Abstract: A platter apparatus with improved braking control includes a support base where a platter is rotatably secured to the support base with a circular wall downwardly depending from the platter. An arm, which is slidably connected to the base is linearly actuatable between a first position and a second position. A brake pad is connected to an end of the arm and is in removable and adjustable frictional engagement with the circular wall to provide an amount of braking of rotation of the platter relative to the support base depending on the linear position of the arm. The brake pad is connected to the arm by a compression spring and limited by a torsion spring to enable a zero friction braking-free position.

Abstract: A music and audio playback system is implemented on a computer with a playback engine that enables the operator to apply a variety of effects. The system may store one or more snapshots, or a combination of settings for a plurality of controls that are applied by the playback engine. These snapshots allow for changes to settings for effects, mixing and playback to be made quickly, some of which would normally be difficult to perform. A sampler module permits a user to specify one or more samples that may be triggered for playback. The most frequently used samples may be designated as scratching files that may be quickly activated through the push of a button (or other control). Additionally, a waveform display represents a window of audio samples around a current playback time.

Abstract: Electronic percussion instruments with enhanced playing areas and methods and systems for generating electrical signals in response to impacts to a playing surface are disclosed. A semi-permeable playing surface covering an acoustic noise reducing cavity of an electronic percussion instrument may receive an impact within a predefined impact region, and an electrical signal may be generated in response by an electromechanical sensor that senses the impact. In many instances, the generated electrical signal may be configured to be equivalent in magnitude to any other electrical signal generated by the electromechanical sensor, in response to any other received impact within the same predefined impact region.

Abstract: A button matrix is disclosed. The button matrix includes a base portion. A button body extends from the base and is formed from a translucent material. A button top formed from an opaque material is connected to the button body.

Abstract: Electronic percussion instruments with enhanced playing areas and methods and systems for generating electrical signals in response to impacts to a playing surface are disclosed. A semi-permeable playing surface covering an acoustic noise reducing cavity of an electronic percussion instrument may receive an impact within a predefined impact region, and an electrical signal may be generated in response by an electromechanical sensor that senses the impact. In many instances, the generated electrical signal may be configured to be equivalent in magnitude to any other electrical signal generated by the electromechanical sensor, in response to any other received impact within the same predefined impact region.

Abstract: An electronic device and a method for playing a plurality of audio objects is provided. The method includes displaying the plurality of audio objects on a display, each audio object being displayed at a location having a horizontal component and a vertical component, wherein the location of each audio object is changeable by a user.

Abstract: A music and audio playback system enables an operator to control an audio effect for transitioning an audio output signal from a first audio source to a second audio source by using a single cross-fader control. The transition audio effect combines the two incoming sources using a function that depends on the current position of the cross-fader control. Effects include cross-fading the frequency range, band-ducking, vocoder effects, and beat-cutting effects. The technique is especially advantageous in DJ performance systems in which audio effect-based transitions can add excitement and variety to a performance. Dedicated transition effect preset buttons located near the cross fader facilitate rapid selection by the DJ of the cross-fader controlled transition audio effect.

Abstract: A wireless DJ controller includes an accelerometer, a control button, and a wireless transceiver. The wireless DJ controller detects when the control button has been depressed and accesses an output value from the accelerometer. Based on the accessed output value, the DJ controller generates a control signal and transmits the control signal to manipulate an audio signal. Methods of manipulating audio signals using the DJ controller are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic device and a method for playing a plurality of audio objects is provided. The method includes displaying the plurality of audio objects on a display, each audio object being displayed at a location having a horizontal component and a vertical component, wherein the location of each audio object is changeable by a user.

Abstract: An electronic hi-hat cymbal controller is disclosed. The controller includes a hi-hat cymbal stand with a foot pedal configured and arranged to mechanically lift a control shaft. A lower cymbal is supported by the hi-hat cymbal stand. An upper cymbal is supported by the control shaft and oriented over the lower cymbal. And a position detector is configured and arranged to detect the position of the control shaft relative to the hi-hat cymbal stand.

Abstract: A portable audio device has a gate member that is spring activated to allow for attachment to other articles. The spring-activated gate member is integrated within the portable audio device. The portable audio device includes a receiver and transmitter for communication of wireless data. When the receiver receives audio signals, they may be outputted to a speaker that is part of the portable audio device. The portable audio device includes a waterproof portion.

Abstract: An electronic hi-hat cymbal controller is disclosed. The controller includes a hi-hat cymbal stand having a pedal and a shaft. The pedal is configured and arranged to move the shaft. A lower cymbal is mounted to the hi-hat cymbal stand and an upper cymbal is mounted to the shaft. A sensor assembly is mounted to the hi-hat cymbal stand. The sensor assembly is configured and arranged to detect the position of the upper cymbal relative to the lower cymbal.

Abstract: A music touch control system for an audio performance product is disclosed. The system includes a touch control surface configured and arranged to set and cause activation for playing a tone in an audio performance product; and a visual indicator connected to the touch control surface representing semitones of the tone. The visual indicator has a neutral tone point with +12 semitones above the neutral tone point and ?12 semitones below the neutral point. Touching the control surface along the length thereof causes the audio performance product to play the semitone corresponding to the portion of the touch control surface touched and the visual indicator to indicate the semitone of the selected semitone. The system can be used to represent the playing time of a song and permit navigation instantly to a point in the song.

Abstract: A controller for a tablet computing device is disclosed. The controller has a body having a number of control surfaces. A dock is on the body and has an L-shaped groove configured and arranged to receive a tablet computing device docked therein. A microcontroller is configured and arranged to detect interactions with the control surfaces and transmit the interactions to the tablet computing device. An analog output is configured and arranged to receive audio signals from the tablet computing device whereby interactions from the control surfaces are processed by the tablet computing device into audio signals for transmission through the audio output.