WO2010082178A2 - Filter device for electrical musical instruments - Google Patents

Filter device for electrical musical instruments Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010082178A2
WO2010082178A2 PCT/IB2010/050195 IB2010050195W WO2010082178A2 WO 2010082178 A2 WO2010082178 A2 WO 2010082178A2 IB 2010050195 W IB2010050195 W IB 2010050195W WO 2010082178 A2 WO2010082178 A2 WO 2010082178A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sound
instrument
signal
circuit
plate
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2010/050195
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2010082178A3 (en
Inventor
Marino Basso
Original Assignee
Eleven Electrix Di Marino Basso
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Eleven Electrix Di Marino Basso filed Critical Eleven Electrix Di Marino Basso
Publication of WO2010082178A2 publication Critical patent/WO2010082178A2/en
Publication of WO2010082178A3 publication Critical patent/WO2010082178A3/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
    • G10H1/00—Details of electrophonic musical instruments
    • G10H1/02—Means for controlling the tone frequencies, e.g. attack or decay; Means for producing special musical effects, e.g. vibratos or glissandos
    • G10H1/04—Means for controlling the tone frequencies, e.g. attack or decay; Means for producing special musical effects, e.g. vibratos or glissandos by additional modulation
    • G10H1/053—Means for controlling the tone frequencies, e.g. attack or decay; Means for producing special musical effects, e.g. vibratos or glissandos by additional modulation during execution only
    • G10H1/055—Means for controlling the tone frequencies, e.g. attack or decay; Means for producing special musical effects, e.g. vibratos or glissandos by additional modulation during execution only by switches with variable impedance elements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
    • G10H1/00—Details of electrophonic musical instruments
    • G10H1/0091—Means for obtaining special acoustic effects
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
    • G10H1/00—Details of electrophonic musical instruments
    • G10H1/32—Constructional details
    • G10H1/34—Switch arrangements, e.g. keyboards or mechanical switches specially adapted for electrophonic musical instruments
    • G10H1/344—Structural association with individual keys
    • G10H1/348—Switches actuated by parts of the body other than fingers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
    • G10H2210/00—Aspects or methods of musical processing having intrinsic musical character, i.e. involving musical theory or musical parameters or relying on musical knowledge, as applied in electrophonic musical tools or instruments
    • G10H2210/155—Musical effects
    • G10H2210/195—Modulation effects, i.e. smooth non-discontinuous variations over a time interval, e.g. within a note, melody or musical transition, of any sound parameter, e.g. amplitude, pitch, spectral response, playback speed
    • G10H2210/231—Wah-wah spectral modulation, i.e. tone color spectral glide obtained by sweeping the peak of a bandpass filter up or down in frequency, e.g. according to the position of a pedal, by automatic modulation or by voice formant detection; control devices therefor, e.g. wah pedals for electric guitars

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an improved filter device for electrical musical instruments which has the features listed in the preamble of the main claim. Technological background
  • Filters for electrical musical instruments are known which are referred to in the jargon as wahs, or wah-wahs, and which enable the sound produced by the instrument to which they are connected to be modified, obtaining particular desired acoustic effects.
  • Wahs permit the cutting and gradual reinsertion of the high frequencies of the sound emitted by the instrument to which they are connected, modifying that sound by a gradual change of tone between high and low.
  • the wahs normally used have a pedal, that is to say, they are operated by the thrust of the foot on a suitable movable platform which is operatively connected to a potentiometer provided inside the wah.
  • US 4,438,674 discloses an expression pedal comprising a box- shaped body inside which a proximity sensor which can be operated by the musician is provided.
  • the proximity sensor is connected by way of an incandescent lamp to a sound-modifying circuit.
  • the proximity sensor has to be shielded electrically, it being necessary to avoid any direct contact between the musician and the proximity sensor.
  • the pedal is affected by the presence of objects in the surrounding environment, the sound emitted being influenced by the presence and by the material of those objects.
  • Wahs operated by a proximity sensor which detects the position of the foot and, consequently, operates a filter provided inside the wah have also recently been proposed.
  • those wahs are optimised in the first octave, or lower octave, being in contrast inefficient in the upper octave, or second octave.
  • An object of the invention is to provide a filter device for electrical musical instruments which has a high degree of comfort in use.
  • a further object is to provide a filter device for electrical musical instruments which has a high degree of precision and which can be utilised in more than one mode of use, maintaining a substantial modification of the sound.
  • Another object is to provide a filter device for electrical musical instruments which can be used in both of the octave ranges of the sound produced with an electrical instrument.
  • Another object is to provide a filter device for electrical musical instruments which can be readily used with the usual electrical supply networks.
  • Yet another object is to provide a filter device for electrical musical instruments which does not require repeated tuning operations and which is not subject to de-tuning when the external conditions of the place of use vary.
  • a further object is to provide a filter device for electrical musical instruments, the operation of which is not influenced by electrical apparatuses and/or objects present in the environment of use and which does not require shielding or any special protection.
  • Yet another object is to provide a filter device for electrical musical instruments which has a low degree of delay in the transformation of the sound.
  • FIG. 1 is a top view of a filter device for electrical musical instruments according to the invention
  • - Figure 2 is a front view of the filter device of Figure 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a lateral view of the filter device of Figure 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the filter device of Figure 1, in the assembled configuration
  • FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the filter device of Figure 4
  • - Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of a signal- transformation circuit of the filter device according to the invention
  • FIGS 7a-7b are diagrams which illustrate the operation of a filter device according to the invention on varying the distance of the foot from a proximity sensor, at the maximum and minimum resonance value, respectively, in a first operating mode of the device
  • Figures 7c-7d are diagrams which illustrate the operation of a filter device according to the invention on varying the resonance at the maximum and minimum value, respectively, of the distance of the foot from the proximity sensor, in a first operating mode of the device
  • - Figures 8a-8d are diagrams like those of Figures 7a-7d, respectively, but relating to a second operating mode of the filter device according to the invention.
  • a filter device 1 for electrical musical instruments which is produced according to the invention is shown.
  • the filter device 1 is suitable for being connected to an electrical musical instrument in order to be operated by a musician in order to create particular effects in the sound produced by the instrument.
  • the filter device 1 is particularly suitable for being operated by a foot of the musician, but it could be operated in any other desired manner.
  • the filter device 1 comprises a body 2 on which are provided control means 101, described in more detail hereinafter, which can be operated by a user of the device in order to generate a command to modify the sound generated by the instrument, and a signal-transformation circuit 100 suitable for modifying the sound of the instrument and for emitting a modified sound to the amplifier.
  • control means 101 described in more detail hereinafter, which can be operated by a user of the device in order to generate a command to modify the sound generated by the instrument
  • a signal-transformation circuit 100 suitable for modifying the sound of the instrument and for emitting a modified sound to the amplifier.
  • the control means 101 are operatively connected to the transformation circuit 100 in such a manner that the command generated by the control means 101 constitutes an input into the transformation circuit 100.
  • the device 1 also comprises feet 3, or other bearing means, associated with the body 2 and arranged to support the device 1 on a desired bearing plane, for example, the ground or the floor of a stage.
  • the body 2 is preferably produced from metal and is in the shape of a parallelepiped, in which it is possible to identify an upper surface 4 suitable for being turned, in use, towards the user of the device 1, an opposite lower surface 5 with which the feet 3 are associated, two opposite lateral surfaces 6, 7, a front surface 8 and an opposite rear surface 9.
  • the device 1 also comprises an input plug 10 by means of which the device 1 is connected, in use, by means of suitable connectors, to a musical instrument, for example an electric guitar whose sound it is desired to modify, creating desired effects in the above-mentioned sound produced.
  • a musical instrument for example an electric guitar whose sound it is desired to modify, creating desired effects in the above-mentioned sound produced.
  • the connectors and the musical instrument are not shown in the Figures.
  • the device 1 also comprises an output plug 11 by means of which the device 1 is connected, in use, by means of suitable connectors, to an amplifier in order to amplify the modified sound produced by means of the device 1.
  • the connectors and the amplifier are not shown in the Figures.
  • the input plug 10 and the output plug 11 are preferably positioned on the opposite lateral surfaces 6, 7, respectively, of the body 2 of the device 1.
  • the control means 101 comprise a selection portion 12 suitable for selecting the particular operating mode of the device 1, as will be explained in more detail hereinafter, and a control portion 15 by means of which the musician imparts control signals to the transformation circuit 100 of the device 1 in the manner described in more detail hereinafter.
  • the selection portion 12 and the control portion 15 are defined on the body 2, and in particular on the upper surface 4 thereof.
  • a bearing portion 13 which is likewise preferably produced from metal material and which is suitable for receiving, in use, a heel portion of the musician's foot during the use of the device 1.
  • the musician rests the heel portion of his foot on the bearing portion 13, moving his foot in such a manner that it can interact with the control portion 15 and/or with the selection portion 12, as will be explained in more detail hereinafter.
  • control portion 15 is interposed between the selection portion 12 and the bearing portion 13, the latter being preferably contiguous with the control portion 15.
  • the bearing portion 13 is provided on the side where the rear surface 9 of the body 2 is located, while, in contrast, the selection portion 12 is provided on the side where the front surface 8 of the body 2 is located.
  • the bearing portion 13 of the device 1 are configured in such a manner that their respective upper surfaces 15a, 13a, that is to say, those which, in use, face the user, are positioned at almost the same level, that is to say, they are almost coplanar. That improves the comfort of use of the device 1 enormously, increasing it greatly compared with conventional known wahs.
  • the selection portion 12 comprises a first and a second selection button 14, 16 which are operatively connected to a selection circuit 30 provided inside the body 2 in order to generate a command to select a first and a second operating mode, respectively, of the device 1.
  • the first and the second operating mode of the device 1 relate to the lower octave and the upper octave, respectively, of the notes generated by the instrument to which the device 1 is connected.
  • the device When, for example, the first operating mode is selected, the device
  • the device 1 is capable of modifying the notes emitted in one of the two octaves, for example in the lower octave, while, when the second operating mode is selected, the device 1 is capable of modifying the notes emitted in the other octave, for example, in the upper octave.
  • the first and the second selection buttons 14, 16 are movable between an inserted position, not shown in the Figures, in which the selection buttons 14, 16 are partially inserted into a respective seat 14a,
  • each selection button 14, 16 In the inserted position, an edge portion 14b, 16b of each selection button 14, 16 is in abutment with a respective engagement element 14c,
  • the selection button 14, 16 After having imparted the above-mentioned command for the selection of the operating mode, the selection button 14, 16 returns automatically to the extracted position.
  • the first and the second selection button 14, 16 deactivate each other, that is to say, by activating one operating mode, the other, previously active, mode is automatically deactivated.
  • the device 1 can operate in either the first or the second operating mode, as desired, that is to say, it can be efficient in modifying a sound belonging either to the first or to the second octave.
  • the sound emitted by the instrument leaves the device 1 and arrives at the amplifier to which the device 1 is connected in the state in which it was generated by the instrument, without having been subjected to any influence on the part of the device 1.
  • the configuration of the device 1 according to the invention permits the production, in the above-mentioned deactivation configuration, of a mechanical contact between the input plug 10 and the output plug 11 which isolates the signal-transformation circuit 100 provided inside the body 2 of the device and arranged to process the sound during its passage through the device 1.
  • the sound emitted by the instrument is transported purely from the instrument to the amplifier through the device 1 without undergoing any loss of signal.
  • the device 1 in that case acts purely as a by-pass for the sound between the instrument and the amplifier.
  • the octave on which the device 1 acts is varied, as stated, and the operating parameters of the device 1, and thus the sound modification obtained with the device 1, are varied.
  • the device 1 operates in the first octave, that is to say, between a minimum frequency nl equal to approximately 270Hz and a maximum frequency n2 equal to approximately 1600Hz.
  • the device 1 operates in the second octave, that is to say, between a minimum frequency n3 equal to approximately 420Hz and a maximum frequency n4 equal to approximately 2300KHz. Therefore, it is as if two distinct filters were present inside the device
  • I 7 each suitable for modifying sounds with notes belonging to one of the two different octaves which can be selected, as desired, precisely by the selection buttons 14, 16.
  • each of the two operating modes can be effected independently of the other, which further improves the operation of the device 1 in both of the operating modes.
  • a respective selection LED 17, 18 is operatively connected to each of the first and second selection buttons 14, 16, as indicated by the arrow Fl in Figure 6.
  • Each of the two selection LEDs 17, 18 is illuminated when the corresponding selection button 14, 16 has been activated, i.e. when the device 1 is operating in the corresponding operating mode, in order to indicate the current operating mode of the device 1.
  • the first and the second selection button 14, 16 are also operatively connected to a selection microcontroller 19 which receives the selection signal 19a, which is effected by means of the first and the second selection button 14, 16, respectively, and accordingly emits a command suitable for selecting one, or neither, of the two operating modes of the device 1.
  • the selection microcontroller 19 emits an operating mode management signal 19b which is supplied to the processing circuit 30 provided inside the body 2 of the device 1 and arranged to process the sound produced by the instrument.
  • the operating parameters of each of the two operating modes can be set by the user by means of regulating means 41 which are preferably provided on the body 2 of the device 1 in such a manner as to be accessible from the outside, for greater ease of use, in order to optimise, as mentioned, the operation of the device 1 in both of the operating modes provided.
  • regulating means 41 which are preferably provided on the body 2 of the device 1 in such a manner as to be accessible from the outside, for greater ease of use, in order to optimise, as mentioned, the operation of the device 1 in both of the operating modes provided.
  • four distinct regulating means 41a-41d suitable for regulating, respectively, the resonance and the volume of the first and the second operating mode are provided.
  • the regulating means 41a-41d comprise a respective screw which is rotated from the outside by the user in order to regulate the resonance and the volume of the operating modes of the device 1, as will be explained in more detail hereinafter.
  • a regulating signal 41e is generated which is dependent on the resonance and the linearity set for each of the two operating modes of the device 1 and which is supplied to the processing circuit 30, as will be explained in more detail hereinafter.
  • the control region 15 of the device 1 comprises a plate 26 which is positioned on an upper portion of the body 2 and which is configured, as mentioned, in such a manner that its upper surface 15a is positioned at almost the same level as the bearing surface 13a.
  • the plate 26 is operatively connected to the signal-transformation circuit 100 so as to modify the sound emitted by the instrument connected to the device 1.
  • the plate 26 which is produced from metal material, optionally AISI 304 steel, acts as an aerial for a control signal imparted by the musician to the device 1.
  • the plate 26 is a proximity sensor which is activated by the musician on the basis of the distance of a portion of the musician's body, " preferably his foot, from the plate 26.
  • the plate 26 is provided with a plurality of through-holes 26' which are suitably spaced over the plate 26 and preferably have an elongate shape.
  • the presence of the holes 26' improves the transmission of the control signal 23 imparted by the musician by means of the plate 26.
  • the configuration, the position and the number of the holes 26' provided in the plate 26 may be varied in accordance with particular requirements of the musician or the constructor's choice.
  • a plate composed of dielectric material 35 suitable for improving the functioning of the plate 26 as a proximity sensor is interposed between the plate 26 and the body 2 of the device 1.
  • the command imparted at the plate 26 varies between a maximum value, when the foot is placed on the plate 26, and a minimum value when the foot is at the maximum distance from the plate 26.
  • Maximum distance means the distance beyond which the foot is not capable of generating a command on the plate 26, that is to say, by moving the foot further away from the plate 26 after the maximum distance, no command is generated on the plate 26.
  • the control signal 23 emitted, and therefore the sound modification obtained from the device 1, are varied.
  • the plate 26 is operatively associated, as indicated by the arrow F2 in Figure 6, with LED devices 21, or other illumination means, which are configured in such a manner as to vary the intensity of the illumination generated on varying the distance of the musician's foot from the plate 26 and thus of the signal generated by the plate 26 and supplied to the microcontroller means 22.
  • the LED devices 21 can be configured in such a manner, for example, as to increase the intensity of illumination on reducing the distance of the foot from the plate 26, or vice versa. In both cases, an indication of the level of use and modification of the sound on the part of the device 1 is provided by means of the LED devices 21.
  • the LED devices 21 also improve the use of the device 1 because, in environments with low lighting, such as concert halls, they facilitate the identification of the device 1 on the part of the musician who has to use it.
  • the microcontroller means 20 comprise a plurality of microcontrollers 22; in the embodiment shown, four microcontrollers 22 are provided.
  • the microcontroller means 20 receive the control signal 23 coming from the plate 26, which, as mentioned, depends on the distance of the musician's foot from the plate 26, and decode that control signal 23, taking into account other operating parameters of the device 1, as will be explained in more detail hereinafter, emitting an electronic signal 27 for sound management.
  • At least one of the microcontrollers 22' is a high-impedance controller so that an input signal is generated at the microcontroller means 20 at high impedance.
  • the high-impedance microcontroller 22' has an impedance greater than 1M ⁇ , preferably from 1 to 10M ⁇ .
  • the microcontroller 22 having a high-impedance input enables a signal having a frequency of from 500KHz to 15MHz, preferably from IMHz to 10MHz, to be read.
  • the microcontroller means 20 are thus supplied with a high- impedance signal which makes it possible to obtain, at the output of the microcontroller means 20, a signal suitable for being processed by the signal-transformation circuit provided in the device 1.
  • the presence of a high-impedance signal at the input of the microcontroller means 20 therefore enables the passage of current through the device 1 to be limited or even avoided.
  • control signal 23 if a low-impedance input is used, would have to be cleaned and amplified to a greaterextent, with a further deterioration in the quality of the control signal 23.
  • the presence of the high-impedance microcontroller 22' impeding the passage of the current prevents noise from being generated in the control signal and prevents the signal from having subsequently to be amplified.
  • the presence of the high-impedance microcontroller 22' also prevents the device 1 from being affected by the presence of electrical and/or electronic instruments and its operation from being influenced thereby and therefore prevents the device 1 from having to be re-tuned every time it is used in different environmental conditions.
  • microcontroller means 20 comprise, in addition, a filter element
  • the filter element 222 suitable for filtering the signal received from the plate 26 in such a manner as to emit a filtered electronic signal 27.
  • the filter element 222 is configured in such a manner as to emit an electronic direct current voltage signal.
  • the electronic signal 27 generated by the microcontroller means 20 also depends on other operating parameters of the device 1 which may be set by the user by means of the control means 101, for example the sensitivity and/or the linearity of the plate 26.
  • control means 101 comprise a sensitivity regulator 42 which is provided on the body 2 of the device 1 and which is arranged to set the sensitivity of the plate 26, generating a consequent sensitivity signal 25 which is supplied to the microprocessor means 20.
  • the control means 101 comprise, in addition, a linearity regulator 43 which is provided on the body 2 of the device 1 and which is arranged to set the linearity of the plate 26, generating a consequent linearity signal 24 which is supplied to the microprocessor means 20.
  • the linearity is used to move the peak of the device 1 correctly in accordance with the movements of the foot with respect to the plate 26.
  • the final effect on the sound produced with the device 1 is modified, with other quantities being the same.
  • the device 1 comprises, as mentioned, the transformation circuit 100 capable of suitably transforming the signal generated by the instrument connected to the device 1, the operation of which will be explained hereinafter with particular reference to Figure 6.
  • the transformation circuit 100 comprises the microcontroller means 20, the processing circuit 30 and the selection circuit 36.
  • the microcontroller means 20 process the control signal 23, which comes from the plate 26 and which, as mentioned, is modified to form a high-impedance signal, and the sensitivity signal 25 and the linearity signal 24 of the plate 26 which come from the sensitivity regulator 42 and from the linearity regulator 43, respectively.
  • the signals 23-25 are processed by the controller means 20 which produce an electronic sound-management signal 27 which is sent to an optical module 28.
  • the optical module 28 receives the management signal 27 coming from the microcontroller means 22 and transforms it into a control signal 29 of the device 1 which is sent to the processing circuit 30.
  • the processing circuit 30 comprises a valve device provided with a valve 31 of the analogue type, preferably a thermionic valve, and a selection circuit 36 suitable for selecting the two operating modes of the device 1.
  • the processing circuit 30 is a valve device which enables the sound signal coming from the instrument connected to the device 1 by means of the input plug 10 to be modified.
  • the presence of the thermionic valve enables the performance of the device 1 to be substantially increased compared with the known filter devices.
  • the thermionic valve enables the timbre of the sound transformed by the device 1 to be improved.
  • the thermionic valve also enables the response dynamics of the filter 1 to be increased, improving them considerably compared with the known filter devices.
  • the thermionic valve can be substituted by a similar selection device.
  • control signal 29 emitted by the optical module 28 the sound signal 30a emitted by the musical instrument by means of the input plug 10
  • signals 41e for regulating the operating modes, admitted by the regulating means 41a- 41d the signal 19b for selecting the operating mode, emitted by the microcontroller 19.
  • the processing circuit 30 emits a modified sound signal 32 which is capable of suitably modifying the sound emitted by the instrument and which is output, by means of the output plug 11, into an amplifier which emits the sound modified by the device 1.
  • the response of the device 1, and therefore the sound carried to the amplifier are varied.
  • the sound effects which can therefore be generated using the device 1 are numerous and can change from time to time in the various performances of even the same musical passage.
  • the graphs of Figures 7a-7d and 8a-8d show the frequency response of the device 1 in the first operating mode ( Figures 7a-7d) and in the second operating mode ( Figures 8a-8d), respectively, on varying the settings of the device.
  • the resonance value is set at a maximum, with the foot resting on the plate 26, the response of the device 1 is represented by the curve 51' ( Figure 8b), while, with the foot at the maximum distance from the plate 26, the response of the device 1 is represented by the curve 53'.
  • the graphs of Figures 7c-7d show the variation in the frequency response of the device 1 in the first operating mode of the device 1 on varying the resonance of the device 1 which is modified by acting on the regulating means 41a, with the foot resting on the plate 26 and with the foot at the maximum distance from the plate 26, respectively.
  • the response curve of the device 1 is represented by the curve 60 and 61 in Figure 7c and Figure 7d, respectively, and by increasing the resonance, that is to say, by rotating the screw 41a to the right, the response curve of the device moves until it arrives, when the resonance is at maximum, that is to say, the screw 41a is rotated completely to the right, at the curve 62 and 63, respectively.
  • the response curve of the device 1 is represented by the curve 60', and by increasing the resonance, that is to say, by rotating the screw 41c to the right, the response curve of the device moves until it arrives at the curve 62' when the resonance is maximum, that is to say, the screw 41c is rotated completely to the right.
  • the response curve of the device 1 is represented by the curve 61', and by increasing the resonance, that is to say, by rotating the screw 41c to the right, the response curve of the device moves until it arrives at the curve 63' when the resonance is maximum, that is to say, the screw 41c is rotated completely to the right.
  • the control of the resonance of the device 1 both in the first and in the second operating mode is linear, and not in bursts, that is to say, there is a fine and precise regulation over the entire resonance interval.
  • the valve 31 of the processing circuit 30 is accommodated inside a seat 33 provided in the body 2, almost at the location of the bearing portion 13.
  • the seat 33 is delimited externally by the bearing portion 13 and by the rear surface 9 of the body 2.
  • a closure element 9a which is releasably secured to the rear surface 9 by means of screws 9b is provided at the location of the rear surface 9.
  • the seat 33, and therefore the valve 31, are immediately and readily accessible from the outside. Therefore, in order to change or substitute the valve 31, it is not necessary to dismantle the entire body 2, but merely to unscrew the two screws 9b and to approach the seat 33.
  • the device 1 comprises, in addition, a power supply plug 34 suitable for being connected to a supply voltage of 12/24 volts, both DC and AC, in order to enable the device 1 to be supplied with power and recharged.
  • the power supply plug 34 is preferably provided on the front surface 8 of the device 1.
  • the plug 34 is operatively connected to a power supply system 37, provided inside the body 2 of the device 1, which receives a direct or alternating current 12/24 V supply voltage and which produces a stabilised direct current supply voltage of 12 V for filaments of the 220 V valve 31 for the anode voltage of the valve 31, as indicated by the arrow F3 in Figure 6.
  • a power supply system 37 provided inside the body 2 of the device 1, which receives a direct or alternating current 12/24 V supply voltage and which produces a stabilised direct current supply voltage of 12 V for filaments of the 220 V valve 31 for the anode voltage of the valve 31, as indicated by the arrow F3 in Figure 6.
  • the musician connects the device 1 to the preselected musical instrument and to an amplifier by means of the input plug 10 and the output plug 11, respectively.
  • the operating parameters of the device for example linearity and/or sensitivity of the plate, by acting on the respective control means 101, for example, therefore, on the linearity regulator 43 and the sensitivity regulator 42, respectively.
  • the musician also regulates the regulating parameters of the two operating modes of the device 1 by acting on the regulating means 41.
  • the musician can also select, by means of the first or the second selection button 14, 16, the type of operating mode desired for the device 1; that selection can be readily varied even when the instrument is in use.
  • a specific desired effect is therefore generated in the sound produced by the instrument, which is transported by the device 1 to the amplifier and reproduced in the air.
  • the instrument emits a sound different from the "classical" sound produced by the instrument.
  • the musician can vary at will the sound emitted by the instrument, either by moving his foot at will or by varying the operating parameters of the device 1.
  • the effect generated by the device 1 on the sound produced by the instrument varies either as a result of moving the foot with respect to the plate, or by varying the linearity and/or sensitivity of the plate 26, or also by varying the regulating parameters of the operating modes.
  • the operating mode can be changed even during a performance.
  • the device 1 can also be positioned in the by-pass mode, avoiding any effect on the sound generated by the instrument, which is reproduced by the amplifier as generated by the instrument.
  • buttons 14, 16 on the selection region 12 enable the operating mode of the device 1 to be varied even during use. For those buttons 14, 16 can be pressed with the front portion of the foot, thus varying the operating mode of the device
  • the various effects which the musician can generate as he plays the instrument are thus substantially increased by the device of the invention.
  • the device to which the invention relates has been described with particular reference to use with electric guitars, it can be used to modify the sound of other electrical musical instruments, for example keyboards, clavinets, trumpets, brass instruments, especially for use in jazz music, DJ decks, electric violins, etc.

Abstract

A filter device (1) for electrical musical instruments, which device is suitable for being operatively interposed between a musical instrument and an amplifier of that instrument by means of respective connecting means (10, 11) provided on a box-shaped body (2) of the device, in order to modify a sound generated by the instrument, comprises a box-shaped body (2) on which is defined a control portion (15, 15a, 26) provided with a proximity sensor (26) which can be operated by a user of the device to generate a command (23) to modify the sound generated by the instrument, and a circuit (100) for transforming the signal in order to modify the sound and emit to the amplifier a modified sound signal (32), the proximity sensor (26) being operatively connected to the transformation circuit (100) in such a manner that the command (23) constitutes an input into the transformation circuit (100), the box-shaped body (2) comprising, in addition, a bearing portion (13, 13a) suitable for receiving a portion of the body of the user, wherein the bearing portion (13, 13a) and the control portion (15, 15a, 26) are configured in such a manner that respective external surfaces (13a, 15a) suitable for being turned towards a user are almost coplanar with each other.

Description

FILTER DEVICE FOR ELECTRICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Description Technical field
The present invention relates to an improved filter device for electrical musical instruments which has the features listed in the preamble of the main claim. Technological background
Filters for electrical musical instruments are known which are referred to in the jargon as wahs, or wah-wahs, and which enable the sound produced by the instrument to which they are connected to be modified, obtaining particular desired acoustic effects.
Wahs permit the cutting and gradual reinsertion of the high frequencies of the sound emitted by the instrument to which they are connected, modifying that sound by a gradual change of tone between high and low.
Thus, acoustic effects which may be likened to caterwauling or wailing are generated in the final sound emitted.
The wahs normally used have a pedal, that is to say, they are operated by the thrust of the foot on a suitable movable platform which is operatively connected to a potentiometer provided inside the wah.
By varying the thrust exerted and by varying the region in which that thrust is exerted, the toe or heel of the foot, a defined signal is imparted to the potentiometer and the tone is varied between high and low, and this consequently varies the effect generated by the instrument. The use of pedal-type wahs, above all for long periods, is especially uncomfortable for musicians owing to the prolonged and high force to which the ankle is subjected.
In addition, the presence of mechanical parts renders those wahs imprecise in the modification of the sound of the instrument, and the precision of the effect produced decreases substantially after prolonged use owing to the tiredness of the musician.
US 4,438,674 discloses an expression pedal comprising a box- shaped body inside which a proximity sensor which can be operated by the musician is provided. The proximity sensor is connected by way of an incandescent lamp to a sound-modifying circuit.
The pedal described in US 4,438,674 has some disadvantages.
The proximity sensor has to be shielded electrically, it being necessary to avoid any direct contact between the musician and the proximity sensor.
Furthermore, the pedal is affected by the presence of objects in the surrounding environment, the sound emitted being influenced by the presence and by the material of those objects.
Therefore, the pedal in US 4,438,674 has to be tuned for each fresh use and for each change in the environment of use.
Moreover, that pedal has considerable inertia, that is to say, there is some delay between (the input of the sound from the musical instrument and the output of the modified sound. That impairs the musician's performance and the musical effect produced. Digital wahs have therefore been proposed which apply a predetermined effect to each sound produced by the instrument and which do not require a command on the part of the musician.
Nevertheless, those wahs involve the loss of the effect of personalisation of the sound which can, however, be obtained with traditional wahs with which, at the entire discretion of the user, it is potentially possible to obtain a different effect at each performance of the same passage of music.
Therefore, those wahs are used above all by novice musicians but not by expert musicians who prefer to personalise the sound produced from time to time by their instrument.
Wahs operated by a proximity sensor which detects the position of the foot and, consequently, operates a filter provided inside the wah have also recently been proposed.
In those wahs, the mechanical elements provided in pedal-type wahs are eliminated.
However, the use of those wahs still has drawbacks which are particularly evident during prolonged use, for example during live performances.
For those wahs are uncomfortable to use and, therefore, after prolonged use and owing to tiredness, there is a deterioration in the sound emitted and a loss of precision.
In addition, those wahs are optimised in the first octave, or lower octave, being in contrast inefficient in the upper octave, or second octave.
In other words, such wahs permit efficient modification of a sound produced purely in the lower octave, identified by the first eleven frets of the fingerboard of the electric guitar, that is to say, the frets facing the neck of the guitar for which they are optimised.
Therefore, the sound produced by a note performed in the second octave, or upper octave, identified by the frets facing the body of the guitar, is not modified to an appreciable extent by those wahs. Description of the invention
An object of the invention is to provide a filter device for electrical musical instruments which has a high degree of comfort in use.
A further object is to provide a filter device for electrical musical instruments which has a high degree of precision and which can be utilised in more than one mode of use, maintaining a substantial modification of the sound.
Another object is to provide a filter device for electrical musical instruments which can be used in both of the octave ranges of the sound produced with an electrical instrument.
Another object is to provide a filter device for electrical musical instruments which can be readily used with the usual electrical supply networks.
Yet another object is to provide a filter device for electrical musical instruments which does not require repeated tuning operations and which is not subject to de-tuning when the external conditions of the place of use vary.
A further object is to provide a filter device for electrical musical instruments, the operation of which is not influenced by electrical apparatuses and/or objects present in the environment of use and which does not require shielding or any special protection.
Yet another object is to provide a filter device for electrical musical instruments which has a low degree of delay in the transformation of the sound. Those objects are achieved by the present invention by means of a filter device for musical instruments which is produced in accordance with the claims which follow. Brief description of the drawings
The features and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings in which:
- Figure 1 is a top view of a filter device for electrical musical instruments according to the invention; - Figure 2 is a front view of the filter device of Figure 1;
- Figure 3 is a lateral view of the filter device of Figure 1;
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of the filter device of Figure 1, in the assembled configuration;
- Figure 5 is an exploded view of the filter device of Figure 4, - Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of a signal- transformation circuit of the filter device according to the invention;
- Figures 7a-7b are diagrams which illustrate the operation of a filter device according to the invention on varying the distance of the foot from a proximity sensor, at the maximum and minimum resonance value, respectively, in a first operating mode of the device; Figures 7c-7d are diagrams which illustrate the operation of a filter device according to the invention on varying the resonance at the maximum and minimum value, respectively, of the distance of the foot from the proximity sensor, in a first operating mode of the device; - Figures 8a-8d are diagrams like those of Figures 7a-7d, respectively, but relating to a second operating mode of the filter device according to the invention. Preferred embodiment of the invention
With reference to the appended Figures 1-6, a filter device 1 for electrical musical instruments which is produced according to the invention is shown.
The filter device 1 is suitable for being connected to an electrical musical instrument in order to be operated by a musician in order to create particular effects in the sound produced by the instrument.
The filter device 1 is particularly suitable for being operated by a foot of the musician, but it could be operated in any other desired manner.
The filter device 1 comprises a body 2 on which are provided control means 101, described in more detail hereinafter, which can be operated by a user of the device in order to generate a command to modify the sound generated by the instrument, and a signal-transformation circuit 100 suitable for modifying the sound of the instrument and for emitting a modified sound to the amplifier.
The control means 101 are operatively connected to the transformation circuit 100 in such a manner that the command generated by the control means 101 constitutes an input into the transformation circuit 100.
The device 1 also comprises feet 3, or other bearing means, associated with the body 2 and arranged to support the device 1 on a desired bearing plane, for example, the ground or the floor of a stage.
The body 2 is preferably produced from metal and is in the shape of a parallelepiped, in which it is possible to identify an upper surface 4 suitable for being turned, in use, towards the user of the device 1, an opposite lower surface 5 with which the feet 3 are associated, two opposite lateral surfaces 6, 7, a front surface 8 and an opposite rear surface 9.
The device 1 also comprises an input plug 10 by means of which the device 1 is connected, in use, by means of suitable connectors, to a musical instrument, for example an electric guitar whose sound it is desired to modify, creating desired effects in the above-mentioned sound produced. The connectors and the musical instrument are not shown in the Figures.
The device 1 also comprises an output plug 11 by means of which the device 1 is connected, in use, by means of suitable connectors, to an amplifier in order to amplify the modified sound produced by means of the device 1. The connectors and the amplifier are not shown in the Figures.
The input plug 10 and the output plug 11 are preferably positioned on the opposite lateral surfaces 6, 7, respectively, of the body 2 of the device 1.
The control means 101 comprise a selection portion 12 suitable for selecting the particular operating mode of the device 1, as will be explained in more detail hereinafter, and a control portion 15 by means of which the musician imparts control signals to the transformation circuit 100 of the device 1 in the manner described in more detail hereinafter.
The selection portion 12 and the control portion 15 are defined on the body 2, and in particular on the upper surface 4 thereof.
Also identified on the body 2 is a bearing portion 13 which is likewise preferably produced from metal material and which is suitable for receiving, in use, a heel portion of the musician's foot during the use of the device 1. Thus, the musician rests the heel portion of his foot on the bearing portion 13, moving his foot in such a manner that it can interact with the control portion 15 and/or with the selection portion 12, as will be explained in more detail hereinafter.
In the embodiment shown, the control portion 15 is interposed between the selection portion 12 and the bearing portion 13, the latter being preferably contiguous with the control portion 15.
In particular, the bearing portion 13 is provided on the side where the rear surface 9 of the body 2 is located, while, in contrast, the selection portion 12 is provided on the side where the front surface 8 of the body 2 is located.
As can be seen in particular from Figures 3 and 4, the control portion
15 and the bearing portion 13 of the device 1 are configured in such a manner that their respective upper surfaces 15a, 13a, that is to say, those which, in use, face the user, are positioned at almost the same level, that is to say, they are almost coplanar. That improves the comfort of use of the device 1 enormously, increasing it greatly compared with conventional known wahs.
For that configuration minimises the stress exerted on the joints of the musician's foot, in particular on the ankle, if the device is operated with the foot, as is usually the case.
That greatly reduces the fatigue connected with the use of the device according to the invention compared with the known filter devices for musical instruments.
The selection portion 12 comprises a first and a second selection button 14, 16 which are operatively connected to a selection circuit 30 provided inside the body 2 in order to generate a command to select a first and a second operating mode, respectively, of the device 1.
The first and the second operating mode of the device 1 relate to the lower octave and the upper octave, respectively, of the notes generated by the instrument to which the device 1 is connected.
When, for example, the first operating mode is selected, the device
1 is capable of modifying the notes emitted in one of the two octaves, for example in the lower octave, while, when the second operating mode is selected, the device 1 is capable of modifying the notes emitted in the other octave, for example, in the upper octave.
That makes it possible to use the device 1 to modify notes belonging both to the first and to the second octave of the electric guitar.
The first and the second selection buttons 14, 16 are movable between an inserted position, not shown in the Figures, in which the selection buttons 14, 16 are partially inserted into a respective seat 14a,
16a inside the body 2, and an extracted position, shown in Figures 2 - 4, in which the selection buttons 14, 16 come out of the respective seat 14a,
16a. In the inserted position, an edge portion 14b, 16b of each selection button 14, 16 is in abutment with a respective engagement element 14c,
16c provided on the upper surface 4 of the body 2.
By bringing the first selection button 14 and the second selection button 16, respectively, into the respective inserted position, a command for the selection of the operating mode is generated, which command is suitable for activating/deactivating, as desired, the operating mode of the device 1 corresponding to the selection button 14, 16 which has been moved.
After having imparted the above-mentioned command for the selection of the operating mode, the selection button 14, 16 returns automatically to the extracted position.
The first and the second selection button 14, 16 deactivate each other, that is to say, by activating one operating mode, the other, previously active, mode is automatically deactivated. Thus, the device 1 can operate in either the first or the second operating mode, as desired, that is to say, it can be efficient in modifying a sound belonging either to the first or to the second octave.
It is also possible, expediently by moving the first and/or the second selection button 14, 16, to deactivate both of the operating modes of the device 1, that is to say, to deactivate the device 1. In that configuration, the device 1 does not exert any modification on the sound produced by the instrument to which the device 1 is connected.
Therefore, the sound emitted by the instrument leaves the device 1 and arrives at the amplifier to which the device 1 is connected in the state in which it was generated by the instrument, without having been subjected to any influence on the part of the device 1.
The configuration of the device 1 according to the invention permits the production, in the above-mentioned deactivation configuration, of a mechanical contact between the input plug 10 and the output plug 11 which isolates the signal-transformation circuit 100 provided inside the body 2 of the device and arranged to process the sound during its passage through the device 1.
Thus, the sound emitted by the instrument is transported purely from the instrument to the amplifier through the device 1 without undergoing any loss of signal.
The device 1 in that case acts purely as a by-pass for the sound between the instrument and the amplifier.
By varying the operating modes of the device 1, by means of the selection buttons 14, 16, the octave on which the device 1 acts is varied, as stated, and the operating parameters of the device 1, and thus the sound modification obtained with the device 1, are varied.
As can be seen by comparing the graphs shown in Figures 7a-7d and
8a-8d, respectively, in the two operating modes there is a variation in the interval of the minimum and maximum frequencies of the sound produced by the instrument between which the device 1 operates, that is to say, the resonance frequency of the device and, consequently, the frequency of the sound emitted by the device 1.
The graphs of Figures 7a-7d and 8a-8d are semi-logarithms; the frequency in Hz is entered on the axis of the abscissae, while the gain expressed in dB, that is to say, y=10*Log10(Vout/Vjn), is entered on the axis of the ordinates.
In the first operating mode, Figures 7a-7d, the device 1 operates in the first octave, that is to say, between a minimum frequency nl equal to approximately 270Hz and a maximum frequency n2 equal to approximately 1600Hz.
In the second operating mode, Figures 8a-8d, the device 1 operates in the second octave, that is to say, between a minimum frequency n3 equal to approximately 420Hz and a maximum frequency n4 equal to approximately 2300KHz. Therefore, it is as if two distinct filters were present inside the device
I7 each suitable for modifying sounds with notes belonging to one of the two different octaves which can be selected, as desired, precisely by the selection buttons 14, 16.
That makes it possible to optimise the operation of the device 1 in the two distinct operating modes and therefore to obtain an efficient modification of the notes emitted by the instrument both in the first and in the second octave.
The optimisation of each of the two operating modes can be effected independently of the other, which further improves the operation of the device 1 in both of the operating modes. A respective selection LED 17, 18 is operatively connected to each of the first and second selection buttons 14, 16, as indicated by the arrow Fl in Figure 6. Each of the two selection LEDs 17, 18 is illuminated when the corresponding selection button 14, 16 has been activated, i.e. when the device 1 is operating in the corresponding operating mode, in order to indicate the current operating mode of the device 1.
If neither of the operating modes is activated, that is to say, when the device 1 is acting as a by-pass for the sound of the instrument, both of the LEDs 17, 18 are off. The first and the second selection button 14, 16 are also operatively connected to a selection microcontroller 19 which receives the selection signal 19a, which is effected by means of the first and the second selection button 14, 16, respectively, and accordingly emits a command suitable for selecting one, or neither, of the two operating modes of the device 1. On the basis of the operating mode set for the device 1 by means of the first or the second selection button 14, 16, the selection microcontroller 19 emits an operating mode management signal 19b which is supplied to the processing circuit 30 provided inside the body 2 of the device 1 and arranged to process the sound produced by the instrument. The operating parameters of each of the two operating modes can be set by the user by means of regulating means 41 which are preferably provided on the body 2 of the device 1 in such a manner as to be accessible from the outside, for greater ease of use, in order to optimise, as mentioned, the operation of the device 1 in both of the operating modes provided. In the embodiment shown, four distinct regulating means 41a-41d suitable for regulating, respectively, the resonance and the volume of the first and the second operating mode are provided.
The regulating means 41a-41d comprise a respective screw which is rotated from the outside by the user in order to regulate the resonance and the volume of the operating modes of the device 1, as will be explained in more detail hereinafter.
It is thus possible to regulate separately the resonance and the input for both of the operating modes of the device 1. As mentioned, that makes it possible to optimise the operation of the device 1 in both of the operating modes, that is to say, for a sound belonging either to the first or to the second octave.
By acting on the regulating means 41a-41d, a regulating signal 41e is generated which is dependent on the resonance and the linearity set for each of the two operating modes of the device 1 and which is supplied to the processing circuit 30, as will be explained in more detail hereinafter.
The control region 15 of the device 1 comprises a plate 26 which is positioned on an upper portion of the body 2 and which is configured, as mentioned, in such a manner that its upper surface 15a is positioned at almost the same level as the bearing surface 13a.
The plate 26 is operatively connected to the signal-transformation circuit 100 so as to modify the sound emitted by the instrument connected to the device 1.
The plate 26, which is produced from metal material, optionally AISI 304 steel, acts as an aerial for a control signal imparted by the musician to the device 1. The plate 26 is a proximity sensor which is activated by the musician on the basis of the distance of a portion of the musician's body, " preferably his foot, from the plate 26.
In the embodiment shown, the plate 26 is provided with a plurality of through-holes 26' which are suitably spaced over the plate 26 and preferably have an elongate shape.
The presence of the holes 26' improves the transmission of the control signal 23 imparted by the musician by means of the plate 26.
The configuration, the position and the number of the holes 26' provided in the plate 26 may be varied in accordance with particular requirements of the musician or the constructor's choice.
In the embodiment shown, a plate composed of dielectric material 35 suitable for improving the functioning of the plate 26 as a proximity sensor is interposed between the plate 26 and the body 2 of the device 1. By varying the distance of the musician's foot from the plate 26, there is generated a different control signal 23 produced by the plate 26 and imparted to microcontroller means 20 of the transformation circuit 100 which are provided inside the body 2 and to which the plate 26 is operatively connected. Other operating conditions of the device 1 being the same, the command imparted at the plate 26 varies between a maximum value, when the foot is placed on the plate 26, and a minimum value when the foot is at the maximum distance from the plate 26. "Maximum distance" means the distance beyond which the foot is not capable of generating a command on the plate 26, that is to say, by moving the foot further away from the plate 26 after the maximum distance, no command is generated on the plate 26.
By varying the distance of the foot from the plate 26, the control signal 23 emitted, and therefore the sound modification obtained from the device 1, are varied.
The plate 26 is operatively associated, as indicated by the arrow F2 in Figure 6, with LED devices 21, or other illumination means, which are configured in such a manner as to vary the intensity of the illumination generated on varying the distance of the musician's foot from the plate 26 and thus of the signal generated by the plate 26 and supplied to the microcontroller means 22.
The LED devices 21 can be configured in such a manner, for example, as to increase the intensity of illumination on reducing the distance of the foot from the plate 26, or vice versa. In both cases, an indication of the level of use and modification of the sound on the part of the device 1 is provided by means of the LED devices 21.
The LED devices 21 also improve the use of the device 1 because, in environments with low lighting, such as concert halls, they facilitate the identification of the device 1 on the part of the musician who has to use it.
That also improves the positioning of the foot with respect to the plate 26 and, therefore, the precision of operation of the device 1 on the part of the musician.
The microcontroller means 20 comprise a plurality of microcontrollers 22; in the embodiment shown, four microcontrollers 22 are provided.
The microcontroller means 20 receive the control signal 23 coming from the plate 26, which, as mentioned, depends on the distance of the musician's foot from the plate 26, and decode that control signal 23, taking into account other operating parameters of the device 1, as will be explained in more detail hereinafter, emitting an electronic signal 27 for sound management.
At least one of the microcontrollers 22' is a high-impedance controller so that an input signal is generated at the microcontroller means 20 at high impedance.
Preferably, the high-impedance microcontroller 22' has an impedance greater than 1MΩ, preferably from 1 to 10MΩ.
The microcontroller 22 having a high-impedance input enables a signal having a frequency of from 500KHz to 15MHz, preferably from IMHz to 10MHz, to be read.
The microcontroller means 20 are thus supplied with a high- impedance signal which makes it possible to obtain, at the output of the microcontroller means 20, a signal suitable for being processed by the signal-transformation circuit provided in the device 1. The presence of a high-impedance signal at the input of the microcontroller means 20 therefore enables the passage of current through the device 1 to be limited or even avoided.
The passage of current would soil the control signal 23 by introducing troublesome components which would be impossible to control, rendering the reading of the position of the foot imprecise, that is to say, the reading of the control signal 23 generated on the plate 26.
Therefore, the control signal 23, if a low-impedance input is used, would have to be cleaned and amplified to a greaterextent, with a further deterioration in the quality of the control signal 23. However, the presence of the high-impedance microcontroller 22' impeding the passage of the current prevents noise from being generated in the control signal and prevents the signal from having subsequently to be amplified.
The presence of the high-impedance microcontroller 22' also prevents the device 1 from being affected by the presence of electrical and/or electronic instruments and its operation from being influenced thereby and therefore prevents the device 1 from having to be re-tuned every time it is used in different environmental conditions.
That also means that the use of the device 1 is very simple, rendering the device 1 particularly reliable.
In an alternative version, it is possible to provide signal- transformation means which are interposed between the plate 26 and the microcontroller means 20 and which are configured in such a manner as to provide the microcontroller means 20 with a high-impedance signal. The microcontroller means 20 comprise, in addition, a filter element
222 suitable for filtering the signal received from the plate 26 in such a manner as to emit a filtered electronic signal 27. The filter element 222 is configured in such a manner as to emit an electronic direct current voltage signal. The electronic signal 27 generated by the microcontroller means 20 also depends on other operating parameters of the device 1 which may be set by the user by means of the control means 101, for example the sensitivity and/or the linearity of the plate 26.
To that end, the control means 101 comprise a sensitivity regulator 42 which is provided on the body 2 of the device 1 and which is arranged to set the sensitivity of the plate 26, generating a consequent sensitivity signal 25 which is supplied to the microprocessor means 20.
The control means 101 comprise, in addition, a linearity regulator 43 which is provided on the body 2 of the device 1 and which is arranged to set the linearity of the plate 26, generating a consequent linearity signal 24 which is supplied to the microprocessor means 20.
The linearity is used to move the peak of the device 1 correctly in accordance with the movements of the foot with respect to the plate 26.
By varying the sensitivity and the linearity of the device 1, the final effect on the sound produced with the device 1 is modified, with other quantities being the same.
Therefore, the following are processed at the microcontroller means 20, as shown in Figure 6: the control signal 23 coming from the plate 26, the sensitivity signal 25 and the linearity signal 24 of the plate 26. Inside the box-shaped body 2, the device 1 comprises, as mentioned, the transformation circuit 100 capable of suitably transforming the signal generated by the instrument connected to the device 1, the operation of which will be explained hereinafter with particular reference to Figure 6. The transformation circuit 100 comprises the microcontroller means 20, the processing circuit 30 and the selection circuit 36.
The microcontroller means 20 process the control signal 23, which comes from the plate 26 and which, as mentioned, is modified to form a high-impedance signal, and the sensitivity signal 25 and the linearity signal 24 of the plate 26 which come from the sensitivity regulator 42 and from the linearity regulator 43, respectively.
The signals 23-25 are processed by the controller means 20 which produce an electronic sound-management signal 27 which is sent to an optical module 28. The optical module 28 receives the management signal 27 coming from the microcontroller means 22 and transforms it into a control signal 29 of the device 1 which is sent to the processing circuit 30.
The processing circuit 30 comprises a valve device provided with a valve 31 of the analogue type, preferably a thermionic valve, and a selection circuit 36 suitable for selecting the two operating modes of the device 1.
The processing circuit 30 is a valve device which enables the sound signal coming from the instrument connected to the device 1 by means of the input plug 10 to be modified. The presence of the thermionic valve enables the performance of the device 1 to be substantially increased compared with the known filter devices.
The thermionic valve enables the timbre of the sound transformed by the device 1 to be improved. The thermionic valve also enables the response dynamics of the filter 1 to be increased, improving them considerably compared with the known filter devices.
In a version of the device not shown, the thermionic valve can be substituted by a similar selection device.
In another version of the device, likewise not shown in the Figures, it is possible not to provide a selection device inside the device 1.
The following are supplied to the processing circuit 30: the control signal 29 emitted by the optical module 28, the sound signal 30a emitted by the musical instrument by means of the input plug 10, signals 41e for regulating the operating modes, admitted by the regulating means 41a- 41d, and the signal 19b for selecting the operating mode, emitted by the microcontroller 19.
On the basis of the above-mentioned input signals 29, 30a, 41e, 19b, the processing circuit 30 emits a modified sound signal 32 which is capable of suitably modifying the sound emitted by the instrument and which is output, by means of the output plug 11, into an amplifier which emits the sound modified by the device 1.
It can be seen that the signals 29, 30a, 41e 19b input into the processing circuit 30 are variable independently of each other.
By varying one or more of the above-mentioned signals, the response of the device 1, and therefore the sound carried to the amplifier, are varied.
The sound effects which can therefore be generated using the device 1 are numerous and can change from time to time in the various performances of even the same musical passage.
The graphs of Figures 7a-7d and 8a-8d show the frequency response of the device 1 in the first operating mode (Figures 7a-7d) and in the second operating mode (Figures 8a-8d), respectively, on varying the settings of the device.
The above-mentioned graphs are semi-logarithmic; the frequency in Hz is entered on the axis of the abscissae, while the gain expressed in dB, that is to say, y=10*Logio(VoUt/Vjn), is entered on the axis of the ordinates. With particular reference to Figures 7a-7b, the variation in the response of the device 1 on varying the distance of the musician's foot from the plate 26 is shown, with the resonance value, set by means of the screw 41a, at a minimum (Figure 7a) and at a maximum (Figure 7b), respectively.
When the foot is resting on the plate 26, the response of the device 1 is represented by the curve 50 (Figure 7a) and 51 (Figure 7b).
By moving the foot away from the plate 26, the curve representing the response of the device 1 varies, and when the foot is at the maximum distance from the plate 26, beyond which the foot does not generate a control signal on the plate 26, the response of the device 1 is instead represented by the curve 52 (Figure 7a) and 53 (Figure 7b).
Similarly, in relation to the second operating mode, when the resonance value set by means of the screw 41c is at a minimum, with the foot resting on the plate 26, the response of the device 1 is represented by the curve 50' (Figure 8a), while, with the foot at the maximum distance from the plate 26, the response of the device 1 is represented by the curve 52'.
When, on the other hand, the resonance value is set at a maximum, with the foot resting on the plate 26, the response of the device 1 is represented by the curve 51' (Figure 8b), while, with the foot at the maximum distance from the plate 26, the response of the device 1 is represented by the curve 53'.
The graphs of Figures 7c-7d show the variation in the frequency response of the device 1 in the first operating mode of the device 1 on varying the resonance of the device 1 which is modified by acting on the regulating means 41a, with the foot resting on the plate 26 and with the foot at the maximum distance from the plate 26, respectively.
When the resonance is set at a minimum, for example the screw 41a is rotated completely to the left, the response curve of the device 1 is represented by the curve 60 and 61 in Figure 7c and Figure 7d, respectively, and by increasing the resonance, that is to say, by rotating the screw 41a to the right, the response curve of the device moves until it arrives, when the resonance is at maximum, that is to say, the screw 41a is rotated completely to the right, at the curve 62 and 63, respectively.
Similarly, in the second operating mode of the device 1, by varying the resonance of the device 1 and keeping the foot on the plate 26, the response curves of Figure 8c are obtained, while, by keeping the foot at the maximum distance from the plate and varying the resonance of the device 1, the response curves of Figure 8d are obtained.
By keeping the foot on the plate 26, when the screw 41c is rotated completely to the left, that is to say, the resonance is set at a minimum, the response curve of the device 1 is represented by the curve 60', and by increasing the resonance, that is to say, by rotating the screw 41c to the right, the response curve of the device moves until it arrives at the curve 62' when the resonance is maximum, that is to say, the screw 41c is rotated completely to the right.
By keeping the foot at the maximum distance from the plate 26, beyond which the foot does not generate a control signal on the plate 26, with the resonance set at a minimum, the response curve of the device 1 is represented by the curve 61', and by increasing the resonance, that is to say, by rotating the screw 41c to the right, the response curve of the device moves until it arrives at the curve 63' when the resonance is maximum, that is to say, the screw 41c is rotated completely to the right.
The control of the resonance of the device 1 both in the first and in the second operating mode is linear, and not in bursts, that is to say, there is a fine and precise regulation over the entire resonance interval.
The valve 31 of the processing circuit 30 is accommodated inside a seat 33 provided in the body 2, almost at the location of the bearing portion 13.
The seat 33 is delimited externally by the bearing portion 13 and by the rear surface 9 of the body 2.
A closure element 9a which is releasably secured to the rear surface 9 by means of screws 9b is provided at the location of the rear surface 9.
Thus, the seat 33, and therefore the valve 31, are immediately and readily accessible from the outside. Therefore, in order to change or substitute the valve 31, it is not necessary to dismantle the entire body 2, but merely to unscrew the two screws 9b and to approach the seat 33.
The device 1 comprises, in addition, a power supply plug 34 suitable for being connected to a supply voltage of 12/24 volts, both DC and AC, in order to enable the device 1 to be supplied with power and recharged. The power supply plug 34 is preferably provided on the front surface 8 of the device 1.
That enables the device 1 to be used with a normal power supply for low-consumption apparatuses, such as those widely used commercially. The plug 34 is operatively connected to a power supply system 37, provided inside the body 2 of the device 1, which receives a direct or alternating current 12/24 V supply voltage and which produces a stabilised direct current supply voltage of 12 V for filaments of the 220 V valve 31 for the anode voltage of the valve 31, as indicated by the arrow F3 in Figure 6. In operation, the musician connects the device 1 to the preselected musical instrument and to an amplifier by means of the input plug 10 and the output plug 11, respectively.
Subsequently, he sets the operating parameters of the device 1, for example linearity and/or sensitivity of the plate, by acting on the respective control means 101, for example, therefore, on the linearity regulator 43 and the sensitivity regulator 42, respectively.
The musician also regulates the regulating parameters of the two operating modes of the device 1 by acting on the regulating means 41.
The musician can also select, by means of the first or the second selection button 14, 16, the type of operating mode desired for the device 1; that selection can be readily varied even when the instrument is in use.
Subsequently, by playing the instrument connected to the device 1 and moving his foot appropriately in the vicinity of the plate 26, a command is generated to the transformation circuit, which command is suitably processed, as seen above, and enables the sound generated by the instrument to be transformed, with the device 1.
A specific desired effect is therefore generated in the sound produced by the instrument, which is transported by the device 1 to the amplifier and reproduced in the air. Thus, the instrument emits a sound different from the "classical" sound produced by the instrument. Furthermore, the musician can vary at will the sound emitted by the instrument, either by moving his foot at will or by varying the operating parameters of the device 1.
As mentioned, the effect generated by the device 1 on the sound produced by the instrument varies either as a result of moving the foot with respect to the plate, or by varying the linearity and/or sensitivity of the plate 26, or also by varying the regulating parameters of the operating modes.
In addition, the operating mode can be changed even during a performance.
Furthermore, the device 1 can also be positioned in the by-pass mode, avoiding any effect on the sound generated by the instrument, which is reproduced by the amplifier as generated by the instrument.
The possibilities of personalising the use of an instrument and/or the performance of a passage of music are therefore manifold. In order to operate the device 1, that is to say, in order to interact with the plate 26, the musician rests the rear portion of his foot, the heel, on the bearing portion 13 and moves the front portion of the foot, the toe, with respect to the plate 26 in such a manner as to generate a specific command to the device 1.
By resting his heel on the upper surface 13a of the bearing portion 13, this being almost at the same level as the plate 26, the fatigue generated on the musician's joints as a result of using the device 1 is especially reduced. Therefore, a high degree of precision of movement of the foot and, consequently, a high degree of sensitivity of control of the device 1 and modification of the sound are maintained.
Moreover, the presence and the position of the selection buttons 14,
16 on the selection region 12 enable the operating mode of the device 1 to be varied even during use. For those buttons 14, 16 can be pressed with the front portion of the foot, thus varying the operating mode of the device
1 and/or deactivating it.
The various effects which the musician can generate as he plays the instrument are thus substantially increased by the device of the invention. Although the device to which the invention relates has been described with particular reference to use with electric guitars, it can be used to modify the sound of other electrical musical instruments, for example keyboards, clavinets, trumpets, brass instruments, especially for use in jazz music, DJ decks, electric violins, etc.

Claims

1. Filter device (1) for electrical musical instruments, which device is suitable for being operatively interposed between a musical instrument and an amplifier of that instrument by means of respective connecting means (10, 11) provided on a box-shaped body (2) of the device, in order to modify a sound generated by said instrument, comprising a box-shaped body (2) on which is defined a control portion (15, 15a, 26) provided with a proximity sensor (26) which can be operated by a user of said device to generate a command (23) to modify the sound generated by said instrument, and a circuit (100) for transforming the signal in order to modify said sound and emit to said amplifier a modified sound signal (32), said proximity sensor (26) being operatively connected to said transformation circuit (100) in such a manner that said command (23) constitutes an input into said transformation circuit (100), said box-shaped body (2) comprising, in addition, a bearing portion (13, 13a) suitable for receiving a portion of the body of the user, wherein said bearing portion (13, 13a) and said control portion (15, 15a, 26) are configured in such a manner that respective external surfaces (13a, 15a) suitable for being turned towards a user are almost coplanar with each other, characterised in that it comprises, in addition, an amplification device (22'; 22") positioned downstream of said proximity sensor (26) and arranged to amplify said signal generated by said proximity sensor (26) in order to supply to said transformation circuit (100) a high-impedance input signal.
2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said amplification device (22') is configured in such a manner as to read a signal having a frequency of from 500KHz to 15MHz, preferably from IMHz to 10MHz.
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said transformation circuit (100) further comprises a filter element (22") for filtering said high- impedance signal in order to emit a direct current signal.
4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said control portion (15) comprises a plate (26) which is provided with a plurality of through-holes (26') which are suitably spaced over the surface of the plate (26) and preferably have an elongate shape.
5. Device according to the preceding claim, and further comprising selection means (14, 16) provided on the box-shaped body (2) and operatively connected to a selection circuit (30) for selecting an operating mode of said device, wherein said device is capable of modifying a sound produced by the instrument and belonging to a desired frequency interval.
6. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein said selection means (14, 16) are configured in such a manner as to produce a contact between an input plug (10) and an output plug (11) for said sound in order to isolate the transformation circuit (100) in order to bypass the device so as not to modify said sound emitted.
7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said transformation circuit (100) comprises a processing circuit (30) for modifying the sound on the basis of commands input into the said circuit, which circuit (30) is provided with thermionic valve means (31) for processing the sound.
8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising regulating means (101) for regulating the operating parameters of the device.
9. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the regulating means comprise means for regulating the resonance of the device, means for regulating the linearity (41) of said sensor (26), and means for regulating the sensitivity (41) of said sensor (26), in order to regulate the sound emitted by the device.
10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising a plug (34) for connecting the device to an electrical supply network, which plug (34) is configured in such a manner as to be able to be connected to both an AC and a DC 12/24 volt network.
11. Device according to the preceding claim, and further comprising a power supply circuit (37) provided inside said box-shaped body (2), interposed between said plug (34) and said processing circuit (30), and arranged to stabilize the supply voltage in a manner suitable for the valve (31).
12. Musical instrument comprising a filter device according to any one of the preceding claims.
13. Instrument according to the preceding claim, wherein the instrument is selected from a group comprising electric guitars, keyboards, clavinets, trumpets, brass instruments, in particular for use in jazz music, DJ decks, electric violins, etc.
PCT/IB2010/050195 2009-01-15 2010-01-15 Filter device for electrical musical instruments WO2010082178A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT000009A ITPD20090009A1 (en) 2009-01-15 2009-01-15 FILTER DEVICE FOR ELECTRICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
ITPD2009A000009 2009-01-15

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WO2010082178A2 true WO2010082178A2 (en) 2010-07-22
WO2010082178A3 WO2010082178A3 (en) 2010-09-23

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WO (1) WO2010082178A2 (en)

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4438674A (en) 1980-04-11 1984-03-27 Lawson Richard J A Musical expression pedal

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1981002957A1 (en) * 1980-04-11 1981-10-15 R Lawson Audio echo circuits

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4438674A (en) 1980-04-11 1984-03-27 Lawson Richard J A Musical expression pedal

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WO2010082178A3 (en) 2010-09-23

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