JP2000217199A - Sound controller, sound processor and mixing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate the need for separate provision of a unit mixing signals on transmission lines and branching signals from the line, when configuring a mixing system by interconnecting a sound controller and a sound processor, whose number is in total three or over including at least one sound controller and one sound processor. SOLUTION: This mixing system has a control signal input means that receives a control signal, a control signal output means that outputs a control signal, a sound level control information generating means that generates sound level control information, a sound level control information output means that gives identification information to the sound level control information and outputs the result as a control signal, a processing means that conducts processing on the basis of the received control signal when the identification information indicates discrimination of its own device to be a control object, and a control signal transfer means that outputs the received control signal when it is discriminated that the identification information denotes its own device to be not a device for stopping the output of the control signal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a voice control device, a voice processing device, and a mixing system. An audio processing device that performs mixing processing on an audio signal, is configured by connecting an audio control device and an audio processing device via a transmission path, and the audio control device and the audio processing device can be separately arranged at different locations. The present invention relates to a mixing system having a voice control device and a voice processing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, audio signals of a plurality of channels are input, and the input audio signals of the plurality of channels are controlled in accordance with the audio level set for each channel to perform a mixing process. Output mixing systems are known.

Generally, in such a conventional mixing system, an audio controller for controlling the audio level of an audio signal and an audio processor for mixing the audio signal based on the audio level controlled by the audio controller are provided. , And are physically integrated.

When a conventional mixing system in which the above-described sound control unit and sound processing unit are physically integrated is used in a performance hall or the like, a stage in front of the performance hall is used. It is usually installed and used behind a concert hall so that the mixing effect is not disturbed and the user can directly check the effect of the mixing.

[0005] Therefore, in order to connect resources such as a microphone and an electric guitar arranged on a stage in front of the performance hall with a mixing system installed behind the performance hall, it is necessary to connect the resources in front of the performance hall. The problem was that the number of cables had to be extended corresponding to the number of resources from the stage in the area to the mixing system installed behind the performance hall, and the wiring work became extremely complicated. was there.

On the other hand, as a mixing system which can reduce the complexity of the wiring work as described above, a sound control device for controlling a sound signal and a sound for mixing the sound signal based on the control by the sound control device are provided. There has been proposed a mixing system including a processing device and electrically connecting the two via a transmission line.

That is, since this mixing system is configured by connecting a voice control device and a voice processing device which are physically formed separately, via a transmission line, the voice control device and the voice control device are connected to each other. It is possible to dispose the sound processing device at a separate place.

Accordingly, in a conventional mixing system in which the voice control device and the voice processing device are physically separated from each other and can be arranged separately at different places, a microphone or an electric A sound processing device to which a cable from a resource such as a guitar is connected is arranged near the stage in front of the performance hall, while a sound control device is arranged behind the performance hall, so that the audio processing device and the sound are connected. It can be used by connecting with a control device by a single cable.

For this reason, in a conventional mixing system in which the above-described sound control device and sound processing device are physically separated, the sound control unit and the sound processing unit are physically separated. Conventional mixing integrated into
Unlike the system, there was no need to extend the number of cables corresponding to the number of resources such as microphones and electric guitars from the stage in front of the venue to the back of the venue.

By the way, in the case of using the former mixing system in which the above-mentioned sound control section and sound processing section are integrated, not only the purpose of increasing the number of input channels, but also the stage sleeve as well as the back of the performance hall. A plurality of mixing systems may be connected and used for the purpose of controlling the level of an audio signal even near a performer such as a musician.

However, such a connection has not been considered in the latter latter mixing system in which the above-described voice control device and voice processing device are physically separated from each other.

In the latter conventional mixing system, if a connection is to be made, the mixing system must be composed of two or more audio control units or audio processing units, and a total of three or more units constitute the mixing system. However, in this case, it is considered that a mixer that mixes signals passing through a transmission line connecting the devices or a splitter that splits a signal passing through a transmission line connecting the devices is required. Therefore, there is a problem that the configuration becomes complicated and the cost is increased.

[0013]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and has as its object to provide at least a voice control device and a voice processing device. A total of three or more voice control devices and voice processing devices are connected, including
When used as a system, it is not necessary to separately provide a unit that mixes or branches transmission lines connecting each device, so that the configuration does not become complicated and cost increases do not occur. It is an object of the present invention to provide a voice control device, a voice processing device and a mixing system.

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a voice control apparatus for controlling a voice level of a voice signal. A control device, configured to be physically separated from the voice control device, and performing a mixing process on a plurality of channels of externally input voice signals based on an instruction for controlling a voice level by the operation element of the voice control device. And a sound processing device that can be used in a mixing system that can be installed separately in different places by connecting a total of three or more sound processing devices in a loop, and transmitting a control signal from an external device. Control signal input means for inputting, control signal output means for outputting a control signal to an external device, and sound of an audio signal based on operation of the operation element. Audio level control information generating means for generating audio level control information for controlling the level; and outputting the control target device and control signal based on the audio level control information to the audio level control information generated by the audio level control information generating means. Audio level control information output means for providing identification information indicating a device for stopping the operation and outputting the control signal as a control signal to an external device via the control signal output means; and a control signal input to the control signal input means. It is determined whether or not the identification information indicates that the own device is a control target. If it is determined that the identification information indicates that the own device is a control target, Processing means for performing processing based on the control signal input to the control signal input means. It is determined whether or not the identification information given to the troll signal indicates that the device itself is a device for stopping the output of the control signal, and the identification information is a device for which the device itself stops the output of the control signal. If it is determined that the signal does not indicate that there is a control signal, control signal transfer means for outputting the input control signal to an external device via the control signal output means is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an audio processing apparatus comprising an operator for instructing control of an audio level of an audio signal; A total of three audio processing devices that are separated and mix and process audio signals of a plurality of channels input from outside based on an instruction of audio level control by the operator of the audio control device; A sound processing device usable in a mixing system that can be connected in a loop and separated and installed in different places, wherein control signal input means for inputting a control signal from an external device, and Control signal output means for outputting a control signal; sound level information generating means for generating sound level information indicating a sound level; The sound level information generated by the bell information generating means is provided with identification information indicating a device from which the sound level information is output and a device for stopping the output of the control signal, and is externally provided as a control signal through the control signal output means. Sound level information output means for outputting to the device, and determine whether or not the identification information given to the control signal input to the control signal input means indicates that the own device is a control target, If it is determined that the identification information indicates that the own device is a control target, processing means for performing processing based on the input control signal; and a control signal input to the control signal input means. The assigned identification information indicates that the own device is a device that stops outputting the control signal. To determine whether or not,
If it is determined that the identification information does not indicate that the device itself is a device that stops outputting the control signal,
Control signal transfer means for outputting the input control signal to an external device via the control signal output means.

The mixing system according to the third aspect of the present invention is the first aspect of the present invention.
The voice control device described above and the voice processing device according to claim 2 of the present invention are connected in a loop in a total of three or more.

[0017]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a voice control device, a voice processing device and a mixing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a mixing system having a voice control device and a voice processing device according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, in order to facilitate understanding, a mixing system in which one voice control device and one voice processing device are connected and both are used in a one-to-one relationship. It is illustrated.

Referring to FIG. 1, a mixing system 10
Is a voice control device (hereinafter, referred to as "console") 12 controlled by a microcomputer (not shown) for controlling a voice signal, and a microcomputer (not shown) for mixing the voice signal based on the control by the console 12. (Hereinafter, referred to as a “processor”) 14 controlled by the CPU. The console 12 and the processor 14 are physically formed separately from each other, and the console 12 and the processor 14 can be arranged separately at different places.

Specifically, for example, the console 12 is arranged behind the performance hall, and the processor 14 is arranged near a stage in front of the performance hall.

The input level detector 46 (described later) and the audio signal processor 48 in the processor 14
(To be described later) includes a digital signal processor (D
SP).

Here, the console 12 and the processor 1
Reference numeral 4 denotes a signal output from the console 12 (a digital control signal and a digital audio signal described later).
And a signal output from the processor 14 (a digital control signal and a digital audio signal, which will be described later).
The digital control signal and the digital audio signal can be bi-directionally connected to each other via a transmission line 18 for inputting the signal to the control signal 2.

The transmission line 16 and the transmission line 18
Are each composed of one cable. These cables are, in this embodiment, AES
XLR connectors in EBU are used.

The console 12 includes fader operators 20-1 to 20- corresponding to respective channels of the microphones 42-1 to 42-4 arranged on a stage or the like in front of a performance hall, which will be described later. 4 (in this embodiment, four channels are set according to the number of channels of the microphones 42-1 to 42-4). Analog audio that controls the audio level of the audio signal of each channel in accordance with the position of the microphone 42-1 to 42-4. A remote fader 20 for generating and outputting a level control signal, and a remote fader 2
An A / D converter 22 that converts an analog audio level control signal output from 0 into a digital audio level control signal and outputs the digital audio level control signal, and is input from an external microphone (MIC) 24, a CD player (not shown), or the like. A / D converter 26 for converting an analog audio signal into a digital audio signal and outputting the digital audio signal
A multiplexing unit 28 as an output unit that multiplexes the digital audio level control signal output from the A / D converter 22 and the digital audio signal output from the A / D converter 26 and outputs the multiplexed signal to the transmission line 16. , A digital control signal and a digital audio signal input via the transmission path 18, and then separates and outputs the input signal.
0 and D / D which converts a digital audio signal separated and output by the separation unit 30 into an analog audio signal and outputs the analog audio signal.
An A converter 32 is provided.

Note that the microphone 24, the CD player, and the like may be incorporated in the audio control unit.

It is desirable to provide an operation device capable of turning on / off an input of an analog audio signal from the microphone 24 or a CD player to the A / D converter 26 by a user operation.

The analog audio signal output from the D / A converter 32 is output to an external headphone 34 or the like so that the user can monitor the signal.

The digital input level information signal among the digital control signals separated and output by the separation unit 30 is output to an external level meter 36 for displaying the input level of the audio signal of each channel. Has been made so that the user can monitor.

On the other hand, the processor 14 is provided with a demultiplexing unit 40 as input means for inputting the multiplexed digital control signal and digital audio signal inputted via the transmission line 16 and then separating and outputting the same. A / D which converts an analog audio signal input through a four-channel path of external microphones (MIC) 42-1 to 42-4 arranged on a stage of a performance hall or the like into a digital audio signal and outputs the digital audio signal The converter 44 and the A / D converter 4
An input level detection unit 46 comprising a DSP which outputs a digital audio signal output from the digital audio signal 4 and detects input level information of the digital audio signal and outputs the digital audio signal as a digital input level information signal as a digital control signal; The digital audio signal is output by performing a mixing process based on the audio level control signal in the digital control signal separated and output by the unit 40, the digital audio signal, and the digital audio signal output from the input level detection unit 46. An audio signal processing unit 48 composed of a DSP for converting the digital audio signal from the audio signal processing unit 48 into an analog audio signal and outputting the analog audio signal;
A multiplexing unit 52 as an output unit for multiplexing a digital input level information signal, which is a digital control signal output from the digital signal generator 6, and a digital audio signal output from the audio signal processing unit 48, and outputting the multiplexed signal to the transmission line 18. It is configured.

The analog audio signal output from the D / A converter 50 is supplied to an external speaker 54 (the speaker 54 is a stereo left channel speaker 54L).
And a stereo right channel speaker 54R. ) To be output to space as audible musical sounds.

FIG. 2 shows a data division format diagram in AES-EBU used in this embodiment. The multiplexing section 28 of the console 12 and the multiplexing section 52 of the processor 14 multiplex the digital control signal and the digital audio signal in the format shown in FIG. 2 and output the multiplexed signal to the transmission path 16 and the transmission path 18, respectively. . That is, in the bidirectional communication between the console 12 and the processor 14, the same data format is used in both directions, and as a result, the transmission path 16 and the transmission path 18 must use the same configuration. Can be.

In FIG. 2, A0, B0,... Represent respective sub-frames (Sub-Frames) (note that "A" represents a stereo left channel (L.ch), and "B" represents A stereo right channel (R.ch) is shown.) Each sub-frame is composed of 32 bits.

Bit 0 (bi) of these 32 bits
t0) to bit 3 (bit 3) are the preamble (Pre
bit 4 (bit 4) to bit 7
(Bit 7) is auxiliary data (Aux Data), and is from bit 8 (bit 8) to bit 27 (bit 27)
Is audio data (Audio Data) of a left channel or a right channel corresponding to a digital audio signal, bit 28 (bit 28) is a parity bit (Parity Bit), and bit 29 (bit).
29) is user data, and bit 30 (bit 30) is channel status data (Ch) indicating the channel of the digital audio signal.
Ann Status Data, and bit 31 (bit 31) is validity (Validit).
y).

In this embodiment, data of one sample of the left channel or the right channel is transferred for each sub-frame of the digital audio signal, and 16 sub-frames of the sub-frame are transferred. The user data of the bit 29 constitutes one word of the digital control signal.

One digital control signal is composed of a plurality of words. These words include a word indicating what the digital control signal is related to, a word indicating a level value, and the like.

For example, the digital control signal as the audio level control signal output from the console 12 includes a word indicating which channel the digital control signal controls the level of the audio signal. , And a word indicating how much the level of the audio signal of the channel is controlled.

The digital control signal output from the processor 14 as input level information includes a word indicating which channel the digital control signal indicates the level of the audio signal,
And a word indicating the level of the audio signal of the channel.

That is, in this embodiment, the multiplexing section 28 of the console 12 and the multiplexing section 52 of the processor 14 use the existing format, AES-EBU, as described above. As the path 18, an existing cable using an XLR connector can be used.

In the above configuration, the console 12 has an analog audio level for controlling the audio level of each channel according to the position of the fader operators 20-1 to 20-4 corresponding to each channel of the remote fader 20. A control signal is generated, and this analog audio level control signal is output to the A / D converter 22.

The A / D converter 22 receives the analog audio level control signal output from the remote fader 20, and converts the analog audio level control signal into a digital audio level control signal as a digital control signal. The data is converted and output to the multiplexing unit 28.

The A / D converter 22 digitizes each output of the four remote faders 20 in a time-division manner, and the multiplexing unit 28 monitors the control level indicated by the digital audio level control signal of each channel. When the control level is changed, the digital audio level control signal of the changed channel is output as a digital control signal.

On the other hand, the analog audio signal input from the microphone 24 is converted into a digital audio signal by the A / D converter 26 and output to the multiplexing unit 28.

The digital audio signal output from the A / D converter 22 is a time-division multiplexed stereo signal for two channels, and the audio signal input from the microphone 24 is a left channel and a right channel. Are evenly distributed.

In the multiplexing section 28, the A / D converter 22
The digital audio level control signal, which is a digital control signal output from the A / D converter 26, and the digital audio signal output from the A / D converter 26 are input to the AES-E shown in FIG.
The digital control signal and the digital audio signal are multiplexed according to the data division format in the BU, and the multiplexed signal is output to the transmission line 16 composed of one cable using an XLR connector.

In the processor 14, the multiplexed digital control signal and digital audio signal input via the transmission line 16 are first separated by the demultiplexer 4.
0, and the demultiplexing unit 40 separates the multiplexed digital control signal and digital audio signal into a digital control signal and a digital audio signal, and outputs the separated digital control signal and digital audio signal to the audio signal processing unit 48. Output.

On the other hand, the analog audio signals input from the microphones 42-1 to 42-4 are converted into digital audio signals by the A / D converter 44, and the input level information is detected by the input level detection unit 46. After that, it is output to the audio signal processing unit 48.

Here, in the audio signal processing section 48,
A digital audio level control signal for four channels among the digital control signals output from the separation unit 40 is input, and a digital audio signal output from the input level detection unit 46 is input, and the digital audio signal The audio level is output from the digital
In addition to the control by the digital audio level control signal for four channels in the control signal, the separation unit 4
The digital audio signals output from 0 are also input, and these digital audio signals are subjected to mixing processing, and are sent to the D / A converter 50 and the audio multiplexing unit 52 as stereo digital audio signals of left and right channels. Output.

When the digital audio level control signal is supplied from the console 12, the audio signal processing section 48 stores the control level, and performs a mixing process based on the stored control level.

The D / A converter 50 receives the stereo digital audio signal of the left channel and the right channel input from the audio signal processing section 48, and outputs the stereo digital audio of the left channel and the right channel. The signal is converted into a left channel and right channel stereo analog audio signal, the left channel analog audio signal is output to the left channel speaker 54L, and the right channel analog audio signal is output to the right channel speaker 54R. Output.

Thus, the analog audio signal input from the microphones 42-1 to 42-4 to the processor 14 is
The audio signal is mixed by the audio level controlled by the remote fader 20 of the audio signal control unit 12, and
Speaker 54L for the left channel and speaker 54R for the right channel connected to the processor 14
Will be emitted into the space as a musical sound that can be heard from the user.

In addition, the analog audio signal input from the microphone 24 to the console 12 is transmitted to the left channel speaker 54L connected to the processor 14.
In addition, the sound is emitted to the space as a musical sound that can be heard from the right channel speaker 54R.

Therefore, the above-described mixing system 1
When the analog audio signal is not input from the microphone 24 to the console 12 at 0, a mixing process similar to that of the conventional mixing system described in the section of “Prior Art” is realized.

On the other hand, the above-described mixing system 10
In the case where an analog audio signal is input from the microphone 24 to the console 12, when the console 12 to which the microphone 24 is connected is placed, for example, a user behind the performance hall is placed on the stage in front of the performance hall. To the speaker 54 via the microphone 24
Can give various instructions.

In the case where a CD player is connected instead of the microphone 24, background music can be played at the venue.

The digital input level information signal, which is a digital control signal output from the input level detection section 46, and the digital audio signal output from the audio signal processing section 48 are output to the multiplexing section 52. .

The multiplexing section 52 receives the digital input level information signal output from the input level detecting section 46 and the digital audio signal output from the audio signal processing section 48, and inputs the data in the AES-EBU shown in FIG. The digital input level information signal (that is, digital control signal) and the digital audio signal are multiplexed in a division format, and the signal is transmitted to a transmission line 18 as a single cable using an XLR connector defined in AES-EBU. Output.

The input level detector 46 detects the input level of each of the four channels on a timetable.
2 monitors the input level indicated by the digital input level information signal of each channel, and when the input level changes, outputs the digital input level information signal of the changed channel as a digital control signal.

In the console 12, the multiplexed digital input level information signal and the digital audio signal input via the transmission line 18 are first separated by the demultiplexer 30.
In the demultiplexer 30, the multiplexed digital input level information signal and digital audio signal are separated into a digital input level information signal and a digital audio signal, respectively. The signal is output to the external level meter 36, and the digital audio signal is output to the D / A converter 32.

Therefore, the user can operate the external level meter 3 without relying only on the sound emitted to the performance hall.
By monitoring step 6, the input level of the audio signal of each channel can be monitored.

The D / A converter 32 converts a digital audio signal separated and output by the separation unit 30 into an analog audio signal and outputs the analog audio signal to the headphones 34.

For this reason, in the above-described mixing system 10, the user who is located at the place where the console 12 to which the headphones 34 are connected is arranged, for example, the user behind the performance hall, Can directly monitor the state of voice input to the microphones 42-1 to 42-4.

As described above, the console 12 and the processor 14 constituting this mixing system connect the two lines of the transmission line 16 and the transmission line 18 respectively, and one of them is dedicated to transmission (output). And the other is dedicated to reception (input), thereby transmitting and receiving (input and output) the digital control signal and the digital audio signal.

More specifically, the console 12 uses the transmission line 16 exclusively for transmission (output) and uses the transmission line 18 exclusively for reception (input), and the processor 14 transmits the transmission line 18 (only for transmission (output)). The transmission line 16 is used exclusively for reception (input) and used exclusively for output (output).

Here, the transmission line 16 and the transmission line 18 have the same configuration as described above.

Therefore, in order to construct a mixing system including at least one console 12 and one processor 14 and connecting a total of three or more consoles 12 and processors 14, these consoles 12, processors 14, and Via the transmission line 16 (as described above, the transmission line 16 and the transmission line 18 have the same configuration, so the transmission line 16 is used as a representative). The console 14 or processor 14 located downstream from the processor 14
And connected in a loop so that they are different from each other,
By providing a function of supplying a digital control signal supplied from the console 12 or processor 14 located upstream to each console 12 and processor 14 to the console 12 or processor 14 located downstream, the transmission path 16 can be mixed. Alternatively, any console 12 or processor 14 can be controlled from any console 12 or processor 14 without separately providing a branching unit.

Here, the connection of the console 12 and the processor 14 in the form of a loop means that each of the console 12 and the processor 14 constituting the mixing system sends a signal (digital control signal) to the downstream console 12 or the processor 14. Transmission (output) transmission line 16 for transmitting (outputting) a digital audio signal, and an upstream console 12.
Or, it has a transmission line 16 dedicated to reception (input) for receiving (input) signals (digital control signal and digital audio signal) from the processor 14, and is connected in a ring shape. Things.

As described above, in the mixing system in which the console 12 and the processor 14 are connected in a loop via the transmission line 16, it is not necessary to separately provide a unit for mixing or branching the transmission line 16. Therefore, without incurring complicated configuration and high cost,
A mixing system including at least three consoles 12 and processors 14 in total including at least one console 12 and one processor 14 can be configured.

Here, a total of three or more consoles 12 and processors 14 including at least one console 12 and one processor 14 are connected in a loop via a transmission line 16 to form a mixing system. For example, as a connection method for performing the connection shown in FIGS.
There is a connection method as shown in FIG.

That is, in the connection method shown in FIG. 3A, the second console 12 is connected to the downstream of the first console 12 via the transmission path 16 and the second console 12 is connected via the transmission path 16. The first processor 14 downstream of the
The first console 12 is connected to the downstream of the first processor 14 via the transmission line 16 and the two consoles 12
And one processor 14 connected in a loop through a transmission path 16.

In this case, for example, one processor can be simultaneously controlled from two places, a console at the rear of the performance hall and a console at the stage sleeve.

In the connection method shown in FIG. 3B, the first processor 14 is connected to the downstream of the first console 12 via the transmission path 16, and the first processor 14 is connected via the transmission path 16. Is connected downstream of the second processor 14 and the first console 12 is connected downstream of the second processor 14 via the transmission path 16 to transmit one console 12 and two processors 14 It is connected in a loop through a path 16.

In this case, for example, the number of channels that can be processed with two processors is increased, and
One processor can be controlled by one console.

Further, in the connection method shown in FIG. 3C, the first processor 14 is connected to the downstream of the first console 12 via the transmission path 16 and the first processor 14 is connected via the transmission path 16. The second console 12 is connected downstream of the second console 12, the second processor 14 is connected downstream of the second console 12 via the transmission line 16, and the second processor 14 is connected downstream of the second processor 14 via the transmission line 16. One console 12
Are connected, and two consoles 12 and two processors 14 are connected in a loop via a transmission path 16.

In this case, for example, two processors can be provided to increase the number of channels that can be processed, and these processors can be controlled from the console at the rear of the performance hall and the console at the stage sleeve.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, a total of three or more consoles 12 and processors 14 including at least one console 12 and one processor 14 are connected to the transmission line 16. To form a mixing system by connecting them in a loop through a transmission line 16 to transmit a signal (digital control) from the upstream console 12 or the processor 14 to the downstream console 12 or the processor 14 via the transmission line 16. Signals and digital audio signals) can be transmitted (output).

That is, in this mixing system, a digital control signal reception processing routine, a roll call command transmission processing routine, and a roll call command reception processing routine to be described later are executed, and the console 12 and the processor 1 constituting the mixing system are executed.
4 is provided with a unit number as identification information for identifying each of them. By transmitting a digital control signal provided with this unit number through the transmission path 16,
The console 12 or the processor 14 corresponding to the unit number can be controlled.

The digital control signal reception processing routine, the roll call command transmission processing routine, and the roll call command reception processing routine, which will be described later, are executed by the console 12.
Alternatively, the processing is performed by a CPU (not shown) of the processor 14.

For example, when a plurality of processors 14 are connected, the user operates a control processor selecting operator on a panel (not shown) of the console 12 to select a desired processor 14.
Is selected, and a digital control signal with the unit number is transmitted from the console 12 via the transmission path 16.

In the case where two consoles are used, the user using the other console can supply the audio level control signal of the remote fader from one console to the other console. You can know the level of the sound in the console.

As shown in FIG. 3, the digital control signal supplied from the console 12 or the processor 12 connected to the respective consoles 12 and the processor 14 by being connected in a loop is connected to the respective consoles 12 and the processor 14. When a function to supply the signal to the processor 14 is provided, the digital control signal
6 may be transmitted indefinitely, and it is necessary to prevent this.

Therefore, the digital control signal includes, in addition to the transmission unit number indicating the device to be controlled by the digital control signal, the digital control signal supplied from the upstream device to the downstream device. Two unit numbers are assigned, an output stop unit number that indicates the device that will stop feeding to the device. These two unit numbers are respectively defined in two words constituting the digital control signal.

It should be noted that, specifically, the unit number of the device that first outputs the digital control signal is given as the output stop unit number.

In this mixing system, a maximum of eight devices are allowed to be connected, and 0 to 7 are designated as unit numbers.

Also, the destination unit number is 8
Is specified, it is assumed that all devices are specified as transmission destinations.

Hereinafter, referring to the flowchart of the digital control signal reception processing routine shown in FIG.
An outline of a digital control signal reception process which is a process when a digital control signal is supplied from the console 12 or the processor 14 located upstream of the console 12 or the processor 14 will be described.

First, when a digital control signal is supplied from the console 12 or the processor 14 located upstream, the console 12 and the processor 14 determine the destination unit number assigned to the supplied digital control signal and the destination unit number. Myself (digital
By comparing with the unit number of the console 12 or the processor 14) to which the control signal is input,
If the destination unit number assigned to the input digital control signal matches the own unit number, processing is performed by itself using the digital control signal (step S30).
2. Step S304).

Next, the console 12 and the processor 14 determine the output stop unit number given to the supplied digital control signal and the unit (the console 12 or the processor 14 to which the digital control signal has been input). The output stop unit number assigned to the input digital control signal and its own unit
If the numbers do not match, the digital control signal is supplied to the downstream console 12 or processor 14, and if the numbers match, the digital control signal is supplied to the downstream console 12 or processor 14. No (steps S306, 308).

This prevents the digital control signal from being transmitted through the transmission line 16 indefinitely.

Note that depending on the timing, digital
When a control signal is input, an audio level control signal generated inside itself or a digital control signal as digital input level information may be transmitted to the outside, or vice versa. In the case of (1), the digital control signal input or generated later is temporarily stored, the digital control signal being transmitted is transmitted, and then the temporarily stored digital control signal is transmitted.

Note that only the output stop unit number is assigned to the digital input level information and the transmission destination unit number is not assigned for the following reason.

As described above, since the unit number of the device that first outputs the digital control signal is given as the output stop unit number, the digital number is determined by the output stop unit number.
The device that first outputs the control signal is known.

Therefore, when a plurality of processors 14 are used, a user using the console 12 selects a desired unit number of the processor 14 by using a display object selection operator on a panel (not shown) of the console 12.

The console 12 is provided with a digital
A digital control signal whose output stop unit number matches the unit number designated by the user is selected from the control signals, and the level is displayed on the level meter 36 based on the digital control signal.

Each console 12 or processor 14
In the same manner as in the case where the digital control signal is supplied downstream, the audio signal separated from the separation unit 30 or the audio signal separated from the separation unit 40 is transferred to the multiplexing unit 28 or the multiplexing unit 52, and the downstream processor 14 Alternatively, it may be supplied to the console 12.

In this case, whether or not the digital control signal is supplied downstream is controlled by the output stop unit number included in the digital control signal, but the audio signal supplied to the downstream processor 14 or console 12 is controlled. It is desirable to control whether or not to supply downstream according to a user's instruction.

For example, the user can issue an instruction as to whether or not to supply downstream by using an operator on a panel (not shown) of the processor 14 or the console 12.

Alternatively, the user can use a digital control signal to determine whether or not another console 12 or processor 14 is to be supplied downstream by an operator on a panel (not shown) provided on the console 12 or processor 14. The other console 12 or processor 14 may be instructed.

Next, the roll call command transmission processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of the roll call command transmission processing routine shown in FIG.

In the roll call command transmission processing routine, after the console 12 and the processor 14 constituting the mixing system are appropriately connected and connected using the transmission line 16, the console 12 selected as the master is turned on. Or when the console 12 is started by performing a roll call command transmission operation from an operation panel (not shown) of the console 12,
This is a routine showing the processing in the console 12 selected as the master.

It is assumed that the digital control signal reception processing routine is stopped while the console 12 is executing the roll call command transmission processing routine.

When the roll call command transmission processing routine is started, first, the console 1 started as the master
From 0, output stop unit number is assigned 0 (unit number of own unit), destination unit number is assigned 8 (unit number designating all devices), and roll call unit number is added. A roll call command is transmitted downstream via the transmission line 16 with 0 (the unit number of its own unit) added (step S402).

The roll call unit number is used for a roll call.

The roll call command is transmitted by the multiplexer 28 as a kind of digital control signal. In the downstream console 12 or processor 14, the separation unit 30 or 40 separates the call command from the digital control signal.

Here, the downstream console 12 or the processor 14, which has received the roll call command transmitted from the console 12 activated as the master, simply receives the roll call command, performs processing according to a roll call command reception processing routine described later, and performs digital processing. -A type of control signal that is transmitted to the downstream console 12 or processor.

Accordingly, when the console 12 and the processor 14 are connected in a loop via the transmission line 16, the roll call command returns to the console 12 which has transmitted the roll call command as a master.

When the processing in step S402 ends, the flow advances to the processing in step S404 to determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the roll call command in step S402. The predetermined time is an arbitrary time set in advance, for example, 5 seconds.

If it is determined in step S404 that a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the roll call command in step S402, the mixing
For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 (a), 3 (b), and 3 (c), the console 12 and the processor 14 constituting the system determine that they are not connected in a loop via the transmission path 16 and perform error processing. Perform (Step S406),
The roll call command transmission processing routine ends.

Specifically, a display (not shown) of the console 12 indicates to the user that the transmission line 16 is not connected in a loop.

On the other hand, in the process of step S404,
If it is not determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the roll call command in step S402, the console 12 selected as the master determines whether or not the roll call command transmitted by itself has been received (step S40).
8).

Here, in the process of step S408, when it is determined that the console 12 selected as the master has not received the roll call command transmitted by itself, the process returns to step S404 and repeats the process.

On the other hand, in the processing of step S408,
When it is determined that the console 12 selected as the master has received the roll call command transmitted by itself, the console 12 selected as the master sets 0 as its own unit number (step S410).

When the processing in step S410 is completed, the roll call unit number of the received roll call command is stored (step S412), and the roll call command transmission processing routine ends.

The stored unit number indicates the number of devices connected in this mixing system. This is used when transmitting a request command described later.

Next, the roll call command reception processing in the console 12 and the processor 14 located downstream of the console 12 selected as the master will be described with reference to the flowchart of the roll call command reception processing routine shown in FIG.

Note that this roll call command reception processing routine is started when a roll call command output from the upstream console 12 and the processor 14 is input via the transmission line 16, and the downstream of the console 12 selected as the master. Are executed in the console 12 and the processor 14 located at the same time.

In this roll call command reception processing routine, first, the roll call unit
The value obtained by incrementing the number by 1 is sent to itself (the console 12 executing this roll call command reception processing routine).
Alternatively, it is set as the unit number of the processor 14) (step S502).

When the process in step S502 is completed, the process proceeds to step S504, in which the roll call command with its own unit number set in step S502 as the unit number is transmitted downstream via the transmission line 16, and The roll call command reception processing routine ends.

The master console 12, which has received the roll call command, receives the roll call command in step S408 of the above-described roll call command transmission processing routine, and processes the roll call command so as not to circulate in the loop.

FIG. 7 shows the mixing data shown in FIG.
In the case where the first console 12 is used as a master for the system, the first console 12 in the above-mentioned roll call command transmission processing and roll call command reception processing
A state transition diagram of the (master), the first processor 14, the second console 12 (slave), and the second processor is shown.

As can be understood from the state transition diagram shown in FIG. 7, the first console 12 of the master transmits a roll call command so that the first console 12 and the first
The unit numbers are set to the processor 14, the second console 12, and the first processor 14, respectively.

As described above, if the roll call command transmission processing and the roll call command reception processing have been completed without error, the data of the roll call command received as the last unit number by the master first console 12 is set. Transmission line 1 connected in a loop
6, it is possible to determine how many consoles 12 and processors 14 are connected.

The unit numbers of the consoles 12 and the processors 14 are uniquely set, and the console 12 selected as the master individually sends digital control signals to the consoles 12 and the processor 14 via the transmission line 16. Can be controlled.

Further, each console 12 and each processor 14 other than those selected as the master can also transmit digital control signals to the console 12, each console 12 and each processor 14 selected as the master.

Thereafter, the master's first console 12
However, in order to confirm whether the device in which each unit number is set is the console 12 or the processor 14, a request command as one kind of digital control signal requesting a reply is transmitted to the destination unit.
A number is given and transmitted to each console 12 and each processor 14 individually.

Each console 12 and each processor 1
Numeral 4 sends a response to the request command to the console 12 selected as the master, each console 12 and each processor 14 as a kind of digital control signal.

As a result, each device can know which devices are connected to this mixing system and in what order, and the console 12 can determine the type and order of the connected devices based on the information. Is displayed on a display device (not shown), for example, as a diagram to notify the user of the connection state.

In the above-described embodiment, as a connection method for connecting the console 12 and the processor 14 to construct a mixing system, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 (a) (b) ( Although connection methods such as those shown in c) are shown, these connection methods are merely examples, and any number of consoles 12 and processors 14 may be used to form a loop in any order. It goes without saying that a mixing system may be configured by connection.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, in order to prevent the digital control signal from looping infinitely in the transmission path, an output stop unit added to the digital control signal input from the transmission path. The digital control signal whose number coincides with its own unit number is not output to the console 12 or the processor 14 downstream of itself, but is not limited to this, and another method is adopted. Is also good.

[0130] For example, the digital
A digital control signal in which the transmission unit number assigned to the control signal matches its own unit number is not output to the console 12 or the processor 14 downstream of the white body.

Alternatively, a unit number for counting down may be added to the digital control signal, and the device transmitting the digital control signal first counts down the number of devices connected to the mixing system. And sends a digital control signal to the downstream device.

Each device that has received the digital control signal sets the value of the unit number for countdown assigned to the digital control signal to 1
Reduce and send to downstream equipment.

When each device turns green in the above processing, if the value of the count-down unit number given to the received digital control signal is 1, the device turns on the digital control signal. Stop sending control signals to downstream devices.

In the above-described embodiment, the input level of the audio signal input to the audio processing device is detected, and the input level is input to the level meter 36 installed outside via the transmission line 18 and the audio control unit 12. Is displayed, but the level meter 36 may be built in the voice control device 12.

Note that the level meter 36 may take any form as long as the sound level is displayed, and may be a meter form, a bar graph form, or the like.

In the above-described embodiment, the input level of the audio signal is detected and displayed. However, the presence or absence of the input of the audio signal or the case where the audio signal exceeds a specific audio level is detected. May be displayed by turning on / off the display.

In the above-described embodiment, the audio signal processing unit 48 and the input level detection unit 46 are provided separately from each other.
Although this is realized by the SP, this may be realized by a common DSP.

In the above-described embodiment, only the audio signal input to the audio processing device 14 is handled as the audio signal whose audio signal level is detected. Alternatively, the level of the audio signal in the mixing process or the level of the audio signal after the mixing process to be output to the D / A converter 50 may be detected and displayed.

In this case, the level of all audio signals may be detected and the detection result displayed, or the level of the audio signal arbitrarily selected by the user may be displayed. In this case, the levels of all the audio signals are detected, and all the detection results are transmitted via the transmission line 18 to the audio control device 1.
2, and the necessary detection result may be selectively displayed.

[0140] Alternatively, the transmission path 1
6 is transmitted to the audio processing device 14 as one type of digital control signal, and the audio processing device 14 transmits the level of the audio signal specified based on this information. May be detected, the detection result may be sent to the voice control device 12 via the transmission line 18, and the required detection result may be displayed.

Also in this case, it is possible to monitor the state of the audio signal during the mixing process and the audio signal after the mixing process.

In this case, since it is not necessary to detect the levels of all the audio signals, the configuration required for the detection can be minimized.

In the above-described embodiment,
Only the audio signal output to the D / A converter 50 is
And the audio control device 12 so that the user can listen to the sample.
In addition to the audio signal output to the D / A converter 50, the audio signal input to the audio processing device 14 and the audio signal in the mixing process can be previewed via the transmission path 18 and the audio control device 12. You may.

[0144] Alternatively, the transmission path 1
The information for designating the audio signal to be auditioned through the audio processing device 14 is used as one type of digital control signal.
The audio processing device 14 may select the audio signal input to the audio processing device 14 or the audio signal in the mixing process based on this information and transmit the selected audio signal to the audio control device 12.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the transmission path 16 using the conductor of the existing format AES-EBU is used, but the transmission form in which the audio signal and the control signal can be multiplexed is used. Any form may be used as long as it is present.

For example, an SPDIF optical cable or the like may be used. Further, the transmission path 16 connected in a loop by wireless communication using radio waves or light may be realized.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the audio processing device 14 performs the mixing process on the analog audio signal. However, the audio processing device 14 may perform the mixing process on the digital audio signal.

[0148]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, a total of three or more voice control devices and voice processing devices including at least one voice control device and one voice processing device are used. When connected and used as a mixing system, there is no need to separately provide a unit that mixes or branches transmission lines that connect between devices.
There is an excellent effect that the configuration is not complicated and the cost is not increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an embodiment of a mixing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a data division format diagram in AES-EBU.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a total of three or more consoles and processors, including at least one console and one processor, are connected in a loop via a transmission line.
It is an explanatory view showing an example of a connection method for configuring a system, (a) shows an example of connecting two consoles and one processor in a loop via a transmission path,
(B) shows an example in which one console and two processors are connected in a loop via a transmission path, and (c) shows an example in which two processors are connected.
An example in which two consoles and two processors are connected in a loop via a transmission path is shown.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a digital control signal reception processing routine.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a roll call command transmission processing routine.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a roll call command reception processing routine.

FIG. 7 shows a first console (master), a first processor, and a first processor in a roll call command transmission process and a roll call command reception process when the first console is used as a master in the mixing system shown in FIG. 3 (c). FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram of a second console (slave) and a second processor.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 mixing system 12 audio control unit (console) 14 audio processing unit (processor) 16, 18 transmission line 20 remote fader 20-1 to 20-4 fader operator 22, 26, 44 analog / digital (A
/ D) converter 24, 42-1 to 42-4 Microphone 28, 52 Multiplexing unit 30, 40 Separating unit 32, 50 Digital / analog (D
/ A) Converter 34 Headphones 36 Level meter 38 Memory card reading unit 46 Input level detecting unit 48 Audio signal processing unit 54 Speaker 54L Speaker for left channel 54R Speaker for right channel

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yoshiya Kumai 1-4-16 Dojimahama, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka F-term in Roland Corporation (reference) 5D020 AC01 5D062 CC01 CC20 5D378 HA01 QQ01 QQ31 QQ34 SD04 TT19 XX15 XX25 XX32 5J022 AA01 AB01 CA02 CC01 5J030 BA09 BB02 BC00

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An audio control device having an operation unit for instructing control of an audio level of an audio signal, and an audio level that is physically separated from the audio control device and is controlled by the operation unit of the audio control device. A total of three or more audio processing devices that mix and process audio signals of multiple channels input from the outside based on the control instruction of the above and output the mixed signals can be installed in separate places at separate locations. An audio control device usable in a mixing system, comprising: control signal input means for inputting a control signal from an external device; control signal output means for outputting a control signal to an external device; Voice level control information generating means for generating voice level control information for controlling a voice level of a voice signal based on the voice level control; To the audio level control information generated by the control information generating means, identification information indicating a device to be controlled by the audio level control information and a device for stopping the output of the control signal is added, and a control signal is output through the control signal output means. Means for outputting audio level control information to an external device, and determining whether or not the identification information given to the control signal input to the control signal input means indicates that the own device is a control target. When it is determined that the identification information indicates that the own device is a control target, processing means for performing processing based on the input control signal; and input to the control signal input means. The identification information given to the control signal is a device in which the own device stops outputting the control signal. And if it is determined that the identification information does not indicate that the device itself is a device for stopping the output of the control signal, the input control signal is converted to the control signal And a control signal transfer means for outputting the control signal to an external device via the output means. 2. An audio control device comprising an operator for instructing control of an audio level of an audio signal, and an audio level physically separated from the audio control device, wherein the audio level is controlled by the operator of the audio control device. A total of three or more audio processing devices that mix and process audio signals of multiple channels input from the outside based on the control instruction of the above and output the mixed signals can be installed in separate places at separate locations. An audio processing device usable in a mixing system, comprising: control signal input means for inputting a control signal from an external device; control signal output means for outputting a control signal to an external device; and an audio level indicating an audio level. Voice level information generating means for generating information; voice level information generated by the voice level information generating means; Audio level information output means for adding identification information indicating a device from which the level information is output and a device for stopping the output of the control signal and outputting the control signal as a control signal to an external device via the control signal output means; It is determined whether or not the identification information given to the control signal input to the signal input means indicates that the own device is a control target, and the identification information indicates that the own device is a control target. If it is determined that the control signal has been input, processing means for performing processing based on the input control signal; and identification information given to the control signal input to the control signal input means, the device itself outputs the control signal. It is determined whether or not the device indicates that the device is a device for stopping the device, and the identification information indicates that the device itself has a control signal. Control signal transfer means for outputting the input control signal to an external device via the control signal output means when it is determined that the control signal is not a device for stopping the force. Voice processing device. 3. The voice control device according to claim 1 and a voice control device according to claim 2.
A mixing system comprising a total of three or more voice processing devices connected in a loop.