JP2008177646A - Audio mixer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To adjust a desired channel while making the number of faders smaller than the number of channels. <P>SOLUTION: Faders 8-1 to 8-16 whose numbers are smaller than those of channels 2-1 to 2-32 for processing audible frequency signals according to parameters are provided. The faders 8-1 to 8-16 correspond to a plurality of channels, and generate parameters. Selection switches 12-1 to 12-32 are provided at the faders 8-1 to 8-16, respectively, and each of the switches is used to indicate one of the channels which they correspond to. A detecting section 24 detects one operated switch from among the selection switches 12-1 to 12-32, and an assigning section 26 assigns a parameter generated by a fader corresponding to the detected selection switch so that the parameter can be supplied to a channel corresponding to the operated selection switch. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an audio mixer, and more particularly to assignment of an operator to each channel.

  In general, an audio mixer has a plurality of channels, and performs mixing after adjusting frequency characteristics, levels, and the like of audio signals input to the respective channels. Adjustment of frequency characteristics, levels, and the like in each channel is performed by a mixer man operating an operator provided corresponding to each channel. Therefore, an operator must be provided for each channel, and the console on which the operator is provided becomes large. A technique for improving this point is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

  In the technique of Patent Document 1, a plurality of operators are provided that are smaller than the total number of channels. Corresponding to a plurality of layers, layer selection switches are provided. In each layer, a channel is assigned to each operator, but a different channel is assigned to each operator for each layer. When one layer is selected by the layer selection switch, each controller is assigned to a channel based on the selected layer. For example, in a 48-channel mixer, when twelve operators are provided, channels 1 to 12 are assigned to the first to twelfth operators in the first layer, and the first to twelfth operators are assigned to the second layer. Channels 13 to 24 are assigned to 12 operators, channels 25 to 36 are assigned to the first to twelfth operators in the third layer, and channels are assigned to the first to twelfth operators in the fourth layer. 37 to 48 are assigned. Therefore, by switching layers, it is possible to adjust frequency characteristics, levels, etc. of different channels with the same operator. For example, the first operator can adjust channel 1 when the first layer is selected, and can adjust channel 13 when the second layer is selected. Channel 25 can be adjusted when the current layer is selected.

JP 2005-328372 A

  According to the technique of Patent Document 1, the number of operators can be reduced, but channels belonging to different layers cannot be adjusted simultaneously. For example, channel 1 belonging to the first layer and channel 20 belonging to the second layer cannot be adjusted simultaneously.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an audio mixer capable of adjusting a desired channel while reducing the number of operators.

  The audio mixer of one aspect of the present invention has a plurality of channels that process audio frequency signals according to parameters. There are fewer operators than these channels. Each of the operators corresponds to a plurality of channels and generates the parameter. Selection means is provided corresponding to each operation element. Each selection unit instructs one of a plurality of channels corresponding to the corresponding operation element. The control means supplies the parameter generated by the operation element corresponding to the one of the selection means that has given the instruction to the designated channel.

  In the audio mixer configured as described above, an operator corresponding to a certain selection means gives an instruction as to which of the plurality of predetermined channels the parameter is supplied to. In this way, the channel through which each operator supplies parameters is determined. Accordingly, if an operator is appropriately selected by each selection means, it is possible to simultaneously adjust parameters of a desired plurality of channels. In addition, the number of operators is kept smaller than the total number of channels.

  Each selection means can have a plurality of selectors provided for each operator. In this case, these selectors correspond to the respective channels. The control means supplies the parameter generated by the operator corresponding to the operated one of the selectors to the channel corresponding to the operated selector.

  In the audio mixer configured as described above, selectors are provided so as to correspond to all the channels, respectively, and by operating these selectors, the parameters generated by the operators corresponding to the selectors are changed. Supplied to the channel corresponding to the selector. Therefore, it is possible to quickly assign each operator to a channel.

  Further, the respective operating elements can be arranged in a line. In this case, a plurality of selectors corresponding to the respective operators are arranged for each operator in a direction intersecting with the arrangement direction of the respective operators.

  With this configuration, the correspondence between each operator and each channel becomes clear, and assignment of each operator to each channel is further facilitated. If a display for displaying the corresponding channel name is arranged at or near each selector, the correspondence between each channel and the operator becomes clearer.

  Alternatively, by operating the one corresponding to the channel to be assigned among the plurality of selectors corresponding to each operator, instruction data for instructing which channel to assign each operator is previously stored. In accordance with the set instruction data, the control means collectively assigns the operators to the specified channel. A plurality of instruction data having different contents can be set in advance. When a plurality of instruction data is set in this way, a plurality of instruction data selection means corresponding to each instruction data are provided, and any one of the instruction data selection means is operated to correspond to the operated instruction data selection means. Based on the instruction data to be transmitted, it is desirable to assign each operation element to the corresponding channel at once.

  If comprised in this way, according to instruction | indication data, the channel previously allocated to each operation element will be allocated collectively, and it will also become possible to make assignment work easy.

  The control means may comprise detection means for detecting which one of the selectors has been operated. Based on the detection result of the detecting means, the assigning means of the control means assigns the manipulator corresponding to the operated selector to the channel corresponding to the operated selector.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to adjust a desired channel by each operator while maintaining the number of operators to be installed smaller than the total number of channels.

  The audio mixer of one embodiment of the present invention is configured as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. This audio mixer has a plurality of, for example, 32 channels 2-1 to 2-32. These channels 2-1 to 2-32 are configured by the DSP 4 shown in FIG. 2 executing a program stored in storage means, for example, the ROM 6. Although not shown, these channels 2-1 to 2-32 adjust the frequency characteristics and levels of the digital audio frequency signals input to the respective channels. This adjustment is performed according to the parameters supplied to the channels 2-1 to 2-32.

  These parameters are given to the channels 2-1 to 2-32 according to the operation of an operator, for example, a fader. However, the number of faders is less than the total number 32 of the channels 2-1 to 2-32, for example, the total 16 of the faders 8-1 to 8-16. This is to prevent the number of faders as many as the number of channels from increasing the size of the console on which the faders are installed. These faders 8-1 to 8-16 are arranged in a horizontal row on the console 10 that is only partially shown in FIG. 3.

  In order to determine how to assign each of the channels 2-1 to 2-32 to the faders 8-1 to 8-16 having a smaller total number than the channels 2-1 to 2-32, selection means, for example, Selectors, for example, selection switches 12-1 to 12-32 are provided. The total number of the selection switches 12-1 to 12-32 is the same as that of the channels 2-1 to 2-32.

  Each selection switch 12-1 to 12-32 corresponds to each channel 2-1 to 2-32, such that the selection switch 12-1 is channel 2-1 and the selection switch 12-2 is channel 2-2. ing. As shown in FIG. 3, 16 selection switches 12-1 to 12-32 are arranged in two horizontal rows above faders 8-1 to 8-16, corresponding to each of faders 8-1 to 8-16. Has been. That is, the selection switches 12-1 to 12-16 are arranged in the first column close to the faders 8-1 to 8-16, and the selection switch 12- is arranged in the second column far from the faders 8-1 to 8-16. 17 to 12-32 are arranged.

  Accordingly, for example, the fader 8-1, the selection switches 12-1, 12-17 are arranged in a vertical line, that is, perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the faders 8-1 to 8-16, and the fader 8-2, the selection switch 12- 2, 12-18 are arranged in a vertical line. The other faders 8-3 to 8-16, selection switches 12-3 to 12-16, and 12-19 to 12-32 are arranged in the same manner. That is, the selection switches 12-1 to 12-32 are arranged in two horizontal rows so as to correspond to the faders 8-1 to 8-16, respectively.

  When two selection switches and faders arranged so as to correspond to the same vertical column in this way, for example, the selection switches 12-1, 12-17, and the fader 8-1, the selection switch 12-1 is operated. The channel parameter generated by the operation of the fader 8-1 is supplied to the channel 2-1, and when the selection switch 12-17 is operated, the parameter for the channel of the fader 8-1 is changed to the channel 2- 1 is supplied. The same applies to the other faders 8-2 to 8-16 and the selection switches 12-2 to 12-16 and 12-17 to 12-32.

  In addition, switches and display units 14-1 to 14-32 are provided corresponding to the selection switches 12-1 to 12-32, respectively. These switches and display units 14-1 to 14-32 are arranged beside the selection switches 12-1 to 12-32, from the mute switch 16, the solo switch 18, the signal input indicator 20, and the signal distortion indicator 22. Become. The mute switch 16 is operated when the output signal is turned off from the channel selected by the corresponding selection switch, and the solo switch 18 is turned off the output signal of the channel other than the channel selected by the corresponding selection switch. It is something that is operated when you do. The signal input indicator 20 is lit when a signal is input to the channel selected by the corresponding selection switch. The signal distortion indicator 22 distorts the signal of the channel selected by the corresponding selected channel. It lights up when you're on the go.

  These switches and display units 14-1 to 14-32 are also assigned to the channel selected by the operated one of the selection switches 12-1 to 12-32.

  In order to assign the faders 8-1 to 8-16 and the switches and display units 14-1 to 32, which of the selection switches 12-1 to 12-32 has been operated as shown in FIG. Detection means for detecting, for example, a detection unit 24 is provided. Each selection switch 12-1 to 12-32 is connected to the detection unit 24. A detection result in the detection unit 24 is supplied to an assigning unit, for example, an assignment unit 26. The assigner 26 is supplied with parameters from the respective faders 8-1 to 8-16, and the fader parameter corresponding to the selection switch whose operation is detected by the detection unit 24 is the selection switch whose operation is detected. Supplied to the selected channel. In addition, an instruction is given to the channel selected by the selection switch in which the operation is detected by the switch operation of the switch corresponding to the selection switch and the display unit, and the operation is performed depending on whether a signal is input to the channel or whether the signal is distorted. The switch corresponding to the selected switch and the signal display 20 and the signal distortion display 22 of the display unit are turned on. The detection unit 24 and the assignment unit 26 are configured by the CPU 28 shown in FIG. 2 executing a program stored in the ROM 6.

  It should be noted that the corresponding channel names are displayed on the surfaces of the selection switches 12-1 to 12-32 so that the channels to which the faders 8-1 to 8-16 are assigned can be easily identified. Has been.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the CPU 28 as the detecting unit 24 and the assigning unit 26 while using the storage unit shown in FIG. 1, for example, the RAM 30 as a working area.

  As a premise of this processing, numbers 1 to 32 are sequentially assigned to the selection switches 12-1 to 12-32 and the switches and display units 14-1 to 14-32. This number represents the number of each channel at the same time. Also, numbers 1 to 16 are assigned to the faders 8-1 to 8-16 in order. This process is started when any one of the selection switches 12-1 to 12-32 is operated. First, the number n of the operated selection switch is determined (step S2). This step S2 corresponds to the detection unit 24.

  Next, it is determined whether the number n is 1 or more and 16 or less (step S4). That is, it is determined whether the operated selection switch is located in the first row close to faders 8-1 to 8-16. If the answer to this determination is yes, the value of the pointer m designating the assigned fader is set to n (step S6). If the answer to the determination in step S4 is no, the value of the pointer m is set to a value obtained by subtracting 16 from n (step S8). That is, since the operated selection switch is in the second column, the fader number to be assigned is determined by subtracting 16 from the selection switch number.

  Next, an instruction is given to the DSP so that the channel n is controlled by the operation information of the fader designated by the pointer m (step S10). Next, the channel n is controlled according to the switch corresponding to the operated selection switch n and the switch operation of the display unit n, and the signal status of the channel n (the signal is input or distorted). Is displayed on the switches 20 and 22 of the display unit n (step S12). Steps S4 to S12 correspond to the assigning unit 26.

  Since it is configured in this way, channels corresponding to selection switches that do not exist in the same horizontal row, for example, channels 2-1 and 2-18 can be simultaneously controlled by faders 8-1 and 8-18. Become.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the console is provided with instruction data selection means, for example, switches 32 and 34. When the switch 32 is operated, the channels 12 are sequentially connected to the faders 8-1 to 8-16. -1 to 12-16 are assigned, and when the switch 34 is operated, the CPU 28 gives an instruction to the DSP 4 so that the channels 12-16 to 12-32 are assigned to the faders 8-1 to 8-16 in order. . Therefore, in the audio mixer of this embodiment, channels can be individually assigned to the faders 8-1 to 8-16 by operating the selection switches 12-1 to 12-32, or by operating the switches 32 or 34. A predetermined channel can be assigned to each of the faders 8-1 to 8-16 all at once.

  In addition, by using the switches 32 and 34, a desired channel can be assigned to each of the faders 8-1 to 8-16 as follows. That is, the CPU 28 stores in the RAM 30 as instruction data a state in which a desired channel is assigned to each of the faders 8-1 to 8-16 by operating the selection switches 12-1 to 12-32. As the instruction data, a plurality of, for example, two data having different contents, for example, data having different channels assigned to the respective faders 8-1 to 8-16 are prepared. One of the two instruction data is associated with the switch 32 and the other is associated with the switch 34. When the switch 32 is operated, a channel is assigned to each of the faders 8-1 to 8-16 according to the instruction data corresponding to the switch 32. When the switch 34 is operated, each fader is determined according to the instruction data corresponding to the switch 34. Channels are assigned to 8-1 to 8-16, respectively.

  With this configuration, if instruction data is created in advance so that each channel is assigned to each fader 8-1 to 8-16 in a desired state, the assignment to each fader 8-1 to 8-16 is performed thereafter. Can be done instantly. When only one instruction data is required, it is only necessary to store the instruction data corresponding to only one of the switches 32 and 34. When three or more instruction data are prepared in advance, The switches 32 and 34 may be increased, or a changeover switch having three or more contacts may be provided in place of the switches 32 and 34.

  In the audio mixer of the above embodiment, one of the two channels is assigned to one fader, but one of more channels is assigned to one fader. You can also For example, when assigning one of four channels to one fader, assuming that 16 faders 8-1 to 8-16 are installed in the same manner as the above audio mixer, the number of channels is 64, Select switches are arranged in four horizontal rows. In this case, four selection switches and one fader are arranged in a vertical line.

  In the audio mixer of the above embodiment, faders 8-1 to 8-16 are assigned to the respective channels. However, the present invention is not limited to the faders, and other operators may be used as long as they are parameters that generate parameters used in the channels. Things can also be used. In the above-described embodiment, the switches and display devices 14-1 to 14-32 are provided in the selection channels 12-1 to 12-32. However, in the case of a console with a small installation space, the switches and display devices are provided. Also, the same number of faders 8-1 to 8-16 are provided, and the switch and the display device corresponding to the operated one of the selection switches 12-1 to 12-32 are assigned to the channel corresponding to the operated selection switch. You can also.

It is a functional block diagram of the audio mixer of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the audio mixer of FIG. It is a top view which shows a part of console of the audio mixer of FIG. It is a flowchart of the process which CPU of the audio mixer of FIG. 1 performs.

Explanation of symbols

2-1 to 2-32 channels 8-1 to 8-16 faders (operators)
12-1 to 12-32 selection switch (selection means)
24 detector (control means)
26 Assignment section (control means)

Claims (5)

Multiple channels that process audio frequency signals according to parameters;
A plurality of operators that are provided in a smaller number than each of the channels, each corresponding to a plurality of the channels, and generating the parameter,
Selection means provided corresponding to each of the operators, each of which indicates one of the plurality of channels corresponding to the operators;
Control means for supplying the parameter generated by the operating element corresponding to the one that has made the instruction among the selection means to the designated channel;
Audio mixer provided. 2. The audio mixer according to claim 1, wherein each of the selection means includes a plurality of selectors provided for each of the operators, the selectors correspond to the channels, and the control means includes the selector. An audio mixer that supplies the parameter generated by the operator corresponding to the operated one to the channel corresponding to the operated selector.   3. The audio mixer according to claim 2, wherein each of the operators is arranged in a line, and the plurality of selectors respectively corresponding to the operators are arranged in a direction intersecting with the arrangement direction of the operators. An audio mixer arranged in   3. The audio mixer according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of selectors corresponding to each of the operators is assigned to any of the channels by operating one corresponding to the channel to be assigned. An audio mixer in which instruction data for instructing is set in advance, and in accordance with the set instruction data, the control unit collectively assigns the respective operating elements to the designated channel. 3. The audio mixer according to claim 2, wherein the control means is
Detecting means for detecting which one of the selectors is operated;
Assigning means for allocating the operation element corresponding to the operated selector to the channel corresponding to the operated selector based on the detection result of the detection means;
Audio mixer provided.

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