Abstract: In one embodiment, an electronic cymbal system includes a first pickup configured to generate an electrical signal representative of vibrations in a first cymbal, and a controller configured to receive the first electrical signal and to process the first electrical signal to generate an output. The controller includes a digital signal processor (DSP) configured to subject a version of the first electrical signal to a digital signal processing technique. The digital signal processing technique includes one or more of dynamic range compression, expansion, frequency equalization, harmonic excitation, comb filtering, and pitch shifting. The cymbals may be any of variety of known cymbals, such as hi-hat, crash and ride cymbals, and may be of the perforated type configured to reduce noise for indoor use. Lighting control may be provided to illuminate the cymbal for functional or aesthetic purposes.

Abstract: A foldable rack includes at least two segments rotatably coupled to one another such that the foldable rack can achieve a folded configuration and an operational configuration, the folded configuration being more compact than the operational position. The rack can be configured to support musical instruments such as cymbals, drums and the like and provide for adjustability of their positions while maintaining a clear and uncluttered appearance by concealing any electrical cabling involved.

Abstract: A sound pickup for musical cymbals includes an integrated assembly attachable to a cymbal stand. The integrated assembly includes a plurality of microphones arranged to achieve optimal quality and relatively constant loudness regardless of cymbal tilt. In one embodiment, two microphones are used, with signal phase from one microphone being inverted prior to combination with the signal from the other microphone. An illumination system having one or more light sources and a controller is optional. The controller includes a processor couplable to the pickup by way of a cable having at least one signal conductor for delivering audio signals from the microphone to the processor. The controller also includes an illumination control signal source delivering a DC voltage bias to the pickup for actuating the light sources.

Abstract: As described herein, a sound pickup for musical cymbals includes an integrated assembly attachable to a cymbal stand. The integrated assembly includes a plurality of microphones arranged and electrically connected such that the resulting amplified sound is of optimal quality and of relatively constant loudness regardless of cymbal tilt. In one embodiment, two microphones are used, with the signal phase from one microphone being inverted prior to combination with the signal from the other microphone. The inversion is implemented using an inverter and serves to cancel signals that are in phase with one another and augment signals that are out of phase with one another. This, along with suitable placement of the pickup, exploits the fact that the more desirable components of the cymbal's vibration at the inflection point of the cymbal are out of phase with each other, whereas the less-desirable components are in phase with each other.