Friday, April 18,2008 @ 9:35am
Apple files for on-stage musical processing patent
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.
