JP2006005743A - Sound control equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to control sound in a desirable state even though the user is unfamiliar with special sound knowledge. <P>SOLUTION: Sound control equipment is provided with a plurality of inputting parts 11 for separately and freely connecting a plurality of sound signal generation devices K, a sound control means 12 for separately and freely controlling sound signals inputted from the inputting parts 11, an outputting part 13 for freely outputting the sound signals controlled by the sound control means 12, a database B1 for equipment for freely recording control data D1 of the sound control means 12 to respective sound signal generation devices connected to the input parts in each sound signal generation device K, a first allocating means for selecting a sound signal generation device K to be connected for each inputting part 11 to freely allocate the sound signal generation device K to an optional channel of the sound control means 12, and a first control means for reading the control data D1 corresponding to each sound signal generation device K allocated to each channel by the first allocating means from the database B1 for equipment and reflecting the control data D1 on sound control of each channel of the sound control means 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an acoustic adjustment facility that can be used to adjust the sound of a sound signal generating device such as a microphone or a CD according to an event in a hall of a school or a hall, for example. A plurality of input units to which a plurality of sound signal generating devices can be individually connected; a sound adjusting unit that can adjust a sound signal input from the input unit; and a sound signal adjusted by the sound adjusting unit to a speaker The present invention relates to an acoustic adjustment facility including an output unit that can output freely.

Conventionally, when performing sound adjustment using this type of acoustic adjustment equipment, select the sound signal generating device to be used prior to the event to be performed, the type and number, arrangement on the stage, In general, the input channels and the like are determined and then the contents are written as preparation diagrams, and the sound signal generating devices are generally prepared and connected based on the preparation drawings. For actual sound adjustment of each sound signal generating device, for example, adjustment of input gain suitable for each sound signal generating device is performed by a mixing console (which may be either hardware or software) corresponding to the sound adjusting means. Equalizer adjustment for each low to high sound range, selection of effectors to be used, adjustment of send parameters and return parameters to these effectors, volume adjustment, and the like can be performed.
However, each of these adjustment operations requires specialized acoustic knowledge and takes adjustment time. Therefore, when a person with low acoustic knowledge serves as an operator, there are many cases where only the minimum volume adjustment is performed, and the functions provided by the acoustic adjustment equipment are often not fully exhibited.
In view of this, it has been considered that the connection of such a sound signal generating device and the sound adjustment for each channel can be performed relatively easily by operating a mouse or the like on the operation screen.
As an example, an input system diagram (system diagram from a microphone to a mixer) can be created based on a simple GUI (graphical user interface) operation input by a user (see, for example, Patent Document 1). If the mixer settings for each channel once set can be stored in the scene memory as they are, and when the event is performed with the same settings after that, the stored scene memory is read to reproduce the mixer settings. There was what I said (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2003-16138 A (paragraph number [0103]) JP-A-11-355074

According to the former one of the conventional acoustic adjustment equipment described above, since the input system can be recognized on the image by using the GUI, the operability is improved, but regarding the fine adjustment of the essential sound adjustment means. After all, it is necessary to adjust each parameter to an appropriate value for each channel by an operator, and there is still a problem that cannot be implemented without acoustic knowledge.
In addition, according to the latter of the above-described conventional acoustic adjustment equipment, each parameter of the adjusted mixing console can be stored as it is, but when read and reproduced, it applies only to the same connection state as at the time of storage. Can not. Therefore, if there is a change in the input system or the sound signal generator to be used, each read parameter will not match the actual situation, so there is a risk that it will be completely useless. Sound knowledge is required, and there is a problem that anyone cannot easily adjust.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an acoustic adjustment facility that can solve the above-described problems and can be adjusted so as to obtain a preferable acoustic state without specialized acoustic knowledge.

  The first characteristic configuration of the present invention is that a plurality of sound signal generating devices (hereinafter simply referred to as “generating devices”) can be connected to each other, and a sound signal input from the input unit can be adjusted individually. Sound adjustment means comprising: a sound adjustment means; and an output unit capable of freely outputting a sound signal adjusted by the sound adjustment means to a speaker. The sound adjustment means for each of the generating devices connected to the input part A device database that can record adjustment data for each generating device is provided, and a first allocation that allows an allocation operation to an arbitrary channel of the sound adjustment means by selecting a generating device connected to each input unit. Means for reading the adjustment data corresponding to each of the generating devices assigned to each channel by the first assigning means from the device database, and First control means for reflecting the sound adjustment panel is in place is provided.

According to the first characteristic configuration of the present invention, the generation device connected to the input unit is simply selected without needing to be aware of the sound adjustment parameters that differ for each generation device such as a microphone, CD, and MD. By simply reading the adjustment data of the corresponding generating device recorded in the device database, the parameters can be automatically reflected in the corresponding channel of the sound adjustment means, and there is no specialized acoustic knowledge. However, it is possible to easily adjust to a preferable acoustic state.
More specifically, as described above, the generating device includes various devices such as a microphone, a CD, an MD, and an electric musical instrument that is a line input from a direct box. The characteristics are different.
Therefore, in order to mix the input sound of each of these generating devices in a space such as in a hall without causing a sense of incongruity, in terms of input level, the larger ones are less likely to crack and distort, and the smaller ones are larger. It is preferable to balance by adjusting. In terms of sound quality, which is one of the sound characteristics, the device adjusts to suppress the high frequency range for devices with a strong high frequency range, or adjusts to suppress the low frequency range for devices with a strong low frequency range. Thus, it is possible to make the output sound easy to hear overall.
In the device database, each adjustment data of such sound adjusting means can be recorded in correspondence with each generating device. Then, the first assigning means can select a generating device to be connected to each input unit of the sound adjusting means and assign it to the corresponding channel of the sound adjusting means, and further, the generating device assigned to each channel. The adjustment data corresponding to each can be read from the equipment database by the first control means and reflected in the sound adjustment of each channel of the sound adjustment means.
As a result, the operator adjusts the sound adjusting means to a state suitable for the generating apparatus only by performing a simple operation of selecting the generating apparatus connected to the sound adjusting means for each input unit. Therefore, while the sound adjustment work itself can be greatly simplified, the quality of the sound adjustment work can be ensured to be the same as that performed by an operator with specialized sound knowledge. Of course, when the operator who actually performs the sound adjustment work has specialized sound knowledge, the sound adjustment work can be performed more efficiently. In any case, high-quality acoustic adjustment can be performed easily and quickly.
Furthermore, even if there is a change in the generating device to be connected in the event subject to sound adjustment, if the corresponding generating device is selected again by the selection of the generating device by the first allocating means, it will correspond to that. Since the adjustment is performed by the first control means, the response becomes quick, and for example, only the setting parameters of all the channels of the sound adjustment means are recorded in the scene memory as described in the background section above. Compared with the prior art that reads and reproduces it, the responsiveness is improved.

  A second characteristic configuration of the present invention includes a plurality of input units that can be connected to a plurality of microphones, a sound adjustment unit that can adjust a sound signal of the microphones input from the input unit, and the sound adjustment. In an acoustic adjustment facility including an output unit capable of outputting a sound signal adjusted by the means to a speaker, adjustment data of the sound adjustment means for each subject using the microphone can be recorded for each subject. And a second assigning unit that selects a target person who uses the microphone for each microphone connected to the input unit and can perform an assigning operation to an arbitrary channel of the sound adjusting unit. The adjustment data corresponding to each subject assigned to each channel by the two assigning means is read from the subject database and reflected in the sound adjustment of each channel of the sound adjusting means. The second control means is in place which is provided for.

According to the second characteristic configuration of the present invention, the subject who uses the microphone for each microphone connected to the input unit can be used without needing to be aware of the detailed parameters for adjusting the microphone sound for each subject. Simply by selecting the above-mentioned adjustment data recorded in the target database and automatically reflecting the parameters on the corresponding channel of the sound adjustment means. Even if there is no, it is possible to easily adjust to a preferable acoustic state.
More specifically, the target person may include various people such as a person with a loud voice, a person with a low voice, a person with a high voice pitch, a person with a low voice pitch, etc. Is different.
Therefore, in order to mix the voices of each target in a space such as in a hall without causing a sense of incongruity, in terms of input level, a loud voice is easily broken and distorted, and a small adjustment is made. It is preferable to balance by doing so. In terms of sound quality, the voices with strong high frequencies are adjusted to suppress the high frequencies, and the voices with strong low frequencies are adjusted to suppress the low frequencies, making it easier to hear overall. Is possible.
In the subject database, each data for adjustment of such sound adjusting means can be recorded in correspondence with each subject. Then, the second assigning means can select a target person who uses the microphone for each microphone connected to the input unit of the sound adjusting means and assign it to the corresponding channel of the sound adjusting means. The adjustment data corresponding to each of the subjects assigned to can be read from the subject database by the second control means and reflected in the sound adjustment of each channel of the sound adjustment means.
As a result, the operator adjusts the sound adjusting means to a state suitable for the target person only by performing a simple operation of selecting the user to be used for each microphone connected to the sound adjusting means. Therefore, while the sound adjustment work itself can be greatly simplified, the quality of the sound adjustment work can be ensured to be the same as that performed by an operator with specialized sound knowledge. Of course, when the operator who actually performs the sound adjustment work has specialized sound knowledge, the sound adjustment work can be performed more efficiently. In any case, the sound adjustment suitable for the voice quality of the user to be used can be performed easily and quickly with high quality.
Furthermore, even if there is a change in the target person who uses the microphone at the event subject to acoustic adjustment, if the target person is selected again by the target person's selection by the second assigning means, it will be dealt with Since the adjustment is performed by the second control means, the response is quick. For example, only the setting parameters of all the channels of the sound adjustment means are recorded in the scene memory as described in [Background Art]. In addition, the responsiveness is improved as compared with the conventional technology that reads and reproduces them.

  A third characteristic configuration of the present invention is a target specifying operation configured such that a specifying operation of a generation device connected to each input unit or a target person using a microphone can be performed by an icon operation on an operation screen. Where means are provided.

  According to the third characteristic configuration of the present invention, in addition to being able to achieve the above-described operational effects according to the first or second characteristic configuration of the present invention, it is possible to perform icon operation on the operation screen by the object specifying operation means. The generating device connected to each input unit or a target person using a microphone can be specified, and the above-described specifying operation can be performed by an intuitive operation as seen on the screen. Therefore, the handleability is further improved and an erroneous operation is unlikely to occur.

  According to a fourth characteristic configuration of the present invention, there is provided a volume adjustment operation means configured such that a volume adjustment operation corresponding to each channel of the sound adjustment means can be performed by an icon operation on the operation screen. is there.

  According to the fourth characteristic configuration of the present invention, in addition to being able to achieve the above-described operation effect according to any one of the first to third characteristic configurations of the present invention, it is possible to correspond to each channel by the volume adjusting operation means. The volume adjustment can be performed by an icon operation on the operation screen, and the above-described adjustment operation can be performed by an intuitive operation as seen on the screen. Therefore, the handleability is further improved and an erroneous operation is unlikely to occur.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a hall H in which an embodiment of the acoustic adjustment equipment of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as adjustment equipment) S is installed.
The hall H includes a stage 1, a passenger seat 2, a lobby 3, an acoustic adjustment room 4, and the like. The adjustment equipment S is installed in the acoustic adjustment chamber 4.

  In the stage 1, various events are performed, and with each event, a microphone K1, a direct box K2 for connecting an input cable such as an electric musical instrument, and the like are arranged at predetermined positions as needed. The stage 1 is provided with a plurality of connection terminals 5 for connecting sound signal generating devices (hereinafter simply referred to as generating devices) K such as the microphone K and the direct box K2, respectively. 5 is individually connected to the patch bay 7 of the acoustic adjustment chamber 4 via a cable 6 wired between the stage 1 and the acoustic adjustment chamber 4.

  Further, a speaker 8 for reproducing the sound adjusted in the acoustic adjustment chamber 4 is provided on the side of the stage 1, the passenger seat 2, the lobby 3, and the acoustic adjustment chamber 4.

In the acoustic adjustment chamber 4, as shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the patch bay 7, a digital mixer module 9, a computer 10 and the like are installed. Although not shown in the figure, a power amplifier is installed between the digital mixer module 9 and each speaker 8.
The adjustment equipment S includes the digital mixer module 9 and a computer 10, both of which are connected to each other so as to be able to transmit and receive data (for example, USB connection). Thus, each control of the digital mixer module 9 can be performed.

The digital mixer module 9 adjusts a plurality of input units 11 connected so as to correspond to the respective channels of the patch bay 7 and sound signals input from the respective input units 11 using channels corresponding to the respective input units 11. Sound adjusting unit (corresponding to sound adjusting means) 12, an output unit 13 that can output the sound adjusted by the sound adjusting unit 12 to the speaker 8 via a power amplifier, and the input unit 11 and sound adjustment The digital control part 14 which controls the part 12 and the output part 13 comprehensively is comprised. Note that the generation device K operated in the acoustic adjustment chamber 4 includes, for example, a reproduction device K3 such as a CD player, an MD player, and a cassette player, and a microphone K1 for contacting the stage 1, which are respectively The input unit 11 can be connected.
By the way, the sound adjustment unit 12 has a trim unit that can adjust the input level for each channel, a sound quality adjustment unit that can adjust the sound quality of the input sound separately for each band, and a send amount to the effector. An adjustable send adjustment unit, a volume adjustment unit with adjustable volume, a switching unit with channel on / off switching, etc. are provided. These operations can be performed from the operation screen of the computer 10 with the digital control unit. 14 is configured to be able to be implemented through each of them.
In the computer 10 and the digital control unit 14, in particular, a software part configured so that the volume adjustment of the volume adjustment unit can be performed by an icon operation on the operation screen of the computer 10 is referred to as a volume adjustment operation unit 20 (FIG. 3).

In addition, the adjustment data (parameters) D1 of the sound adjustment unit 12 for each of the generating devices K connected to the input unit 11 can be recorded for each of the generating devices K, and the generating device K can be recorded. The target database B2 that can record the adjustment data (parameters) D2 of the sound adjustment unit 12 for each target person M who uses the microphone K1 which is one of the target persons H, is recorded in the computer. 10 is provided. The databases B1 and B2 can be input with the adjustment data D1 and D2 from the computer 10, which is preferable in consideration of the acoustic characteristics of the hall H and the characteristics of the generating devices K, for example. The adjustment data D1 is determined for each generating device K and stored in the device database B1 in correspondence with the generating device K, and the acoustic characteristics of the hall H and the voice characteristics of each subject M are taken into consideration. In addition, preferable adjustment data D2 can be determined for each subject M and stored in the subject database B2 in association with the subject M. In the present embodiment, the databases B1 and B2 are formed in advance by a person who has specialized acoustic knowledge, determining the adjustment data D1 and D2 that are acoustically preferable in the hall H.
Incidentally, an example of the adjustment data D1 is composed of parameters of the trim unit and the sound quality adjustment unit. For example, when the generation device K is a microphone, the input level is another generation device K (CD / MD). The input level at the trim section is increased because it is smaller than that of a player or the like, and the sound quality adjustment section has a parameter that reduces the sound component in the frequency range that tends to cause howling in the hole as a parameter. Is set.
On the other hand, an example of the adjustment data D2 includes parameters of the sound quality adjustment unit and the volume adjustment unit. For example, when the target person M is a low-speaking and loud man, The content of lowering the bass range a little and lowering the level of the volume control unit a little is set as a parameter.
In addition, as the name of the subject M, for example, when the equipment is used in a school, for example, "Principal teacher", "Principal teacher", "Yamada XX teacher" As described above, it is preferable to input data that is specific and easy to understand.

Next, the computer 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the computer 10 controls the data section 10A, the software section 10B, the interface 10C for transmitting and receiving data to the digital mixer module 9, and the data section 10A, the software section 10B, and the interface 10C. And a control unit 10D.
The data section 10A includes both the databases B1 and B2 described above.
Various software is provided in the soft section 10B, and the first assigning means 15 is configured to select the generating device K to be connected to each input unit 11 and assign it to an arbitrary channel of the sound adjusting unit 12. When the generating device K connected to the input unit 11 is the microphone K1, the second assignment that allows the user M who uses the microphone K1 to select and assign to the corresponding channel of the sound adjustment unit 12 The adjustment data D1 corresponding to the software of the means 16 or the like and the generation device K assigned to each channel by the first assignment means 15 is read from the device database B1 and the corresponding channel of the sound adjustment unit 12 is read. The target person M assigned to the corresponding channel by the first control means 17 and the second assignment means 16 to be reflected in the sound adjustment of The adjustment data D2 corresponding to Les, software such as the second control means 18 is provided to reflect reading from the subject database B2 to the sound adjusting the corresponding channel of the sound adjustment section 12.
Further, the volume adjustment operation means 20 is provided, and the designation operation of the generating device K and the designation operation of the target person M by the second allocation means 16 can be performed by icon operation on the operation screen. An object designation operation means 21 is provided as software configured in the above.

Therefore, the adjustment data D1 for the generating device K can be obtained from the device database B1 by the icon operation on the operation screen of the computer 10 only by specifying the generating device K connected to each input unit 11, respectively. 9 and the sound adjustment unit 12 of each channel is automatically set to the parameter of the adjustment data D1, so that even if the operator does not have specialized acoustic knowledge, the preset for the generating device K is set. The settings can be reproduced.
Further, when the microphone K1 is designated as the generating device K, the adjustment data D2 for the target person M can be obtained simply by specifying the target person M who uses the microphone K1 by icon operation on the operation screen. Are read from the target person database B2 into the digital mixer module 9 and the sound adjustment unit 12 of each channel is automatically set to the parameter of the adjustment data D2, so that even if the operator has no specialized acoustic knowledge The preset setting for the subject M can be reproduced by adding to the previous setting, making it possible to improve the efficiency of the preparation of the acoustic equipment and to make the best use of the acoustic equipment. .
And while the event is being carried out, the volume adjustment operation means 20 performs a more detailed acoustic adjustment simply by moving the volume icon displayed on the operation screen up and down according to the situation. (See FIG. 4). At this time, the name of the person designated by the second assigning means 16 (for example, “Principal Sensei”, “Principal Sensei”, “Yamada Sensei”, etc.) is displayed together with the volume icon. If the sound volume adjusting operation means 20 is configured, it is possible to make it easier to prevent erroneous operation by the operator and to make the sound adjusting equipment easier to use.

An example of the operation screen by the volume adjustment operation means 20 and the target designation operation means 21 is as shown in FIG.
According to this example, a schematic plan view f1 of the stage 1, a list f2 of the generating device K, a volume fader f3 of each channel, and the like are displayed, and the generating device K is moved to an arbitrary position on the stage 1 by operating the mouse. Can be placed and assigned to a channel. The volume of the channel can be adjusted by operating the volume fader f3 up and down.
Further, with respect to the microphone K1 in the property of the generating device K, the target person M can be selected from the pull-down menu.
Although not shown in the figure, various other edit screens as a GUI are prepared, and the operation of the digital mixer module 9 and the storage and reading of data can be performed from the computer display screen. It is configured as follows.

  According to the adjustment equipment S of the present embodiment, as described above, the sound adjustment unit can be automatically set to a state well matched with the situation of the corresponding hole by a simple input operation, and the preparation work related to the sound can be performed. It is possible to achieve efficiency and simplification of the entire mixing operation. In addition, the setting status can be recorded and saved as a scene memory and used again in the same way as the functions provided in the conventional sound adjustment equipment.

[Another embodiment]
Other embodiments will be described below.

<1> The acoustic adjustment equipment S is not limited to the one configured by the computer 10 and the digital mixer module 9 described in the previous embodiment. It may be configured by a digital mixer formed as a table and a computer connected to the digital mixer in a freely interlocking manner. Further, the adjustment console itself may have a configuration in which a digital mixer unit and a computer unit are integrally provided.
These are collectively referred to as acoustic adjustment equipment.
<2> The adjustment data D1 of the sound adjustment unit recorded in the device database B1 is not limited to the parameters of the trim unit and the sound quality adjustment unit described in the previous embodiment. For example, the send adjustment unit Alternatively, parameters such as the volume adjustment unit and the switching unit may be used.
Further, the adjustment data D2 of the sound adjustment unit recorded in the target person database B2 is not limited to the parameters of the sound quality adjustment unit and the volume adjustment unit described in the previous embodiment. For example, the trim unit, Parameters such as the send adjustment unit and the switching unit may be used.

  In addition, as mentioned above, although the code | symbol was written in order to make contrast with drawing convenient, this invention is not limited to the structure of an accompanying drawing by this entry.

Plan view showing the hall The conceptual diagram which shows acoustic adjustment equipment. The block diagram which shows the principal part of acoustic adjustment equipment Explanatory drawing showing the operation screen

Explanation of symbols

8 Speaker 11 Input part 12 Sound adjustment part (equivalent to sound adjustment means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Output part 15 1st allocation means 16 2nd allocation means 17 1st control means 18 2nd control means 20 Volume adjustment operation means 21 Target designation operation means D1 Adjustment data D2 Adjustment data B1 Equipment database B2 Target person database K Sound signal generator (simply referred to as generator in the text)
K1 Mike M Target audience

Claims (4)

A plurality of input units to which a plurality of sound signal generating devices can be individually connected; a sound adjusting unit that can adjust a sound signal input from the input unit; and a sound signal adjusted by the sound adjusting unit to a speaker And an acoustic adjustment facility equipped with an output unit that can output freely,
A device database that can record the adjustment data of the sound adjustment means for each of the sound signal generating devices connected to the input unit for each of the sound signal generating devices is provided, and the sound connected to each input unit There is provided a first allocating unit that selects a signal generating device and can perform an allocating operation freely on an arbitrary channel of the sound adjusting unit, and the adjusting unit corresponding to each sound signal generating device allocated to each channel by the first allocating unit. An acoustic adjustment facility provided with first control means for reading data from the device database and reflecting it in the sound adjustment of each channel of the sound adjustment means. A plurality of input units that can be connected to a plurality of microphones individually, a sound adjustment unit that can individually adjust a sound signal of the microphones input from the input unit, and a sound signal adjusted by the sound adjustment unit to a speaker An acoustic adjustment facility equipped with an output unit that can output freely,
A target person database that can record the adjustment data of the sound adjusting means for each target person using the microphone for each target person is provided, and the target person uses the microphone for each microphone connected to the input unit. The second assigning means that can freely assign to any channel of the sound adjusting means is provided, and the adjustment data corresponding to each target person assigned to each channel by the second assigning means Acoustic adjustment equipment provided with second control means that is read from the database and reflected in the sound adjustment of each channel of the sound adjustment means.   A target designation operation means configured to be able to perform a designation operation of a sound signal generating device connected to each input unit or a subject using a microphone by an icon operation on an operation screen is provided. The acoustic adjustment equipment according to 1 or 2.   The volume adjustment operation means comprised so that volume adjustment operation corresponding to each channel of the said sound adjustment means can be implemented by icon operation on an operation screen is provided. Acoustic adjustment equipment.

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