WO2001063593A1

WO2001063593A1 - A mode for band imitation, of a symphonic orchestra in particular, and the equipment for imitation utilising this mode

Info

Publication number: WO2001063593A1
Application number: PCT/SK2001/000002
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lucian Gontko
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-02-25
Filing date: 2001-02-19
Publication date: 2001-08-30
Anticipated expiration: 2002-08-25
Also published as: SK284373B6; AU3632701A; SK2572000A3

Abstract

The mode is based on using musical patterns of a band, which are pre-recorded during an independent recording session, stored in musical patterns modules and controlled via MIDI transducer by a computer control unit. Equipement consists of a MIDI transducer (1), connected to a computer control unit (1) and musical patterns storing modules (3.3) with each of the outputs connected to a respective electroacoustical transducer (4), featured by a defined spatial setup provided in a manner simulating the instruments setup of a real orchestra.

Description

A mode for band imitation, of a symphonic orchestra in particular, and the equipment for imitation utilising this mode.

Technical Field

This invention relates, in general, to creation of a musical band imitation mode, of a symphonic orchestra, in particular, and the respective equipment according this mode i.e. utilising of replacing the real spatial setup of individual musical instrument players by special setup of corresponding electro-acoustical transducers. The invention refers to the area of electroacoustics.

Background Art

In general, there are several modes available for reproducing music today. Apart from monophonic systems for music reproduction, the systems now commonly used are based on stereophonic systems in order to ensure spatial sound perception. Stereophonic systems are being further enhanced to improve certain of their selected features. An obvious evidence of the above has been provided by a multi-channel recording and reproducing system based on a Japanese patent document # 62082857, which reduces lack of balance in dynamic characteristics among separate channels by using a frequency-sharing scheme, whereby the acoustic signal is shared by assigned channels terminated with loudspeakers. The wiring is applicable for a three-way loudspeaker system.

The similar solution has been chosen for systems whereby the electric signals that refer to acoustic signals of respective wavelength are redistributed into predefined loudspeaker units.

Another solution that has been known from the international patent application PCT/JP97/0036B is based on the electronic acoustic instruments connection, whereby the music from each such instrument has been recorded on a separate soundtrack. Subsequently, . each track with musical signal is assigned a separate loudspeaker unit. The loudspeakers may be freely set on a wall, floor, ceiling etc. The sound stage thus comes near to an orchestra live performance.

An inherent disadvantage of the above-mentioned systems and electronic musical instruments consists in the impossibility of controlling, during playback of a recorded music, the sound quality of each musical instrument independently, due to the fact that the system only reproduces a multi-track recording via several loudspeakers.

This gave rise to a necessity of using development tools in order to address the above disadvantage. A newly invented mode of imitating any band, of a symphonic orchestra in particular, is the result of such effort and how the effects of imitating an orchestra by using development tools are created is subject of this invention described below.

Disclosure of Invention

The above disadvantages may be removed to a great extent by using a mode of band imitation, of a symphonic orchestra in particular, according to this invention, based on a solution, whereby multiple separate sampling musical patterns or musical patterns from various instruments by separate orchestra musicians recorded during independent recording sessions are stored separately on independent media in musical patterns modules, and managed through direct or separate control via MIDI transducer and computer control unit. The term MIDI is explained at the end of this document.

A set of low-frequency output electric signals stored in modules with sampling musical patterns is assigned, during performance of system control, the respective set of electroacoustical transducers, in order to convert electric signals into sonic waves. Assignment is based strictly on a pattern whereby each output signal from a module with sampling musical patterns is assigned a corresponding electroacoustical transducer. This rule is pursued in such manner that each musical instrument of a real band, of a symphonic orchestra in particular, is assigned a single electroacoustical transducer of the imitated band, of a symphonic orchestra in particular. Lastly, the rule whereby a coincidence is required between spatial setup of the imitated band assigned electroacoustical transducers and spatial setup of musical instruments of a real band or orchestra. From the above it is obvious that the number of musical instruments in a real orchestra corresponds with the number of musical patterns for the imitated band or a symphonic orchestra in particular, and the number of electroacoustical transducers assigned.

The control mode allows performing direct modifications into scores of individual musical instruments, such as changes of rhythm, score modification for each musical instrument, tonal colour adjustment, and removing or adding certain tones using the MIDI transducer editing facility.

The presented mode of band imitation, of a symphonic orchestra in particular, will use equipment suggested according to the submitted invention to carry out its functions. That equipment consists of MIDI transducer with the input connected to a computer control unit and each output connected to the corresponding input of each musical instruments sampling patterns storing module of the band, of a symphonic orchestra in particular. The MIDI transducer and computer control unit provided with appropriate software switch on a facility for replay of the installed musical patterns stored in each musical module, and reading musical patterns pertaining to each musical instrument in the orchestra, from CD-ROM. Another available function during this session is the control of a composition rhythm. Each output of a musical pattern module is connected via dedicated wire to the corresponding electroacoustical transducer. The spatial setup of each electroacoustical transducer pertaining to the imitated band, usually on a stage, corresponds to musical instruments setup in a real band; symphonic orchestra in particular. Each electroacoustical transducer assigned the role of a separate musical instrument in a band; symphonic orchestra in particular, should be capable of meeting requirements for frequency-range and musical output compliance. To ensure the required sound quality it will be useful if the acoustical transducers are fitted in loudspeaker enclosures. An essential difference the presented invention features in confrontation with some other solutions of a similarly complex character is that this invention uses audio transducers and/or low-frequency amplifiers that are connected between each separate musical module output, storing musical patterns of musical instruments in a band, of a symphonic orchestra in particular, and corresponding separate electroacoustical transducers.

Another essential feature pertaining to this invention is a special setup of the electroacoustical transducers, whereby their control is provided with regard to both, vertical as well as horizontal axis and/or they are used in active mode. Directional control of electroacoustical transducers within two independent, superposed axes is in fact imitating real musical instrument jerks during the orchestra real performance, allowing controlling the motions via application software.

Characteristic for analogical equipment according to the invention and its essential feature is also the possibility of connecting MIDI transducer to MIDI keyboard that may be used by composer or a musician for recording separate composition scores into musical programme.

Lastly, another feature characteristic for this invention that is of essential nature when a comparison is made with analogous solutions is that the orchestra instruments musical patterns storing modules, at least, are included in computer software, thus reducing number of needed components as per presented invention. An adequate step for carrying out the invention is then to connect the electroacoustical transducers of active design only to the analogue output bus terminals of a high-performance computer.

A main advantage, inherent to this mode and respective equipment for imitation of a band, of a symphonic orchestra in particular is that the orchestra conductor, musician or setter arranging scores of a musical composition possess a powerful tool for concretisation of their rendition conceptions. Problems due to imperfect recording and flawed music reproduction, or those encountered while putting the musical instruments in tune may be removed and imperfections in rhythm reduced to a minimum. A great advantage is provided by the fact that the setter may create new audio models and verify their practicability in the real time mode, which provides him/her with the immediate access to governing all available expressive elements of music, including agogics. The composition setter may thus become creator of every subtle part of a musical composition interpretation and may use the facility for editing, to the greatest possible detail, each musical instrument in the orchestra separately, influencing the way how any individual instrumentalist will present ι his/her musical expressiveness to obtain the desirable effect. Whatever the conditions may be, the resulting sound quality will always be higher than might otherwise be expected based on used technologies.

Brief Description of Drawings

Equipment for imitation of a band, of a symphonic orchestra in particular, according to this invention will be shown in greater detail on respective drawings, out of which Figure 1 shows basic configuration of realisation subject of this invention. Figure 2 shows a derived version that is based, to a great extent, on software-oriented approach, with a set of separate low-frequency amplifiers. Figure 3 shows analogous version of carrying out the invention, by using electroacoustical transducers of active design option. Figure 4 shows three-dimensional control of swivel applied for rotating of electroacoustical transducers. Lastly, Figure 5 shows spatial setup of electroacoustical transducers on a stage, while imitating the performance of a symphonic orchestra

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

Example 1

This example of a particular mode for carrying out the invention describes the mode of imitating performance of a real 65-piece symphonic orchestra according to the presented invention, the essential functional principle of which is indicated in Figure 5. This mode is based on a principle whereby the musical patterns modules 2L3 may be advantageously provided on a CD-ROM medium containing separate musical patterns of individual musical instruments. These musical patterns may be in the form of separately recorded patterns of each musical instrument in the orchestra, or just separate samples with various sound patterns. An appropriate use of these musical instrument patterns is provided via computer control unit 1 via MIDI transducer, the musical reproduction of separate composition scores being controlled in a manner whereby each set of low-frequency output signals from the symphonic orchestra instruments musical pattern storing modules 3 2 and 3 3 is assigned, in a precisely defined way, a respective set of electroacoustical transducers 4. It is essential that the musical patterns storing module outputs 3,2 or 3 3 respectively should always be assigned only the respective single electroacoustical transducer 4 of the symphonic orchestra to be imitated, pertaining always to a single musical instrument, with the defined spatial setup of the said transducer. The MIDI transducer unit 2 and computer control unit I provide the user with a facility for direct or indirect modification of musical composition scores and access to functions such as rhythm editing facility, tonal colour adjustment, replacing, removing or adding separate instruments, including adding or removing an entire symphonic orchestra. Apart from providing the user with a facility for controlling reproduction of music created by the imitated symphonic orchestra, or using the facility in manner described above, it is equally easy for a composer to use this facility for composing new symphonies.

Example 2

The mode of imitation of a real symphonic orchestra according to this invention was used as basis for realisation of equipment indicated on Figure 1 , for imitation of a real 65-piece symphonic orchestra. This example includes description of essential electrical wiring connections according to the invention. The equipment consists of seven modules designated from 3.3.1 to 3.3.7 with the stored musical patterns of a symphonic orchestra separate musical instruments, called also the samplers. Inputs 3J. of modules 3.3.1 to 3.3.7 with musical patterns of a symphonic orchestra separate instruments are connected to respective outputs 2 . of a MIDI transducer 2. Unless the MID] transducer 2 has been provided with a corresponding number of outputs it will be necessary to use a consecutively connected series of multiple MIDI transducers 2 and thus obtain the required number of outputs. The MIDI transducer is further connected to the computer control unit JL Also connected to the MIDI transducer 2 is the keyboard 7. The Modules 3.3.1 to 3.3.7 with musical patterns of symphony orchestra separate instruments are provided with built-in audio transducers 5 _. to 5.65 on their outputs. Through outputs 3.2.1 to 3.2.65 these audio transducers are directly connected to a set of active electroacoustical transducers designated from 4J. to 4.65 whereby each single output 32. of modules 3 3 with musical patterns is assigned a defined respective single electroacoustical transducer 4 fitted, together with its low- frequency amplifier 5, into a loudspeaker cabinet. Each electroacoustical transducer 4J_. to 4.65 pertaining to an imitated orchestra refers, by its individual spatial setup, to the location of a separate musical instrument in a real symphonic orchestra. An example with spatial setup of the electroacoustical transducer 4 ., representing the front-seat violin in sector one on the left. The electroacoustical transducer 4.64 that represents tympana is located in the rear sector fifteen as can be seen from Figure 5. Each electroacoustical transducer from 4J. to 4.65 fitted in a loudspeaker cabinet allows an easy adjustment of elevation and angular shift from both vertical as well as horizontal axes as can be seen from Figure 4. Thus it is possible to perform, by tilting or rotating each transducer, very fine adjustments of sound direction for each separate instrument of the imitated orchestra, and alternatively, highlight the front-seat violin performance by changing the instrumentalist's imitated position from seating to standing.

Example 3

This example brings description of a derived version of wiring with equipment for imitating the 6-piece brass band using the mode of imitation according to this invention as shown in Figure 2, realised to a great extent by software. The equipment consists of the computer control unit 1 connected to MIDI transducer 2 to which is further connected the keyboard 7. The module 3.3 with musical patterns pertaining to instruments of a 6-piece brass band belongs to application software, which also includes a MIDI musical program, installed in the .computer control unit 1. The computer control unit has the analogue output bus on its output side, which may be provided with minimum one and up to six audio transducers, designated from 5Λ_. to 5.6. depending on how many analogue outputs are available. The outputs of those transducers 3.2.1 to 3.2.6 are connected via separate low-frequency amplifiers to electroacoustical transducers 4 . to 4 3 with the spatial setup similar to that shown in example 1.

Example 4

This example brings description of equipment wiring from the previous example, except for the fact that active loudspeakers are used for this version as can be seen from Figure 3. The only difference of this version is in placing of low-frequency amplifiers which, unlike in the previous example are fitted inside loudspeaker cabinets.

The abbreviated term ..MIDI" has been derived from a full name designation as follows: ..Musical Instruments digital Interface"; its meaning is: -digitally controlled operation of musical instruments" and the term refers to both, hardware as well as software.

Industrial Applicability

The mode of imitation of a band, of a symphonic orchestra in particular and the equipment representing the imitated band, symphonic orchestra in particular according to this invention is applicable for purposes of promptly organised tours without instrumentalists, because of its simplicity and capability of ensuring perfect spatial acoustics regardless of whether orchestra musicians are present or not and high fidelity of music reproduction. The mode and respective equipment may be especially suitable for use in sound and film studios where perfect synchronisation between movie images and scenic music occurs.

Claims

P A T E N T C L A I M S

1. Mode of imitation of a band, of a symphonic orchestra in particular, consisting in utilising separate musical sampling patterns or musical patterns of separate musical instruments of a band, of a sympnonic orchestra in particular, recorded during independent recording sessions, stored separately in modules 3.3 with musical patterns and reproduction of those pattern^'s is controlled via MIDI transducer (2) by computer control unit (1) using direct or indirect control mode so that:

- a set of the output low-frequency electric signals from musical patterns storing modules (3.3) is assigned a set of electroacoustical transducers (4) in such manner that each of the outputs (3.2) pertaining to modules (3.3) with musical patterns will be assigned only one electroacoustical transducer (4) of the imitated band, of a symphonic orchestra in particular, featured by a defined spatial setup;

- it is possible to carry out independent modifications to scores of each separate musical instrument such as: changes in rhythm, modify or replace scores of each separate instrument, tonal colour adjustment, removing or adding instrument using the MIDI transducer editing facility.

2. Equipment for imitation of a band, of a symphonic orchestra in particular based on a mode according to claim 1, comprising a MIDI transducer (2), with the input connected to a computer control unit (1) the outputs of which (2.1, 2.2, to 2.N), where N = 3 minimum, may be connected separately to the respective inputs (3.1.1, 3.1.2, to 3.2.N) of modules (3.3.1, 3.3.2, to 3.3.N) with musical patterns of a band, of a symphonic orchestra in particular, the outputs of which (3.2.1, 3.2.2 to 3.2.N) are connected separately to a respective electroacoustical transducer (4.1 to 4.N), where each electroacoustical transducer (4.1, 4.2 to 4.N) corresponds, by its spatial setup, to defined location of each musical instrument in a real orchestra; in symphonic orchestra in particular.

3. Equipment for imitation of a band, of a symphonic orchestra in particular, according to claim 2, consisting in utilising, between each separate output (3.2.1 , 3.2.2 to 3.2.N) of modules (3) with musical patterns of separate instruments of a band, of a symphonic orchestra in particular, and each separate electroacoustical transducer (4.1 to 4.N), an audio transducer (5.1, 5.2, to 5.N), or a low-frequency amplifier (6.1, 6.2 to 6.N) is connected.

4. Equipment for imitation of a band, of a symphonic orchestra in particular according to claims 2 and 3, consisting in utilising positioning control for electroacoustical transducers (4.1, 4.2 to 4.N), whereby the angle of their position towards both axes, vertical and horizontal is adjustable and/or the active loudspeakers may be used for the purpose.

5. Equipment for imitation of a band, of a symphonic orchestra in particular according to claim 2, comprised of a MIDI transducer (2), which is further connected to a keyboard (7).

I

6. Equipment for imitation of a band, of a symphonic orchestra in particular according to claim 2, comprising at least modules (3.3.1, 3.3.2 to 3.3.N) with musical patterns of separate instruments in a band, of a symphonic orchestra in particular, in computer software of a computer control unit (1).