Apple files for on-stage musical processing patent
updated 09:35 am EDT, Fri April 18, 2008
Apple on-stage DAP box
The US Patent and Trademark Office has published an Apple application for a new digital audio processor, specifically geared towards live music events. As the patent defines it, several members of a band -- including guitarists, vocalists, drummers and keyboardists -- would be able to connect their inputs directly into an on-stage set-top box, which would also have various output jacks as well. Of these the most critical is a connection to some sort of remote control device, whether a notebook, a handheld computer, or a traditional mixer.
Instead of being dependent on a multi-core cable however, supported remote devices would be able to connect through Wi-Fi, namely 802.11a/b/g. Users could also connect through some form of standard network connection, such as Ethernet cable; the patent notes that while this could require extra protection if run through an audience, it would be "far less unwieldy and expensive" than multi-core technology.
A critical touch is that individual band members would be able to alter monitor mixes on their own, through the use of personal remote controls. The set-top would be capable of processing audio signals distinctly, so that each musician could hear their own version of the mix via a single sound cable.
This...
04/18, 10:00am reply
sounds fantastic. There always seems to be someone not satisfied with the monitor mixes. Bye-bye to that problem. And Wi-fi too? I wonder if we'll ever see this.
greenG4
Grizzled Veteran
Joined: Aug 2002
Latency & drop outs
04/18, 10:28am reply
Nice idea, but totally impracticable. First off, the latency would be off the charts slow. Musicians can't bear 50ms of latency. Firewire strains to keep up. USB 2.0 is even way too slow for even an amateur musician. So Wifi wouldn't cut it. 2nd issue is drop outs. Ever tried to stream itunes and got a drop out? Forget about it. One drop out would be worse than one bad note.
pjkahler
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2008
Can nothing improve?
04/18, 10:36am reply
pjkahler is right...How can Apple possibly make this work? After all, computers will never be smaller than my office desk, modems can never surpass 14k, and DOS 3.2 rules supreme.
Guest
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999
You misunderstood.
04/18, 02:54pm reply
@pjkahler - I didn't get the impression that the audio signals would be carried over anything other than standard analog audio cables. As I read it, the wifi would only be for the remote control devices. This is such an obvious and yet incredibly innovative concept - I can't believe no one has tried to patent it before now. Basically, what Apple is proposing is a remotely controlled, multi-channel signal processor and audio distribution box. Anything but "impracticable", it would require no new technology and actually be quite simple to implement. Again, I'm amazed no one has thought of this before now. I wish I had - I'll just have to settle for more shares of Apple stock. I give it less than a few years before this is standard equipment for the performing musician. Every company who makes dsp units and mixers (e.g. Mackie, Roland, Behringer, Yamaha, etc.) is probably already scrambling to try to beat Apple to the market.
DGFilm
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2007
been done...
04/18, 08:32pm reply
check out aviom. This stuff already exists and is in use.
I'm not really sure what of this is new, You can already mix your own mix via aviom over ethernet. There are ethernet snakes out and have been for some time from the stage to FOH.
Am I missing something?
RightAngle
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2008