n has a sufficiently high resistance value, for example, a resistance value of 3.3k ⁇ . According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce an influence imparted to the volume ratio between the N streams of audio signals X _1 to X _N by the resistance components of the connecting cable 12 and the connecting terminals T C . Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an excessive electric current that may flow via the analog bus 42.
- the signal processing device 10 _n In a set-up in which a plurality of audio devices such as mixers are interconnected, an input terminal of one audio device and an output terminal of another audio device must be connected.
- the signal processing device 10 _n according to the first example, no distinction is made in different connecting terminals T C between an input and an output, and therefore, other devices may be connected to any of the connecting terminal T C1 and the connecting terminal T C2 . As a result, a connection error between signal processing devices 10 _n does not occur.
- the signal processing device 10 _n is realized by analog circuitry, the present example provides an advantage in that problems such as signal delay and complication of circuitry, both due to AID conversion and D/A conversion, do not occur.
- the voltage of an audio signal Y _n tends to decrease as the connection number N of signal processing devices 10 _n increases, as will be apparent from the mathematical expression (1) stated above.
- the second example has a configuration for suppressing the decrease in voltage of an audio signal Y _n against the increase of the connection number N.
- the elements whose effects and functions are substantially the same as those according to the first example will be assigned the same reference signs as those used in the explanation of the first example, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration of a signal processing device 10 _n according to the second example.
- a resistive element 52 and a connection switcher 54 are connected to each of the connecting terminal T C (T C1 and T C2 ) of the signal processing device 10 _n .
- the resistive element 52 (an example of a second resistive element) is an electric resistance with a resistance value R 2 .
- the connection switcher 54 is a switch for switching the electric connection (conduction or insulation) between the resistive element 52 and an analog bus 42. More specifically, the connection switcher 54 insulates the resistive element 52 from the analog bus 42 during a state of the end plug of a connection cable 12 being inserted in a connection terminal T C of the signal processing device 10 _n (i.e., when another device is being connected). During a state of when the end plug of a connection cable 12 not being inserted in a connection terminal T C of the signal processing device 10 _n (i.e., when another device is not being connected), the connection switcher 54 electrically connects the resistive element 52 to the analog bus 42. For example, a publically known switch-attached jack realizes the connection switcher 54 between a connecting terminal T C and the resistive element 52.
- FIG. 5 an example set up is illustrated where N signal processing devices 10 _1 to 10 _N according to the second example are connected in series.
- the connecting terminal T C1 of the signal processing device 10 _1 and the connecting terminal T C2 of the signal processing device 10 _N are in an open, separate state. Therefore, as exemplified in FIG. 5 , the resistive element 52 is connected to the connecting terminal T C1 of the signal processing device 10 _1 and the connecting terminal T C2 of the signal processing device 10 _N , whereas each of the other connecting terminals T C are insulated from the corresponding resistive element 52.
- FIG. 6 illustrates an equivalent circuitry of FIG. 5 . As will be understood from FIG. 6 , the following mathematical expression is established by Kirchhoff s laws.
- R 1 stands for the resistance value of the resistive element 44. 1
- G A _ 1 ⁇ X _ 1 ⁇ Q + G A _ 2 ⁇ X _ 2 ⁇ Q + ⁇ + G A _ N ⁇ X _ N ⁇ Q 2 R 2 Q
- the second example it is possible to suppress a decrease in a voltage of an audio signal Y _n against an increase in the connection number N.
- the amount of decrease in the voltage of the audio signal Y _n is 12dB in a case where the connection number N is increased from two to eight.
- an amount of decrease in the voltage of the audio signal Y _n can be suppressed to 4dB in a case where the connection number N is increased from two to eight.
- FIG. 7 is a plan view exemplifying an outer view of a signal processing device 10 _n according to the embodiment.
- an operator P 3 is mounted to the case 11 of the signal processing device 10 _n , in addition to an operator P 1 and an operator P 2 as explained in the description of the first example.
- the operator P 3 is a knob that a user U _n can freely rotate, similarly to the operator P 1 and operator P 2 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates an electric configuration of the signal processing device 10 _n according to the embodiment.
- the signal processing device 10 _n according to the embodiment is configured such that a third adjuster 62 and a signal adder 64 are added to the configuration of the first example.
- the third adjuster 62 and the signal adder 64 operate by electricity supplied from a battery or an external electric source, similarly to the first adjuster 46 and the second adjuster 48.
- the third adjuster 62 is disposed on a path W C that branches from a path W A that is between an input terminal T IN and an analog bus 42. More specifically, the path W C in FIG. 8 is a path that branches from a point between the first adjuster 46 and a resistive element 44, and it reaches the signal adder 64 without going through the analog bus 42.
- An audio signal G A_n ⁇ X _n that has been adjusted by the first adjuster 46 is supplied to the analog bus 42 via the resistive element 44 in substantially the same manner as in the first example. In addition, it is supplied to the third adjuster 62 via the path W C .
- the third adjuster 62 adjusts the volume of the audio signal G A_ n ⁇ X _n that has been adjusted by the first adjuster 46.
- An audio signal Z _n that has been adjusted by the third adjuster 62 is supplied to the signal adder 64.
- the third adjuster 62 of the embodiment includes a normal phase adjuster 622 and a reversed phase generator 623.
- the normal phase adjuster 622 and the reversed phase generator 623 are interconnected in parallel.
- the normal phase adjuster 622 adjusts the volume of the audio signal G A_n ⁇ X _n , which is supplied from the path W A to the path W C .
- the normal phase adjuster 622 is an amplifier that amplifies the audio signal G A_n ⁇ X _n by a variable gain G Ca_n .
- the gain G Ca_n of the normal phase adjuster 622 is set as variable in accordance with how the operator P 3 is operated (the position to which the operator P 3 is rotated, i.e., the angle of rotation of the operator P 3 ).
- the reversed phase generator 623 generates an audio signal the phase of which is a reversal of that of an audio signal G A_n ⁇ X _n (i.e., a signal the polarity of which is inverted). More specifically, the reversed phase generator 623 includes a phase inverter 624 and a reversed phase adjuster 626 as exemplified in FIG. 8 .
- the phase inverter 624 inverts the phase of the audio signal G A_n ⁇ X _n . Any publically known technique may be freely selected for the phase inversion performed by the phase inverter 624.
- the reversed phase adjuster 626 adjusts the volume of an audio signal (-1)G A_n ⁇ X _n that has been inverted by the phase inverter 624. More specifically, the reversed phase adjuster 626 is an amplifier that amplifies the audio signal (-1)G A_n ⁇ X _n by a variable gain G Cb_n .
- the gain G Cb_n of the reversed phase adjuster 626 is set as variable in accordance with how the operator P 3 is operated (the angle to which the operator P 3 is rotated). More specifically, the gain G Ca_n and the gain G Cb_n are adjusted in conjunction with each other so that when either the gain G Ca_n or the gain G Cb_n increases, the other decreases.
- the volume ratio between the audio signal G A_n ⁇ X _n and its reversed phase component is adjusted by the normal phase adjuster 622 and the reversed phase adjuster 626. It is of note that it is possible to invert the order of the phase inversion by the phase inverter 624 and the volume adjustment by the reversed phase adjuster 626. As will be understood from the above explanation, the reversed phase generator 623 carries out phase inversion and volume adjustment with respect to the audio signal G A_n ⁇ X _n .
- An audio signal Z _n that is obtained by adding an audio signal G Ca_n ⁇ G A_n ⁇ X _n that has been adjusted by the normal phase adjuster 622, and an audio signal G Cb_n ⁇ (-1)G A_n ⁇ X _n that has been adjusted by the reversed phase adjuster 626 is supplied from the third adjuster 62 to the signal adder 64.
- the audio signal Z _n is represented by the following mathematical expression (4).
- Z _ n G Ca _ n ⁇ G A _ n ⁇ X _ n + G Cb _ n ⁇ ⁇ 1 G A _ n ⁇ X _ n
- the signal adder of FIG. 8 is disposed between the analog bus 42 and the output terminal T OUT .
- the signal adder 64 is disposed between the analog bus 42 and the second adjuster 48, but the signal adder 64 may instead be disposed between the second adjuster 48 and the output terminal T OUT .
- the gain G Ca_n of the third adjuster 62 is set to be a small value (i.e., when the gain G Cb_n is set to be a large value), as will be understood from the mathematical expression (4), the audio signal G Cb_n ⁇ (-1)G A_n ⁇ X _n that is an inversion of the audio signal G A_n ⁇ X _n becomes relatively dominant within an audio signal Z _n . Accordingly, an audio signal Y _n is generated in which the signal components of the audio signal X _n are suppressed within an audio signal Q that consists of a mix of N streams of audio signals X _1 to X _N .
- the gain G Ca_n of the third adjuster 62 is set to be a large value (i.e., when the gain G Cb_n is set to be a small value), as will be understood from the mathematical expression (4), the audio signal G A_n ⁇ X _n becomes relatively dominant within the audio signal Z _n . Accordingly, an audio signal Y _n is generated in which the signal components of the audio signal X _n within the audio signal Q is emphasized.
- the audio signal Q that is common among the N signal processing devices 10 _1 to 10 _N is not influenced by either the gain G Ca_n or the gain G Cb_n .
- a user U _n can selectively adjust a volume of his/her own performance sound by appropriately adjusting the operator P 3 while listening to the ensemble sound of music played together by N users U _1 to U _N through the sound emitting device 24 _n .
- a signal processing device 10 _n that was given as an example includes two connection terminals T C (T C1 and T C2 ).
- the number of connection terminals T C of the signal processing device 10 _n is not limited thereto.
- a maximum of three other devices may be connected to a signal processing device 10 _n , wherein the signal processing device 10 _n includes three connection terminals T C .
- connection terminal T C It is also possible to mount a single connection terminal T C to a signal processing device 10 _n .
- a signal processing device 10 _n includes one connection terminal T C
- two signal processing devices 10 (10 _1 and 10 _2 ) are connected by a single connection cable 12.
- a configuration in which a signal processing device 10 _n includes a plurality of connection terminals T C such as in the above-mentioned embodiments, enables a large number of signal processing devices 10 _n to be readily connected in series, as compared with a configuration in which a signal processing device 10 _n includes a single connection terminal T C .
- FIG. 9 it is also possible to interconnect three or more signal processing devices 10 _n each of which includes one connection terminal T C by use of a connection cable 12 that branches into a plurality of ends.
- a right adjuster 49 R and a left adjuster 49 L are mounted to the signal processing device 10 _n according to each of the different embodiments as mentioned above.
- the right adjuster 49 R adjusts the volume of an audio signal X _n of the right channel (R ch ), supplied from the signal source 22 _n to the input terminal T IN ; and the left adjuster 49 L adjusts the volume of an audio signal X _n of the left channel (L ch ), supplied from the signal source 22 _n to the input terminal T IN .
- the respective gains of the right adjuster 49R and the left adjuster 49L are adjusted in accordance with operation of the operator P 4 (for example, the position to which the operator P 4 is rotated, i.e., the angle of rotation of the operator P 4 ). More specifically, the respective gains of the right adjuster 49R and the left adjuster 49L are adjusted in conjunction with each other so that when either of the gain of the right adjuster 49R or the gain of the left adjuster 49L increases, the other decreases.
- the audio signal X _n that has been adjusted by the right adjuster 49 R is supplied to the first adjuster 46 of the right channel
- the audio signal X _n that has been adjusted by the left adjuster 49L is supplied to the first adjuster 46 of the left channel.
- the volume ratio (i.e., the pan) between the audio signal X _n of the right channel and the audio signal X _n of the left channel are adjusted.
- the configuration of the third adjuster 62 according to the embodiment is not limited to the example in FIG. 8 .
- the third adjuster 62 of FIG. 12 includes a normal phase adjuster 622, a reversed phase generator 623, and a variable resistance 628.
- the functions of the normal phase adjuster 622 and the reversed phase generator 623 are substantially the same as those according to the embodiment.
- the gain G Ca_n of the normal phase adjuster 622 and the gain G Cb_n of the reversed phase adjuster 626 are set as predetermined fixed values. Moreover, it is of further note that it is also possible to set as variable the gain G Ca_n and the gain G Cb_n according to an instruction from a user, for example.
- the variable resistance 628 is an element that sets as variable the mix ratio between an audio signal G Ca_n ⁇ G A_n ⁇ X _n that has been adjusted by the normal phase adjuster 622 and an audio signal GC b_n ⁇ (-1)G A_n ⁇ X _n that has been generated by the reversed phase generator 623.
- the resistance value changes in accordance with operation of the operator P 3 (the position to which the operator P 3 is rotated, i.e., the angle of rotation of the operator P 3 ).
- the mix ratio between the audio signal G Ca_n ⁇ G A_n ⁇ X _n and the audio signal GC b_n ⁇ (-1)G A_n ⁇ X _n within an audio signal Z _n is set in accordance with operation of the operator P 3 .
- the variable resistance 628 includes a resistive element that is connected between the output end of the normal phase adjuster 622 and the output end of the reversed phase generator 623, and a contact point at which it comes in contact with the resistive element. The position of the contact point with the resistive element changes in accordance with operation of the operator P 3 .
- an audio signal Z _n is generated at the contact point, the audio signal Z _n being a result of an audio signal G Ca_n ⁇ G A_n ⁇ X _n and an audio signal G Cb_n ⁇ (-1)G A_n ⁇ X _n being mixed at a mix ratio corresponding to the position of the contact point.
- a generated audio signal Z _n is supplied from the contact point to the signal adder 64.
- the third adjuster 62 exemplified in FIG. 12 functions as an amplifier that amplifies an audio signal G A_n ⁇ X _n supplied to a path W C by a gain G C_n .
- the gain G C_n of the third adjuster 62 can be set as variable within a range from a minimum value being -G Cb_n to a maximum value being G Ca_n , inclusive (-G Cb_n ⁇ G C_n ⁇ G Ca_n ), in accordance with how the operator P 3 is operated.
- an audio signal Y _n is generated in which the signal component of an audio signal X _n within an audio signal Q (i.e., the performance sound of the subject user U _n ) is selectively emphasized.
- the gain G C_n is a negative number (G C_n ⁇ 0)
- an audio signal Y _n is generated in which the signal component of an audio signal X _n within an audio signal Q is selectively suppressed.
- a switch 629 instead of the variable resistance 628, may be mounted that causes either of the audio signal G Ca_n ⁇ G A_n ⁇ X _n that has been adjusted by the normal phase adjuster 622 and the audio signal G Cb_n ⁇ (-1)G A_n ⁇ X _n that has been generated by the reversed phase generator 623 to be selected and outputted as an audio signal Z _n .
- the switch 629 of FIG. 13 is controlled, for example in accordance with a user's operation, to select the output of the normal phase adjuster 622, or to select the output of the reversed phase generator 623.
- the reversed phase generator 623 (the phase inverter 624 and the reversed phase adjuster 626) in the third adjuster 62 exemplified in FIG. 8 , FIG. 12, or FIG. 13 may be omitted.
- the third adjuster 62 is configured solely by the normal phase adjuster 622, it is possible to adjust the degree of emphasis of an audio signal X _n according to the gain G Ca_n , although it is not possible to selectively suppress the signal component of the audio signal X _n within the audio signal Y _n .
- the normal phase adjuster 622 of FIG. 8 , FIG. 12, or FIG. 13 may be omitted.
- the third adjuster 62 is mounted in the path W C that branches from a path between the first adjuster 46 and the resistive element 44, the third adjuster 62 may be mounted in a path W C that branches from a path between an input terminal T IN and the first adjuster 46.(6)
- the input terminal T IN and the output terminal T OUT are mounted to one side of the case 11
- the connecting terminal T C1 is mounted to the left side of the case 11
- the connecting terminal T C2 is mounted to the right side of the case 11.
- the positions of the plurality of terminals (T IN , T OUT , T C1, and T C2 ) are not limited to these examples.
- the connecting terminal T C1, the connecting terminal T C2 , and the output terminal T OUT may be mounted to one side of the case 11 and the input terminal T IN to another side.
- a signal processing device includes a plurality of connecting terminals each connected to respective ones of a plurality of other signal processing devices that are different from the subject signal processing device, from among the plurality of signal processing devices; an analog bus connected to the plurality of connecting terminals; an input terminal connected to the analog bus and that accepts an input of a first audio signal; and an output terminal connected to the analog bus and that outputs a second audio signal to a sound emitting device.
- an analog bus that is connected to an input terminal and an output terminal is connected to a different signal processing device through a connecting terminal.
- each of the plurality of connecting terminals is connected to a different signal processing device. Accordingly, a relatively large number of signal processing devices can be connected as compared with a configuration in which a signal processing device has only one connecting terminal.
- a configuration that additionally includes a first resistive element that is disposed between an input terminal and an analog bus is also preferable.
- a signal processing device includes a first adjuster disposed between the input terminal and the analog bus, and that adjusts the volume of the first audio signal.
- the first adjuster adjusts the volume of the first audio signal, and thus it is possible to control the volume ratio between a plurality of first audio signals within the second audio signal.
- a signal processing device includes a second adjuster disposed between the analog bus and the output terminal, and that generates a second audio signal by adjusting the volume of an audio signal supplied from the analog bus.
- the second audio signal is generated by adjusting the volume of the audio signal supplied from the analog bus, and thus it is possible to adjust the volume of the second audio signal while maintaining the volume ratio between the plurality of first audio signals.
- the signal processing device includes a second resistive element arranged in correspondence to each of the plurality of connecting terminals; and a connection switcher arranged with respect to the second resistive element, and the connection switcher in a case in which any one of the plurality of other signal processing devices is connected to any one of the plurality of connecting terminals, insulates from the analog bus a second resistive element of the plurality of second resistive elements that corresponds to the connected one of the connecting terminals; and in a case in which none of the plurality of other signal processing devices is connected to one of the plurality of connecting terminals that corresponds to the second resistive element, connects the second resistive element to the analog bus.
- the second resistive element is insulated from the analog bus when another signal processing device is connected to a connection terminal, while the second resistive element is connected to the analog bus when no other signal processing device is connected to the connecting terminal.
- the signal processing device includes: a third adjuster that adjusts a volume of an audio signal supplied to a path branched from a path between the input terminal and the analog bus; and a signal adder disposed between the analog bus and the output terminal and that adds an audio signal supplied from the analog bus and the audio signal that has been adjusted by the third adjuster, and the third adjuster includes a reversed phase generator that performs phase inversion and volume adjustment with respect to the audio signal.
- the audio signal supplied from the analog bus and the audio signal that has been adjusted by the reversed phase generator of the third adjuster are added together, the adjustment being made in the direction in which the volume of the audio signal of the subject device is suppressed.
- the third adjuster further includes a normal phase adjuster connected in parallel with the reversed phase generator and that adjusts a volume of the audio signal, and the third adjuster causes a gain set by the reversed phase generator and a gain set by the normal phase adjuster to change in conjunction with each other, so that when either of a gain of the reversed phase generator or a gain of the normal phase adjuster increases, the other decreases.
- the volume of the subject device is adjusted in a direction in which the volume is either suppressed or emphasized against the audio signal supplied from the analog bus, in accordance with the ratio between the gain of the reversed phase generator and the gain of the normal phase adjuster. Accordingly, it is possible to selectively adjust the volume of the audio signal of the subject device within the second audio signal without influencing the audio signals of the analog buses extending across a plurality of signal processing devices.
- the third adjuster further includes a normal phase adjuster connected in parallel with the reversed phase generator and that adjusts a volume of the audio signal; and a variable resistance connected between an output end of the reversed phase generator and an output end of the normal phase adjuster, and that sets as variable a mix ratio between an audio signal outputted from the reversed phase generator and an audio signal outputted from the normal phase adjuster.
- the volume of the subject device is adjusted in a direction in which the volume is either suppressed or emphasized against the audio signal supplied from the analog bus, in accordance with the mix ratio between the audio signal outputted from the reversed phase generator and the audio signal outputted from the normal phase adjuster. Accordingly, it is possible to selectively adjust the volume of the audio signal of the subject device within the second audio signal without influencing the audio signals of the analog buses extending across a plurality of signal processing devices.
- the third adjuster further includes a normal phase adjuster connected in parallel with the reversed phase generator; and a switch that selectively outputs either one of an audio signal outputted from the reversed phase generator and an audio signal outputted from the normal phase adjuster.
- the volume of the subject device is adjusted in a direction in which the volume is either suppressed or emphasized against the audio signal supplied from the analog bus, in accordance with either the audio signal outputted from the reversed phase generator or the audio signal outputted from the normal phase adjuster. Accordingly, it is possible to selectively adjust the volume of the audio signal of the subject device within the second audio signal without influencing the audio signals of the analog buses extending across a plurality of signal processing devices.
- a sound processing system includes a plurality of signal processing devices according to any one of the preferable examples of the first aspect as exemplified above. More specifically, the sound processing system according to the second aspect is a sound processing system that includes a plurality of separate signal processing devices, and each of the plurality of signal processing devices includes: a plurality of connecting terminals each connected to respective ones of a plurality of other signal processing devices that are different from the subject signal processing device, from among the plurality of signal processing devices; an analog bus connected to the plurality of connecting terminals; an input terminal connected to the analog bus and that accepts an input of a first audio signal; and an output terminal connected to the analog bus and that outputs a second audio signal to a sound emitting device.
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Description
- The present invention relates to a technique for processing audio signals that represent sounds such as instrumental or vocal sounds.
- Various techniques have been proposed that enable a plurality of musicians to perform music together using a plurality of musical instruments. For example, United States Patent No.
8,119,900 (hereinafter, Patent Document 1) discloses a system including a plurality of units, and that enables musicians to perform music together. In the system, audio signals are each supplied from respective electric musical instruments to corresponding units. An audio signal is supplied from an electric musical instrument to a corresponding unit, and is then further supplied to other units via a different path used by other of the respective musical instruments to further supply audio signals. Each unit has a mixer that combines an audio signal supplied from a corresponding electric musical instrument with audio signals supplied from other units and that outputs the combined signals to headphones. According to the technique disclosed inPatent Document 1, it is possible for a plurality of musicians to perform music together while each musician listens to the performance of the other musicians without emitting the sound of performance into the surrounding air. - The technique disclosed in
Patent Document 1, suffers from a drawback in that a complicated configuration must be implemented to realize the technique. Namely, an audio signal that is supplied to a unit from an electric musical instrument is required to be supplied to other units via a different path used by other of the respective musical instruments to further supply audio signals; and, moreover, a mixer is also required to be mounted to each unit to combine (the supplied) audio signals. -
JP 2014-204205 A US 2009/282967 A1 (Patent Document 3) and D3WO 01/06751 A1 claim 1. - Taking the above drawback of
Patent Document 1 into consideration, it is an object of the present invention to provide a simple configuration for mixing audio signals and outputting the mixed audio signals. - According to one aspect, the present invention provides a signal processing device as defined in
claim 1. Advantageous embodiments may be configured according to any of claims 2-8. - According to another aspect of the present invention, a sound processing system is provided as defined in claim 9.
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FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of a sound processing system according to a first example -
FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration of a signal processing device. -
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a set-up where a plurality of signal processing devices are interconnected. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration of a signal processing device according to a second example -
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a set-up where a plurality of signal processing devices according to the second example are interconnected. -
FIG. 6 is an equivalent circuit diagram ofFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 7 is an external view of a signal processing device according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a configuration of the signal processing device according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a configuration of a sound processing system according to a modification. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a configuration of a sound processing system according to another modification.FIG. 11 illustrates a configuration of a signal processing device according to yet another modification.FIG. 12 illustrates a configuration of a signal processing device according to still yet another modification.FIG. 13 illustrates a configuration of a signal processing device according to still yet another modification. -
FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of asound processing system 100 according to the first example. Thesound processing system 100 according to the first example is a system used for a plurality of users (N users) U_1 to U_N to play musical instruments (N being a natural number of two or more). As exemplified inFIG. 1 , thesound processing system 100 according to the first example includes: a plurality of signal processing devices (N signal processing devices) 10_1 to 10_N, each of which is configured separately from one another; and a plurality of connecting cables 12 ((N-1) connecting cables 12) that connect the different signal processing devices 10_n (n = 1 to N) to each other. - A
signal source 22_n and asound emitting device 24_n are connected to eachsignal processing device 10_n. Thesignal source 22_n supplies to thesignal processing device 10_n an analog audio signal (an example of a first audio signal) X_n that represents a sound such as an instrumental or vocal sound. For example, a preferable example of thesignal source 22_n is an electric musical instrument that outputs an audio signal X_n of a performance sound according to a performance by a user U_n. More specifically, electric musical instruments of various types such as string instruments (e.g., guitars or violins), keyboard instruments (e.g., pianos), or percussion instruments (e.g., drums) are used as thesignal source 22_n. It is also possible to use, as thesignal source 22_n, a sound receiving device (e.g., a microphone) that receives a performing sound of a musical instrument or a vocal performing sound of a singer, to generate an audio signal X_n. A playback device (e.g., a portable music player) that outputs an audio signal X_n that is stored in a recording medium is also preferable as thesignal source 22_n. The audio signal X_n is either stereo or monaural. - The
signal processing device 10_n is an analog mixer that supplies an audio signal (an example of a second audio signal) Y_n to thesound emitting device 24_n, the audio signal Y_n being obtained by combining N streams of audio signals X_1 to X_N generated by thedifferent signal sources 22_n. Thesound emitting device 24_n may, for example, be headphones or earphones worn by a user U_n on his/her ears, and that reproduces a sound represented by the audio signal Y_n supplied from the signal processing device 10_n (i.e., an ensemble sound obtained by musicians playing music together). In this way, each user U_n can perform music while listening through thesound emitting device 24_n to the sound of N users U_1 to U_N playing music together. This configuration is common among the Nsignal processing devices 10_1 to 10_N, and therefore, the following explanation focuses on a freely selected singlesignal processing device 10_n. - As exemplified in
FIG. 1 , thesignal processing device 10_n includes acase 11 that is approximately cuboid in shape. A plurality of operators P (P1 and P2) are mounted to the upper surface of thecase 11 and accept
the operation of a user U_n. Each operator P according to the first example is a knob that the user U_n can freely rotate. By appropriately operating a
desired operator P, the user U_n can adjust a characteristic of an audio signal Y_n generated by thesignal processing device 10_n. Positioning of the operators P is not limited to the upper surface of thecase 11. - As exemplified in
FIG. 1 , thesignal processing device 10_n incudes a plurality of terminals (TIN, TOUT, TC1, and TC2). More specifically, an input terminal TIN, an output terminal TOUT, a connecting terminal TC1, and a connecting terminal TC2 are mounted to the sides of thecase 11. Positioning of the terminals is not limited to the sides of thecase 11. - The input terminal TIN is a stereo jack to and from which the
signal source 22_n can be freely connected and disconnected. The terminal TIN, accepts input of an audio signal X_n supplied from thesignal source 22_n. The output terminal TOUT is a stereo jack to and from which thesound emitting device 24_n can be freely connected and disconnected. The terminal TOUT outputs to thesound emitting device 24_n an audio signal Y_n generated by thesignal processing device 10_n. Alternatively, an audio signal X_n may be transmitted by radio from thesignal source 22_n to thesignal processing device 10_n; and/or an audio signal Y_n may be transmitted by radio from thesignal processing device 10_n to thesound emitting device 24_n. The scheme of radio communication between thesignal source 22_n and thesignal processing device 10_n, as well as that between thesignal processing device 10_n and thesound emitting device 24_n may be freely
chosen. However, it is of note that Near Filed Communication, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), is preferable. - The connecting cable TC1 and the connecting cable TC2 of the
signal processing device 10_n are terminals for connecting the signal processing device 10_n (the subject device) and other signal processing devices (hereinafter, other devices). The connecting cable TC1 and the connecting
cable TC2 according to the first example are stereo jacks to and from
which the plugs at the end of connectingcables 12 are freely connected and disconnected. - A connecting
cable 12 is a cable that electrically connects asignal processing device 10_n1 and a signal processing device 10_n2 (n1 = 1 to N, n2 = 1 to N, n1 ≠ n2). For example, stereo shielded cables are preferably used as connectingcables 12. - As exemplified in
FIG. 1 , either one or both of the connecting terminal TC1 and the connecting terminal TC2 of thesignal processing device 10_n is/are connected, via connecting cable(s) 12, to connecting terminal TC1 or/and connecting terminal TC2 of other device(s). Accordingly, as exemplified inFIG. 1 , Nsignal processing devices 10_1 to 10_N are connected in series. More specifically, the connecting terminal TC1 of each of the second to the Nthsignal processing devices 10_n is connected to the connecting terminal TC2 of the immediately precedingsignal processing device 10_n-1. The connecting terminal TC1 of thesignal processing device 10_1 at one end of a sequence of Nsignal processing devices 10_n and the connecting terminal TC2 of thesignal processing device 10_N at the other end are in an open, separate state, and are not connected to any other devices. However, it is also possible to interconnect the connecting terminal TC1 of
thesignal processing device 10_1 and the connecting terminal TC2 of the signal processing device 10_N (i.e., the Nsignal processing devices 10_1 to 10_N may be connected in a circle). An N number (hereinafter, the connection number) ofsignal processing devices 10_n that are interconnected may be freely changed. More specifically, Nsignal processing devices 10_1 to 10_N that correspond to a number of users U_n actually participating in a performance are connected. For example, in a case where two people (N = 2), user U_1 and user U_2, are to perform music together, asignal processing device 10_1 and asignal processing device 10_2 are interconnected by one connectingcable 12. In a case where five people (N = 5), users U_1 to U_5, are to perform music together,signal processing devices 10_1 to 10_5 are interconnected by four connectingcables 12. - Meanwhile,
Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration including a station (docking station) in which a predetermined number of spaces (docks) are formed (hereinafter, comparative example 1). In comparative example 1, it is not possible to connect units of a number that exceeds the total number of the spaces since each of a plurality of units for inputting and outputting audio signals is docked in respective spaces of the station. Accordingly, the configuration disclosed in comparative example 1 is subject to a problem in that a total number of performers who are able to perform music
together is limited. According to the first example, the number N of
connectedsignal processing devices 10_n can be freely changed, and there is no limit to the number of users U_n. In addition, in using the system of comparative example 1, users will be obliged to wait
before starting to perform music together if a user who possesses and
takes care of the station is not present. According to the first example,
even in a case that not all users are present, those users who are present can begin practicing music together by interconnecting Nsignal processing devices 10_1 to 10_N, where N is equivalent to the number of users U_n who are present. Furthermore, in comparative example 1, it is necessary for a particular user to purchase and take care of the station, whereas according to the first example, individual users U_n can each purchase and take care of their ownsignal processing device 10_n. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an electric configuration of thesignal processing device 10_n. As exemplified inFIG. 2 , thesignal processing device 10_n according
to the first example is an analog circuitry that includes ananalog bus 42, a
resistive element 44, afirst adjuster 46, and asecond adjuster 48. These elements are mounted inside thecase 11. In actuality, theanalog bus 42, theresistive element 44, thefirst adjuster 46, and thesecond adjuster 48 are mounted for each of the left and right channels. However, for the sake of convenience in the following explanation, reference will be made to one channel only, namely, either a left or right channel. The following alternative configurations may also be assumed: that is, thefirst adjuster 46 or thesecond adjuster 48 may be mounted to the exterior of thecase 11; or thefirst adjuster 46 and thesecond adjuster 48 may be omitted from thesignal processing device 10_n. The configuration in which thefirst adjuster 46 and thesecond adjuster 48 are omitted has an advantage in that a circuitry size and manufacturing cost of thesignal processing device 10_n can be reduced. - The
analog bus 42 is a signal line that transmits analog signals. AsFIG. 2 exemplifies, theanalog bus 42 is connected to the connecting terminal TC1 and the connecting terminal TC2. More specifically, one end of theanalog bus 42 is connected to the connecting terminal TC1 and the other end is connected to the connecting terminal TC2. Accordingly, where Nsignal processing devices 10_1 to 10_N are interconnected, as in the example ofFIG. 1 , theanalog buses 42 of thesignal processing devices 10_n are electrically connected across the Nsignal processing devices 10_1 to 10_N. In other words, a single bus unit is formed of theanalog buses 42 of the Nsignal processing devices 10_1 to 10_N interconnected by connectingcables 12. InFIG. 1 , an example configuration is shown in which the connecting terminal TC1 of asignal processing device 10_n and the connecting terminal TC2 of asignal processing device 10_n-1 are connected. However, the connecting terminal TC1 and the connecting terminal TC2 are electrically equivalent. Thus, as will be understood fromFIG. 2 , it is also possible to mutually connect the connecting terminals TC1 of differentsignal processing devices 10_n, or to mutually connect the connecting terminals TC2 of differentsignal processing devices 10_n. That is, it is not necessary to distinguish between the connecting terminal TC1 and the connecting terminal TC2 when using the device. As exemplified inFIG. 1 , where Nsignal processing devices 10_1 to 10_N are connected in series, theanalog buses 42 of thesignal processing devices 10_n convey a common audio signal Q that is a mix of audio signals X_1 to X_N of N streams. - As exemplified in
FIG. 2 , theresistive element 44 and thefirst adjuster 46 are disposed on a path WA situated between the input terminal TIN and theanalog bus 42. The resistive element 44 (an example of a first resistive element) consists of an electric resistance between the input terminal TIN and theanalog bus 42. Thefirst adjuster 46 is disposed between the input terminal TIN and theresistive element 44, and is used to adjust a volume of an audio signal X_n that is supplied from thesignal source 22_n to the input terminal TIN. More specifically, thefirst adjuster 46 is an amplifier that amplifies an audio signal X_n by a variable gain GA_n. The gain GA_n of thefirst adjuster 46 is set as variable depending on how the operator P1 of thesignal processing device 10_n is operated (the position to which the operator P1 is rotated, i.e., the angle of rotation of the operator P1). As will be understood from the above example, an audio signal X_n that is supplied from thesignal source 22_n to the input terminal TIN is then supplied to theanalog bus 42 through theresistive element 44 after its volume has been adjusted by thefirst adjuster 46. - The
first adjuster 46 according to the first example also functions as a buffer amplifier that reduces an influence of the output impedance of thesignal source 22_n. As exemplified inFIG. 2 , thesecond adjuster 48 is disposed on a path WB situated between theanalog bus 42 and the output terminal TOUT, and is used to generate an audio signal Y_n by adjustment of the volume of an audio signal Q supplied from theanalog bus 42. More specifically, thesecond adjuster 48 is an amplifier that amplifies the audio signal Q by a variable gain GB_n. The gain GB_n of thesecond adjuster 48 is set as variable depending on how the operator P2 of thesignal processing device 10_n is operated (the position to which the operator P2 is rotated, i.e., the angle of rotation of the operator P2). The audio signal Y_n that has been
adjusted by thesecond adjuster 48 is output from the output terminal TOUT to thesound emitting device 24_n. Thesecond adjuster 48 according
to the first example also functions as a headphone amplifier that cuts off
an electric current that flows from theanalog bus 42 to thesound emitting device 24_n. Thefirst adjuster 46 and thesecond adjuster 48 are electrically operated by an electric current supplied from a battery contained inside thecase 11, for example. However, it is also possible for thefirst adjuster 46 and thesecond adjuster 48 to be electrically operated by an electric current supplied from an external electric source. -
FIG. 3 explains a relationship between audio signals X_n (X_1 to X_N) and audio signals Y_n (Y_1 to Y_N). AsFIG. 3 exemplifies, a set-up where theanalog buses 42 are interconnected across Nsignal processing devices 10_1 to 10_N is assumed. According to Kirchhoffs laws, an audio signal Q that arises in ananalog bus 42 can be represented by the following mathematical expression (1) (VMIX = GA_1·X_1 +...... + GA_N·X_N). -
- As will be understood from the mathematical expression (1) and the mathematical expression (2), the audio signal Y_n that consists of a mix of N streams of audio signals X_1 to X N supplied from
different signal sources 22_n is output from thesignal processing device 10_n to thesound emitting device 24_n. - Further, as will be understood from the mathematical expression (2), it is possible to control a volume ratio between the N streams of audio signals X_1 to X_N within the audio signal Y_n by having the
first adjuster 46 adjust the volume of the audio signal X_n. As will also be understood from the mathematical expression (2), it is possible to adjust a volume of the audio signal Y_n (i.e., the sound played by the sound emitting device 24_n) while maintaining a volume ratio between the N streams of audio signals X_1 to X N by having thesecond adjuster 48 adjust the volume. - As is explained above, according to the first example, the
analog bus 42 is connected to another device through the connecting terminal TC1 or the connecting terminal - TC2, with the
analog bus 42 being connected to the input terminal TIN and the output terminal TOUT. In this way, it is possible to generate, by use of a simple configuration, an audio signal Y_n that consists of a mix of the N streams of audio signals X_1 to X_N that are supplied to the input terminals TIN of differentsignal processing devices 10_n, to supply the audio signal Y_n to differentsound emitting devices 24_n. - When a configuration is assumed in which the resistance value of the
resistive element 44 is sufficiently low (hereinafter, comparative example 2), the resistance components of a connectingcable 12 and connecting terminals TC (TC1 and TC2) become relatively dominant, and as a result, it is possible that a volume ratio between the N streams of audio signals X_1 to X_N may be substantially influenced by the resistance components of the
connectingcable 12 and the connecting terminals TC. In addition, in the configuration of comparative example 2, it is possible that an excessive electric current may flow from the output side of thefirst adjuster 46 of asignal processing device 10_n into the output side of thefirst adjuster 46 of another device through ananalog bus 42. Taking the foregoing into account, a preferable configuration is one in which theresistance element 44 of eachsignal processing device 10_n has a sufficiently high resistance value, for example, a resistance value of 3.3kΩ. According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce an influence imparted to the volume ratio between the N streams of audio signals X_1 to X_N by the resistance components of the connectingcable 12 and the connecting terminals TC. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an excessive electric current that may flow via theanalog bus 42. - Generally, in a set-up in which a plurality of audio devices such as mixers are interconnected, an input terminal of one audio device and an output terminal of another audio device must be connected. In the signal
processingdevice 10_n according to the first example, no distinction is
made in different connecting terminals TC between an input and an output, and therefore, other devices may be connected to any of the connecting terminal TC1 and the connecting terminal TC2. As a result, a connection error betweensignal processing devices 10_n does not occur. Furthermore, since thesignal processing device 10_n is realized by analog
circuitry, the present example provides an advantage in that problems
such as signal delay and complication of circuitry, both due to AID conversion and D/A conversion, do not occur. - Following is an explanation of the second example. In the first example, the
voltage of an audio signal Y_n tends to decrease as the connection number N ofsignal processing devices 10_n increases, as will be apparent from
the mathematical expression (1) stated above. The second example has a configuration for suppressing the decrease in voltage of an audio signal Y_n against the increase of the connection number N. In the below-exemplified
examples and embodiment, the elements whose effects and functions are substantially the same as those according to the first example will be
assigned the same reference signs as those used in the explanation of the first example, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted as appropriate. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration of asignal processing device 10_n
according to the second example. As exemplified inFIG. 4 , according to the second example, aresistive element 52 and aconnection switcher 54
are connected to each of the connecting terminal TC (TC1 and TC2) of thesignal processing device 10_n. The resistive element 52 (an example of a second resistive element) is an electric resistance with a resistance value R2. - The
connection switcher 54 is a switch for switching the electric connection (conduction or insulation) between theresistive element 52 and ananalog bus 42. More specifically, theconnection switcher 54 insulates theresistive element 52 from theanalog bus 42 during a state of the end plug of aconnection cable 12 being inserted in a connection terminal TC of the signal processing device 10_n (i.e., when another device is being
connected). During a state of when the end plug of aconnection cable 12 not being inserted in a connection terminal TC of the signal processing device 10_n (i.e., when another device is not being connected), theconnection switcher 54 electrically connects theresistive element 52 to theanalog bus 42. For example, a publically known switch-attached jack realizes theconnection switcher 54 between a connecting terminal TC and theresistive element 52. - In
FIG. 5 , an example set up is illustrated where N signal processing
devices 10_1 to 10_N according to the second example are connected in
series. The connecting terminal TC1 of thesignal processing device 10_1 and the connecting terminal TC2 of thesignal processing device 10_N are in an open, separate state. Therefore, as exemplified inFIG. 5 , theresistive element 52 is connected to the connecting terminal TC1 of thesignal processing device 10_1 and the connecting terminal TC2 of thesignal processing device 10_N, whereas each of the other connecting terminals TC are insulated from the correspondingresistive element 52.FIG. 6 illustrates an equivalent circuitry ofFIG. 5 . As will be understood fromFIG. 6 , the following mathematical expression is established by Kirchhoff s laws. The symbol R1 stands for the resistance value of theresistive element 44. -
- As will be understood from the mathematical expression (3), in contrast to the first example, in the second example it is possible to suppress a decrease in a voltage of an audio signal Y_n against an increase in the connection number N. For example, according to the first example, the amount of decrease in the voltage of the audio signal Y_n is 12dB in a case where the connection number N is increased from two to eight. In contrast, in the second example, when a constant a is assumed to be 8 (R1 = 4R2), an amount of decrease in the voltage of the audio signal Y_n can be suppressed to 4dB in a case where the connection number N is increased
from two to eight. It is of note that in the first example, it is possible to
compensate for a decrease in the volume of an audio signal Y_n resulting from an increase in the connection number N, by adjusting the volume of the audio signal Y_n by adjusting the operator P2. -
FIG. 7 is a plan view exemplifying an outer view of asignal processing device 10_n according to the embodiment. As exemplified inFIG. 7 , in the embodiment an operator P3 is mounted to thecase 11 of thesignal processing device 10_n, in addition to an operator P1 and an operator P2
as explained in the description of the first example. The operator P3 is a knob that a user U_n can freely rotate, similarly to the
operator P1 and operator P2. -
FIG. 8 illustrates an electric configuration of thesignal processing device 10 _n according to the embodiment. AsFIG. 8 exemplifies, the signal
processingdevice 10_n according to the embodiment is configured such that athird adjuster 62 and asignal adder 64 are added to the
configuration of the first example. Thethird adjuster 62 and the signal
adder 64 operate by electricity supplied from a battery or an external electric source, similarly to thefirst adjuster 46 and thesecond adjuster 48. - The
third adjuster 62 is disposed on a path WC that branches from a path WA that is between an input terminal TIN and ananalog bus 42. More specifically, the path WC inFIG. 8 is a path that branches from a point between thefirst adjuster 46 and aresistive element 44, and it reaches thesignal adder 64 without going through theanalog bus 42. An audio signal GA_n·X_n that has been adjusted by thefirst adjuster 46 is supplied to theanalog bus 42 via theresistive element 44 in substantially the same
manner as in the first example. In addition, it is supplied to the third
adjuster 62 via the path WC. Thethird adjuster 62 adjusts the volume of the audio signal GA_n·X_n that has been adjusted by thefirst adjuster 46. An audio signal Z_n that has been adjusted by thethird adjuster 62 is supplied to thesignal adder 64. - As exemplified in
FIG. 8 , thethird adjuster 62 of the embodiment includes
anormal phase adjuster 622 and areversed phase generator 623. Thenormal phase adjuster 622 and the reversedphase generator 623 are interconnected in parallel. Thenormal phase adjuster 622 adjusts the volume of the audio signal GA_n·X_n, which is supplied from the path WA to the path WC. More specifically, thenormal phase adjuster 622 is an amplifier that amplifies the audio signal GA_n·X_n by a variable gain GCa_n. The gain GCa_n of thenormal phase adjuster 622 is set as variable in accordance with how the operator P3 is operated (the position to which the operator P3 is rotated, i.e., the angle of rotation of the operator P3). - The reversed
phase generator 623 generates an audio signal the phase of which is a reversal of that of an audio signal GA_n·X_n (i.e., a signal the polarity of which is inverted). More specifically, the reversedphase generator 623 includes aphase inverter 624 and areversed phase adjuster 626 as exemplified inFIG. 8 . Thephase inverter 624 inverts the phase of the audio signal GA_n·X_n. Any publically known technique may be freely selected for the phase inversion performed by thephase inverter 624. The reversedphase adjuster 626 adjusts the volume of an audio signal (-1)GA_n·X_n that has been inverted by thephase inverter 624. More specifically, the reversedphase adjuster 626 is an amplifier that amplifies the audio signal (-1)GA_n·X_n by a variable gain GCb_n. The gain GCb_n of the reversedphase adjuster 626 is set as variable in accordance with how the operator P3 is operated (the angle to which the operator P3 is rotated). More specifically, the gain GCa_n and the gain GCb_n are adjusted in conjunction with each other so that when either the gain GCa_n or the gain GCb_n increases, the other decreases. In other words, the volume ratio between the audio signal GA_n·X_n and its reversed phase component is adjusted by thenormal phase adjuster 622 and the reversedphase adjuster 626. It is of note that it is possible to invert the order of the phase inversion by thephase inverter 624 and the volume adjustment by the reversedphase adjuster 626. As will be understood from the above explanation, the reversedphase generator 623 carries out phase inversion and volume adjustment with respect to the audio signal GA_n·X_n. - An audio signal Z_n that is obtained by adding an audio signal GCa_n·GA_n·X_n that has been adjusted by the
normal phase adjuster 622, and an audio signal GCb_n·(-1)GA_n·X_n that has been adjusted by the reversedphase adjuster 626 is supplied from thethird adjuster 62 to thesignal adder 64. Thus, the audio signal Z_n is represented by the following mathematical expression (4). - The signal adder of
FIG. 8 is disposed between theanalog bus 42 and the output terminal TOUT. Thesignal adder 64 generates an audio signal Y_N (Y_N = Q + Z_n) by adding an audio signal Q supplied from theanalog bus 42 and an audio signal Z_n that has been adjusted by thethird adjuster 62. InFIG. 8 , thesignal adder 64 is disposed between theanalog bus 42 and thesecond adjuster 48, but thesignal adder 64 may instead be disposed between thesecond adjuster 48 and the output terminal TOUT. - When the gain GCa_n of the
third adjuster 62 is set to be a small value (i.e., when the gain GCb_n is set to be a large value), as will be understood from the mathematical expression (4), the audio signal GCb_n·(-1)GA_n·X_n that is an inversion of the audio signal GA_n·X_n becomes relatively dominant within an audio signal Z_n. Accordingly, an audio signal Y_n is generated in which the signal components of the audio signal X_n are suppressed within an audio signal Q that consists of a mix of N streams of audio signals X_1 to X_N. On the other hand, when the gain GCa_n of thethird adjuster 62 is set to be a large value (i.e., when the gain GCb_n is set to be a small value), as will be understood from the mathematical expression (4), the audio signal GA_n·X_n becomes relatively dominant within the audio signal Z_n. Accordingly, an audio signal Y_n is generated in which the signal components of the audio signal X_n within the audio signal Q is emphasized. That is, the smaller the value to which the gain GCa_n is set, the greater the signal components of the audio signals X_n within the audio signal Q are suppressed; and the larger the value to which the gain GCa_n is set, the greater the signal components of the audio signals X_n within the audio signal Q are emphasized. Meanwhile, the audio signal Q that is common among the Nsignal processing devices 10_1 to 10_N is not influenced by either the gain GCa_n or the gain GCb_n. - As will be understood from the above explanation, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to adjust the volume ratio of the audio signals X_n inputted into the
signal processing device 10_n within the sound played by the signal processing device 10_n (audio signal Y_n) without influencing the sounds played by other devices. In other words, a user U_n can selectively adjust a volume of his/her own performance sound by appropriately adjusting the operator P3 while listening to the ensemble sound of music played together by N users U_1 to U_N through thesound emitting device 24_n. - In the above explanation, the embodiment is explained based on the configuration of the first example. However, it is also possible to adopt, to the embodiment, the configuration of the second
example in which aresistive element 52 and aconnection switcher 54 are connected to each connection terminal TC (TC1 or TC2). - The above-mentioned examples may be modified in various ways. Specific modifications are described below. Any two or more modes freely selected from the following examples may be combined as appropriate in so far as they do not contradict each other.(1) In each of the above-mentioned
examples and embodiment, asignal processing device 10_n that was given as an example includes two connection terminals TC (TC1 and TC2). However, the number of connection terminals TC of thesignal processing device 10_n is not limited thereto. For example, it is possible to mount three or more connection terminals TC to asignal processing device 10_n. For example, a maximum of three other devices may be connected to asignal processing device 10_n, wherein thesignal processing device 10_n includes three connection terminals TC. - It is also possible to mount a single connection terminal TC to a
signal processing device 10_n. In a configuration in which asignal processing device 10_n includes one connection terminal TC, two signal processing devices 10 (10_1 and 10_2) are connected by asingle connection cable 12. A configuration in which asignal processing device 10_n includes a plurality of connection terminals TC, such as in the above-mentioned embodiments, enables a large number ofsignal processing devices 10_n to be readily connected in series, as compared with a configuration in which asignal processing device 10_n includes a single
connection terminal TC. As exemplified inFIG. 9 , it is also possible to interconnect three or moresignal processing devices 10_n each of which includes one connection terminal TC by use of aconnection cable 12 that branches into a plurality of ends. - (2) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments,
connection cables 12 are used to connect differentsignal processing devices 10_n, but the means of connecting thesignal processing devices 10_n is not limited to the previously presented examples. For example, by employing a connector in the form of a connection terminal TC, it is possible to directly connect a connection terminal TC of asignal processing device 10_n and a connection terminal TC of asignal processing device 10_n+1 to be in contact with each other as exemplified inFIG. 10 . - (3) In the above-mentioned embodiments, a knob that may be rotated by a user U_n is exemplified as an operator P, but the specific form of the operator P is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to provide a fader-type operator P that a user U_n may slide linearly.
- It is further possible to set an operator P4 that adjusts a volume ratio (a direction of an audio image) between left and right stereo channels, for example. More specifically, as exemplified in
FIG. 11 , aright adjuster 49R and aleft adjuster 49L are mounted to thesignal processing device 10_n according to each of the different embodiments as mentioned above. Theright adjuster 49R adjusts the volume of an audio signal X_n of the right channel (Rch), supplied from thesignal source 22_n to the input terminal TIN ; and theleft adjuster 49L adjusts the volume of an audio signal X_n of the left channel (Lch), supplied from thesignal source 22_n to the input terminal TIN. The respective gains of theright adjuster 49R and the left adjuster 49L are adjusted in accordance with operation of the operator P4 (for example, the position to which the operator P4 is rotated, i.e., the angle of rotation of the operator P4). More specifically, the respective gains of theright adjuster 49R and the left adjuster 49L are adjusted in conjunction with each other so that when either of the gain of theright adjuster 49R or the gain of the left adjuster 49L increases, the other decreases. The audio signal X_n that has been adjusted by theright adjuster 49R is supplied to thefirst adjuster 46 of the right channel, and the audio signal X_n that has been adjusted by the left adjuster 49L is supplied to thefirst adjuster 46 of the left channel. As will be understood from the above description, according to the configuration exemplified inFIG. 11 , the volume ratio (i.e., the pan) between the audio signal X_n of the right channel and the audio signal X_n of the left channel are adjusted. (4) The configuration of the third
adjuster 62 according to the embodiment is not limited to the example in
FIG. 8 . For example, it is also possible to use athird adjuster 62 that is configured as exemplified inFIG. 12 . Thethird adjuster 62 ofFIG. 12 includes anormal phase adjuster 622, areversed phase generator 623, and avariable resistance 628. The functions of thenormal phase adjuster 622 and the reversedphase generator 623 are substantially the same as those according to the embodiment. It is of note, however, that the gain G
Ca_n of thenormal phase adjuster 622 and the gain GCb_n of the reversedphase adjuster 626 are set as predetermined fixed values. Moreover, it is of further note that it is also possible to set as variable the gain GCa_n and the gain GCb_n according to an
instruction from a user, for example. - The
variable resistance 628 is an element that sets as variable the mix ratio between an audio signal GCa_n·GA_n·X_n that has been adjusted by thenormal phase adjuster 622 and an audio signal GCb_n·(-1)GA_n·X_n that has been generated by the reversedphase generator 623. The resistance value changes in accordance with operation of the operator P3 (the position to which the operator P3 is rotated, i.e., the angle of rotation of the operator P3). In other words, the mix ratio between the audio signal GCa_n·GA_n·X_n and the audio signal GCb_n·(-1)GA_n·X_n within an audio signal Z_n is set in accordance with operation of the operator P3. More specifically, thevariable resistance 628 includes a resistive element that is connected between the output end of thenormal phase adjuster 622 and the output end of the reversedphase generator 623, and a contact point at which it comes in contact with the resistive element. The position of the contact point with the resistive element changes in accordance with operation of the operator P3. Accordingly, an audio signal Z_n is generated at the contact point, the audio signal Z_n being a result of an audio signal GCa_n·GA_n·X_n and an audio signal GCb_n·(-1)GA_n·X_n being mixed at a mix ratio corresponding to the position of the contact point. Thus, a generated audio signal Z_n is supplied from the contact point to the signal
adder 64. As a result, in the configuration ofFIG. 12 , just as in the
embodiment, it is possible to selectively adjust a volume of the performance sound of the subject user U_n from among the playback sound (an audio signal Y_n) of asignal processing device 10_n without influencing the audio signal Q generated in an analog bus 42 (i.e., the playback sound of other devices). - The
third adjuster 62 exemplified inFIG. 12 functions as an amplifier that amplifies an audio signal GA_n·X_n supplied to a path WC by a gain GC_n. The gain GC_n of thethird adjuster 62 can be set as variable within a range from a minimum value being -GCb_n to a maximum value being GCa_n, inclusive (-GCb_n ≦ GC_n ≦ GCa_n), in accordance with how the operator P3 is operated. Where the gain GC_n is a positive number (GC_n > 0), an audio signal Y_n is generated in which the signal component of an audio signal X_n within an audio signal Q (i.e., the performance sound of the subject user U_n) is selectively emphasized. On the other hand, where the gain GC_n is a negative number (GC_n < 0), an audio signal Y_n is generated in which the signal component of an audio signal X_n within an audio signal Q is selectively suppressed. - As
FIG. 13 exemplifies, aswitch 629, instead of thevariable resistance 628, may be mounted that causes either of the audio signal GCa_n·GA_n·X_n that has been adjusted by thenormal phase adjuster 622 and the audio signal GCb_n· (-1)GA_n· X_n that has been generated by the reversedphase generator 623 to be selected and outputted as an audio signal Z_n. Theswitch 629 ofFIG. 13 is controlled, for example in accordance with a user's operation, to select the output of thenormal phase adjuster 622, or to select the output of the reversedphase generator 623.
(5) The reversed phase generator 623 (thephase inverter 624 and the reversed phase adjuster 626) in thethird adjuster 62 exemplified inFIG. 8 ,FIG. 12, or FIG. 13 may be omitted. For example, in a case in which thethird adjuster 62 is configured solely by thenormal phase adjuster 622, it is possible to adjust the degree of emphasis of an audio signal X_n according to the gain GCa_n, although it is not possible to selectively suppress the signal component of the audio signal X_n within the audio signal Y_n. Alternatively, thenormal phase adjuster 622 ofFIG. 8 ,FIG. 12, or FIG. 13 may be omitted. Furthermore, although inFIG. 8 ,FIG. 12, and FIG. 13 , thethird adjuster 62 is mounted in the path WC that branches from a path between thefirst adjuster 46 and theresistive element 44, thethird adjuster 62 may be mounted in a path WC that branches from a path between an input terminal TIN and the first adjuster 46.(6) In the configurations exemplified inFIG. 1 andFIG. 7 , the input terminal TIN and the output terminal TOUT are mounted to one side of thecase 11, the connecting terminal TC1 is mounted to the left side of thecase 11, and the connecting terminal TC2 is mounted to the right side of thecase 11. However the positions of the plurality of terminals (TIN, TOUT, TC1, and TC2) are not limited to these examples. For example, the connecting terminal TC1, the connecting terminal TC2, and the output terminal TOUT may be mounted to one side of thecase 11 and the input terminal TIN to another side. - The following configurations may be envisaged from the examples and embodiment described above. That is, a signal processing device
according to an aspect of the present invention (the first aspect) includes a plurality of connecting terminals each connected to respective ones of a plurality of other signal processing devices that are different from the subject signal processing device, from among the plurality of signal processing devices; an analog bus connected to the plurality of connecting terminals; an input terminal connected to the analog bus and that accepts an input of a first audio signal; and an output terminal connected to the analog bus and that outputs a second audio signal to a sound emitting device. - According to the first aspect, an analog bus that is connected to an input terminal and an output terminal is connected to a different signal processing device through a connecting terminal. As a result, with a simple configuration it is possible to generate a second audio signal in which a plurality of first audio signals inputted into different signal processing devices are mixed, and output the second audio signal to a sound emitting device.
- In the first aspect, each of the plurality of connecting terminals is connected to a different signal processing device. Accordingly, a relatively large number of signal processing devices can be connected as compared with a configuration in which a signal processing device has only one connecting terminal. A configuration that additionally includes a first resistive element that is disposed between an input terminal and an analog bus is also preferable.
- A signal processing device according to a preferable example of the first aspect includes a first adjuster disposed between the input terminal and the analog bus, and that adjusts the volume of the first audio signal. According to this preferable example, the first adjuster adjusts the volume of the first audio signal, and thus it is possible to control the volume ratio between a plurality of first audio signals within the second audio signal.
- A signal processing device according to another preferable example of the first aspect includes a second adjuster disposed between the analog bus and the output terminal, and that generates a second audio signal by adjusting the volume of an audio signal supplied from the analog bus. According to this preferable example, the second audio signal is generated by adjusting the volume of the audio signal supplied from the analog bus, and thus it is possible to adjust the volume of the second audio signal while maintaining the volume ratio between the plurality of first audio signals.
- The signal processing device according to still yet another preferable example of the first aspect includes a second resistive element arranged in correspondence to each of the plurality of connecting terminals; and a connection switcher arranged with respect to the second resistive element, and the connection switcher in a case in which any one of the plurality of other signal processing devices is connected to any one of the plurality of connecting terminals, insulates from the analog bus a second resistive element of the plurality of second resistive elements that corresponds to the connected one of the connecting terminals; and in a case in which none of the plurality of other signal processing devices is connected to one of the plurality of connecting terminals that corresponds to the second resistive element, connects the second resistive element to the analog bus. According to this preferable example, the second resistive element is insulated from the analog bus when another signal processing device is connected to a connection terminal, while the second resistive element is connected to the analog bus when no other signal processing device is connected to the connecting terminal. As a result, a decrease in voltage of the second audio signal can be suppressed, relative to an increase in the number of signal processing devices connected.
- The signal processing device according to still yet another preferable example of the first aspect includes: a third adjuster that adjusts a volume of an audio signal supplied to a path branched from a path between the input terminal and the analog bus; and a signal adder disposed between the analog bus and the output terminal and that adds an audio signal supplied from the analog bus and the audio signal that has been adjusted by the third adjuster, and the third adjuster includes a reversed phase generator that performs phase inversion and volume adjustment with respect to the audio signal. According to this preferable example, the audio signal supplied from the analog bus and the audio signal that has been adjusted by the reversed phase generator of the third adjuster are added together, the adjustment being made in the direction in which the volume of the audio signal of the subject device is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to selectively suppress the volume of the audio signal of the subject device within the second audio signal, without influencing the audio signals of the analog buses extending across the plurality of signal processing devices.
- With respect to the signal processing device according to still yet another preferable example of the first aspect, the third adjuster further includes a normal phase adjuster connected in parallel with the reversed phase generator and that adjusts a volume of the audio signal, and the third adjuster causes a gain set by the reversed phase generator and a gain set by the normal phase adjuster to change in conjunction with each other, so that when either of a gain of the reversed phase generator or a gain of the normal phase adjuster increases, the other decreases. In this preferable example, the volume of the subject device is adjusted in a direction in which the volume is either suppressed or emphasized against the audio signal supplied from the analog bus, in accordance with the ratio between the gain of the reversed phase generator and the gain of the normal phase adjuster. Accordingly, it is possible to selectively adjust the volume of the audio signal of the subject device within the second audio signal without influencing the audio signals of the analog buses extending across a plurality of signal processing devices.
- With respect to a signal processing device according to still yet another preferable example of the first aspect, the third adjuster further includes a normal phase adjuster connected in parallel with the reversed phase generator and that adjusts a volume of the audio signal; and a variable resistance connected between an output end of the reversed phase generator and an output end of the normal phase adjuster, and that sets as variable a mix ratio between an audio signal outputted from the reversed phase generator and an audio signal outputted from the normal phase adjuster. In this preferable example, the volume of the subject device is adjusted in a direction in which the volume is either suppressed or emphasized against the audio signal supplied from the analog bus, in accordance with the mix ratio between the audio signal outputted from the reversed phase generator and the audio signal outputted from the normal phase adjuster. Accordingly, it is possible to selectively adjust the volume of the audio signal of the subject device within the second audio signal without influencing the audio signals of the analog buses extending across a plurality of signal processing devices.
- With respect to the signal processing device according to still yet another preferable example of the first aspect, the third adjuster further includes a normal phase adjuster connected in parallel with the reversed phase generator; and a switch that selectively outputs either one of an audio signal outputted from the reversed phase generator and an audio signal outputted from the normal phase adjuster. In this preferable example, the volume of the subject device is adjusted in a direction in which the volume is either suppressed or emphasized against the audio signal supplied from the analog bus, in accordance with either the audio signal outputted from the reversed phase generator or the audio signal outputted from the normal phase adjuster. Accordingly, it is possible to selectively adjust the volume of the audio signal of the subject device within the second audio signal without influencing the audio signals of the analog buses extending across a plurality of signal processing devices.
- A sound processing system according to another aspect of the present invention (the second aspect) includes a plurality of signal processing devices according to any one of the preferable examples of the first aspect as exemplified above. More specifically, the sound processing system according to the second aspect is a sound processing system that includes a plurality of separate signal processing devices, and each of the plurality of signal processing devices includes: a plurality of connecting terminals each connected to respective ones of a plurality of other signal processing devices that are different from the subject signal processing device, from among the plurality of signal processing devices; an analog bus connected to the plurality of connecting terminals; an input terminal connected to the analog bus and that accepts an input of a first audio signal; and an output terminal connected to the analog bus and that outputs a second audio signal to a sound emitting device.
- 100... audio processing system, 10_n (10_1 to 10_N)... signal processing device, 11... case, 12...connecting cable, 22_n (22_1 to 22_N)... signal source, 24_n (24_1 to 24_N)... sound emitting device, 42 ... analog bus, 44 ... resistive element (first resistive element), 46 ...first adjuster, 48... second adjuster, 49R... right adjuster, 49L... left adjuster, 52... resistive element (second resistive element), 54... connection switcher, 62... third adjuster, 622... normal phase adjuster, 623... reversed phase generator, 624... phase inverter, 626... reversed phase adjuster, 628... variable resistance, 629... switch, 64... signal adder.
Claims (9)
- A signal processing device (11) comprising:a plurality of connecting terminals (TC1, TC2), each of which is connectable to respective ones of a plurality of other signal processing devices that are different from the subject signal processing device;an analog bus (42) connected to the plurality of connecting terminals;an input terminal (TIN) connected to the analog bus and that accepts an input of a first audio signal; andan output terminal (TOUT) connected to the analog bus and that outputs a second audio signal to a sound emitting device,characterized in that the signal processing device further comprises:a first adjuster (62) that adjusts a volume of an audio signal supplied to a path branched from a path between the input terminal and the analog bus; anda signal adder (64) disposed between the analog bus and the output terminal and that adds an audio signal supplied from the analog bus and the audio signal that has been adjusted by the first adjuster,wherein the first adjuster includes a reversed phase generator (623) that performs inversion of a phase and the adjustment of a volume with respect to the audio signal.
- The signal processing device according to claim 1,wherein the first adjuster further comprises a normal phase adjuster connected in parallel with the reversed phase generator and that adjusts a volume of the audio signal, andwherein the first adjuster causes a gain set by the reversed phase generator and a gain set by the normal phase adjuster to change in conjunction with each other, so that when either of a gain of the reversed phase generator or a gain of the normal phase adjuster increases, the other decreases.
- The signal processing device according to claim 1,
wherein the first adjuster further comprises:a normal phase adjuster connected in parallel with the reversed phase generator and that adjusts a volume of the audio signal; anda variable resistance connected between an output end of the reversed phase generator and an output end of the normal phase adjuster, and that sets as variable a mix ratio between an audio signal outputted from the reversed phase generator and an audio signal outputted from the normal phase adjuster. - The signal processing device according to claim 1,
wherein the first adjuster further comprises:a normal phase adjuster connected in parallel with the reversed phase generator; anda switch that selectively outputs either one of an audio signal outputted from the reversed phase generator and an audio signal outputted from the normal phase adjuster. - The signal processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a resistive element disposed between the input terminal and the analog bus.
- The signal processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second adjuster disposed between the input terminal and the analog bus and that adjusts a volume of the first audio signal.
- The signal processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second adjuster disposed between the analog bus and the output terminal and that generates the second audio signal by adjusting a volume of an audio signal that is supplied from the analog bus.
- The signal processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:respective resistive elements arranged in respective correspondence with each of the plurality of connecting terminals; anda connection switcher arranged with respect to the resistive elements,wherein the connection switcher, in a case in which any one of the plurality of other signal processing devices is connected to any one of the plurality of connecting terminals, insulates from the analog bus the respective resistive element that corresponds to the connected one of the connecting terminals, and in a case in which none of the plurality of other signal processing devices is connected to one of the plurality of connecting terminals that corresponds to the respective resistive elements, connects the respective resistive elements to the analog bus.
- A sound processing system comprising a plurality of separate signal processing devices according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein connecting terminals of the signal processing devices are connected to respective other signal processing devices among the plurality of signal processing devices.
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US6690677B1 (en) * | 1999-07-20 | 2004-02-10 | Serconet Ltd. | Network for telephony and data communication |
JP2007304128A (en) * | 2006-05-08 | 2007-11-22 | Roland Corp | Effect device |
JP2011523810A (en) * | 2008-05-15 | 2011-08-18 | ジャムハブ エルエルシー | System for combining inputs from electronic musical instruments and electronic music devices |
US9214147B2 (en) * | 2012-06-11 | 2015-12-15 | William R. Price | Audio signal distortion using a secondary audio signal for enhanced control of psycho-acoustic and musical effects |
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