GB1451323A - Audio mixing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

1451323 Audio modules C P WRAGG 11 Jan 1974 [11 Jan 1973 24 April 1973] 1445/73 and 19497/73 Heading H4S An audio electronic mixing unit comprises a plurality of separate function modules (Fig. 6), each module being physically and electrically joined to the next by lateral connections. Preferably each module is provided with a multiway plug on one side and a complementary multi-way socket on the other side for fitting to the multi-way plug of an adjoining module. Continuity is provided between selected ones of the plug and socket connection to provide continuous electrical paths between the modules for power supplies, &c. Each module is contained within a separate housing in the form of a rectangular box having one end open. At the opposite end is a rectangular protrusion of reduced breadth and length for fitting within the open end of an adjacent housing. The housings are joined to one another by snap action catches 38 and their front panels 10 from a substantially flush surface. A typical mixing unit may contain two input modules 9a for microphone or line (see also Figs. 10, 15 not shown, for circuitry) a stereo line input module 9b (see also Fig. 11, not shown), an echo send module 9c (see also Figs. 12, 16, not shown), a plurality of output modules 9d (see also Figs. 13, 17 not shown), a monitor unit 9e and a power unit 9f (see also Fig. 18, not shown). The echo send module 9c leads to an echo chamber (see Fig. 14, not shown). The amplified sound may be fed back to the performers by foldback. The modules and plugs and sockets allow a desired combination of the modules to be produced from stock items at will. Modules 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d have overload lamps 102, 102<SP>1</SP>, 102<SP>11</SP> and 102<SP>111</SP>. Modules 9a and 9b have treble, mid-range and base controls 54, 54<SP>1</SP> while module 9d has treble and base controls 154. Modules 9a and 9b have a foldback switch 74, 74<SP>1</SP> and foldback control and also an echo send control 58. Module 9a has a pan or balance control 60 and a fader controlled by a slider 62. In the stereo module 9b the two signals may be combined by closing a monostereo switch 110 and the two signals are also supplied to two potentiometers controlled by sliders 112<SP>1</SP>, 114<SP>1</SP>. Modules 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d have push-to-listen switches such as switches 85, 132, 144 whereby appropriate signals can be monitored from headphone sockets 162 controlled by a volume control 169 on monitor module 9e. The output module 9d has press buttons 134 to connect and disconnect an appropriate line.