Abstract: A sound mixing console operative for combining or processing sound signals of a plurality of input channels is described. The sound mixing console comprises a plurality of sound signal input channels, an input channel fader control system having a plurality of input channel faders which can be selectively coupled to respective ones of said plurality of sound signal input channels. A master section has a plurality of control group faders each for collective control of a different selected group of sound signal input channels. Means are provided for coupling the sound signal input channels of one of said selected groups to respective input channel faders thereby to permit individual adjustment of the sound signals of the input channels of said selected group.

Abstract: A sound mixing console operative for combining or processing sound signals of a plurality of input channels is described. The sound mixing console (1) comprises a plurality of sound signal input channels (2a, 2b, 2c . . . ), an input channel fader control system (10, 12) having a plurality of input channel faders (16) which can be selectively coupled to respective ones of said plurality of sound signal input channels (2a, 2b, 2c . . . ). A master section (14) has a plurality of control group faders (17) each for collective control of a different selected group of sound signal input channels. Means are provided for coupling the sound signal input channels (36) of one of said selected groups to respective input channel faders (16) thereby to permit individual adjustment of the sound signals of the input channels of said selected group.

Abstract: A synthetic guitar includes a body, a neck extending from the body, and at least one touch sensor at the neck for indicating finger position of a user. The body has a receptacle for removably securing a tablet computer to the body. The tablet computer has a touch screen for indicating finger position of the user. A processor of the tablet computer is programmed to receive input signals from the touch sensor and the touch screen and to produce an output signal based at least partially on the input signals. The software can enable the synthetic guitar to be used as a music synthesizer or to be used as a video game controller. The synthetic guitar can also include a retainer for removably securing a portable media player to be used as an additional video display while playing the guitar.

Abstract: A circuit for processing an audio signal includes an input stage to which the audio signal is applied and an output at which the processed audio signal is presented. The circuit comprises first and second input stages (11, 12) having nonlinear performance curves, the first stage receiving the audio signal at a specified phase, and the second stage receiving from an inverter (13) an inverse phase of the audio signal. A positive half wave of the input signal is processed nonlinearly and the negative half wave is processed linearly. A difference amplifier (14) receives the signals produced by the first and second input stages and generates an audio signal representing a difference between the signals present at its inputs.

Abstract: A method for determining rhythm units (beats per minute or BPM) in (digital) audio data forming a musical piece. The audio data is split among a plurality of determination paths wherein it is subdivided into predetermined frequency bands. The data is analyzed for transients in order to determine attack events. In addition, the time intervals between two successive attack events are measured. In this case, the time intervals are averaged and defined as the frequency-band-specific rhythm unit (BPM) of the audio data in the respective determination path. Thus, the rhythm unit which exhibits the highest beat number (BPM number) is selected from the frequency-band-specific rhythm units (BPM) of the determination paths.

Abstract: An output stage for a class D amplifier reduces distortion and EMI, and greatly improves the efficiency. The output stage employs a combination of techniques including a soft switching network, multiple output inductors and beads to achieve, a high power full range class D amplifier that is complies with all FCC and CE specifications with greater than 90% efficiency at ⅓ power.

Abstract: The frequency spectrum of variable frequency class D modulator interferes with RF signals in the AM bandwidth. Here several techniques solve the problem including an amplifier that synchronizes an external clock input the summing node of the integrator, an amplifier that gates an external clock to the modulator using a transmission gate that responds to the AM frequency, and an amplifier that adjusts its own hysteresis to provide a clock that does not interfere with AM input signals.