Abstract: A relatively high voltage is developed across a buzzer by placing a resistance in the discharge path of an buzzer, e.g., by shunting one or more Zener diodes or LEDs across a switching transistor, the switching transistor being connected in series with the buzzer between a voltage potential and ground. Alternatively, the buzzer is shunted with a resistive element, with or without series connected a reversed biased diode. The result is a higher audio output without a corresponding increase in power consumption.

Abstract: A rhythm tone source assigning apparatus for use in an electronic musical instrument comprises a memory having a plurality of storing regions corresponding to a plurality of input operating manipulators each being comprised of a keyboard key or a switch. Arrangement is provided so that by writing a tone source identifying datum corresponding to desired one of a plurality of rhythm tone sources in one of the storing regions corresponding to an input operating manipulator one after another, rhythm tone sources can be assigned to the plurality of input operating manipulators. Thus, this electronic musical instrument greatly facilitates its user of his performing or inputting operations in a hand percussion or a rhythm sequence programming by using these manipulators. This is, for each rhythm, the user is able to obtain his favorite convenient arrangement of operating manipulators.

Abstract: A keyboard operated electronic musical instrument has a number of tone generators each of which creates a plurality of musical tones each having its own independent frequency offset so that a multi-rank ensemble effect is produced. The tones are produced by computing, in real time, sequences of data points using stored sets of harmonic coefficients. Provision is incorporated for producing a musical celeste effect.

Abstract: According to this invention, a musical tone control signal generating apparatus for an electronic musical instrument is provided. When a performer operates an automatic return type musical tone control operation element, the apparatus controls a generated musical tone according to the operation amount of the element. A possible offset amount generated when the musical tone control operation element is released and returned to an automatic return position, is detected, and operation element data is corrected based on the offset amount, so that a musical tone control signal is prevented from being offset.

Abstract: A musical tone signal is synthesized on the basis of a predetermined modulation operation (e.g. an FM or AM operation) employing a modulating signal and a carrier signal respectively having an audio range frequency. The modulating wave signal and/or carrier signal is derived by reading out a predetermined waveshape signal from a waveshape table in accordance with progressive phase angle data. The value of the waveshape signal read out from the waveshape table is modified in a specified phase section. This modification is effected by applying a simple operation such as gating, shifting or selecting to the phase angle data addressing the waveshape table or to the waveshape signal read out from the waveshape table. The modified waveshape signal is utilized in a predetermined modulation operation as the modulating wave signal and/or carrier signal.

Abstract: A real-time polyphonic pitch controller and process for controlling notes or tones emanating from signal synthesizers such as used in the performance of music. The controller comprises a body with key controllers, each of which activates a pre-programmed note; a strumming controller which automatically activates selected key controlled notes in a pre-programmed sequence and rate; and controls and displays used for programming and performance. Extending longitudinally from the body is a guitar-like neck graduated by fret markings and over which slides a hand controller incorporating finger levers. Sliding the hand controller creates portamento, vibrato or glissando effects on the notes activated by the key controllers. Also, each finger lever of the hand controller when depressed raises and/or lowers its own peculiar, pre-programmed combination of individually voiced notes by pre-programmed amounts.

Abstract: A parameter setting system for an electronic musical instrument has a predetermined number of panel switches to which desired parameters can be selectively assigned by the player. The system comprises a RAM having a parameter area in which a group of parameters determining characteristics of a tone are stored, the number of parameters being greater than the number of the panel switches. The RAM also has an identification-number area for storing identification numbers of those parameters which are assigned respectively to the panel switches. When a reassignment switch is depressed with an entry switch, the system is brought into a reassignment mode. In this condition, the player selects a desired one of the parameters using up and down switches for changing the identification number and a display unit for displaying the identification number.

Abstract: A tone generator includes a plurality of tone generation channels each comprising one or more operation channels. One operation channel performs basic operation of a tone signal computing operation (e.g., FM or AM) and a tone signal is generated by using one or more operation channels for one tone generation channel. Tone generation channels in the tone generator are established according to a selected performance mode. In a first mode, the operation channels are divided into N groups and N tone generation channels are established in correspondence to the respective operation channel groups. In a second mode, the operation channels are divided into M groups and M tone generation channels are established in correspondence to the respective operation channel groups wherein N is a different number from M. Tone generation channels of the number required according to the selected performance mode can be established by efficiently utilizing the operation channels of a limited number.

Abstract: In a tone signal generation device, original waveshape amplitude data corresponding to a waveshape signal from an external source is stored in a first memory. Waveshape data is read out from this first memory and is properly modified by a tone processing circuit such as a filter or a modulation effect circuit. The modified waveshape data is reserved in a second memory. The waveshape data stored in the second memory is selectively transferred to the first memory. In this manner, the original waveshape data initially stored in the first memory can be freely modified and a tone can be produced with a high degree of freedom as in a music synthesizer.

Abstract: A portable modular music recording device which simply and unobtrusively attaches to a keyboard instrument for purposes of recording live musical performances; and an efficient music microcomputing system in which the captured musical data is digitized and further analyzed to determine note and note expression information when a key has been played. In the modular keyboard device, key and key expression data is captured by means of photosensitive couplers mounted in the keyboard device, and the information is transmitted to the processing unit. Microcomputer instructions refine the data to a format suitable for serial transmission via a computer-compatible link for ultimate scoring and recording.

Abstract: A musical tone signal is synthesized on the basis of a predetermined modulation operation (e.g. an FM or AM operation) employing a modulation signal and a carrier signal respectively having an audio range frequency. In a waveshape table provided for defining at least one of a modulation wave function or a carrier wave function, a wave function expressed in a logarithmic form log{f(x)} is stored. The wave function log{f(x)} read out from this waveshape table is multiplied with a coefficient k whereby the wave function of the modulation signal or the carrier signal to be used in the modulation operation is changed from f(x) to {f(x)}.sup.k. That is, k log{(f(x)}=log{f(x)}.sup.k is obtained by this multiplication and {f(x)}.sup.k is obtained by converting this log {f(x)}.sup.k to a linear form. Therefore, it is enabled to synthesize a tone having abundant frequency components by using the wave function {f(x)}.sup.k obtained by a simple operation.

Abstract: A computerized system into which is fed the nominal values of a musical score, the system acting to process these values with respect to the relative loudness of different tones in a succession thereof, changes in the duration of the tones and other deviations from the nominal values which together constitute the microstructure of the music notated by the score. The system yields the specified tones of the score as modified by the microstructure, thereby imparting expressivity to the music that is lacking in the absence of the microstructure.

Abstract: A portable set of electronic drums includes individual drum units which are attached to different parts of a musician's body to provide maximum mobility for a stage performance. An impulse analyzer with each of the drum units processes the outputs of the drum units for transmission to a synthesizer which further processes and amplifies the resulting sound for application to a loudspeaker. A wire, radio transmitter or optical link may be employed to communicate the signals from the musician's body to a stationary synthesizer and loudspeaker. A percussion transducer in the musician's shoe may be employed to further increase the flexibility of the system. The output of the percussion transducer in the musician's shoe is combined with the outputs of the remaining drum units to create a total drum signal. In addition, the outputs of the shoe percussion transducer and the drum units may be employed to control the energization of optical emitters on the person of the musician.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tone color control so that the tone color in an attack portion of a tone to be generated differs depending upon whether or not a slur effect is to be imparted. If, for example, the slur effect is not imparted, a tone color for an attack portion of a tone which is rich in variation is used, whereas if the slur effect is to be imparted, a stable tone color which is the same as the sustain portion of a tone is used. In another aspect of the invention, in the case of imparting the slur effect, a tone signal is distributed to two channels and envelopes of signals in the respective channels are separately and independently controlled by separate control signals. In one channel, a control signal of decay characteristics is used whereas in the other channel, a control signal of attack characteristics is used. The changing rate of the control signal of the attack characteristics is made greater than that of the control signal of the decay characteristics.

Abstract: An interactive music performance system employs a synthesizer, a programmable computer, and at least one performance device for permitting a user input. The computer is programmed with algorithms which automatically generate controls and interpret a performer's actions in the context of music and sound generating variables, and apply those controls to a synthesizer to determine its production of music. The system is interactive in that a user can direct the system's production of music, as he or she hears it being produced, by use of the performance device. If the user does not provide an input, the system proceeds automatically under control of the performance algorithm.

Abstract: A keyboard operated electronic musical instrument is disclosed in which musical tones are created by reading out preselected data values stored in a waveshape memory. A transformed sequence of these data points is generated such that a variable delay exists between the transformed sequence of data points read out of the memory. The selectively delayed sequences of points is combined with the original points to generate musical tones having an ensemble-like musical effect. Provision is made for varying the delay in a periodic cyclic fashion using a period the same as that for the stored data in the waveshape memory.

Abstract: A computerized system into which is fed the nominal values of a musical score, the system acting to process these values with respect to the amplitude contour of individual tones, the relative loudness of different tones in a succession thereof, changes in the duration of the tones and other deviations from the nominal values which together constitute the microstructure of the music notated by the score. The system yields the specified tones of the score as modified by the microstructure, thereby imparting expressivity to the music that is lacking in the absence of the microstructure.

Abstract: In an electronic keyboard musical instrument with a portamento or glissando play function, a touch response detector is arranged to detect a key touch response such as a depression speed or pressure of a key depressed on a keyboard. A musical tone generating device with a portamento or glissando play function is arranged to change a portamento or glissando time in response to the touch response of the depressed key.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument has a keyboard, a key depression speed detector and a glide pattern generator. When any key of the keyboard is depressed, the key depression speed detector detects the speed of depressing the key and produces a signal representing this speed. In accordance with this signal the glide pattern generator changes a reference glide pattern to a new pattern. The instrument generates a musical tone having the glide effect determined by the new glide pattern.

Abstract: To enhance low and high frequency components in a sound signal, low frequency components are used to generate new yet lower frequencies (subharmonics), and high frequency components are used to generate new yet higher frequencies (harmonics), the new frequencies added to the original signal thereby increasing the original signal bandwidth.

Abstract: A system capable of synthesizing multi-channel sound for a computer includes a sound generator for each audio channel. A circuit provides a programmable delay so that one generator produces sound in one channel that is delayed with respect to the sound in the other channel. Multiple generators may be provided in each channel with each such generator having an independently programmable delay circuit associated therewith.

Abstract: An electronic audio signal processor circuit particularly suited for electrical instruments as an electric bass guitar for providng controlled distortion and tone alteration. The circuitry includes a compressor circuit at the input operated in conjunction with a detector which in accordance with the invention is an RMS detector. Also, at the input circuitry is a distortion switch which controls the type of distortion that is generated. This distortion switch is used in conjunction with a distortion amplifier, the output of which couples to a resistive sensing network. The network feeds the audio signals to a low EQ circuit, a mid EQ circuit and a high EQ circuit. Associated with the high EQ circuit is a clipper switch and at the output of the EQ circuitry is an EQ switch for providing a preferred predetermined frequency response wave forms. A high frequency compressor and associated switch is also associated with the EQ switch.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument of the stringed type wherein bending of a string results in a change in a parameter of the sound produced. At the bridge of the instrument, each string is connected with a leaf spring which is moved towards the nut end of the instrument when the string is bent. Each leaf spring is connected with a Hall effect device, and the spacing between it and a permanent magnet is changed when the spring moves, thus causing a variation in the output of the Hall effect device, which variation alters a parameter of the audio output produced by a tone generator means.

Abstract: A rhythm tone source assigning apparatus for use in an electronic musical instrument comprises a memory having a plurality of storing regions corresponding to a plurality of input operating manipulators each being comprised of a keyboard key or a switch. Arrangement is provided so that by writing a tone source identifying datum corresponding to desired one of a plurality of rhythm tone sources in one of the storing regions corresponding to an input operating manipulator one after another, rhythm tone sources can be assigned to the plurality of input operating manipulators. Thus, this electronic musical instrument greatly facilitates its user of his performing or inputting operations in a hand percussion or a rhythm sequence programming by using these manipulators. That is, for each rhythm, the user is able to obtain his favorite convenient arrangement of operating manipulators.

Abstract: A control circuit for shaded-pole motors used in an acoustic pulsato system for producing special musical effects. The system includes a horn-type loudspeaker connected to a shaded-pole motor and/or a drum-type loudspeaker connected to a shaded-pole motor. Each type of loudspeaker has a feedback circuit and a means for the operator to select the desired speed for the motor. The feedback circuit quickly adjusts the actual speed of the motor to correspond to the selected speed by controlling the amount of current or power supplied to the motor. The drum-type loudspeaker feedback circuit also includes a braking circuit to quickly stop the motor and the drum rotation to prevent unpleasant spurious signals which occur if the drum loudspeaker is permitted to coast to a stop on a slower speed.

Abstract: A step signal of which the period varies according to random data is derived from a step pulse generator, and is supplied to an address counter. By the output data from the address counter, an address of a waveform ROM is specified. From a waveform ROM, the waveform based on the random data is output in the form of a distorted waveform signal. Using this output signal of the distorted waveform, a cymbal sound, for example, is generated in a musical tone generator.

Abstract: A digital pitch bend signal is supplied from an A/D converter to a first coefficient multiplier for every predetermined sampling period. An output of the first coefficient multiplier is added with an output of a second coefficient multiplier at an adder an output of which is delivered, as a digital pitch bend signal in the present cycle, from a buffer for the tone generation. The output of the adder is also fed back to an input of the second coefficient multiplier. Thus, from the buffer, a converted pitch bend signal having a value corrected during the respective sampling periods is produced.

Abstract: In a musical instrument in which a plurality of data words corresponding to the amplitudes of a corresponding number of evenly spaced points defining a cycle of an audible musical waveform are transformed at an average rate corresponding to the fundamental frequency of the tone being generated, a computation means is provided to produce musical tones having an ensemble effect. The computation means comprises a multiplicity of interpolation calculations whereby a sequence of interpolated waveshape points are obtained from two different waveshapes whose data points are addressed from waveshape memories at different memory advance rates.

Abstract: The generating function cos[Z(t).multidot.sin(.omega.'t)] of Bessel functions is utilized as a modulating function for a fundamental function sin(.omega.t) in synthesis of a musical tone including many harmonic (over tone) components, wherein Z(t) is used as a modulating index. The modulating frequency .omega.' in sin(.omega.'t) of the modulating function cos[Z(t).multidot.sin(.omega.'t)] is selected relative to the fundamental frequency so that w'=n.omega. wherein n is a half integer or an irrational number.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument capable of producing, by frequency modulation, a musical tone containing harmonic components of integer and non-integer orders at complicated ratios which change with time. In frequency modulation, amplitudes of carrier and side frequencies are preceded by a positive or negative sign depending upon a value of modulation index. By suitably setting the value of modulation index, phase inversion occurs in the side frequencies so that cancellation or augmentation of amplitude will occur between side frequencies of the same frequency. By utilizing this phenomenon and also the fact that the harmonic spectrum can be varied by varying the carrier and the modulating waves, the electronic musical instrument according to the invention produces a musical tone containing extremely complex harmonic components.

Abstract: Tone signals from plural keyboard systems are supplied to an effect imparting circuit via a distribution circuit. The effect imparting circuit comprises plural effect imparting channels and the device can impart a tone effect independently to a tone signal provided to each of the effect imparting channels. The distribution circuit distributes tone signals from the respective keyboard systems to any one or more of the effect imparting channels. An effect selection device is provided for selecting tone effects for the respective keyboard systems and an effect assignment device is also provided for assigning the effects selected in the respective keyboard systems to any of the effect imparting channels according to the selection by this effect selection device. The distribution circuit delivers the respective tone signals to the proper effect imparting channels respectively as controlled by the effect selection and the effect assignment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating acoustic or visual effects by human body actions, including transducer for generating electrical signals upon influence of human body actions attached to various portions of the human body and, upon a dancing movement and/or rhythmic touching of at least one of the transducers, signal generating means are selectively activated via a logic means for driving predetermined means for creating acoustic and/or visual effects.

Abstract: A stereophonic electronic organ system having two electrical-acoustic channels each including a loudspeaker separated from the other, note generating means for producing for each note in a musical range two time-displaced electrical signals of substantially the same frequency corresponding to the note, and means for coupling one of the two signals for each note to one of the channels and means for coupling the other of the two signals to the other of the two channels. The two time-displaced signals for each note may be produced by providing two digital tone generators for each note and time-displacing one note from the other.

Abstract: The addresses of memory positions in a RAM stored with a series of tone data corresponding to a preselected musical piece, are sequentially stepped by a backward key or a forward key in the backward or forward direction, and the tone corresponding to the tone data stored in a stepped address is generated, for each actuation of the corresponding key, under the control of CPU. Upon actuation of a delete key, the tone corresponding to the tone data stored in an address preceding the currently stepped address by one, is generated through the controlling operation of the CPU. Subsequently, the tone data stored in an address succeeding by one the current address is written into that address, and the tone data of the addresses succeeding the address having its content written are sequentially shifted by one address in the backward direction, respectively.

Abstract: A keyboard operated musical instrument is disclosed in which the speed of successively closing a first and second key contact on a keyboard switch is measured by means of a key detect and assignor system. A fast response time is obtained by scanning only the second set of key contacts which correspond to a previously detected closure of a first key contact. The measured closure speed can be used to control various musical effects such as the initial loudness in a touch responsive tone generation system. A method is also disclosed for measuring and utilizing the speed with which a keyswitch is released.

Abstract: An input device for an electronic musical instrument, has blown air apertures and suction air apertures alternately disposed on the front face of its main body. This input device also has elastic members provided within the blown air apertures and suction air apertures, in such a way as to be deformed by the force of the air caused to flow through said blown air apertures and suction air apertures. The input device also has magnets or pressure members serving as operation members, which magnets or pressure members are each displaced by an elastic member, and a plurality of musical tone input switches are driven by the displacement of the magnets or pressure members.

Abstract: In an automatic accompaniment apparatus for electronic musical instrument capable of automatically generating accompaniment tones such as base tones, chord tones and arpeggio tones, arrangement is provided so that, at each time of depressing keys on an accompaniment keyboard, accompaniment key data for accompaniment tones which may possibly be sounded, are previously formed and secured, and the selected ones of the key data for the selected accompaniment are outputted at accompaniment tone generating timings synchronous with the rhythm. Thus bass tone, chord tones, arpeggio tones etc. may be generated in sufficient synchronous relation with a selected rhythm even by adopting a time-divisional processing using a low-speed compact computer such as a micro-computer.

Abstract: Two electronic musical instruments are supported in combination on a stand. The electronic musical instruments have respective switch sections each for setting a plurality of different timbres which are different from those which can be set by the other. When transfer mode switches of both the instruments are "on", timbre data set in one electronic musical instrument is transferred to the other electronic musical instrument through a cable, so that tones with the same timbre are sounded from loudspeakers connected to the respective instruments.

Abstract: An automatic improvisation circuit for an electronic musical instrument. "Short" rhythm and "short" melody data is read from memories under the control of random number generators, and this rhythm amd melody data is combined and varied as a function of preselected basic rhythms and tonics, and in accordance with rules, to improvise an accompaniment.

Abstract: A keyboard operated musical instrument is disclosed in which a musical tone having an extended range of harmonics is produced by combining two waveshapes at different fundamental frequencies. The first waveshape has a fundamental frequency corresponding to an actuated keyboard switch and has a spectrum containing a maximum of Q harmonics. The second waveshape is created by a single side-band modulation of two orthogonal musical signals each having a maximum of Q harmonics and has a phase coherence with the first waveshape. The second waveshape is generated at a frequency which is Q+1 greater than the fundamental frequency of the first waveshape. The first and second waveshapes are combined to produce a musical tone which has an extended range of harmonics.

Abstract: Melody information representing pitches and durations of tones is stored in a first area of a RAM whose addresses are designated by a first address counter of an address register. Performance information representing tone colors, vibrato, etc. is stored in a second area of the RAM whose addresses are designated by a second address counter of the address register, while the stored melody information is read out and reproduced. The melody information and performance information stored in the respective areas of the RAM are read out in associated relation with respect to one another, to be sounded from loudspeakers.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument employs a novel technique to produce a musical sound. A major part of a musical sound producing section of the electronic musical instrument is constructed by digital circuitry which is well adapted for an LSI fabrication. The electronic musical instrument comprises a volume control means to digitally perform a volume control to increase or decrease a performance volume, a period counting means to count one cycle of a musical sound wave by a plurality of counting steps in order to form a musical sound wave under digital control, a period control means to control the period counting means in accordance with the scale represented by a depressed performance key, and a means to instruct the rise and the fall of a musical sound wave by a value which is an integral multiple of a control value of the volume control means, for each block including a predetermined number of counting steps.

Abstract: In an electronic musical instrument, a reverberation tone most suitable for a selected tone color is applied to a musical tone with the selected tone color. In a modification, the electronic musical instrument is provided with a plurality of keyboards and to musical tones to be produced corresponding to the keyboards reverberation tones are applied independently. In another modification, one of the reverberation tones has a reverberation characteristic different from the other reverberation tone.

Abstract: A waveshape memory is divided into memory zones having memory capacities which differ depending upon respective tone pitches or tone ranges. In each memory zone, waveshapes of plural periods having characteristics of the corresponding tone pitch or tone range are stored. The memory zone in the waveshape memory is designated in accordance with the tone pitch or tone range of the tone to be generated. A tone signal is produced by reading out waveshapes of plural periods from the designated memory zone.

Abstract: A guitar controller for an electronic music synthesizer, especially a programmable music synthesizer of the VOYETRA (trademark) type, utilizes a Mylar pressure-resistive switch along the neck of the guitar for note selection and vibratile elements on the sound board for the strumming effect. Additional expression can be provided by the use of a tremolo bar, a sensor for the striking of said board and the pressure applied to the neck.

Abstract: The reverberation tone generating apparatus is constituted by a combination of apparatus which generates a reverberation tone having irregular delay time and level and apparatus provided with a feedback loop for an output delayed signal and produces a reverberation tone having regular delay time and level. The combination makes it possible to produce a reverberation tone rich in naturality with circuits of a small size and economical construction.

Abstract: A modulation effect device for use in an electronic musical instrument which utilizes, as a digital modulation circuit, a digital memory device for storing digitized musical tone signals. The digital memory device is accessed by modulation coefficient generating means which supplies a modulated address information to the digital memory device to read out from the memory device a musical tone signal modulated in accordance with the modulated address.

Abstract: In a electronic musical instrument wherein a portamento is played by supplying the pitch voltage corresponding to a subsequently depressed key to a capacitor holding the pitch voltage corresponding to a previously depressed key, the charge and discharge currents of the capacitor corresponding to the difference between the two pitch voltages are controlled to vary exponentially thus changing exponentially the capacitor terminal voltage. The terminal voltage of the capacitor is applied to drive a voltage controlled oscillator to vary its oscillation frequency. To vary exponentially the terminal voltage of the capacitor, a mutual conductance converter is connected between the capacitor and a keyboard section and the output current from the mutual conductance converter is controlled by a control signal corresponding to the terminal voltage of the capacitor.

Abstract: In an electronic musical instrument of digital processing type, key codes are stored in a memory channel by channel for respective tone productions. The stored key codes are utilized for determining pitches of respective tones to be produced. Upon depression of new keys, the formerly stored key codes are automatically added or subtracted channel by channel with the value for a certain note step toward the new key codes at a certain clock rate defining a glissando speed. Thus automatic glissando performances are easily realized.

Abstract: More than one sub-intervals or time-windows are provided in a one-cycle period of a musical tone selected at a keyboard of an electronic musical instrument. Each time-window passes a sine wave having a frequency predetermined for the time-window. The envelope of the spectrum of a time-window is determined by the shape and the width of the time-window, and the envelope of the spectrum of a sine wave passed from the time-window will become the convolution of the spectrum of the time-window and the frequency of the sine wave. The total area of the frequency spectrum included as frequency components of a musical tone can be covered by several time-windows, each having a different length and passing a sine wave of a different frequency. An amplitude control means controls the amplitude of each sine wave independently. The controlled amplitude level determines the spectrum intensity of the frequency region influenced by the corresponding sine wave.