DE102018100873A1 - Audio engineering system and method for routing audio sources in a mixing console - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a sound engineering system (1) comprising a mixing console (2), at least one audio source (3, 4) and at least one audio cable (7) for electrically connecting the at least one audio source (3, 4) to at least one input channel (9). of the mixer (2). At least one identification device (14) is provided, which is set up to identify at least one of the audio sources (3, 4) with an electrical identifier (A, B, C). Furthermore, the mixing console (2) has a routing device (17) which is set up to recognize the at least one audio source (3, 4) on the basis of the electrical identifier (A, B, C) and the corresponding input channel (9) of the mixer (2), which is electrically connected to the at least one recognized audio source (3, 4) via the at least one audio cable (7), with at least one audio control unit (12) of the mixer provided for controlling the at least one recognized audio source (3, 4) (2) link.

Description

The invention relates to a sound engineering system comprising a mixer, at least one audio source and at least one audio cable according to the preamble of claim 1.

The invention also relates to a mixing console for a sound engineering system with a routing device.

The invention further relates to a method for routing audio sources in a mixing console.

Moreover, the invention relates to a computer program product.

A generic audio engineering system is for example in the DE 20 2005 000 536 U1 described.

In audio engineering it is known to record various instruments, singers and the like with separate microphones for the purpose of conducting an event or a music production. The thus obtained audio signals, which may be, for example, vocals, synthetic sounds, sounds of individual instruments or whole ensembles, are then usually transmitted via cable to a so-called mixing console. Depending on the orchestra or ensemble size, sometimes up to forty or more individual transmissions and thus input channels at the mixer are required. For the wiring, almost exclusively XLR connectors are used today.

Other backgrounds to known sound systems can also the generic DE 20 2005 00 536 U1 which describes a multi-channel mixing console that can be used for merging and mixing multiple audio sources, for example, XLR connectors can be used for the cable connection between the mixer and audio source.

However, the known audio engineering systems have disadvantages.

In particular, the cost of wiring is sometimes very high. Care must be taken to always connect the correct audio source to the mixing console's input channel for the particular audio source. Faults in the wiring can be remedied only time consuming and must be avoided if possible to ensure a correct mix. Only when the right audio sources (eg vocalist, speaker, trumpet, bass, tenor, etc.) are fed into the dedicated input channels will the sound engineer be able to operate the correct fader or fader to control the respective audio source Adjust the volume and sound correctly.

It is also known from practice that a large part of the defective audio cables or microphone cables were mechanically damaged by a - due to the time pressure - improper insertion or removal. This is true even for the rugged XLR connectors.

The necessarily expensive wiring is thus not only uncomfortable, error-prone and time-consuming, but may indirectly be responsible even for the damage of connectors.

The present invention has for its object to provide an improved audio engineering system in which the cost of the wiring and thus the susceptibility to error of the audio engineering system is reduced.

The invention is also based on the object to provide a mixer and a computer program product that overcomes the known disadvantages of the prior art.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for routing audio sources into a mixing console, which is more comfortable for a sound engineer in particular with regard to the known state of the art.

The object is achieved for the audio engineering system by claim 1, for the mixing console by claim 13, for the method by claim 14 and for the computer program product by claim 15.

The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

The audio engineering system according to the invention comprises a mixing console, at least one audio source and at least one audio cable for electrically connecting the at least one audio source to at least one input channel of the mixing console.

According to the invention it is provided that the audio engineering system also comprises at least one identification device which is adapted to identify at least one of the audio sources with an electrical identifier. Furthermore, the mixing console has a routing device which is set up to recognize the at least one audio source by means of the electrical identifier and the corresponding input channel of the mixer, which communicates with the at least one audio cable via the at least one audio cable at least one recognized audio source is electrically connected to at least one for controlling the at least one recognized audio source provided audio control unit of the mixing console to link.

Basically, the invention is suitable for use in the entire audio engineering, for example in stage technology, event technology and music production, for. B. in a recording studio. The invention is particularly suitable for use with a public address system.

The device referred to as a mixer can also be referred to as an audio mixer or sound mixer and serves essentially to mix electrical audio signals from different audio sources. The mixing together can serve for example for recording and / or direct sound. Mixers and their use are basically already known, which is why the further details are not discussed.

The mixer can be designed analog, digital or hybrid (mixed analog / digital). Preferably, a digital mixing console is provided.

The at least one input channel of the mixing console may be an analog and / or digital input channel. The input channel may include a device connector (eg, a device plug or socket) to which a connector (eg, a plug or a coupling) of the at least one audio cable is connectable.

Connectors or device connectors are used to produce an electrical and mechanical connection with a correspondingly compatible or complementary additional connector. A connector may be a plug, a socket, a coupling or an adapter. The term "connector" used in the context of the invention is representative of all variants. The combination of a connector (eg, the audio cable) with a correspondingly compatible or complementary connector (eg, the input channel) is referred to herein as a connector.

The cable referred to as audio cable may be an electrical cable for the exclusive transmission of electrical audio or audio signals. However, the audio cable can also serve to transmit, in addition to the electrical audio signals, further electrical signals, for example analog and / or digital control or data signals and / or electrical supply signals. The at least one audio cable can in particular also be provided for the transmission of the identifier. The invention is basically not limited to the use of a particular (audio) cable type.

The electrical identifier can be a number sequence and / or sequence of numbers and / or other symbols and / or other codes that can serve for a marking.

The respective identifiers must be at least partially distinguishable and comprise a sufficient number of symbols or codes in order to identify sufficiently distinguishable the number of audio sources provided in the audio engineering system.

The fact that on the part of the mixer, the at least one audio source by identifying them with the electrical identifier is recognizable or identifiable, can be achieved in an advantageous manner that it is irrelevant in which input channel of the mixer, the at least one audio cable with the corresponding audio source is connected, is plugged. A compelling assignment of audio sources to certain input channels can thus be dispensed with. The wiring effort can thus be significantly reduced, so that the wiring can be carried out by less qualified personnel and in less time. The mixer can be set up so that the audio cables can be plugged into any input channels.

Since faults in the cabling according to the invention can be virtually ruled out, a time-consuming and resource-consuming troubleshooting or control before starting the sound system is sometimes unnecessary.

The routing device of the mixing console can thus ensure that the audio control units of the mixing console intended for controlling the respective audio source are linked to the respective audio source, irrespective of which input channel the corresponding audio source is connected to.

For example, a first audio control unit of the mixer may already be assigned to a specific vocalist and a second audio control unit of the mixer to a specific instrument in advance on the mixing console. If the microphone of the corresponding singer or the corresponding instrument is finally connected to any input channels of the mixer, the routing device can recognize these on the basis of their identifiers and thus make a link automatically with the control units provided for regulating.

It may also be provided in an alternative embodiment that a plurality of audio controller units are combined to form a group of audio controller units. The mixer may have multiple groups of audio controller units, if necessary. It can be provided that a first group of audio control units a first group of audio sources, eg. B. microphones of singers, is assigned. When an audio cable connected to an audio source of the first group is plugged into any mixer input channel, the input channel can be linked to one of the first group audio control units. It can also be provided that by a display, for. B. an LCD display on the audio control unit is displayed to which microphone, z. B. "singer 1", it is concrete.

In one development of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one identification device is arranged in a signal path which runs between the at least one audio source and the mixing console, wherein the identification device transmits the identifier to the mixing console via the signal path and / or can be read out for the mixing console holds.

The signal path can be configured unidirectionally in order to transmit the identifier to the mixing console starting from the identification device. The signal path can also be configured bidirectionally, for example, to request the identifier on the part of the mixer only when needed. For example, the identification device can transmit the identifier permanently, periodically and / or on request to the mixing console, in particular to the routing device of the mixing console.

The identification device can actively transmit the identifier by means of an electrical signal via the signal path itself. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the mixing console, in particular the routing device of the mixing console, actively transmits an electrical signal to the identification device in order to read out the identifier from the identification device, for example from a data memory of the identification device.

For transmission or provision of the identifier or for the formation of the signal path, a bus system and / or a serial transmission can be provided.

The signal path can be analog and / or digital.

For example, the identification device may comprise mechanical switches, for example DIP switches or electronically controlled switches, for example transistors, in particular MOSFETs, which impress an identifier on a digital data bus by means of a digital code. For this purpose, for example, a first part of the data lines to a logic "LOW" level, such as a ground signal (GND) and a second part of the data lines to a logic "HIGH" level, such as a supply voltage (VDD) are set to a readable to train digital signal.

In a development, it can be provided that the signal path is designed as a radio connection, in particular based on a radio standard within the ISM band, for example based on a Bluetooth standard, a WLAN standard, a ZigBee standard and / or an RFID standard ,

It can be provided that the identification device has a first radio module and the mixing console, preferably the routing device of the mixing console, a second radio module to form the signal path.

It can be provided that the identification device actively transmits the identifier via the radio link or holds it in readout in the manner of a passive RFID tag.

The signal path may be formed independently of the electrical connection of the at least one audio source to the at least one input channel of the mixing console, which basically comprises the at least one audio cable. The transmission of the identifier can then take place in particular radio-based, while the audio transmission is carried out via the at least one audio cable.

In a development, it can also be provided that the signal path is formed within the audio cable. For example, a modulation method may be provided for this purpose in order to use an existing audio signal line in addition to the transmission of the identifier. Alternatively or additionally, a separate identification line can also be provided inside or outside the audio cable.

For example, a conventional three-pin XLR audio cable or three-wire audio cable may be provided for electrically connecting the at least one audio source to the at least one input channel, modulating on one of the audio signal lines and / or the ground line the identifier in a suitable frequency range and later is filtered out in the mixer. There may also be an XLR cable with more than three wires, For example, an XLR cable with four lines, in which case the fourth line is used as an identification line.

The identification device can be designed as a microprocessor. Instead of or in addition to a microprocessor, any further device for implementing the identification device can be provided, for example one or more arrangements of discrete electrical components on a printed circuit board, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or another programmable circuit.

In one development of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one audio source comprises at least one identification device and / or that the at least one identification device can be connected to the at least one audio source, in particular in the manner of a connector, for example in the manner of an adapter.

The at least one identification device may be part of the audio source, for example a microphone or an instrument.

Preferably, however, the identification device is not included in the audio source and may optionally be connectable to the audio source, making the invention compatible for use with virtually any audio source. For example, the identification device can be designed as an adapter, in particular XLR adapter, which can be plugged in as an intermediate piece between a plug connector of the audio source and a plug connector of the audio cable. It may also be provided that the identification device is designed as an adapter which can be inserted as an intermediate piece between a plug connector of the input channel and a plug connector of the audio cable.

The identification device may also be part of the audio cable and / or a connector of the audio cable, in particular if the audio cable is fixed, d. H. not via a connector that is connected to the audio source.

In one development of the invention, it can also be provided that the at least one identification device can be configured with regard to the identifier.

In particular, the code of the identifier can be configurable, preferably freely selectable, in order to be able to assign an audio source to a desired identifier or code. The use of the at least one identification device is thus even more flexible and adaptable to the respective audio engineering system.

Preferably, the identification means, e.g. As a data storage of the identification device, be programmable. For example, it may be provided that the identification device is programmable by the audio source and / or the mixing console. However, it can also be provided that a further device, for example a mobile terminal, is set up for programming the at least one identification device.

In one development of the invention, it can be provided that the identification device is set up to identify the at least one audio source by means of the identifier in a unique and / or type-specific manner.

Thus, audio sources within the audio engineering system may be clearly identifiable by the mixer, such as a particular singer or musical instrument. However, it can also be provided that audio sources are recognizable by their type (eg "microphone", "singer", "instrument", "trumpet" etc.). Also, audio source type independent groups of audio sources may be identified by means of the identifier, for example a first group of singers and a second group of singers.

The identifier may also be constructed such that simultaneous identification and recognition of the specific audio source, the type of audio source and / or the group to which the audio source is assigned is possible.

In one development of the invention, it can be provided, in particular, that the audio regulator unit is designed as a user interface, in particular as an equalizer, effect device, slider or fader for setting an audio level, visual monitoring unit and / or acoustic monitoring unit.

For example, instead of being a user interface, the audio control unit can also be designed as an automatic audio control unit in order to automatically tune and / or preprocess the audio source (s) within the sound system.

In principle, the audio controller unit can be any desired audio signal processing unit within the mixer, for example also an analog-to-digital converter, a filter or the like.

An acoustic monitoring unit may, for example, be a monitor loudspeaker or a headphone or "in-ear monitor" to the sound of the musicians act on the stage.

A visual monitoring unit may be, for example, a representation of the audio signal of the corresponding audio source on an optical display device in the time and / or frequency domain.

In one development of the invention, it can be provided that the routing device is set up to make the link between the at least one input channel and the at least one audio controller unit by analogously and / or digitally routing the corresponding input channel of the mixer to the corresponding audio controller unit.

In this way, a link between any audio controller units, such as sliders, with any audio sources on the part of the mixer can be made without the user or sound engineer must take special measures for this purpose. For example, the sound engineer can maintain a comfortable and familiar distribution of the audio sources to the sliders regardless of which input channels the corresponding audio sources are actually connected to.

It can also be provided that the user or the sound engineer prescribes a preferred configuration or assignment of audio control units, for example sliders, before installation and / or during operation of the sound system. The routing device can eventually make the appropriate links, irrespective of which input channels the audio sources are connected to.

For example, the user or sound engineer can even maintain a configuration on a data memory (eg on a USB stick) in order to be able to comfortably adapt the mixer to his preferences. For example, all singers on the left side of the mixer and all instruments on the right side of the mixer could be distributed.

In a development, it can also be provided that the link between the at least one input channel and the at least one audio controller unit can be displayed optically, for example by means of a display device.

For example, the display device as a 7-segment display or other display surface, for example, as a screen, be formed. The display device can thus give the user or sound engineer an indication of which audio control unit is associated with which audio sources. For example, a respective display device of the corresponding audio control unit can be assigned recognizably, for example adjacently arranged, and display the identifier or a designation of the linked audio source.

The visual representability can also be provided in combination with the routing.

In one embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the at least one audio source as a synthesizer and / or as a sound receiver, preferably microphone, pickup and / or hydrophone is formed.

Basically, the invention is not meant to be limited to use with a particular audio source. It may, for example, also be provided that audio signals of one or more audio sources are first preprocessed via one or more amplifiers and / or filters and / or via a so-called "stage box", over which the audio engineering system may optionally have. In addition, one or more outputs of the amplifier and / or filter and / or the stage box can then be connected to the mixer via one or more additional audio cables, the amplifier, the filter and / or the stage box then being referred to as audio source in the sense of the invention can be.

In one development of the invention may finally be provided that the audio engineering system additionally comprises at least one audio sink, which is electrically connected via at least one of the audio cable with at least one output channel of the mixer, wherein at least one of the identification means is adapted to the at least one audio sink with a to identify electrical identifier, wherein the routing device of the mixer is arranged to detect the at least one audio sink based on the electrical identifier and the corresponding output channel of the mixer, which is electrically connected via the at least one audio cable with the at least one recognized audio sink, with at least one to link to control the at least one recognized audio sink provided for audio control unit of the mixer.

The at least one output channel of the mixing console may be an analog and / or digital output channel. The output channel may include a device connector (eg, a device plug or socket) to which a connector (eg, a plug or a coupling) of the at least one audio cable is connectable.

The output channel may be formed in analogy to an input channel. The one or more output channels can / but can also be configured differently from the one or more input channels.

Preferably, the at least one audio cable for connecting the audio source (s) may be formed identically with the audio cable provided for connecting the audio sink (s). The audio cables can also be designed differently.

For the purposes of the invention, an audio sink means any sound generator which is able to convert electrical audio signals into acoustic audio signals or sound, for example a loudspeaker. An audio sink may also mean a recording device or another audio signal processing unit disposed downstream of the mixer on the output side.

According to the invention, therefore, one or more audio sinks can be connected to the mixer while avoiding the disadvantages of the prior art. This can be done in an analogous way, as already described with respect to the audio sources. The features and advantages mentioned above and below apply accordingly. The wiring can thus be improved according to the invention also with regard to the audio sinks.

The audio cable can be one to ten-pole, preferably three to seven-pole and very particularly preferably three-pole. For improved signal transmission, a shielding of the audio cable can be provided. The at least one audio cable can be set up for symmetrical signal transmission. For example, a symmetrical, three-pole signal transmission in the manner of an XLR connection may be provided.

It may also be provided that the audio engineering system comprises a tablet computer, a notebook and / or a mobile terminal, which are so communicatively connected to the mixer and set up to be used as a user interface for the mixing of audio signals. The communication link may be wired or based on a wireless standard.

It can be provided that the routing device also performs a combination of, for example, displayed on a tablet computer audio control units, such as sliders, with the corresponding corresponding audio source.

It can also be provided that a connector provided in the context of the invention, in particular the plug connection for the electrical connection of an audio cable to an input channel and / or output channel of the mixer, has a magnetic closure and is preferably designed such that the electrical contacts of the connector of the input channel and / or output channels with electrical mating contacts of a connector of the audio cable contact the front side.

A magnetic closure can be provided, for example, by virtue of the fact that the connectors participating in the connector each have at least one magnetic body.

A magnetic body may be magnets, magnetizable parts or magnetic parts which react magnetically under the influence of a magnet. To form a magnetic closure, at least one of the magnetic bodies of the magnetic closure is designed as a magnet, for example as a permanent magnet or as an electromagnet.

Characterized in that a magnetic closure is provided, the connector can be particularly easily closed by the magnetic guiding forces of the magnetic body, for example, without eye contact with the connectors.

Finally, it is also ensured by the magnetic closure that the connector remains securely closed, with costly or inconvenient mechanical locking systems and their operation omitted.

The invention further relates to a mixing console for a sound engineering system, wherein the mixing console comprises a routing device which is adapted to recognize at least one audio source electrically connected to an input channel by means of an electrical identifier and the input channel which is electrically connected to the at least one recognized audio source to associate with at least one audio regulator unit provided for controlling the at least one recognized audio source.
The invention also relates to a method for routing audio sources in a mixing console, according to which at least one audio source electrically connected to the mixer is characterized by an electrical identifier, and where a routing device of the mixer recognizes the at least one audio source based on the identifier and an input channel of the mixer, which is electrically connected via an audio cable with the at least one recognized audio source, with at least one for controlling the at least recognized Audio source provided audio control unit of the mixer linked.

Moreover, the invention relates to a computer program product with program code means for performing an above-mentioned method for routing audio sources when the program is executed on a routing device of a mixing console.

According to the invention, it can preferably be provided that the audio engineering system has a mixing console with a plurality of input channels and preferably also a plurality of output channels. Furthermore, the audio engineering system according to the invention may preferably comprise a plurality of audio sources and also a plurality of audio cables for electrically connecting the audio sources to one of the input channels of the mixing console. Preferably, a plurality of identification devices can furthermore be provided, preferably such that an identification device can be assigned to each audio source. The routing device of the mixing console can preferably be set up in such a way that it recognizes each connected audio source on the basis of the electrical identifier with which it is identified by the identification device.

Preferably, a plurality of audio sockets may be provided, which may preferably each be provided with an identification device, wherein the audio sockets may preferably be connected in each case to an output channel of the mixing console, for which purpose any compatible audio cable may be used.

The mixing console can be set up such that one, several or preferably all audio controller units of the mixing console are assigned an identifier or an audio source and / or an audio sink. If an audio source and / or an audio sink is connected to an arbitrary input channel and / or an arbitrary output channel, the routing device according to the invention can connect the audio source or the input channel to which the audio source is connected to the audio control unit of the mixing console, which is the corresponding one Identifier or the audio source has already been assigned previously. The same applies to audio sinks connected to corresponding output channels.

Features that have already been described in connection with the audio engineering system according to the invention are of course also for the inventive method, the mixer and the computer program product advantageously implemented - and vice versa. Furthermore, advantages which have already been mentioned in connection with the audio engineering system according to the invention can also be understood based on the method according to the invention, the mixing console and the computer program product - and vice versa.

In addition, it should be noted that terms such as "comprising", "having" or "having" do not preclude other features or steps. Further, terms such as "on" or "that" indicating a singular number of steps or features do not exclude a plurality of features or steps - and vice versa.

Embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawing.

The figures each show preferred embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are illustrated in combination with each other. Features of an exemplary embodiment can also be implemented independently of the other features of the same exemplary embodiment and can accordingly be readily connected by a person skilled in the art to further meaningful combinations and sub-combinations with features of other exemplary embodiments.

In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

• 1 ein erfindungsgemäßes Tontechniksystem mit zwei Audioquellen, einer Audiosenke und einem Mischpult;
• 2 ein Mikrofon mit einer integrierten Identifizierungseinrichtung;
• 3 ein weiteres Mikrofon mit einer als Adapter ausgebildeten Identifizierungseinrichtung, und
• 4 einen beispielhaften Schaltplan zur Realisierung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

They show schematically:

• 1 an inventive audio engineering system with two audio sources, an audio sink and a mixer;
• 2 a microphone with an integrated identification device;
• 3 Another microphone with an adapter designed as an identification device, and
• 4 an exemplary circuit diagram for implementing the method according to the invention.

1 shows a sound engineering system 1 with a mixer 2 and two audio sources 3 . 4 , The audio sources are in the embodiment as a microphone 3 and as a pickup 4 an electric guitar 5 educated. Further shows 1 an audio sink 6 and three audio cables 7 , The audio sink is in the embodiment as a speaker 6 educated.

The mixer 2 can basically have at least one input channel 9 and at least one output channel 10 have for electrical connection with an audio cable 7 have corresponding connectors. In the exemplary embodiment are exemplary ten channels 9 . 10 out of which five of the channels are input channels 9 and another five channels as output channels 10 are formed. The input channels 9 and the output channels 10 are designed mechanically divergent in the embodiment, but may also be identical.

Finally, the mixer can 2 even more interfaces 11 , For example, data interfaces, etc. have. It can be provided that the mixer 2 a synthesizer that mixes over the input channels 9 received audio signals with artificially created effects or artificial music or previously recorded material allows.

On to operate the mixer 2 provided top are exemplary mixing console typical controls or audio control units in the form of sliders or "faders" 12 and several exemplary optional displays 13 intended. Here are some of the display devices 13 directly to the faders 12 recognizable assigned and for this purpose in the embodiment above the faders 12 arranged.

The larger of the display devices 13 may, for example, as a visual monitoring unit for displaying one or more audio signals of one or more audio sources 3 . 4 be provided.

Basically, any audio sources 3 . 4 to connect to the mixer 2 be provided, for example, synthesizer and / or sound receiver, in particular microphones, pickups and / or hydrophones. In the embodiment, as mentioned above, the audio sources as a microphone 3 and as a pickup 4 on an electric guitar 5 educated.

The audio sink provided in the exemplary embodiment 6 that is shown as a speaker is optional. Preferably, however, are multiple audio taps 6 at the mixer 2 connected. The audio sink 6 For example, it can also be designed as a recording device or as another audio sink for the reproduction and / or transmission of audio signals.

The audio sources shown in the embodiment 3 . 4 are each over one of the audio cables 7 with one of the input channels 9 of the mixer 2 electrically connected. For this purpose, any types of connectors can be provided. It can also be provided that the at least one audio cable 7 from the audio source 3 . 4 fixed, ie without the use of a plug connection, with the corresponding audio source 3 . 4 connected as in the case of the microphone 3 at 1 indicated.

It can be any plug connections within the sound system 1 be provided, preferably known XLR connectors and known XLR audio cable can be used. The connectors can also - not shown - have magnetic locks.

The sound system according to the invention 1 comprises at least one identification device 14 (See in particular the 2 and 3 ) that is set up, at least one of the audio sources 3 . 4 with an electrical identifier A . B . C to mark.

The identification device 14 can from the at least one audio source 3 . 4 includes, as in 2 is indicated, and / or with the at least one audio source 3 . 4 connectable, in particular in the manner of a connector, for example in the manner of an adapter, as for example in the 1 and 3 is shown. In 1 is for simplicity only one of the identification devices 14 represented, namely in the manner of an adapter between a device connector 15 the electric guitar 5 and a plug 16 of the audio cable 7 , Of course you can also use the microphone 3 and / or the audio sink 6 of the embodiment of 1 an identification device 14 have any design, for example, an identification device 14 include. Basically, not all audio sources 3 . 4 of the sound engineering system 1 an identification device 14 or with an identifier A . B . C be characterized, but this may be beneficial.

The mixer 2 includes a routing device 17 (see. 4 ) that is set up around the at least one audio source 3 . 4 based on the electrical identifier A . B . C to recognize and the corresponding input channel 9 of the mixer 2 that has at least one audio cable 7 with the at least one recognized audio source 3 . 4 is electrically connected, with at least one for controlling the at least one recognized audio source 3 . 4 provided audio control unit 12 of the mixer 2 to link.

For tuning of audio sources, in prior art mixers, typically certain input channels are directly associated with defined audio controller units. By the inventive marking of the audio sources 3 . 4 and the routing device 17 of the mixer 2 However, it is now possible to use the audio sources 3 . 4 and / or any existing audio sinks 6 For example, the speaker to almost any input channels 9 or output channels 10 of the mixer 2 connect, since the link with the appropriate audio control units 12 , In the embodiment, the faders, by the routing device 17 automatically based on the respective identifier A . B . C he follows. Faults in the wiring can be avoided.

Preferably, the at least one identification device 14 in a signal path 18 arranged between the at least one audio source 3 . 4 and the mixer 2 runs. The identification device 14 can do the identifier A . B . C over the signal path 18 to the mixer 2 to transfer and / or for the mixer 2 to be kept readable.

In the 2 and 3 are exemplary two possible variants for the formation of the signal path 18 shown.

2 shows an embodiment of the audio source as a microphone 3 that is an identification device 14 comprises, for transmitting the identifier A a signal path 18 that is within the audio cable 7 is trained. Thus, preferably, the conventional audio cable 7 or connectors are used, for example, XLR audio cable or XLR connectors. To transmit the identifier A, a modulation method can then be provided, for example, to an existing audio signal line 22 (see. 4 ) in addition to the transfer of the identifier A to use. Alternatively or additionally, a separate identification line may be provided, as in 4 indicated.

3 also shows an embodiment of the audio source as a microphone 3 in which the identification device 14 however, in the manner of an adapter between a device connector 15 the audio source 3 and a plug 16 of the audio cable 7 is pluggable. For example, an XLR connector is indicated, are provided in the three poles. The signal path 18 is in the embodiment of 3 formed as a radio link, wherein the identifier A for example, active and / or on request of the mixer 2 from a radio module 19 can be transferred. The radio connection can in principle be based on any radio standard, preferably within the ISM band, for example based on a Bluetooth standard, a WLAN standard, a ZigBee standard and / or an RFID standard. When using an active transmission, for example, based on the ZigBee standard, as in 3 indicated, an electrical energy source (for example, a battery 20 ) for powering the identification device 14 be provided. The identification device 14 However, it can also be purely passive and z. B. inductive or otherwise, for example, via the audio cable 7 through the mixer 2 and / or the audio source 3 . 4 be supplied electrically. If necessary, an electrical supply can also be omitted if the identification device 14 the identifier A . B . C holds such that the mixer 2 or the routing device 17 of the mixer 2 the identifier A . B . C can read directly, z. B. from a data store.

In the embodiment according to 3 can be used instead of a wireless connection and a cable connection.

Preferably, the identification device 14 concerning the identifier A, B . C be configurable. Thus, in particular, a code of the respective identifier A . B . C be configurable and flexible to the respective audio source 3 . 4 or audio sink 6 be adjusted. The configuration can be achieved, for example, by mechanical switches, in particular DIP switches 21 , as in 3 indicated to be made by a user or sound engineer. The identification device 14 However, it can also be electrically programmable, for example on the part of the audio source 3 . 4 , the Audi sink 6 and / or the mixer 2 ,

It can be provided that the identification device 14 is set up to the at least one audio source 3 . 4 and / or audio sink 6 by means of the identifier A . B C clearly and / or type-specific. For example, a unique identifier may be useful when multiple audio sources configured as microphones 3 within the sound engineering system 1 provided and assigned to different singers. Thus, the respective singers on the basis of the microphones with corresponding identifiers A, B . C be clearly distinguishable. However, it may also be a type-specific or group-specific identifier advantageous, for example, all microphones, all singers, all instruments and / or all pickups or any combination of audio sources 3 . 4 to identify as a group.

It can be provided that the link between the at least one input channel 9 or the at least one output channel 10 and the at least one audio controller unit 12 is visually representable, for example by means of the display device 13 , For example, the identifier A . B . C or another name of the audio source 3 . 4 or the audio sink 6 above, below, or next to the associated audio control unit 12 on the associated display device 13 be visually faded in to the user or sound engineer to clarify which audio control unit 12 for controlling which audio source 3 . 4 or audio sink 6 is provided.

Basically, the audio controller unit 12 as a user interface, in particular as an equalizer, effects device, slider or fader to Setting an audio level, visual monitoring unit 13 and / or acoustic monitoring unit, be formed.

In 4 schematically a circuit diagram is shown to the principle of the invention of linking audio sources 3 . 4 and audio controller units 12 using two input channels 9 and four fader trained audio control units 12 by using the routing device 17 to describe in more detail.

Both audio sources 3 . 4 each have an identification device 14 on that an identifier A (in the case of the microphone) and B (in the case of the pickup of the electric guitar 5 ) via a signal path 18 to the mixer 2 to transfer. The transfer of the identifier A . B is in each case additionally provided for the transmission of an audio signal via an existing audio signal line 22 also to the mixer 2 is transmitted. The signal path 18 can do this together with the audio signal line 22 for example, in a respective audio cable 7 be provided.

signal path 18 and audio signal line 22 are each with an input channel 9 of the mixer 2 electrically connected. In the embodiment of 4 is the routing device 17 of the mixer 2 set up the link between the input channels 9 and the audio controller units 12 make the appropriate input channel 9 of the mixer 2 to the appropriate audio control unit 12 analog and / or digitally routed. For the routing are exemplary demultiplexer 23 provided that the respective audio input signal 24 depending on the respective identifier A . B . C switch to one of the outputs connected to the corresponding audio controller unit 12 , z. As a fader connected.

The circuit example is merely exemplary and to be understood in principle. In principle, any analog and / or digital routing method can be provided, which can be mapped, for example, with program code means. Thus, in particular, the routing method can also be carried out by a computer program product with program code means if the program is present on the routing device 17 of the mixer 2 is performed.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 202005000536 U1 [0005]
• DE 20200500536 U1 [0007]

Claims (15)

Audio engineering system (1), comprising a mixing console (2), at least one audio source (3, 4) and at least one audio cable (7) for electrically connecting the at least one audio source (3, 4) to at least one input channel (9) of the mixing console (2 ), characterized in that there is further provided at least one identifying means (14) arranged to identify at least one of said audio sources (3, 4) with an electrical identifier (A, B, C), said mixing console (2) comprising a Routing device (17) which is adapted to recognize the at least one audio source (3, 4) based on the electrical identifier (A, B, C) and the corresponding input channel (9) of the mixer (2), via the at least an audio cable (7) is electrically connected to the at least one recognized audio source (3, 4), to be connected to at least one audio control unit (12) of the mixer (2) provided for controlling the at least one recognized audio source (3, 4) fen. Sound system (1) after Claim 1 characterized in that said at least one identifying means (14) is disposed in a signal path (18) extending between said at least one audio source (3, 4) and said mixing console (2), said identifying means (14) comprising said identifier (A , B, C) via the signal path (18) to the mixing console (2) transmits and / or for the mixing console (2) holds readable. Sound system (1) after Claim 2 , characterized in that the signal path (18) is designed as a radio link, in particular based on a radio standard within the ISM band, for example based on a Bluetooth standard, a WLAN standard, a ZigBee standard and / or an RFID standard , Sound system (1) after Claim 2 or 3 characterized in that the signal path (18) is formed within the audio cable (7), in particular using a modulation method to use and / or under an existing audio signal line (22) in addition to the transmission of the identifier (A, B, C) Use of a separate identification line. Sound system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that the at least one audio source (3, 4) comprises at least one identification device (14) and / or that the at least one identification device (14) is connectable to the at least one audio source (3, 4), in particular of the type a connector, for example in the manner of an adapter. Sound system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that the at least one identification device (14) is configurable with respect to the identifier (A, B, C). Sound system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that the identification means (14) is arranged to identify the at least one audio source (3, 4) by means of the identifier (A, B, C) uniquely and / or type-specific. Sound system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that the audio control unit (12) as a user interface, in particular as an equalizer, effect device, slider or fader for setting an audio level, visual monitoring unit and / or acoustic monitoring unit is formed. Sound system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8th characterized in that the routing device (17) is arranged to perform the association between the at least one input channel (9) and the at least one audio regulator unit (12) by connecting the corresponding input channel (9) of the mixing console (2) to the corresponding audio regulator unit (12). 12) is analog and / or digitally routed. Sound system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9 , characterized in that the link between the at least one input channel (9) and the at least one audio control unit (12) is optically representable, for example by means of a display device (13). Sound system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 10 , characterized in that the at least one audio source as a synthesizer and / or as a sound receiver, preferably microphone (3), pickup (4) and / or hydrophone is formed. Sound system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 11 characterized in that at least one audio sink (6) is provided and is electrically connected to at least one output channel (10) of the mixer (2) via at least one of the audio cables (7), at least one of the identification devices (14) being arranged to control the at least one audio sink (6) with an electrical identifier (A, B, C) to identify, wherein the routing device (17) of the mixer (2) is adapted to the at least one audio sink (6) based on the electrical identifier (A, B , C) and the corresponding output channel (10) of the mixing console (2), which is electrically connected to the at least one recognized audio sink (6) via the at least one audio cable (7) at least one for controlling the at least one recognized audio sink (6) provided to connect the audio control unit (12) of the mixing console (2). Mixing console (2) for a sound engineering system (1), the mixing console (2) having a routing device (17) which is set up to use at least one audio source (3, 4) electrically connected to an input channel (9) on the basis of an electrical identifier ( A, B, C) and the input channel (9), which is electrically connected to the at least one recognized audio source (3, 4), with at least one provided for controlling the at least one recognized audio source (3, 4) Audioreglereinheit (12 ). Method for routing audio sources (3, 4) in a mixing console (2), according to which at least one audio source (3, 4) electrically connected to the mixing console (2) is marked with an electrical identifier (A, B, C), and then a routing device (17) of the mixing console (2) recognizes the at least one audio source (3, 4) on the basis of the identifier (A, B, C) and an input channel (9) of the mixing console (2) which is connected via an audio cable (7) the at least one recognized audio source (3, 4) is electrically connected to at least one associated with the at least one recognized audio source (3, 4) provided audio control unit (12) of the mixing console (2). Computer program product with program code means to provide a method according to Claim 14 when the program is executed on a routing device (17) of a mixer (2).

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