EP4091338A1

EP4091338A1 - Detachable microphone assembly for musical instruments

Info

Publication number: EP4091338A1
Application number: EP21700576.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Morten SØLTOFT; Thorkild LARSEN
Original assignee: Remic Microphones Aps
Current assignee: Remic Microphones Aps
Priority date: 2020-01-16
Filing date: 2021-01-14
Publication date: 2022-11-23
Also published as: WO2021144343A1

Abstract

The present invention related to a detachable microphone assembly (1) for an acoustic musical instrument, said microphone assembly comprising: a) one or more microphone unit(s) (2) capable of converting an acoustic signal into an electrical signal; b) a microphone housing element (3) holding the microphone unit (2); c) a mounting element (4) connected to the housing element (3); and d) a connector element (5) connected to the microphone unit (2) capable of transmitting the electrical signal from the microphone element to an amplifying unit.

Description

Detachable microphone assembly for musical instruments.

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a microphone assembly fitted for attachement to an acoustic musical instrument.

Background of the invention

[0002] Capture of sound from acoustic musical instruments by microphones and amplification of the sound so that it remains neutral and lifelike is highly desired by musicians and producers. At the same time performing artists require that microphone wirering neither interfere with their performance by obstructing movement or field of vision for the performer (neither to the instrument or to nodes, node track or conductors) nor create any noise by itself during performance. Further, it is highly desired that the microphones, its placement, and the means for attaching it to the instrument neither change the sound profile of the instrument or cause any ambient noise, interference or ressonance during performance. Still further it is desirable to minimize the amount of interference that the microphone pick up from any neighbor instrument. Accordingly, most musicians prefer microphones to be carefully fitted to their instrument for optimal performance and sound reproduction. In addition, most instrument owners are sensitive to microphone mounts clamping on microphones in a way which potetially may cause harm to the instrument. Still further, sound technicians and concert organisers highly desires microphone which has low sensititivty to displacement and can easily be replaced or moved from instrument to instrument with minimal need for retuning and adjustment. Larger concerts can require setting up hundreds of microphones and the mixture and number of microphones as well the types of instruments can change significantly from concert to concert. Accordingly, in addition to the needs of musicians of optimal performance and sound reproduction, there are also technical and logistical needs from sound technicians and concert organizers for microphones which can be quickly and effectively set up in great numbers.

[0003] W02015/044211 discloses a microphone assembly wherein a microphone is connected to a clamp configured for clamping to a piece of cloth. WO2012/027169 disclose a microphone mounted in a clamp for clamping onto a variety of instruments and clamping surfaces.

[0004] In view of this art there is a need for further development of solutions to the complex technical problems asociated with meeting the needs and desires of performing musicians and producers.

Summary of the Invention [0005] Providing certain technical improvement, advantages and/or advancements over the background art the present invention provides solutions to technical problems identified for current microphones for accoustic instruments and provides in a first aspect a detachable microphone assembly for a musical instrument, said microphone assembly comprising: a) one or more microphone unit(s) (2) for converting an acoustic signal into an electrical signal; b) a microphone housing element (3) holding the microphone unit(s) (2); c) a mounting element (4) connected to the housing element (3) d) a connector element (5) connected to the microphone unit (2) capable of transmitting the electronic or electrical signal from the microphone element to an electronic signal processing unit, such as an amplifying unit.

[0006] In a further aspect, the invention provides a musical instrument having attached the microphone assembly of the invention.

[0007] In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of processing or amplifying an acoustic signal from a musical instrument comprising a) attaching the microphone assembly of the invention to the musical instrument, b) connecting the connector element (5) to an electronic signal processing unit, c) generating an acoustic signal on the musical instrument, d) converting the acoustic signal in the microphone unit (3) to an electronic signal; e) transmitting the electronic signal via the connector element (5) to the electronic signal processing unit; and f) processing the electronic signal.

[0008] In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of storing an acoustic signal from a musical instrument comprising processing an electronic signal obtained by the method of processing or amplifying an acoustic signal of the invention and storing the electronic signal on a digital or analogous storage medium.

[0009] In a further aspect, the invention provides a digital or analogous storage medium comprising the processed electronic signal stored by the method of storing of the invention.

Description of drawings and figures

[0010] The features and advantages of the present invention is readily apparent to those skilled in the art by the below detailed description of embodiments and examples of the invention with reference to the figures and drawings included herein where:

[0011] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary microphone assembly indicating important features as indicated in the reference list. [0012] Figure 2 schematically illustrates further exemplary microphone assemblies of different forms and shapes indicating further important features as indicated in the reference list. Microphone assembly (I) is a version where the mounting element (4) is in two separate parts partularly useful for violing and viola; microphone assembly (II) is a version where the mounting element (4) is in one single piece partularly useful for viola de gamba; microphone assembly (III) is a version where the mounting element (4) is in one single piece partularly useful for cello; and microphone assembly (IV) is a version where the mounting element (4) is in one single piece partularly useful for contra base. Refences as given for microphone assembly (III) also applies mutadis mutandis to microphone assemblies (I), (II) and (IV).

[0013] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary microphone housing element (3) for permanent attachment or affixment to a mounting element including its parts of an outer frame element and an inner core element and further important features as indicated in the reference list. [0014] Figure 4 schematically illustrates an exemplary microphone housing element (3) in one piece for permanent attachment or affixment to a mounting element and further important features as indicated in the reference list.

[0015] Figure 5 schematically illustrates exemplary support elements (33) for fixating the connector element connecting the microphone unit (2) with the plug element (38) for connecting to an electronic signal processing unit, such as an amplifier and further important features as indicated in the reference list.

[0016] Figure 6 and 7 schematically illustrates exemplary placements of the microphone assemblies on acoustic musical string instruments and further important features as indicated in the reference list.

[0017] Figure 8 schematically illustrates unidirectional sound patterns (32) and angled bidirectional sound patterns (30) of the microphone of the invention.

[0018] Figure 9 schematically illustrates a cross section of a connector element (5) comprising electric conductors (39), insulating sieves (40), filler material (41), shielding sleeve (42), an outer sleeve (43). [0019] Figure 10 schematically illustrates exemplary microphone housing elements (3) which are detachable from the mounting element and further important features as indicated in the reference list.

[0020] Figure 11 schematically illustrates a further exemplary microphone assembly indicating further important features as indicated in the reference list. The illustrated microphone assembly is a version where the mounting element (4) is in one single piece with a detachable microphone housing element (3) partularly useful for drums and other percussion instruments.

[0021] Figure 12 schematically illustrates a further exemplary microphone assembly indicating further important features as indicated in the reference list. The illustrated microphone assembly is a version where the mounting element (4) is in one single piece with a detachable microphone housing element (3) partularly useful for brass and other wind instruments.

[0022] Figure 13 schematically illustrates a further exemplary microphone assembly indicating further important features as indicated in the reference list. The illustrated microphone assembly is a version where the mounting element (4) is in one single piece with a detachable microphone housing element (3) partularly useful for contrabass/double bass.

Incorporation by reference

[0023] All publications, patents, and patent applications referred to herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. In the event of a conflict between a term herein and a term in an incorporated reference, the term herein prevails and controls.

Detailed description of the invention

[0024] The figures included herein are illustrative and simplified for clarity, and they merely show details which are essential to the understanding of the invention, while other details may have been left out. Throughout the specification, claims and drawings the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts. It is to be noted that the wording "first" and "second" are used for separating elements of similar function. Thus, a "second" element does not necessarily require the presence of a "first" element.

[0025] In the first aspect the invention provides a detachable microphone assembly for an acoustic musical instrument, said microphone assembly comprising: a) One or more microphone units (2) capable of converting an acoustic signal into an electrical signal; b) a microphone housing element (3) holding the microphone unit (2); c) a mounting element (4) connected to the housing element (3) d) a connector element (5) connected to the microphone unit (2) capable of transmitting the electrical signal from the microphone element to an electronic signal processing unit, such as an amplifying unit, a mixer or the like.

[0026] The structure and parts of the microphone assembly of the invention enables not only a hitherto unseen well defined, detailed and neutral acoustic profile mimicking the instruments own sound profile, but also provide a hitherto unseen ease of attachment and handling, while neither movement or field of vision of the performer is impaired or ambient noise generated by the microphone assembly itself. The microphone assembly of the invention provides for near perfect recording of single instruments in concert settings and also allows for 3D recording - for movie and gaming and also for improved mixing of concert recordings. The microphone assembly of the invention thus performs very differently from contact microphones of the art, by being far less metallic in its sound reproduction and provide a far more "instrument close to ear" natural sound.

[0027] In one embodiment the microphone housing element (3) comprise an aperture (8) for transmission of acoustic signals to the microphone unit (2). The microphone housing element (3) may further comprise a core element (6) fitted into a frame element (7) or it may alternatively be in a single coherent piece of material. In some embodiments the microphone housing element (3) has a cuboid or ellipsoid shape, such as a cubic, rectangular, or elliptic box like shape for example as illustrated by figures 3 and 4, in particular such shapes having approximate dimensions of 8 x 28 x 20 (height x widths x depth) ± 5 mm. In other embodiments the microphone housing element (3) can have a cylindrical or polygonal rod shape as illustrated in figure 10, in particular where it is designed to be detachable from the mounting element (4). Such microphone housing elements (3) suitably have a diameter or diagonal of 2 to 15 mm, such as 5 to 10 mm, in particular 7 to 8 mm and a length of 15 to 100 mm, such as 20 to 50 mm, such as 30 to 40 mm for example 34 to 36 mm. Particularly, microphone housing elements (3) having a diameter of less than 10 mm allows for placing the microphone unit (2) as close as possible to the acoustic center of the instrument. The acoustic center of an instrument is the position in space where the balance between sound of the instrument and ambient noise is optimal for electronic sound detection. The acoustic center varies from instrument to instrument, but always in very close proximity to the instrument body, why a small microphone housing element (3) is advantageous. Placing a microphone near or in the acoustic center is also called "close-miking".

[0028] The microphone housing element (3) can further comprise one or more elements selected from a) an aperture (10) for connecting the microphone unit (2) to the connector element (5); and b) optionally a further aperture (9) for transmission of acoustic signals to the microphone unit (2)

[0029] The microphone unit (2) is in one embodiment placed between the aperture (8) and the aperture (9), so that it can receive acoustic signals on one side from the aperture (8) and optionally on another side from the aperture (9). The microphone unit (2) is in an alternative embodiment placed at a distance to the aperture (8) and the optional aperture (9) so that acoustic signals transmitted through the aperture(s) pass a resonance chamber (31) before reaching the microphone unit (2). In one important embodiment the microphone unit (2) it fitted tightly into the microphone housing element (3), so that there is no space (of air) between the microphone unit (2) and the microphone housing element (3), by which an acoustic signal can reach the microphone unit (3) other that through the aperture(s).

[0030] In a special embodiment the microphone unit (2) is omni or bidirectional and the aperture (8) and the aperture (9) is placed so that their axes (28) form a mutual angle (29), so that the microphone unit receives acoustic signals in an angled bidirectional sound pattern (30). In another embodiment the microphone unit (2) is unidirectional, and the aperture (8) and the aperture (9) is placed so that their axes (28) form a mutual angle (29) and so that the microphone unit (2) receives acoustic signals in an unidirectional sound pattern (32). The mutual angle (29) between the axes (28) of the aperture (8) and the aperture (9) is preferably between 70 to 120 degrees, more preferably between 80 to 110 degrees, even more preferably between 85 to 95 degrees.

[0031] The microphone housing element (3) may further comprise a noise reduction element (11) placed either in the aperture (8), and/or in the aperture (9) and/or in the resonance chamber (31), so that acoustic signals must pass the noise reduction element (11) before reaching the microphone unit (2). The noise reduction filter placed in the apertures of the microphone housing element (3) can reduce the amount of noise detected by the microphone unit (2) from the surroundings, such as cross over or bleeding or snare drum from other instruments in concert or noise emerging e.g. from contact between wirering and instrument, touch of the strings and/or mechanical movements, whether the noise propagates through air or through the solid instrument parts. Particularly the noise reduction element (11) may be a diffusion filter or a wind screen, optionally made from a natural or synthetic polymeric material or a combination thereof.

[0032] The microphone housing element (3) can in some embodiments be made of a material comprising a synthetic and/or natural polymeric material, such as a natural rubber or rubber composite. This is particularly useful for microphone housing elements (3) which are dsigned to be permanently fixed to a mounting element (4). Alternatively, in some embodiments in particular for a smaller microphone housing element (3) which is designed to be detachable from the mounting element, the microphone housing element (3) can be made from a robust and rigid material such as a metal alloy including stainless steel alloys. Such alloys can be cast with relatively thin walls and minimal amount of material allowing for smaller dimensions of the microphone housing element (3), while still preserving capability to harbour the microphone unit(s) (2). Further using an electrically conducting material for the microphone housing element (3) offer shielding of the microphone unit(s) (2) placed in the microphone housing element (3) from external alectromagnetic noise. The microphone housing element (3) may further be fitted with an inner layer or lining which electrically insulates the microphone unit(s) (2) from the microphone housing element (3).

[0033] Further the microphone housing element (3) may comprise an outer gripping area (12) for increasing friction when finger gripping the microphone housing element (3). Said outer gripping area may comprise one or more grooves or protrusions (13). The gripping area (12) may serve several useful purposes, including allowing for a tight grip on the microphone housing element (3) when mounting the microphone assembly on an instrument or a tight grip on the microphone housing element (3) when attaching or attaching it to the mounting element (4). Similarly, the mounting element (4) itselv may comprise a gripping area (46).

[0034] In a further separate aspect, the invention provides a microphone housing element (3) as described herein.

[0035] Useful microphone unit(s) (2) includes, but are not limited to condenser microphone units, such as pre-polarized condenser microphone units, such as high-definition pre-polarized condenser microphone capsules. The microphone unit (2) have dimensions, which allows for it to be fitted into the microphone housing element (3) such as a diameter or diagonal of less than 15 mm, such as 5 to 10 mm, in particular 5 to 7 mm and a length suitably between 5 to 10 mm, such as 5,5 mm. Particularly, microphone units (2) having a diameter of less than 10 mm, such as about 6 mm allows for "close- miking" of the instrument. In some embodiments, in particular for studio amplification/recordings the microphone assembly (1) contains one microphone unit (2) for example as illustrated in figure 10 (1), which optionally has a unidirectional and/or ball shapes sound pattern as illustrated in figure 8 (32) and/or optionally an angled bidirectional sound patterns as illustrated in figure 8 (30) which due to it mounting in close proximity to the instruments provided for by the microphone assembly of the invention reproduces the genuine sound of the instrument. In other embodiments, in particular for live amplification/recordings for example as illustrated in figure 10 (2) the microphone assembly (1) comprise two or more microphone units (2), and optionally one or more noise reduction filters for both reproducing the genuine sound of the instrument, while at the same time dampen any sound coming from the surroundings. In this embodiment the aperture (9) provide access for sound the the microphone units (2) and is preferably placed between the two microphone units (2). The space between the microphone units (2) is preferably acoustically open and neutral and may in some embodiments contain one or more bodies or elements reducing undesired acoustical behavior and/or contain noise reduction elements (11).

[0036] The mounting element (4) is made of a material making it elastic and compressible. In some embodiments, as illustrated in figures 1, 2, 67, and 12, the mounting element (4) is designed for string instruments and comprises, optionally when connected to the microphone housing unit (2), a plane or curved surface (14) for resting against an instrument body (15); and a plane or curved surface (16) for resting against an instrument fixture (35). The surface (16) is parallel to the surface (14) or tilted relative to the surface (14) in two dimensions in an angle (24) of less than 45 degrees, preferably less than 30 degrees, preferably between about 11 to about 20 degrees. The surface (16) further comprises gripping means (18) for gripping the instrument fixture (35) it rests on, such as by increasing friction between the surface (16) and the instrument fixture (35). The gripping means can be protrusions of material (19) extending away from the surface (16). The mounting element (4) may further comprise: a) an aperture (23), optionally penetrating a further surface of the mounting element (4) and extending into the aperture (10) in the microphone housing element (3) for connecting the microphone unit (2) to the connector element (5); and b) optionally an aperture (21) extending into the aperture (9) of the microphone housing element (3) for transmission an acoustic signal to the microphone unit (2). Said aperture (21) optionally penetrating the surface (14).

The mounting element (4) designed for string instruments may have different dimensions, depending on which size of instrument it is intended for. For Violin, the mounting element (4) suitably has the approximate dimensions in cm of 1,7 x 3,1 x 2,0 (height x width x depth). For viola or bratsch, the mounting element (4) suitably has the approximate dimensions in cm of 2,2 x 3,1 x 2,0 (height x width x depth). For cello or viola da gamba, the mounting element (4) suitably has the approximate dimensions in cm of 5,5 x 3,5 x 2,0 (height x width x depth). For contra bass or double bass, the mounting element (4) suitably has the approximate dimensions in cm of 8,0 x 4,5 x 2,0 (height x width x depth) or 9,5 x 4,5 x 2,0 cm (height x width x depth). Said dimension may preferably vary by about ± 0, 5-1.0 cm.

[0037] In some embodiments the microphone housing element (3) is fixed or connected to the mounting element (4) by fusing or adhering or gluing one or more portions of the housing element (3) to one or more portions of the mounting element (4). Said adhering may be accomplished by using a suitable adhesive. In a special embodiment the mounting element (4) is separated in two parts each separately connected to the microphone housing element (3), wherein the first part comprises the surface (14), and the second part comprise the surface (16). Each part is then suitably fused or adhered separately to the housing element. In another special embodiment the mounting element (4) is in one coherent part or piece which comprises both the surface (14), and the surface (16). In this embodiment the mounting element (4) comprise a cut-out or carving (20) for fitting in the microphone housing element (3). For example, where the housing element (3) has a cuboid or ellipsoid shape, such as a cubic, rectangular, or elliptic box like shape, the mounting element (4) may comprise a cut-out (20) fitted for the housing element (3) wherein at least three surfaces of the housing element (3) is fused and/or adhered to at least three surfaces of the cut-out (20) in the mounting element (4). [0038] In other embodiments for example as illustrated in figure 11, the mounting element (4) is designed for being clamped onto the instrument, such as for drum and/or percussion instruments. Here, the mounting element (4) has a clamp like shape and comprises one or more jaws (44) protruding from the body of the mounting element (4) capable of clamping onto an edge or flange of the instrument. In these embodiments the mounting element (4) suitably has the approximate dimensions in cm of 6,5 x 3,0 x 2,0 (height x width x depth); said dimensions being variable by about ± 0, 5-1.0 cm.

[0039] In still further embodiments as illustrated in figure 12, the mounting element (4) is designed for being clamped onto the instrument, such as for wind instruments. Here, the mounting element (4) has a cuboid or cylinder/disk-like shape and comprises cut-outs (45) towards the center of the mounting element (4) forming one or more jaws (44) capable of clamping onto an edge or flange of the instrument. Each jaw may further comprise one or more protrusions of materials (18/19). In these embodiments the mounting element (4) suitably has the approximate dimensions in cm of 4,0 x 2,0 (diameter/diagonal x depth); said dimensions being variable by about ± 0, 5-1.0 cm.

[0040] In some embodiments the microphone housing element (3) is connected to the mounting element (4) in a detachable manner, where the mounting element (4) and the microphone housing element (3) are fitted to match each other in a sufficiently close fit allowing both attachment and detachment whilst keeping the the microphone housing element (3) in place in cut-out (20) of the mounting element (4) when attached.

[0041] Where the microphone housing unit (2) is detachable, the mounting element (4) can comprise a separate mount, holder, cutout or aperture (20) for fitting in the microphone housing unit (2), for example as illustrated in figures 11, 12, and 13. The microphone housing unit (2) may in some embodiments be held in place by friction with tightly fitting walls of the mount, holder, cutout or aperture (20) and/or by a lock mechnism fitted on mounting element (4) for reversibly keeping the microphone housing unit (2) in place, such as a click-on system or the like. In other embodiments the mounting element (4) aperture (20) comprise a sleeve of rubber providing a tight fit to the microphone housing element (3). In stil other embodiments the microphone housing element (3) is attached to the mounting element (4) by means of magnets.

[0042] The mounting element (4) comprise a synthetic and/or natural polymeric material, prefeably produced or formulated to provide suitable elasticity and compressibility. In embodiments particularly where the mounting element (4) is designed for being attached to the instrument in between instrument fixtures, synthetic and/or natural polymeric material is preferable a nitril polymer, such as a nitril rubber, which is engineered into a closed cell matrix as known in the art. The mounting element (4) material, such as the nitril polymer closed cell matrix, preferably possesses one or more of the following properties: A Shore 00 Hardness of 20 to 75, such as 40 to 55 as measured under the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard D-2240; a density of about 100 to 200 kg/m³, such as 130 to 170 kg/m³; a compression strength at 25% of 25 to 75 kPa, such as 35 to 65 kPa as measured under ASTM 1056/85; a tensile strength of 500 to 1500 kPa, such as 750 to 1250 kPa, such as about 1000 kPa as measured under ISO 1798-97; a tear resistance of 2,5 to 4,5 kN/m, such as 3 to 3,5 kN/m, such as about 3 kN/m as measured under ASTM D624 DIE C; an ultimate elongation of >75%, such as >100% such as >150% as measured under ASTM D412 - all standards incorporated by reference. In other embodiments, particularly where the mounting element (4) is designed for being clamped on to the instrument, the synthetic and/or natural polymeric material may be natural or synthetic rubber. For further modulating the elasticity and/or compressibility of the mounting element (4), it may comprise one or more cut-out or carvings (17), suitably 5 to 15 mm in diameter if cylindrical. In a further separate aspect, the invention provides a microphone mounting element (4) as described herein.

[0043] The microphone assembly of the invention may further comprise a layer (25) of flexible non scratching material, such as felt, adhered, or otherwise fixed to the plane or curved surface (14) for resting against an instrument body (15). The layer (25) will facilitate attaching the microphone assembly to the instrument without damaging the surface of the instument body (15).

[0044] In a further embodiment the connector element (5) of the invention comprises a core comprising one or more electric conductors (39) enveloped by insulating sleeves (40), optionally a filler material (41), and optionally a shielding sleeve (42), said core being enveloped or wrapped in an an outer sleeve (43), the conductors optionally being connected to a plug element (38) for connecting the microphone unit (2) to an electronic signal processing unit such as an amplifying unit, mixer or the like. The insulating sleeves (40) preferably comprise an electrically insulating material which is highly flexible such as a polyvinylchloride (PVC) composition, while the filler between the individual insulated conductors ((39) can be an electically insulating polypropylene composition. The shielding sleeve suitably comprise an electrically conducting material such as metal foil of a suitable composition and thickness to shield out electromagnetic noise from the outside. To increase flexibility, the diameter of the conductors (39), filler (41) and insulating sleeves (40) is preferably kept low, such as between 3 to 5 mm, such as between 3,5 to 4 mm, such as about 3,8 mm. To reduce any sound generated by the connector element (5) touching and/or gliding over an instrument surface or the like the core is wrapped in an outer sleeve (43). The sleeve preferably comprises a woven or unwoven fibrous material, providing a soft and flexible surface suppressing resonance and friction generated noise from the connector element (5). Further, the woven or unwoven fibrous material will further protect the instrument against damage from contat with the the connector element (5). The fibrous material in the sleeve perferably comprises natural fibres, such as cotton fibres or other suitable plantfibres. Preferably the outer sleeve is flexible and yet have a high tensile and torsional strength, meeting or exceeding the requirement for frequent use of connecting and disconnecting the connecting element (5) from the electronic signal processing unit and/or detaching the microphone housing element (3) from the mounting element (5). In some embodiments the outer sleeve (43) comprises cross-braided and/or double cross-braided threads of fibres, such as cotton fibres. It has been found that cotton fibres are particularly effective at reducing contact noise between the connector element (5) and its surroundings, because cotton threads contain fibrils and/or fiber ends protruding from the thread, thereby acting as spring-like buffers between the connector element (5) and its surroundings and absorbing the energy from this connection which would otherwise generate sound. The outer sleeve (43) comprises these protruding fibrils both on the outside towards the surroundings and on the inside towards the core, providing for double dampening.

[0045] In a further separate aspect, the invention provides a connector element (5) as described herein.

[0046] The plug element (38) is suitably a standard plug, such as a XLR plug which fits into electronic signal processing units, such as amplifiers, mixers and the like.

[0047] The microphone assembly of the invention may further comprise an elastic and compressible support element (33) connected to the connector element (5) for affixing the connector element (5) to a the the musical instrument. The support element (33) is preferably designed so that the connector element (5) penetrates the support element (33) through an aperture (34), suitably 2 to 8 mm in diameter, in the support element of dimensions causing a deformation in the support element (33) material causing a friction or a grip between connector element (5) and the support element (33). Further, the support element (33) may comprise one or more cut-outs or carvings (22), suitably 5 to 15 mm in diameter if cylindrical, for modulating the elasticity and/or compressibility of the support element (33). In a special embodiment the support element (33) has a cylindrical/disc-like or cuboid shape.

[0048] In a still further embodiment, the support element (33) may be designed for use on a a) viola da gamba or cello and have a diameter or diagonal of approximately 4 cm; b) cello and have the approximate dimensions of about 4 cm in diameter; c) contra bass and have a diameter or diagonal about 5 cm.

[0049] Said dimensions may preferably vary by about ± 0, 5-1,0 cm.

[0050] Suitable fixtures (35) of the musical instrument include, but is not limied to fretboards (26), fingerboards (27), bridges (36) and/or tail pieces (29) of a string instrument or an edge or flange of a percussion of wind instrument. [0051] In the second aspect the invention provides a musical instrument, preferbaly a string instrument having attached the microphone assembly of the invention.

[0052] In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of processing, such as amplifying an acoustic signal from a musical instrument comprising a) attaching the microphone assembly of the invention to the musical instrument, b) connecting the connector element (5) to an electronic signal processing unit, such as an amplifying unit, c) generating an acoustic signal on the musical instrument, d) converting the acoustic signal in the microphone unit (3) to an electronic/electrical signal; e) transmitting the electronic/electrical signal via the connector element (5) to an electronic signal processing unit such as an amplifying unit; and f) processing/amplifying the electronic/electrical signal.

[0053] The electronic signal generated by the microphone assembly of the invention is unique and in a still further aspect, the invention provides a method of storing or recording an acoustic signal from a musical instrument comprising processing, such as amplifying an electronic/electrical signal according to the processing or amplification method of the invention and storing the electronic/electrical signal on a digital or analogous storage medium.

[0054] In a final aspect, since the electronic signal generated by the microphone assembly of the invention is unique, the invention also provides a digital or analogous storage medium comprising an electronic/electrical signal stored by the storing method of the invention.

References

1 Microphone assembly

2 Microphone unit.

3 Microphone housing element.

4 Mounting element.

5 Connector element.

6 Core element of microphone housing element.

7 Frame element of microphone housing element.

8 Aperture in the microphone housing element (3) for transmission of acoustic signals.

9 Aperture in the microphone housing element (3) for transmission of acoustic signals.

10 Aperture in the microphone housing element (3) for connecting microphone unit (2) to the connector element.

11 Noise reduction element. 12 Gripping area.

13 Grooves or protrusions in gripping area.

14 Plane or curved surface of the mounting element.

15 Instrument body.

16 Plane or curved surface of the mounting element.

17 Cut-out in the mounting element modulating its elasticity and/or compressibility.

18 Gripping means on the surface (16) of the mounting element.

19 Protrusion extending from the surface (16) of the mounting element.

20 Cut-out in the mounting element for fitting the microphone housing element.

21 Aperture in the mounting element (4) extending into the aperture (9) in the microphone housing element (3) for transmission of acoustic signals, optionally penetrating the surface (14).

22 Cut-out in the support element modulating the elasticity and/or compressibility.

23 Aperture in the mounting element (4) extending into the aperture (10) in the microphone housing element (3) for connecting microphone unit (2) to the connector element (5).

24 Angle between surface (14) and surface (16) of the mounting element (4).

25 Layer between surface (14) of the mounting element and the instrument body.

26 Fretboard of a string instrument.

27 Fingerboard of a string instrument.

28 Axes of apertures (8) and (9) of the microphone housing element (3).

29 Angles between axes of apertures (8) and (9) of the microphone housing element (3).

30 Angled bidirectional sound pattern.

31 Resonance chamber.

32 Unidirectional sound pattern.

33 Support element.

34 Aperture in support element for connector element.

35 Instrument fixtures.

36 Bridge-piece of a string instrument.

37 Tail-piece of a string instrument.

38 Plug element for connecting the connector element (5) to an amplifying unit.

39 Electric conductors of the connector element (5).

40 Insulating sleeve of the connector element (5).

41 Filler material of the connector element (5).

42 Shielding sleeve the connector element (5). Outer sleeve the connector element (5). Jaws of mounting element (4) for clamping onto instrument. Cut-out in mounting element for creating clamping jaws (44) Gripping area on mounting element (4)

Claims

1. A detachable microphone assembly (1) for an acoustic musical instrument, said microphone assembly comprising: a) one or more microphone unit(s) (2) capable of converting an acoustic signal into an electrical signal; b) a microphone housing element (3) holding the microphone unit (2); c) a mounting element (4) connected to the housing element (3); and d) a connector element (5) connected to the microphone unit (2) capable of transmitting the electrical signal from the microphone element to an amplifying unit.

2. The microphone assembly of claim 1, wherein the microphone housing element (3) comprise an aperture (8) for transmission of acoustic signals to the microphone unit (2).

3. The microphone assembly of claim 1, wherein the microphone housing element (3) further comprise a core element (6) fitted into a frame element (7).

4. The microphone assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the microphone housing element (3) has a cuboid or ellipsoid or cylindrical shape.

5. The microphone assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the microphone housing element (3) further comprise one or more elements selected from a) an aperture (10) for connecting the microphone unit to the connector element (5); and b) optionally an aperture (9) for transmission of acoustic signals to the microphone unit (2).

6. The microphone assembly of claim 5, wherein the mutual angle (29) between the axes (28) of the aperture (8) and the aperture (9) is between 70 to 120 degrees, preferably between 80 to 110 degrees, preferably between 85 to 95 degrees.

7. The microphone assembly of claims 1 to 6, wherein the microphone housing element (3) further comprises a noise reduction element (11) placed in the aperture (8), in the aperture (9) and/or the resonance chamber (31), so that acoustic signals must pass the noise reduction element (11) before reaching the microphone unit (2).

8. The microphone assembly of claim 7, wherein the noise reduction element (11) is a diffusion filter or a wind screen, optionally made from a natural or synthetic polymeric material or a combination thereof.

9. The microphone assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the microphone housing element (3) comprise a synthetic and/or natural polymeric material, such as a rubber composite and/or a metal alloy.

10. The microphone assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the microphone housing element (3) comprise an outer gripping area (12) for increasing friction when finger gripping the microphone housing element (3).

11. The microphone assembly of claim 10, wherein the outer gripping area (12) comprise one or more grooves or protrusions (13).

12. The microphone assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the microphone housing element (3) has a cuboid or ellipsoid shape in dimensions of 8 x 28 x 20 (height x widths x depth) ± 5 mm.

13. The microphone assembly of claims 1 to 11, wherein the microphone housing element (3) has a cylindrical or polygonal rod shape having a diameter or diagonal of 2 to 15 mm and a length of 15 to 50 mm.

14. The microphone assembly of claim 5, wherein the microphone unit (2) is placed between the aperture (8) and the aperture (9).

15. The microphone assembly of claim 5, wherein the microphone unit (2) is placed at a distance to the aperture (8) and/or the aperture (9) so that acoustic signals transmitted through the aperture(s) pass a resonance chamber (31) before reaching the microphone unit (2).

16. The microphone assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the microphone unit (2) it fitted tightly into the microphone housing element (3), so that no acoustic signal can pass between the microphone unit (2) and the microphone housing element (3).

17. The microphone assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the microphone unit (2) is omni or bidirectional and wherein the aperture (8) and the aperture (9) is placed so that their axes (28) form a mutual angle (29) and so that the microphone unit receives acoustic signals in an angled bidirectional sound pattern (30).

18. The microphone assembly of claim 1 to 16, wherein the microphone unit (2) is unidirectional and wherein the aperture (8) and the aperture (9) is placed so that their axes (28) form a mutual angle (29) and so that the microphone unit receives acoustic signals in a unidirectional sound pattern (32).

19. The microphone assembly of any preceding claims, wherein the microphone unit (2) is a pre polarized condenser microphone.

20. The microphone assembly of claim 19, wherein the microphone unit (2) has a diameter or diagonal of less than 15 mm, such as 5 to 10 mm, in particular 7 to 8 mm and a length of between 5 to 10 mm, such as 5,5 mm.

21. The microphone assembly of any preceding claims, comprising one microphone unit (2), which optionally has a unidirectional and/or ball shapes sound pattern and/or an angled bidirectional sound pattern.

22. The microphone assembly of claim 1 to 21, comprising two or more microphone units (2).

23. The microphone assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the mounting element (4) made of an elastic and compressible material.

24. The microphone assembly of claim 23 wherein the mounting element (4) possesses one or more of the following properties: A shore 00 hardness of 20 to 75, such as 40 to 55; a density of about 100 to 200 kg/m3, such as 130 to 170 kg/m3; a compression strength at 25% of 25 to 75 kPa, such as 35 to 65 kPa; a tensile strength of 500 to 1500 kPa, such as 750 to 1250 kPa, such as about 1000 kPa; a tear resistance of 2,5 to 4,5 kN/m, such as 3 to 3,5 kN/m, such as about 3 kN/m; an ultimate elongation of >75%, such as >100% such as >150%.

25. The microphone assembly of claim 23 to 24 comprising, when connected to the microphone housing unit (3), a plane or curved surface (14) for resting against an instrument body (15); and a plane or curved surface (16) for resting against an instrument fixture (35).

26. The microphone assembly of claim 25, wherein the surface (16) is parallel to the surface (14) or tilted relative to the surface (14) in two dimensions in an angle (24) of less than 45 degrees, preferably less than 30 degrees, preferably between about 11 to about 20 degrees.

27. The microphone assembly of claim 25 to 26, wherein the surface (16) further comprises gripping means (18) for gripping the instrument fixture (35) it rests on.

28. The microphone assembly of claim 27, wherein the gripping means is protrusions of material (19) extending away from the surface (16).

29. The microphone assembly of claims 25 to 28, wherein the mounting element (4) has the dimensions of 1,7 x 3,1 x 2,0 cm; 2,2 x 3,1 x 2,0 cm; 5,5 x 3,5 x 2,0 cm; 8,0 x 4,5 x 2,0 cm; or 9,5 x 4,5 x 2,0 cm (height x width x depth) ± 0, 5-1.0 cm.

30. The microphone assembly of claims 25 to 28, further comprising a layer (25) of flexible non scratching material, such as felt, adhered to the surface (14) for resting against an instrument body (15).

31. The microphone assembly of claim 23 to 24, wherein the mounting element (4) has a clamp-like shape comprising one or more jaws (44) protruding from the body of the mounting element (4) capable of clamping onto an edge or flange of an instrument, and wherein the mounting element (4) optionally has the dimensions of 6,4 x 3,5 x 2,0 cm (height x width x depth) ± 0, 5-1.0 cm.

32. The microphone assembly of claim 23 to 24, wherein the mounting element (4) has a cuboid or cylinder/disk-like shape and comprises cut-outs (45) towards the centre of the mounting element (4) forming one or more jaws (44) capable of clamping onto an edge or flange of an instrument, and wherein the mounting element (4) optionally has the dimensions of 4,0 x 2,0 cm (diameter/diagonal x depth) ± 0, 5-1.0 cm.

33. The microphone assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the microphone housing element (3) is fixed to the mounting element (4) by fusing or adhering one or more portions of the housing element (3) to one or more portions of the mounting element (4).

34. The microphone assembly of claim 33, wherein mounting element (4) comprises two parts each separately connected to the microphone housing element (3), wherein the first part comprises the surface (14), and the second part comprise the surface (16).

35. The microphone assembly of claim 33, wherein mounting element (4) is in one coherent part comprising both the surface (14), and the surface (16) and wherein the microphone housing element (3) is mounted in a cut-out (20) in the mounting element (4).

36. The microphone assembly of claim 35, wherein the microphone housing element (3) has a cuboid or ellipsoid shape in dimensions of 8 x 28 x 20 (height x widths x depth) ± 5 mm , and wherein at least three surfaces of the microphone housing element (3) is fused and/or adhered to at least three surfaces of the mounting element (4).

37. The microphone assembly of claims 1 to 28, wherein the microphone housing element (3) is detachable from the mounting element (4).

38. The microphone assembly of claim any preceding claim, wherein the mounting element (4) further comprises: a) an aperture (23), optionally penetrating a further surface of the mounting element (4) and extending into the aperture (10) in the microphone housing element (3) for connecting the microphone unit (2) to the connector element (5); and b) optionally an aperture (21) extending into the aperture (9) of the microphone housing element (3) for transmission an acoustic signal to the microphone unit (2).

39. The microphone assembly of any preceding claim, wherein mounting element (4) comprise one or more cut-outs (17) modulating the elasticity and/or compressibility of the mounting element (4).

40. The microphone assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the mounting element (4) comprise a synthetic and/or natural polymeric material, such as a nitril polymer or rubber.

41. The microphone assembly of claim 40, wherein the synthetic and/or natural polymeric material forms a closed cell foam matrix.

42. The microphone assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the connector element (5) comprises a core comprising one or more electric conductors (39) enveloped by insulating sleeves (40), optionally a filler material (41), and optionally a shielding sleeve (42), said core being enveloped by an outer sleeve (43), and conductors (39) optionally connected to a plug element (38) for connecting to an electronic signal processing unit.

43. The microphone assembly of claim 42, wherein the insulating sleeves (40) optionally comprise polyvinylchloride (PVC), the filler (41) optionally comprises polypropylene and the shielding sleeve (42) optionally comprises an electrically conducting metal foil.

44. The microphone assembly of claim 42, wherein the outer sleeve (43) comprises a braided, woven, or unwoven fibrous material, suppressing resonance and friction generated noise from the connector element (5).

45. The microphone assembly of claim 42 to 44, wherein the fibrous material comprises natural fibers, such as cotton fibers.

46. The microphone assembly of claims 44 to 45, wherein the outer sleeve (43) comprises cross- braided and/or double cross-braided threads of fibers.

47. The microphone assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising an elastic and compressible support element (33) connected to the connector element (5) for affixing the connector element to the musical instrument.

48. The microphone assembly of claim 47, wherein the connector element (5) penetrates the support element (33) through an aperture (34) in the support element of dimensions causing a deformation in the support element (33) material causing a friction between the connector element (5) and the support element (33).

49. The microphone assembly of claim 47 to 48, wherein the support element (33) comprises one or more cut-outs (22) modulating the elasticity and/or compressibility of the support element (33).

50. The microphone assembly of claim 49, wherein the support element (33) has a cylindrical/disc-like or cuboid shape.

51. The microphone assembly of claim 23 to 49, wherein the fixture (35) is a fretboard (26), fingerboard (27), a bridge (36) or a tail piece (29) of a string instrument.

52. A musical instrument having attached the microphone assembly of any preceding claim.

53. The musical instrument of claim 52, wherein the instrument is a string instrument.

54. A method of processing an acoustic signal from a musical instrument comprising a) attaching the microphone assembly of claims 1 to 51 to the musical instrument; b) connecting the connector element (5) to an electronic signal processing unit; c) generating an acoustic signal on the musical instrument; d) converting the acoustic signal in the microphone unit (3) to an electronic signal; e) transmitting the electronic signal via the connector element (5) to the electronic signal processing unit; and f) processing the electronic signal.

55. A method of storing an acoustic signal from a musical instrument comprising processing an electronic signal obtained by the method of claim 54 and storing the electronic signal on a digital or analogous storage medium.

56. A digital or analogous storage medium comprising the processed electronic signal stored by the method of claim 55.