Abstract: An electronic acoustic apparatus includes a control operator, a storage medium, and a processor. The control operator is operable by a user. The storage medium stores a program. The processor is configured to adjust a predetermined control parameter of an audio signal in response to an operation of the control operator. The processor is also configured to determine that the control operator has been operated in a particular operation style different from a normal operation style that adjusts the predetermined control parameter. In response to the operation of the control operator in the particular operation style, the processor is also configured to issue an instruction to execute a predetermined function different from an adjustment of the predetermined control parameter.

Abstract: A method of coating a music effect pedal with a phosphorescent coating.

Abstract: A battery discharge device using a plurality of power modules for varying a discharge capacity of the device, and its method of use. The device can be used to discharge high-voltage, high-energy density battery packs such as might be used in hybrid or electric vehicles. The device can discharge the energy of the battery pack at a relatively constant power rate.

Abstract: A mini-music machine includes: a platform; a plurality of arcos disposed around a perimeter of the platform, the plurality of arcos disposed in a substantially vertical orientation; a central mast disposed substantially at a center of the platform; and a serpentine figure disposed around the central mast, wherein each of the plurality of arcos is strung with a musical instrument string, and wherein each musical instrument string is tuned to produce a musical tone when caused to vibrate.

Abstract: A music machine, comprising: a platform; a plurality of arcos disposed around a perimeter of the platform, the plurality of arcos disposed in a substantially vertical orientation; a central mast disposed substantially at a center of the platform; and a hand wheel disposed on the central mast, wherein each of the plurality of arcos is strung with a musical instrument string, and wherein each musical instrument string is tuned to produce a musical tone when caused to vibrate.

Abstract: There is provided a swell or expression pedal for controlling swell shades of a pipe organ swell box or pipe chamber, audio level of a virtual pipe organ, or musical instrument expression, responsive to pedal angle relative to the force of the earth's gravity, responsive to pedal depression by a musician's foot. The musician depresses the pedal when additional sound is desired, or to engage different ranks of pipe sounds. As the pedal rotates through an angle, a gravimeter responds to the angular change of the force of gravity relative to it to produce an electrical signal, analog or digital, responsive to the angle of the pedal. This electrical signal may be used to actuate a swell shade motor, controlling sound emanation from a swell box or pipe chamber, to control the functions of a virtual pipe organ, or to control the expression of other musical instruments.

Abstract: A modular music synthesizer is implemented in a hybrid design incorporating both hardware implementation and software implementation. A plurality of hexagonal-shaped modules are assembled and connected by the user-artist to configure a visual presentation of synthesizer signal generation and signal processing functions. The synthesizer visually replicates hardware functionality by incorporating user controls on many of the modules that are connected to enclosed (embedded) circuit boards. These circuit boards communicate with a system CPU (computer processing unit) that operates softsynth software resident within the CPU to drive audio output. The configuration of the softsynth is determined by the physical arrangement of hardware hexagonal modules that represent the functionality of software modules. The hardware modules provide user interface elements corresponding to parameters of their softsynth counterparts.

Abstract: A system for wireless operation of an expression pedal. In one embodiment a remote unit senses the position of an expression pedal and transmits the sensed expression pedal position information to a main unit. The main unit receives the sensed expression pedal position information and sets an adjustable element, to change an audio quality of an audio signal propagating through an external effects box, or of an audio signal propagating through the main unit.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a computer system for processing an audio track. This system includes at least on DSP for processing the audio track. It also includes an application for editing the audio track. To process audio data in a first interval of the audio track, the application first asks and obtains from the DSP an impulse response parameter related to the DSP's processing of audio data. From the received impulse response parameter, the application identifies a second audio track interval that is before the first interval. To process audio data in the first interval, the application then directs the DSP to process audio data within the first and second intervals.

Abstract: An electric instrument music control device is provided having at least two multi-axis position sensors. One sensor is a reference multi-axis position sensor retained in a fixed position the reference multi-axis position sensor having at least one axis held in a fixed position. Another sensor is a moveable multi-axis position sensor rotatable about at least one axis corresponding to the at least one axis of the reference multi-axis position sensor, wherein the moveable multi-axis position sensor is in communication with the reference multi-axis position sensor. The device may include a processor that processes the differentiation between the angular position of the at least one axis of the reference multi-axis position sensor and the at least one axis of the moveable multi-axis position sensor, wherein the angular differentiation correlates to a music effect of an electric instrument.

Abstract: An electric instrument music control device is provided having at least two multi-axis position sensors. One sensor is a reference multi-axis position sensor retained in a fixed position the reference multi-axis position sensor having at least one axis held in a fixed position. Another sensor is a moveable multi-axis position sensor rotatable about at least one axis corresponding to the at least one axis of the reference multi-axis position sensor, wherein the moveable multi-axis position sensor is in communication with the reference multi-axis position sensor. The device may include a processor that processes the differentiation between the angular position of the at least one axis of the reference multi-axis position sensor and the at least one axis of the moveable multi-axis position sensor, wherein the angular differentiation correlates to a music effect of an electric instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for storing and generating sound effects with the help of analog devices (5, 6) when playing a musical instrument. The apparatus comprises one or more positioning motors (4) which can be connected to potentiometers of the analog devices (5, 6) by means of shafts (7). The apparatus further comprises means for storing and retrieving the settings of the positioning motors (4), a specific setting of the positioning motors (4) being used for generating a specific sound effect. By connecting the apparatus to many different types of analog effects devices (5) and tube amplifiers (6), the apparatus according to the invention allows specific sound effects to be preprogrammed and stored which the musician can easily retrieve as required, without having to make adjustments to the analog devices (5, 6).

Abstract: A foot controlled effects knob controls a variable electronic component. A receptacle couples with a spindle of the variable electronic component. One or more wings extend from the receptacle to facilitate control of the spindle, and thus the variable electronic component, by a user's foot.

Abstract: Synthesis of time-varying MIDI control signals useful in creating spatial perturbation, chase effects, new forms of rich musical timbre modulation, spatially-distributed timbre constructions, and other types of sonic animation. Phase staggered multi-channel MIDI-format control signals are created using one or more low frequency oscillators, each with a plurality of phase shifting elements. Control signal waveshapers may be included in the control signal synthesis chain. In an exemplary embodiment, frequency and phase parameters are adjustable, with values that may be recalled from stored program control and/or modulated in real-time by incoming MIDI control signals. In another exemplary embodiment, each outgoing control signal additionally may be independently assigned a selectable waveshape, which is determined by values that may be recalled from stored program control and/or modulated in real-time by incoming MIDI control signals.

Abstract: The CHOPPER has a unique treadle design which allows a better utilization of space in order to accommodate the control functions in a compact foot-pedal sound effect. In the case of the CHOPPER, the space is required to allow the multiple control functions required to achieve delay (echo) emulation, which is a new and unique sound effect generated by this product. The sound effect is controlled by means of a foot treadle that can uniquely control multiple parameters. The rate at which the foot treadle controls the effect is by means of a specific and unique optical coupling. To enable precise control of the effect, there is a visible read out of the modulation frequency which has not been achieved before in a foot pedal. Further, the modulation frequency can be controlled by a MIDI sync code which is also unique in a foot-pedal format.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a computer system for processing an audio track. This system includes at least one DSP for processing the audio track. It also includes an application for editing the audio track. To process audio data in a first interval of the audio track, the application first asks and obtains from the DSP an impulse response parameter related to the DSP's processing of audio data. From the received impulse response parameter, the application identifies a second audio-track interval that is before the first interval. To process audio data in the first interval, the application then directs the DSP to process audio data within the first and second intervals.

Abstract: A sound field effect adding apparatus is provided to add such effects as reverberation to the musical tone signal of an electronic organ and the like, and to produce a sound field effect. It is possible to create a satisfactory reproduced sound field to which a sound field effect has been added by means of a low frequency component without having to provide a dedicated unit or dedicated speaker system that can reproduce low frequencies. The apparatus has an input terminal with which a musical tone that includes a low frequency is input, and a means in which a sound field added musical tone signal is generated that produces a sound field effect that is based on an input musical tone signal.

Abstract: A mount by which a component is non-destructively mounted on a musical instrument includes a receptacle and one or more abutment members, such as resilient clips, which do not screw into the instrument but engage the instrument to hold the mount on the instrument. A component is secured to the mount to install the component on the instrument. One such component provides digital control of an analog tone adjustment circuit. The digital control can include selectable preset conditions. Another such component provides on-board effects processing, such as a chorus effect. An output electrical coupling is provided with a switch used to energize the circuit of the component with which it is used.

Abstract: A sound effects control system for musical instruments comprises a tactile controller and a control box. The controller generates, by means of manual or other bodily manipulation, a control signal which is communicated to the control box. The control box receives an output signal from the musical instrument and modifies it in accordance with the control signal received from the controller. The modified output signal is then communicated to a traditional amplifier which produces variations in the sound effects of the musical instrument, such as volume, tremolo, reverberation, etc. The tactile controller comprises a fluid-filled lumen which, in combination with the compressible material of the controller, is collapsible in response to manual manipulation in order to generate a static pressure control signal for varying the sound effects of the musical instrument. A wide variety of controller shapes, sizes, configurations, and locations on the musical instrument are available.

Abstract: A control system for a musical instrument, e.g., an electric guitar, which is programmable so that a tremolo characteristic can be applied to the audio signal produced by the musical instrument. The tremolo characteristic can be comprised of a combination of three preset amplitude components and three preset frequency components. The control system can also be used to dynamically vary the volume characteristic of the audio signal produced by the musical instrument. Specifically, the control system includes a tactile member which produces a signal proportionate to the pressure exerted on the tactile member by the musician. This signal can be used to increase the volume characteristic of the musical instrument while the musician is playing the musical instrument.

Abstract: There is provided an effector for providing a musical tone with an effect such as a delay, a reverberation, a chorus and the like. The effector is capable of providing a feeling of listening such that the direct tone and the effect tone unites with each other, and in addition providing a feeling of expanse effective in a sound field. An effect tone signal is divided into a low register component and a high register component. The low register component is mixed with a musical tone signal (direct tone) entered through an input terminal and then outputted. The high register component is outputted in the form of stereophonic signal as it is.

Abstract: A sound control device and method which increase the width of sound of sound data by controlling and outputting the phase of the sound data, in which the phase of the generated sound data is uniformly shifted over the entire frequency band of the related sound data and in which this sound data shifted in phase and the above described generated original sound data are output to different sound systems.

Abstract: A control system for a musical instrument, e.g., an electric guitar, which is programmable so that a tremolo characteristic can be applied to the audio signal produced by the musical instrument. The tremolo characteristic can be comprised of a combination of three preset amplitude components and three preset frequency components. The control system can also be used to dynamically vary the volume characteristic of the audio signal produced by the musical instrument. Specifically, the control system includes a tactile member which produces a signal proportionate to the pressure exerted on the tactile member by the musician. This signal can be used to increase the volume characteristic of the musical instrument while the musician is playing the musical instrument.

Abstract: A sound effect-creating device for imparting a sound effect to a musical tone produced by performance delays a musical tone signal of an analog or digital type by a predetermined delay time to repeatedly generate the musical tone. The predetermined delay time is set based on a basic delay time determined from the period of a timing clock of a MIDI signal received from an external electronic musical instrument. Alternatively, the period of a timing clock of a MIDI signal is determined from a basic delay time set for determining the predetermined delay time.

Abstract: The musical tone control apparatus includes at least a sensor for detecting a movement of a player and a control circuit for controlling a tone element of a musical tone to be generated based on the detected movement of the player. The sensor may be equipped within a stick or mounted at predetermined portion of the player. As the movement of the player, the sensor can detect a swinging angle of a player's arm, an acceleration applied thereto or a distance between a player's hand and a predetermined object such as a wall. As the tone element of the musical tone, the control circuit controls a tone color, a tone pitch or a tone volume of the musical tone.

Abstract: In an electronic musical instrument capable of producing a key touch feeling resembling one in playing the piano by the provision of a hammer which is interlocked with a key, key-on data and touch data are generated in response to downward displacement of the key. In this type of electronic musical instrument, key-on data and touch data are also generated when the hammer is displaced upwardly and downwardly due to bounding of the hammer independently of the movement of the key. A touch control characteristic is established usually by using touch data generated in response to key-on data. When, however, second key-on data has been generated within a predetermined length of time after generation of preceding first key-on data, a touch control characteristic for the second on data is established by using first touch data generated in response to the first key-on data.

Abstract: A distortion synthesizer, having a first distortion circuit, a tone control circuit for altering the tonality of the first distorted signal and a second distortion circuit for introducing harmonics into said tone controlled signal. At least one of the distortion circuits introduces harmonics without clipping. The second distortion circuit also for clips the resultant signal as a function of said resultant signal. The first distortion circuit limits and introduces even harmonics, preferrably predominantly second harmonics. The second distortion circuit introduces odd harmonics, preferrably by predominantly third harmonics, prior to clipping, and also compress the signal. The distortion circuits include a variable gain stage which increases with increased input using a plurality of switches which progressively add parallel resistors to progressively increase output current. A circuit simulating transformer saturation is also provided in the second distortion circuit.

Abstract: An electronic stringed instrument employs a plurality of sensors or monitors for instrument performance. Preferred sensors or monitors include a detector for detecting that a string of the instrument is vibrated, an apparatus for evaluating a string-vibration strength or a string touch, an apparatus for discriminating a fret operation position on a fingerboard or a fundamental frequency of a vibration of the vibrated string, a tremolo arm sensor, and a string-bending sensor. These performance input parameters are assigned to various control functions for musical tones generated by a sound source and/or various control functions for effects added to these musical tones by an effector. The function assignment is preferably programmable. In an operation, a music control apparatus control the sound source and/or effector in response to a performance monitor so that musical tones for the strings can be distinguished from each other or effects for the musical tones can be distinguished from each other.

Abstract: In an electronic musical instrument of the waveshape memory type including at least one waveshape memory for storing and reproducing sample values of a musical sound wave to be generated, the waveshape memory stores the sample values of the complete waveshape of a musical tone with a shaped envelope.

Abstract: For elimination of an error made in a sound production, an electronic fretted and stringed musical instrument operates in a parameter adjusting mode of operation prior to a playing mode of operation, and the fret positions are adjusted for actual fret members in the parameter adjusting mode of operation for precisely deciding the fret position where a string is engaged, thereby allowing a sound with a note assigned to the decided fret position to be produced.

Abstract: When picking of a string is performed, the vibration of the string is detected accurately and quickly. When a fret operation position is changed during generation of a musical tone caused by the string picking, the pitch of the musical tone is changed to the one corresponding to the new fret operation position without generating a new musical tone. When the same string is stroked successively, the succeeding musical tone is generated while keeping the reverberation of the previous musical tone. The musical tone once generated will be stopped from being generated upon elapse of a predetermined time from the beginning of the tone generation, irrespective of the type of its timbre. When a fret operation state is changed to an open-string operation state after the string picking, the generation of the musical tone being generated stops at that timing.

Abstract: A music synthesizer has a pivotable and slidable bar mounted in front of the keyboard of the synthesizer, the bar disposed generally parallel thereto whereby a wrist of a player may cause the bar either to pivot about an external hinge or pivot, or to slide about an axis of the bar. An actuating member is provided which responds to motion of the bar to mechanically operate potentiometers of the synthesizer to provide variably positioned dependent analog signals as inputs to the synthesizer.

Abstract: A sound effector for changing original sound signals generated from an electric musical instrument and picked up by a pickup element. The effector having an inductance circuit into aurally improved distinctive sounds by suitably distorting the waveform in a frequency band or original sound signals to be enhanced during amplification of the original sound signals. The sound effector includes a resonance circuit having a capacitor connected with the inductance circuit of the pickup element, an amplifier circuit composed of semiconductor elements for amplifying an output signal from the resonance circuit, a filter circuit for receiving the output signal from the amplifier circuit and for passing therethrough a signal having a predetermined frequency range, and a positive feedback circuit for positively feeding back a part of the signal passed through the filter circuit to the resonance circuit.