EP4336488A1 - A method and a system for the direct exchange of tone control modules shaping the tone colour as a modular modding system for e-instruments, amplifiers and music devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and system that allows the user to bend circuits to shape the timbre of an electrical instrument, amplifier, or musical device. The design of the system consists of the modular modding structure, the multiplier and a variety of tone control modules that can be plugged in in any combination at different points in the signal chain. Additionally, switching options are available to control bypass, for advanced series or parallel connections, and for A/B testing capabilities. This modular modding system can be used as a standalone device or as an upgrade to existing equipment.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to electrical instruments, audio amplifiers and musical devices. In particular, the invention relates to a modular modding system for designing the timbre.

BACKGROUND AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

From the pickup to the speaker, the electromagnetic pulse of an electric instrument is "shaped" through each stage of the signal chain. The basics of tone control circuits are well known in technology and do not require repetition here. Suffice it to say that the timbre is determined by the choice of built-in electronic components by the instrument maker and audio designer.

Today, the player of an electric instrument is faced with a comprehensive selection of instruments, amplifiers and musical devices. The music industry's wide offering ranges from the most complex devices to the simplest designs. But the musician must either limit himself to the sound of a single device or purchase a number of devices.

From the US 6,376,761 A "Modular Musical Instrument Amplification System" is known that allows the musician to add pre-amplification modules as needed to achieve different "sounds". However, this method has limited applicability due to the limitation that the preamplifier modules are only interchangeable in the block and that many of the modules only replicate the gain and tone profiles of popular traditional amplifiers.

US 2019/0051273 discloses a “Modular Musical Instrument Amplification System with Adjustable Input Gain Stage Response.” Although this method offers expanded sound possibilities, the setting selection is limited to the combinations of the existing built-in circuits.

Furthermore, a report on the Gitec Forum describes a " "Modular tube guitar amplifier" by Prof. Zollner , which provides a switchable selection for direct comparison between tubes, transformers, circuits and settings. Although this device allows sound shaping from the instrument in front of the preamplifier input to the speaker, the selection is further limited by the existing built-in circuitry. For example, it can only be used to emulate any period-correct Fender, Vox or Marshall tone control. Furthermore, as fascinating and interesting as this experimental amplifier is, as mentioned at the end of the article, this system is not suitable for stage or studio use due to the complicated transport and setup.

In parallel with the advancement of electric instruments and amplifiers, the modding of musical equipment has gained considerable attention over the years, with the aim of either achieving period-correct timbres or developing new innovative sounds.

According to the state of the art, circuit bending would not be possible without technical intervention. Changing component values and adding or removing electronic parts would have been reserved only for professionals.

When modifying devices, bending circuits, and generally doing DIY work on the signal chain, the result is obviously dependent on the skill of the user. Without a professional structure, such an intervention can actually lead to sound loss and interference problems.

Task SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, the limitations of the prior art are overcome by providing a method and system that allows the user to bend circuits to shape the timbre of an electrical instrument, amplifier or musical device.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides a modular modding structure consisting of a plurality of freely selectable inputs and outputs for tone control modules to control the same device without the involvement of specialists by directly plugging and unplugging a plurality to reconfigure modules and achieve extensive flexibility in the design of the timbre.

1. 1) nach der Art der elektronischen Schaltung - Instrument "tone controls", "gain section" Tonreglern, Vorverstärker "tonestacks", Endstufen-Tonreglern, passive oder aktive Equalizer, Koppelkondensator-Wahlschalter, Gegenkopplung-Einstellung (negative feedback), andere Schaltkreismethoden zur Klanggestaltung die nicht mit der Signalkette verbunden sind, periodenkorrekte und moderne Schaltungen oder neue Schaltungen durch die Verbiegung von Schaltkreisen erhalten;
2. 2) nach den Audioanschlussoptionen - beliebige Auswahl an Standard Audio Steckverbinder;
3. 3) nach der Art der Stromversorgung - DC Eingangsbuchsen- oder Batterien- Anschlussoption für aktive Equalizer;
4. 4) nach der Anzahl der Einheiten;
5. 5) nach der Form.

A practically unlimited selection of tone control modules are provided in the present invention, which differentiate themselves according to the following characteristics:

1. 1) According to the type of electronic circuit - instrument tone controls, gain section tone controls, preamplifier tone stacks, power amplifier tone controls, passive or active equalizers, coupling capacitor selector switches, negative feedback adjustment, other circuit methods sound design that is not connected to the signal chain, period correct and modern circuits or new circuits obtained by bending circuits;
2. 2) by audio connection options - any choice of standard audio connectors;
3. 3) by the type of power supply - DC input socket or battery connection option for active equalizers;
4. 4) by the number of units;
5. 5) according to the shape.

In addition, the present invention enables modding options with plug-in options after the instrument's pickup, before the preamplifier, in the preamplifier block, in the power amp and at other locations that are not branches of the signal chain.

In addition, the variety of insertion options is expanded by the advantageous embodiment of the multiplier. No installation is required to connect the tone control modules; replacing the modules can be done without turning the amplifier on and off.

• das Modifizieren von Geräten (modding), um eine Funktion auszuführen, die ursprünglich nicht vom Designer konzipiert oder beabsichtigt wurde,
• die Verbiegung von Schaltkreisen (circuit bending), als experimentelles Verändern von Geräten,
• die DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Tätigkeit,
• die Individualisierung von Geräten, um eine maßgeschneiderte Spezifikation zu erreichen,
• die Installation von neuen Technologien.

The term "modding" as used in the description and claims refers to:

• Modifying devices to perform a function not originally conceived or intended by the designer,
• the bending of circuits (circuit bending), as experimental modification of devices,
• the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) activity,
• the individualization of devices to achieve a tailored specification,
• the installation of new technologies.

In addition to the expanded flexibility through the provision of the user-friendly modular modding structure, the multiplier and a variety of tone control modules, the system according to the invention offers meaningful A/B testing options, combined series/parallel circuits and bypass functions.

It is obvious that extending the signal chain can cause sonic loss and interference, even if the cabling is done with high quality cables. The present invention provides a system that enables the connection of devices that have ON/OFF jacks positioned on the opposite side, and at the same time solves these sound loss and interference problems. According to an advantageous embodiment, the audio devices are provided with at least one continuous opening, which serves to shield and shorten the signal line. The shape and size of the cross-section of this continuous cable path is optimized as required and metal and/or ferrite core shields are used to suppress interference.

Example embodiment BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

• Fig.1A, Fig. 1B und Fig. 1C sind jeweils eine Vorderansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform von einer Modular-Modding-Struktur die auf drei E-Instrumente exemplifiziert ist, welche die Einsteckmöglichkeiten von verschiedenen Klangregler-Modulen in Übereinstimmung mit der vorliegenden Erfindung veranschaulicht.
• Fig. 2A und Fig. 2B ist eine Vorderansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform von einer modularen Modular-Modding-Struktur die auf einem Audioverstärker exemplifiziert ist, welche etliche Einsteckmöglichkeiten von verschiedenen Klangregler-Modulen, an vier Stellen in der Signalkette, in Übereinstimmung mit der vorliegenden Erfindung veranschaulicht.
• Fig. 3A und Fig. 3B sind jeweils eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform von einem Multiplikator, welche die passive bzw. aktive Variante in Übereinstimmung mit der vorliegenden Erfindung veranschaulicht.
• Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B und Fig. 4C zeigt ein schematisches Diagram der ersten Ausführungsform Fig.1A, Fig. 1B bzw. Fig. 1C .
• Fig. 5 zeigt ein schematisches Diagram der zweiten Ausführungsform Fig.2 .
• Fig. 6A und 6B zeigt ein schematisches Diagram der dritten Ausführungsform Fig. 3A bzw. Fig. 3B .
• Fig. 7A und Fig. 7B ist eine Vorderansicht einer Beispiel Ausführungsform von einer Modular-Modding-Struktur mit Bypass- und A/B-Switch bzw. Bypass- und Reihen/Parallelschaltung-Switch.
• Fig. 8 ist eine Vorderansicht einer Beispiel Ausführungsform von einer Modular-Modding-Struktur eines Audioverstärker in Verbindung mit einem fixen Tonregler.

The figures are to be understood as illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

• Fig.1A, Fig. 1B and Fig. 1C are each a front view of a first embodiment of a modular modding structure exemplified on three electric instruments, which illustrates the insertion options of various tone control modules in accordance with the present invention.
• Figures 2A and 2B is a front view of a second embodiment of a modular modding structure exemplified on an audio amplifier, illustrating multiple insertion options for various tone control modules, at four locations in the signal chain, in accordance with the present invention.
• Figures 3A and 3B are each a perspective view of an embodiment of a multiplier, illustrating the passive and active variants in accordance with the present invention.
• Figures 4A, 4B and 4C shows a schematic diagram of the first embodiment Fig.1A, Fig. 1B or. Fig. 1C .
• Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the second embodiment Fig.2 .
• Figures 6A and 6B shows a schematic diagram of the third embodiment Fig. 3A or. Fig. 3B .
• Figures 7A and 7B is a front view of an example embodiment of a modular modding structure with bypass and A/B switch or bypass and series/parallel switch.
• Fig. 8 is a front view of an example embodiment of a modular modding structure of an audio amplifier in conjunction with a fixed tone control.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

1. 1) eine Pluralität von Modular-Modding-Strukturen 1, 2, 3, 4 Multiplikator Option 5, 6;
2. 2) und eine Vielzahl von Klangregler-Modulen 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.

It is the object of the present invention to provide the user with a variety of modding options to reconfigure the tone controls of an instrument, amplifier or musical device. The parts constituting the present invention are the following:

1. 1) a plurality of modular modding structures 1, 2, 3, 4 multiplier option 5, 6;
2. 2) and a variety of tone control modules 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.

In the first embodiment of Fig. 1 Modular modding structures 1, 2, 3 are provided immediately after the pickups 18, 19, 20 of the electric instrument, which come in three variations Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, Fig. 1C be exemplified. Suitable millings are made on the body of the instrument for the various tone control modules 7, 8, 9, 10 . To connect the modules to the modular modding structure, jack plugs and sockets 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 are shown, but other standard audio connectors can also serve this purpose. The shape of the millings and the distance between the audio sockets 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 allow numerous combinations of tone control modules 7, 8, 9, 10.

According to the first embodiment Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B, Fig. 4C Various series and parallel connection examples are shown in various combinations. The audio signal is passed on from the pickups 18, 19, 20 through the sockets 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 and selector switches 25, 35 to the output socket 32, 33, 34 . The sockets work as an insert send return path, but if no tone control module 7, 8, 9, 10 is plugged in via the male stereo plug, the female audio connections have 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 a "true bypass" function.

In the second embodiment of Fig. 2A A modular modding structure 4 is shown with plug-in options at various points in the signal chain of an audio amplifier: in front of the preamplifier 49, in the preamplifier block 50 and in the power amplifier 51. Another option 52 , which is not connected to the signal chain, is represented next to it . Jack plugs and sockets are shown for connecting tone control modules 11, 12, 13, 14 to the modular modding structure 4 , but other standard audio connectors can also serve this purpose.

According to an aspect of the second embodiment as shown Fig. 5 shown, the connections work as an insert-send-return path, but if no tone control module 11, 12, 13, 14 is plugged in via the male stereo plug, the female audio connections 49, 50, 51, 52 have a "true bypass" function.

In the third embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B A multiplier 5, 6 is shown with a variety of plug-in options, which works in conjunction with another modular modding structure 4 . A passive one Fig. 3A and an active one Fig. 3B Multiplier are shown which pair with the matching connections of the tone control modules 15 16, 17 each. On the front, the multiplier can accommodate various modules 11, 12, 13, 14 . The active variant is equipped with DC output sockets 57 which are shown on the circuit diagram Fig. 6B not be displayed. On the back, both multipliers have a series 53 or 55 of ON/OFF socket pairs.

According to an aspect of the third embodiment as shown 6A and 6B shown, with the passive multiplier the mono connection pairs 54 work as an insert-send-return path or with the active multiplier the stereo connections 56 each have the same function. Both multipliers have mono ON/OFF socket pairs 53, 55 on the rear side, which means they can be connected to the 49, 50, 51, 52 connections of the audio amplifier with Y-splitter cables Fig. 2A can connect as desired. When inserting the two mono jack plugs of the Y-cable, the ON socket and the OFF socket have a decoupling function from the previous channel and the next channel respectively. This allows neighboring channels to be grouped and used in independent blocks. In addition, the tone control modules on the front side 54 of the multiplier can be connected in various series and/or parallel combinations using pluggable patch cables (stack cables).

According to the third embodiment, a continuous cable path 48 is shown for connecting devices that have ON/OFF sockets positioned on the opposite side. This one will open Fig.3A, Fig. 3B , 6A and 6B for example shown as tubular.

The present invention points to an advantageous embodiment of audio devices that are provided with at least one through-hole that serves as a cable path. The shape and size of the cross section of the opening can be optimized as required. The cable path shielding can be made of metal and/or ferrite. An example embodiment is shown Fig.3A and Fig.3B made of metal tube 58 or ferrite core 59 shown. As shown, the ferrite core 59 can be moved into different positions. A plurality of ferrite cores can be used for increased attenuation of electrical and/or magnetic interference.

1. 1) Instrument "tone controls" 7, 8, 9, 10 nach dem Tonabnehmer 18, 19, 20 des Instruments, "gain section" Tonregler 49 vor dem Vorverstärker, "tonestacks" 50 im Vorverstärkerblock, "power amp" Tonregler 51 in der Endstufe;
2. 2) andere Schaltkreise 52 mit Optionen zur Klanggestaltung die nicht mit der Signalkette verbunden sind;
3. 3) nach den Audioanschlussoptionen - in der vorliegenden Erfindung werden 3,5 mm 21 und 6,35 mm 43, 44, 45, 47, stereo 21, 43, 45, 47 und mono 44 Klinkenstecker abgebildet, doch können auch andere Standard Audio Steckverbinder verwendet werden;
4. 4) passive 17 und aktive 16 Equalizer Module mit DC Eingangsbuchsen- 46 oder Batterien-Anschlussoption (nicht abgebildet) für aktive Equalizer;
5. 5) Anzahl der Einheiten - "one knob" 7, 11, "two knob" 8, 12, "three knob" 9, 13 und/oder mehrknöpfige 10, 14;
6. 6) verschiedene Formen 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.

In the fourth embodiment, tone control modules 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 are shown, the functions and use of which are illustrated using the following examples:

1. 1) Instrument "tone controls" 7, 8, 9, 10 after the pickup 18, 19, 20 of the instrument, "gain section" tone control 49 in front of the preamp, "tonestacks" 50 in the preamp block, "power amp" tone control 51 in the power amplifier;
2. 2) other circuits 52 with sound shaping options not connected to the signal chain;
3. 3) According to the audio connection options - 3.5 mm 21 and 6.35 mm 43, 44, 45, 47, stereo 21, 43, 45, 47 and mono 44 jack plugs are shown in the present invention, but other standard audio connectors can also be used be used;
4. 4) passive 17 and active 16 equalizer modules with DC input jack 46 or battery connection option (not shown) for active equalizers;
5. 5) Number of units - "one knob" 7, 11, "two knob" 8, 12, "three knob" 9, 13 and/or multi-knob 10, 14;
6. 6) different shapes 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.

Although the invention has been described with reference to the specific preferred embodiments thereof, many variations and variations will readily be apparent. For example, a modular modding structure with a fixed tone control could be a "one knob" audio amplifier Fig. 8 be contacted. In this embodiment all the same elements are shown operating in an identical manner as in Fig. 2A described, but a fixed tone controller 39 is provided. This can be hidden when inserting the stereo jack plug of the Y cable in position 40 . Further illustrations show example variations of the "one knob" audio amplifier with mono connection pairs 41 as an insert-send-return path or stereo connections with DC output sockets 42. Another possible example could be a footswitch modular modding structure Figures 7A and 7B . In this embodiment all the same elements are shown operating in an identical manner as in Fig. 3 described, but 38 selector switches are provided for bypass 36, series/parallel 37 and A/B test switching. It is therefore intended that the appended claims be interpreted as broadly as possible in light of the prior art so as to include all such variations and modifications.

Claims (10)

E-instrument with modular modding system comprising:
a modular modding structure that has a plurality of combined series/parallel connections of freely selectable inputs and outputs for the direct exchange of controllers and a variety of modding modules. An electric instrument according to claim 1, wherein the volume controller is interchangeable with a plurality of volume modding modules. An electric instrument according to claim 1, wherein the tone controls are interchangeable with a plurality of tone modding modules. Music device with modular modding system comprising:
a modular modding structure that has a plurality of combined series/parallel connections of freely selectable inputs and outputs for the direct exchange of controllers and a variety of modding modules. A musical device according to claim 4, wherein the volume control is interchangeable with a plurality of volume modding modules. A musical device according to claim 4, wherein the tone controls are interchangeable with a plurality of tone modding modules. A musical device according to claim 4, wherein the modular modding structure is not part of the signal chain, wherein the timbre is not shaped by filtering the sound, wherein other circuit methods of sound shaping not associated with the signal chain are provided. External modular modding system for music devices comprising:
a modular modding structure that has a plurality of combined series/parallel connections of freely selectable inputs and outputs for the direct exchange of controllers and a variety of modding modules. Music device with a continuous cable path comprising:
a continuous opening, a metal and/or ferrite cable path and additional sliding ferrite cores for increased attenuation. Method for modularly modifying (modding) and bending circuits (circuit bending) for designing the timbre of electric instruments, amplifiers and musical devices, comprising:
a modular modding structure that has a plurality of combined series/parallel circuits of freely selectable inputs and outputs for the direct exchange of controllers and a multitude of modding modules for modifying and bending circuits without soldering.

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