DE3442372A1 - Multi-channel sound control system - Google Patents

Abstract

Through the use of channel processors and a central computer, a sound control system can be controlled according to the invention based on the >>distributed intelligence<< principle, conventional manual operation, in particular also in the event of a data-processing failure, as well as a partially or fully automatic adjustment of the sound control system being enabled according to requirements. In this way, in particular in systems of a substantial size, the sound recordist is relieved of physical adjustment work so that he can concentrate to an even greater extent than before on the artistic work. Furthermore, expensive mechanical components such as adjusters for the microphone amplifiers are not required and the relevant components (microphone amplifiers) of each sound channel can be accommodated in a place which is no longer necessarily below the mixing desk surface. Greater freedom for the design of the mixing desk is thus provided.

Description

DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to a multi-channel sound control system according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a sound control system is in the German patent application P 34 11 302.9 not previously published.

The sound control system proposed in P 34 11 302.9 is one a certain number of e.g. four audio channels each a channel processor in the form of a ii computer assigned to which the current positions or positions of the flat track controller are supplied as actual values in the assigned audio channels. The actual values are digitally processed by the channel processor in such a way that in a so-called In single-mode operation, each actual value shows the amplification factor of the sound channel in question arranged, voltage-controlled electronic actuator (VCA = voltage controlled amplifier) controls. Furthermore can alternative to single-mode operation a digital actual value processing takes place in the so-called master-slave mode operation, in which the actual value of a flat track controller freely assigned to the master is the electronic Actuators (VCAs) of a group of arbitrarily combined audio channels simultaneously controls. In this way, separate group controllers can be dispensed with, with the sound engineer can freely put together the desired groups of sound channels and insofar is not bound to a hard-wired group classification.

Since in the master-slave mode operation the position of each to a slave certain Flachbahnstilers is overwritten by the master flat track controller and therefore its dial display has no informative value is with the proposed sound control system it is also provided that light-emitting diodes are arranged next to each flat track plate row of the currently effective level value for the respective audio channel is displayed, the control value for this indicator light from the assigned channel processor is produced. From the lack of agreement between the scale display of the slave flat track controller and indicator light, the sound engineer can easily recognize the slave character of the person concerned Audio channel.

The object of the present invention is to provide by the use of channel processors opened up opportunities for operational Simplification of sound control systems even further than with the older proposal.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the characterizing features of the claim solved.

Advantageous refinements and developments of the invention Sound control system result from claims 2 to 7.

The inventive idea of claim 1 consists in the flat web plate of each audio channel not only for signal level, but also as an alternative to setting of the amplification factor of the microphone amplifier present in each audio channel to use. In this way, not only an expensive mechanical component can be used save separate setting of the gain factor per audio channel, but it it is also possible to use the microphone amplifier instead of just below the surface of Sound control desk at any point in the sound control system that is remote from the sound engineer and the part of the sound control desk previously reserved for the microphone amplifier to be used elsewhere.

The idea of claim 2 is the assignment between the position of the flat track actuator and a damping value scale, which in the case of of the master-slave mode operation for the slave flat track controller no longer anyway it is meaningful to give up and only the indicator light as a criterion to be used via the attenuation value or the amplificationSw value of each sound channel. In this way, a cheaper incremental encoder can be used as the flat track controller whose incremental distance resp.

Changes in position as ACTUAL values to the respectively assigned channel processor are fed. Since the channel processor sets the initial value at the beginning of the position change the channel processor can easily set the final value at the end of the position change to calculate.

The claim 3 is on the realization of an emergency operation the sound control system is also directed in the event of a defect in a channel processor, in this case a hard-wire connection between the flat track plate concerned and the electronic actuator (VCA) of its audio channel is switched.

The idea of claim 4 is to give sound channels to a group summarize which are controlled by different channel processors. For this are the various channel processors with each other via a correspondence bus connected via which control data are exchanged. The continuation of this The idea consists according to claim 5 in a decentralized computer control (distributed intelligence), in which the correspondence bus preferably via a Interface to a central computer is performed, the spatial from the sound control system is separated. The central computer delivers to the connected channel processors only superordinate control data and is in this way of arithmetic work which is made in the channel processors, relieved.

With such a decentralized computer control of a sound control system can according to the patent 'claims 6 and 7, the individual sound channels by means of one Select the numeric keypad from a central point on the mixer in order to then either a desired gain of the microphone amplifier or a desired equalization curve of the equalization network within the selected Can also be set centrally for the audio channel. To process the corresponding Control commands generated by keyboards are provided with a special processor, which in similar to how the channel processors are structured and over the correspondence bus communicates both with the channel processors and with the central computer. To display the centrally selected audio channel number and possibly others numerical information for the sound engineer is a central display board available, which is controlled by the special processor. By such, with "distributed Intelligence "controlled sound control system, the sound engineer is largely physically strenuous adjustment work relieved, so that he is in even stronger rem measure can concentrate on the artistic task.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. 1 shows a front view of a plug-in cassette for each audio channel Sound control system according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a channel processor with four connected audio channels of a sound control system according to the invention, and FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a sound control system controlled with "distributed intelligence" according to the invention.

The plug-in cassette 1 shown in front view in FIG. 1 in each The sound channel of a sound mixer is from the top of the desk for the sound engineer accessible and has as the most important part a flax conveyor 15, which along the trajectory can be moved as required. The flat track controller serves according to the invention both for leveling the modulation signals of its audio channel (as is also the case in conventional mixing consoles) as well as for setting the amplification factor of the microphone amplifier arranged in its sound channel 11 or 21 or 31 or 41 (Fig. 2). For this purpose are in addition to the trajectory of the flat track actuator 15 a damping; scale 3 and a reinforcement scale 4 applied, whereby the scales marked the assignment on the shift button of the flat track actuator 15 the actuator position to a damping or gain value. This assignment However, applies to the damping scale 3 only for the aforementioned case of single-mode operation, at which each flat track actuator actually uses the modulation signal of its audio channel levels. If, on the other hand, several audio channels are combined to form a group ( Master-slave mode operation), the assignment between the dashed scale and the attenuation scale applies 3 only for that flat track controller 15 who is designated as the master of his group is. In order for the sound engineer to have one clear indication in both Creating operating modes is next to the movement path of the flat path actuator 15 a band 2 is provided from one above the other arranged light emitting diodes, of which the currently activated, illuminating light-emitting diode in Fig. 1 as a hatched square is indicated. This illuminated display 13 is independent of the position of the flat track actuator 15 (i.e., its scale mark) for the current operating status (single mode, Master-slave mode or microphone amplifier setting) respectively valid assignment for scales 3 and 4. A match between the scale mark on the flat track controller 15 and the illuminated display 13 therefore only exist for the case of the damping setting in single-mode operation as well as in the case of setting the gain factor of the microphone amplifier. In the master-slave mode operation, the illuminated display 13 in deviation from the position of the flat track actuator 15 designated as a slave the valid attenuation value of the master flat track controller so that the sound engineer from this deviation between the indicator light 13 and the scale mark on the flat track control 15 immediately recognizes the slave character of the flat track operator in question.

By the illuminated display 13 is the mechanical assignment between the position of the flat track actuator 15 and the scales 3, 4 above the scale mark become dispensable. The flat web plate 15 can therefore preferably be in the form of a Incremental encoder are formed, the incremental path changes the control command represent which of a channel processor 100 (Fig. 2 in more detail to be explained Way to be processed.

By switching to incremental encoders, the costs for reduce the flat track plates. However, the sound engineer is no longer in the Able to blindly "feel" the position or level setting of the flat track controller, which, however, due to the overall concept of the sound control system according to the invention the extensive centralization of setting processes is no longer necessary.

For switching over the normal single mode operation on the master-slave mode operation is in the plug-in cassette 1 according to FIG Function key 16d is provided, which is also designed as a function display 14a is, i.e. lights up when pressed, The combination of any plug-in modules 1 or Audio channels to a group is made by adding the channel numbers of the slave audio channels can be set to the channel number of the master audio channel. To the The channel number is displayed on each slide-in unit 1 on a numeric display 14b available (which in the example shown shows the channel number "8"), which by moving a setting key 5 upwards in the upwards direction and downwards can be changed at the bottom in the downward direction. In single-mode operation, the jumps Display on the numerical display 14b automatically shows the channel number of the plug-in unit 1 assigned clay canal.

The slide-in cassette 1 according to FIG. 1 also has the function keys 16a, 16b and 16c, of which the key 16a, for example, toggles from the level of the modulation signal to the gain setting.

by means of the flat track actuator 15 triggers. With the function keys 16b and 16c, for example, impact sound filters with different cut-off frequencies can be used of 80 Hz and 160 Hz in the respective audio channel. The function keys 16a, 16b and 16c can also be designed as function displays, i.e. light up when depressed.

To carry out the functions explained above is for each a certain number of audio channels, in the case of the example according to FIG. 2 for each four audio channels # 1, # 2, 113 and # 4, a common channel processor 100 in the form of one Computer provided.

The channel processor 100 of the flat web plate 15 and the Function keys 16 (which in Fig. 2 as blocks below the channel processor block are indicated) actual values are supplied. In the case of the flat track actuator 15, this can be an analog voltage, the amount of which corresponds to the absolute value of the actuator position or corresponds to the value of the incremental path change of the actuator. The actual value can through analog / digital wall immediately after the actuator 15, i.e. within the Slide-in cassette 1 (FIG. 1) already in a processable for the channel processor 100 Be brought into shape. The same applies to the ACTUAL values of the function keys 16, which represent a yes-no statement ("key pressed" or "key not pressed"). The signal connection between the flat track controller 15 and the function keys 16 with the channel processor 100 is indicated in Fig. 2 by individual lines, including in the case of the transmission of digital ACTUAL values, a signal bus is also to be understood.

The channel processor 100 generates depending on the supplied ACTUAL values according to a specified processing program control signals for each individual Sound channel H1, # 2, # 3 and # 4. In the case of single mode operation and gain setting The control signals of each audio channel are transmitted through the flat track controller 15 of each audio channel generated from the actual values of the same audio channel, i.e. the signal processing takes place strictly vertical in the scheme of FIG.

In the case of master-slave mode, the control signals are generated solely from the ACTUAL values of the flat track controller 16 designated as the master.

Each audio channel # 1, # 2, 113 and 114 has one in the case of FIG Microphone amplifier 11, a voltage-controlled, electronic actuator, for short VCA, 12, the position or illuminated display 13 and the individual function displays 14 (in the case of FIG. 1, the function displays 14a and 14b). In addition, you can in each audio channel, in a manner not shown, an equalization network with several equalization curves and / or a panorama controller can be provided. The supply of the control signals from the channel processor 100 to the mentioned components of each audio channel is for purposes one better functional clarity of the circuit diagram represented by individual lines. It goes without saying, however, that this signal is supplied via a bus system, as is also the case for the transfer of actual values. This bus system can partly a parallel control signal depending on the required transmission speed (data) transmission and in some cases a serial control signal (data) transmission, for example, before the control signal input of the microphone amplifier 11 each Audio channels # 1, # 2, 113 and 114 a parallel / serial converter can be arranged, dä in general changes of the microphone amplifier 11 of each sound channel only occasionally be made.

At the entrances of parts 11, 12, 13 14 (resp.

21, 22, 23, 24 or 31, 32, 33, 34 or 41, 42, 43, 44 of each audio channel # 1, # 2, 113 or # incoming control signals (data) are converted to digital / analog, where, as in the case of the analog / digital converter, also the corresponding digital / analog converter are arranged within the slide-in cassette 1 according to FIG.

To ensure emergency operation even in the event of a defect in the channel processor 100 or in a signal bus or converter maintaining is between each flat track controller 15 or 25 or 35 or 45 and its associated VCA 12 or 22 or 32 or 42 a fixed wire connection 18 or 28 or 38 or 48 is provided, which by an electronic switch 17 resp.

27 or 37 or 47 under the control of the channel processor in the normal case is kept open. If the channel processor 100 fails, the electronic ones close Switches 17, 27, 37 and 47 so that via the hardwire connections 18, 28, 38, 48 the flat track plates 15, 25, 35, 45 directly to the assigned VCAs 12 and 22, respectively or 32 or 42 can act, with which the leveling of the modulation signals in each Sound channel is guaranteed.

In Fig. 3 is a "distributed intelligence" controlled sound control system shown schematically according to the invention. For controlling a total of twelve audio channels # 1 to 1112, three channel processors 100, 200 and 300 are provided, which respectively as in the case of FIG. 2 manage four audio channels. The audio channels 111 through 1112 are not shown in its block structure in FIG. 3, since this block structure of the illustration in Fig. 2 corresponds.

The channel processors 100, 200 and 300 are through a correspondence bus 500 are connected to each other and use this to exchange control data. This is an example then wisely the case when audio channels managed by shifting those channel processors can be combined to form a group in master-slave mode, whereby the channel processor assigned to the master audio channel to the slave audio channel or channels assigned channel processor (s) control signals (data) for controlling the relevant Slave VCAs and slave function displays.

The correspondence bus 500 is also connected, possibly via an interface 700, a central computer 600 connected, which spatially from the sound control system can be removed and for example theater systems including lighting equipment and the like. Controls.

The central computer 600 exchanges with the channel processors 100, 200 and 300 only provides higher-level control data and is based on this principle of "distributed Intelligence "of computer work that is done decentrally in the channel processors, relieved.

In the case of FIG. 3, a is connected to the correspondence bus Special processor 400 connected, which both with the channel processors 100, 200, 300 and communicates with the central computer 600. The special processor 400 manages im illustrated example case a central keypad 410 for the equalizer networks in the sound channels, a central control keyboard 420 for the microphone amplifier in the audio channels, a central keypad 430 for communication with the central computer 600 and a display panel 440. With the help of the keyboards 410, 420, for example Call up or select the individual audio channels with their channel numbers and then independently a numerical value for the microphone amplifier from the flat track controller there of the called channel or independently of the local equalizer network there to specify a desired equalizer curve centrally.

The corresponding channel number and the selected gain value are displayed on the display board 400. In this way, the sound engineer becomes above all with large sound mixing consoles relieved of physical adjustment work, since he over the flat track controller only sets basic values at the beginning of a sound production and The system is operated via the central control keypad while the sound is being produced. Can also be prepared and stored in the central computer 600 Settings of the individual audio channels can be automatically reproduced as often as required, which, for example, makes work much easier in the case of theatrical performances represents for the sound engineer. To those stored in the central computer 600 level and To call up amplifier settings, a corresponding one is made via the keypad 430 Give call command to the central computer 600 ge.

As a result, the sound control system according to the invention represents a conventional, manually operated system and at the same time a fully automated or partially automated one System, which can be used alternatively according to the current requirements can be.

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Claims (7)

MULTI-CHANNEL SOUND CONTROL SYSTEM PATENT CLAIMS Multi-channel sound control system, at least one microphone amplifier with an adjustable gain factor for each sound channel and a level adjusting device are assigned, which is a voltage-controlled, electronic actuator (VCA and a manually movable flat track actuator The current positions each have a certain number (e.g. four ) of flat track controllers as actual values in the manner of an assigned channel processor (-Computers) are digitally processed that under the control of the channel processor either each flat track controller assigned to the channel process of the in his Electronic actuator located on the audio channel (VCA acts or one exposed to the master determinable flat track controller from a freely configurable group from flat track plates to all, in the sound channels of the flat track plates Group lying electronic actuators (VCA's acts simultaneously, meanwhile the other flat track controllers of the group designated as slaves are deactivated are, d u r c h e -k e n n n z e i c h n e t, that under the control of each assigned channel processor (100 of each flat track controller (15, 25, 35, 45) except with the electronic actuator (12, 22, 32 or 42 of its sound channel (# 1, # 2, # 3 or # 4) or the electronic actuators of its The group consisting of the master and the slaves can also be used alternatively with the microphone amplifier (11, 21, 31 or 41) of its sound channel can be switched in operative connection, in such a way that that the gain factor of the microphone amplifier by means of the flat track actuator is adjustable. 2. Sound control system according to claim 1, in which each flat track plate a row of light emitting diodes or a band of light emitting diodes is assigned, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n n z e i c h n e t that instead of the positions the flat track plate (15, 25, 35, 45) their incremental path changes in the respectively assigned Channel processors (100, 200, 300 are digitally processed as actual values and that the display (13) of the currently effective level control value or gain factor on the LED row or on the LED strip (2) regardless of the Position of the flat web plate (15) according to one of the assigned Control value generated by the channel processor takes place. 3. Sound control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that that when the active connection via the channel processor (e.g. 100) is interrupted between the flat track actuator and the electronic actuator (s) (e.g. 12) a assigned hardwire connection (e.g. 18) is switched on. 4. Sound control system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that that several channel processors (100, 200, 300) via a correspondence bus (500 in mutual operative connection. 5. sound control system according to claim 4, characterized in that the Correspondence bus (500) also with a spatially separated from the sound control system Central computer (600) optionally in operative connection via an interface (700) stands. 6. Sound control system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that that the correspondence bus (500) is also in operative connection with a special processor (400) which in turn has at least one central control keyboard (420) for central numerical selection of a desired audio channel and a desired one Gain factor of the microphone amplifier 11 located in the desired audio channel, 21, 31 or 41) is in operative connection, the number of the selected audio channel and the value of the selected gain factor on one of the special purpose processor (400) controlled display board (440) are displayed. 7. Sound control system according to claim 6, further in which in each sound channel an equalization network with several selectable equalization curves is arranged, it is noted that the special processor (400) furthermore with a further central control keyboard (410) for numerical selection of a desired audio channel as well as a desired equalization curve of the selected Tonkanal lying equalization network is in operative connection.