Abstract:
Apparatus having corresponding methods comprise: an audio mixer; a game chat output interface configured to transmit game chat output audio from the apparatus; a mobile output interface configured to transmit mobile output audio from the apparatus; a microphone interface configured to receive microphone audio into the apparatus; and wherein, responsive to selection of a first mode, the audio mixer is configured to provide the game chat output audio based on the microphone audio; and wherein, responsive to selection of a second mode, the audio mixer is further configured to provide the mobile output audio based on the microphone audio.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to audio mixing, balancing, and control. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to audio mixing, balancing, and control for game devices and other devices. 
         [0002]    Multiplayer online games are enjoying rapidly-expanding popularity. Some games currently have over ten million subscribers, and log over a billion hours of game play per year. These games generally provide a virtual world such as a battle arena. The players generally assume roles and form teams in the virtual world. The players on a team may communicate to achieve an objective. This communication is generally referred to as “game chat.” Multiplayer online games are generally long and intense, sometimes lasting several hours. This situation presents players with something of a dilemma. Players are reluctant to leave the game for fear of missing important action, but are also eager to stay in touch with friends by using their smartphones to conduct phone calls, receive notifications from social media sites, and the like. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features an apparatus comprising: an audio mixer; a game chat output interface configured to transmit game chat output audio from the apparatus; a mobile output interface configured to transmit mobile output audio from the apparatus; a microphone interface configured to receive microphone audio into the apparatus; and wherein, responsive to selection of a first mode, the audio mixer is configured to provide the game chat output audio based on the microphone audio; and wherein, responsive to selection of a second mode, the audio mixer is further configured to provide the mobile output audio based on the microphone audio. 
         [0004]    Embodiments of the apparatus can include one or more of the following features. Some embodiments comprise a mobile input interface configured to receive mobile input audio into the apparatus; and an earphone interface configured to transmit earphone audio from the apparatus; wherein the audio mixer is further configured to provide the earphone audio based on the mobile input audio. Some embodiments comprise a game chat input interface configured to receive game chat input audio into the apparatus; wherein, responsive to selection of the first mode, the audio mixer is further configured to provide the game chat input audio to the earphone interface. In some embodiments, the audio mixer is further configured to provide the game chat input audio to the earphone interface responsive to i) selection of the second mode, and ii) selection of a combo mixing mode. Some embodiments comprise a game sound interface configured to receive game sound audio into the apparatus; wherein the audio mixer is further configured to provide the game sound audio to the earphone interface. In some embodiments, the audio mixer comprises: a balancer configured to change an audio level balance between the game chat input audio and the game sound audio. Some embodiments comprise a potentiometer configured to change a gain of the mobile input audio in accordance with a position of the potentiometer. In some embodiments, the balancer is a first balancer, and wherein the audio mixer further comprises: a second balancer configured to change a gain of the game chat input audio and the game sound audio in accordance with the position of the potentiometer responsive to selection of the second mode. Some embodiments comprise a signal processor configured to process at least one of i) the earphone audio prior to the earphone interface transmitting the earphone audio from the apparatus, ii) the game chat output audio prior to the game chat output interface transmitting the game chat output audio from the apparatus, and iii) the mobile output audio prior to the mobile output interface transmitting the mobile output audio from the apparatus. Some embodiments comprise a mobile device controller configured to cause a mobile device connected to the mobile input interface to perform at least one of i) answering a call, ii) ending a call, iii) starting music play, and iv) ending music play. Some embodiments comprise an integrated circuit comprising the audio mixer. 
         [0005]    In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features a method for an audio controller, wherein the method comprises: transmitting game chat output audio from a game chat output interface of the audio controller; transmitting mobile output audio from a mobile output interface of the audio controller; and receiving microphone audio into a microphone interface of the audio controller; providing the game chat output audio based on the microphone audio responsive to selection of a first mode; and providing the mobile output audio based on the microphone audio responsive to selection of a second mode. 
         [0006]    Embodiments of the method can include one or more of the following features. Some embodiments comprise receiving mobile input audio into a mobile input interface of the audio controller; transmitting earphone audio from an earphone interface of the audio controller; and providing the earphone audio based on the mobile input audio. Some embodiments comprise receiving game chat input audio into a game chat input interface of the audio controller; and providing the game chat input audio to the earphone interface responsive to selection of the first mode. Some embodiments comprise providing the game chat input audio to the earphone interface responsive to i) selection of the second mode, and ii) selection of a combo mixing mode. Some embodiments comprise receiving game sound audio into a game sound interface of the audio controller; and providing the game sound audio to the earphone interface. Some embodiments comprise changing an audio level balance between the game chat input audio and the game sound audio. Some embodiments comprise changing a gain of the mobile input audio in accordance with a position of the potentiometer. Some embodiments comprise changing a gain of the game chat input audio and the game sound audio in accordance with the position of the potentiometer responsive to selection of the second mode. Some embodiments comprise processing, in a signal processor of the audio controller, at least one of i) the earphone audio prior to the earphone interface transmitting the earphone audio from the apparatus, ii) the game chat output audio prior to the game chat output interface transmitting the game chat output audio from the apparatus, and iii) the mobile output audio prior to the mobile output interface transmitting the mobile output audio from the apparatus. 
         [0007]    In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features an apparatus comprising: a user-operable switch having a first position and a second position; and an audio mixer; wherein, responsive to the user-operable switch being in the first position, the audio mixer is configured to provide game chat output audio based on microphone audio received by the audio mixer; and wherein, responsive to the user-operable switch being in the second position, the audio mixer is further configured to provide mobile output audio based on the microphone audio. 
         [0008]    Embodiments of the apparatus can include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the audio mixer is further configured to provide earphone audio based on the mobile input audio. In some embodiments, responsive to the user-operable switch being in the first position, the audio mixer is further configured to provide the earphone audio based on game chat input audio received by the audio mixer. Some embodiments comprise a user-operable button; wherein the audio mixer is further configured to provide the earphone audio based on the game chat input audio responsive to i) operation of the user-operable button, and ii) the user-operable switch being in the second position. In some embodiments, the audio mixer is further configured to provide the earphone audio based on game sound audio received by the apparatus. Some embodiments comprise a user-operable slide control; wherein, responsive to operation of the user-operable slide control, the audio mixer is further configured to change an audio level balance between the game chat input audio and the game sound audio. In some embodiments, the user-operable slide control is a first user-operable slide control, and the apparatus further comprises: a second user-operable slide control; and a potentiometer configured to change a gain of the mobile input audio responsive to operation of the second user-operable slide control. In some embodiments, the audio mixer is further configured to change a gain of the game chat input audio and the game sound audio responsive to i) operation of the second user-operable slide control, and ii) the user-operable switch being in the second position. Some embodiments comprise a mobile device controller; and a user-operable mobile control button; wherein, responsive to operation of the user-operable mobile control button, the mobile device controller is configured to cause a mobile device connected to the apparatus to perform at least one of i) answering a call, ii) ending a call, iii) starting music play, and iv) ending music play. Some embodiments comprise a user-operable dial, wherein the audio mixer is further configured to change a gain of the earphone audio responsive to operation of the user-operable dial. Some embodiments comprise an integrated circuit comprising the audio mixer. 
         [0009]    In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features a method for an audio controller, wherein the method comprises: providing game chat output audio based on microphone audio received by the audio controller responsive to a user-operable switch being in a first position; providing mobile output audio based on the microphone audio responsive to the user-operable switch being in a second position. Some embodiments comprise providing earphone audio based on mobile input audio received by the audio controller. Some embodiments comprise providing the earphone audio based on game chat input audio received by the audio controller responsive to the user-operable switch being in the first position. In some embodiments, the audio mixer is further configured to provide the earphone audio based on the game chat input audio responsive to i) operation of a user-operable button, and ii) the user-operable switch being in the second position. Some embodiments comprise providing the earphone audio based on game sound audio received by the audio controller. Some embodiments comprise changing an audio level balance between the game chat input audio and the game sound audio responsive to operation of a user-operable slide control. In some embodiments, the user-operable slide control is a first user-operable slide control, and the method further comprises: changing a gain of the mobile input audio responsive to operation of a second user-operable slide control. Some embodiments comprise changing a gain of the game chat input audio and the game sound audio responsive to i) operation of the second user-operable slide control, and ii) the user-operable switch being in the second position. Some embodiments comprise, responsive to operation of a user-operable mobile control button, causing a mobile device connected to the audio controller to perform at least one of i) answering a call, ii) ending a call, iii) starting music play, and iv) ending music play. 
         [0010]    The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates one use case for the disclosed audio controllers. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  shows example audio connections for an embodiment where the game device is a personal computer. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  shows example audio connections for an embodiment where the game device is an XBOX 360 device. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  shows example audio connections for such an embodiment where the game device is a PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) device. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  shows detail of an audio controller according to one embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  illustrates audio flows for the audio controller of  FIG. 5  when operating in the game mode according to one embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  illustrates audio flows for the audio controller of  FIG. 5  when operating in the mobile mode according to one embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  illustrates audio flows for the audio controller of  FIG. 5  when operating in the mobile mode with combo sound according to one embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  shows a process for the audio controller of  FIG. 5  according to one embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  shows user-operable controls and user-perceivable indicators of an audio controller according to one embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  illustrates mixing and balancing for the game mode according to one embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  illustrates mixing and balancing for the mobile mode according to one embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  illustrates mixing and balancing for the mobile mode with combo sound according to one embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  shows detail of the first balancer of the audio controller of  FIG. 11  according to one embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  shows gain profiles for the first balancer of  FIG. 11  in the game mode and mobile mode with combo sound according to one embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  shows detail of the second balancer of the audio controller of  FIG. 11  according to one embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  shows gain profiles for the second balancer of  FIG. 11  in the mobile mode with combo sound according to one embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  shows a process for the audio controller of  FIG. 10  according to one embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is a front view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  is a rear view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  is a left side view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
           [0033]      FIG. 23  is a right side view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
           [0034]      FIG. 24  is a top view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
           [0035]      FIG. 25  is bottom view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
           [0036]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
           [0037]      FIG. 27  is a front view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
           [0038]      FIG. 28  is a rear view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
           [0039]      FIG. 29  is a left side view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
           [0040]      FIG. 30  is a right side view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
           [0041]      FIG. 31  is a top view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
           [0042]      FIG. 32  is bottom view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
       
    
    
       [0043]    The leading digit(s) of each reference numeral used in this specification indicates the number of the drawing in which the reference numeral first appears. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0044]    Embodiments of the present disclosure provide audio controllers that may be used for gaming, telephony, and the like. While the disclosed audio controllers are described in terms of gaming and mobile devices, it will be understood that the disclosed audio controllers may be used with any audio devices. Furthermore, while a use case for gaming and mobile devices is described in detail herein, it will be understood that the disclosed audio controllers may be employed in a variety of other use cases. 
         [0045]    The disclosed audio controllers have multiple modes that allow players in multiplayer online games to answer telephone calls without interrupting game play. In a first mode, referred to herein as “game mode,” the audio controllers provide a user with game sound and two-way game chat. In a second mode, referred to herein as “mobile mode,” the audio controllers provide game sound while allowing the user to conduct phone calls. In a third mode, referred to herein as “mobile mode with combo sound,” the audio controllers provide game sound and incoming game chat while allowing the user to conduct phone calls. The terms “game mode,” “mobile mode,” and “mobile mode with combo sound” are used for clarity in the described use case, and are not intended to limit the use cases for the disclosed audio controllers in any way. 
         [0046]      FIG. 1  illustrates one use case for the disclosed audio controllers. Although in the described embodiments, the elements of the audio controller are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements, as will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant arts based on the disclosure and teachings provided herein. For example, the elements of the audio controllers can be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. Referring to  FIG. 1 , an audio controller  102  may be connected to a headset  104 , a game device  106 , and a mobile device  108 . The mobile device  108  may be any sort of device capable of the functions described herein, for example including a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet computer, music player, or the like. In any of the embodiments described herein, the described headsets may be replaced with other sorts of speakers and microphones. The game device  106  may also be connected to a display screen  110  and a network  114  such as the Internet. The game device  106  may provide video to the display screen  110 . The game device  106  may also exchange audio with the audio controller  112 , as discussed in detail below. As used herein, the term “audio” refers to an electrical, optical, or other representation of sound. 
         [0047]    The game device  106  may be any sort of game device. In one embodiment, the game device  106  may be a personal computer.  FIG. 2  shows example audio connections for such an embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 2 , an audio controller  202  may be connected to a personal computer  204  by a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable  206  and a stereo audio cable  208 . The personal computer may have any sort of operating system, including Android, Apple, Windows, Linux, and the like. The audio controller  202  may have a USB jack to receive the USB cable  206 . The audio controller  202  may have a 2.5 mm connector, RCA connectors, or the like, to receive the stereo audio cable  208 . The audio controller  202  may be connected to a smartphone  210  with a four-pole audio cable  212 . The audio controller  202  may have a 2.5 mm four-pole connector, or the like, to receive the audio cable  212 . The audio controller  202  may be connected to a headset  214  with a four-pole audio cable  216 . The audio controller  202  may have a 2.5 mm four-pole connector, or the like, to receive the audio cable  216 . 
         [0048]    The USB cable  206  may provide power to the audio controller  202  from the personal computer  204 . The audio controller  202  may exchange digital game chat audio with the personal computer  204  over the USB cable  206 . The audio controller  202  may receive analog stereo game sound audio from the personal computer  204  over the stereo audio cable  208 . The audio controller  202  may receive analog stereo audio, referred to herein as “mobile input audio,” from the smartphone  210 , and may transmit analog monaural audio, referred to herein as “mobile output audio,” to the smartphone  210 , over the four-pole audio cable  212 . The mobile input audio and the mobile output audio may include music, telephony audio, notification sounds, and the like. The audio controller  202  may transmit analog stereo audio, referred to herein as “earphone audio,” to the headset  214 , and may receive analog monaural audio, referred to herein as “microphone audio,” to the headset  214 , over the four-pole audio cable  216 . 
         [0049]    In one embodiment, the game device  106  may be an XBOX 360 device manufactured by the Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.  FIG. 3  shows example audio connections for such an embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 3 , an audio controller  302  may be connected to an XBOX console  304  by a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable  306  and a stereo audio cable  308 . The audio controller  302  may have a USB jack to receive the USB cable  306 . The stereo audio cable  308  may be an electrical cable or an optical cable. The audio controller  302  may have a 3.5 mm connector, RCA connectors, optical connector, or the like, to receive the stereo audio cable  308 . The audio controller  302  may be connected to an XBOX controller  305  by a monaural audio cable  309 . The audio controller  302  may have a 2.5 mm connector, or the like, to receive the monaural audio cable  309 . The audio controller  302  may be connected to a smartphone  310  with a four-pole audio cable  312 . The audio controller  302  may have a 3.5 mm four-pole connector, or the like, to receive the audio cable  312 . The audio controller  302  may be connected to a headset  314  with a four-pole audio cable  316 . The audio controller  302  may have a 3.5 mm four-pole connector, or the like, to receive the four-pole audio cable  316 . 
         [0050]    The USB cable  306  may provide power to the audio controller  302  from the XBOX console  304 . The audio controller  302  may exchange monaural analog game chat audio with the XBOX controller  305  over the monaural audio cable  309 . The audio controller  302  may receive game sound stereo audio from the XBOX console  304  over the stereo audio cable  308 . The game sound stereo audio may be analog audio in the case of an electrical cable  308 , or digital pulse-code modulation (PCM) audio in the case of an optical cable  308 . The audio controller  302  may receive mobile input audio from the smartphone  310 , and may transmit mobile output audio to the smartphone  310 , over the four-pole audio cable  312 . The audio controller  302  may transmit earphone audio to the headset  314 , and may receive microphone audio to the headset  314 , over the four-pole audio cable  316 . 
         [0051]    In one embodiment, the game device  106  may be a PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) device manufactured by the Sony Corporation of Tokyo, Japan.  FIG. 4  shows example audio connections for such an embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 4 , an audio controller  402  may be connected to a PS3 console  404  by a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable  406  and a stereo audio cable  408 . The audio controller  402  may have a USB jack to receive the USB cable  406 . The stereo audio cable  408  may be an electrical cable or an optical cable. The audio controller  402  may have a 3.5 mm connector, RCA connectors, optical connector, or the like, to receive the stereo audio cable  408 . The audio controller  402  may be connected to a smartphone  410  with a four-pole audio cable  412 . The audio controller  402  may have a 3.5 mm four-pole connector, or the like, to receive the audio cable  412 . The audio controller  402  may be connected to a headset  414  with a four-pole audio cable  416 . The audio controller  402  may have a 3.5 mm four-pole connector, or the like, to receive the four-pole audio cable  416 . 
         [0052]    The USB cable  406  may provide power to the audio controller  402  from the PS3 console  404 . The USB cable  406  may also provide digital stereo game chat input audio from the PS3 console  404 , and may provide digital monaural game chat output audio to the PS3 console  404 . The audio controller  402  may receive game sound stereo audio from the PS3 console  404  over the stereo audio cable  408 . The game sound stereo audio may be analog audio in the case of an electrical cable  408 , or digital pulse-code modulation (PCM) audio in the case of an optical cable  408 . The audio controller  402  may receive mobile input audio from the smartphone  410 , and may transmit mobile output audio to the smartphone  410 , over the four-pole audio cable  412 . The audio controller  402  may transmit earphone audio to the headset  414 , and may receive microphone audio to the headset  414 , over the four-pole audio cable  416 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 5  shows detail of an audio controller  502  according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiments, the elements of the audio controller  502  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements, as will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant arts based on the disclosure and teachings provided herein. For example, the elements of audio controller  502  can be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. Referring to  FIG. 5 , the audio controller  502  includes a plurality of audio interfaces, user-operable controls  540 , user-perceivable indicators  542 , an audio mixer  544 , a signal processor  546 , and a mobile device controller  548 . One or more elements of the audio controller  502  may be implemented as an integrated circuit. In one embodiment, the integrated circuit is the CX20709 Speaker-on-a-Chip (SPoC) manufactured by Conexant Systems, Inc. of Irvine, Calif. 
         [0054]    The audio interfaces include a game sound interface  504  configured to receive game sound audio  506  into the audio controller  502 , a mobile input interface  508  configured to receive mobile input audio  510  into the audio controller  502 , a mobile output interface  512  configured to transmit mobile output audio  514  from the audio controller  502 , a microphone interface  516  configured to receive microphone audio  518  into the audio controller  502 , an earphone interface  520  configured to transmit earphone audio  522  from the audio controller  502 , a game chat input interface  524  configured to receive game chat input audio  526  into the audio controller  502 , and a game chat output interface  528  configured to transmit game chat output audio  530  from the audio controller  502 . 
         [0055]    The disclosed audio controllers may operate in any of three user-selectable modes: game mode, mobile mode, and mobile mode with combo sound.  FIG. 6  illustrates audio flows for the audio controller  502  of  FIG. 5  when operating in the game mode according to one embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 6 , when operating in the game mode, the audio controller  502  provides the game sound audio  506 , the game chat input audio  526 , and the mobile input audio  510 , to the earphone interface  520 . In other words, the audio controller  502  provides the earphone audio  522  based on the game sound audio  506 , the game chat input audio  526 , and the mobile input audio  510 . When operating in the game mode, the audio controller  502  also provides the microphone audio  518  to the game chat output interface  528 . In other words, the audio controller  502  provides game chat output audio  530  based on the microphone audio  518 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 7  illustrates audio flows for the audio controller  502  of  FIG. 5  when operating in the mobile mode according to one embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 7 , when operating in the mobile mode, the audio controller  502  provides the game sound audio  506 , and the mobile input audio  510 , to the earphone interface  520 . In other words, the audio controller  502  provides the earphone audio  522  based on the game sound audio  506  and the mobile input audio  510 . When operating in the mobile mode, the audio controller  502  also provides the microphone audio  518  to the mobile output interface  512 . In other words, the audio controller  502  provides the mobile output audio  514  based on the microphone audio  518 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 8  illustrates audio flows for the audio controller  502  of  FIG. 5  when operating in the mobile mode with combo sound according to one embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 8 , when operating in the mobile mode with combo sound, the audio controller  502  provides the game sound audio  506 , the mobile input audio  510 , and the game chat input audio  526 , to the earphone interface  520 . In other words, the audio controller  502  provides the earphone audio  522  based on the game sound audio  506 , the mobile input audio  510 , and the game chat input audio  526 . When operating in the mobile mode with combo sound, the audio controller  502  also provides the microphone audio  518  to the mobile output interface  512 . In other words, the audio controller  502  provides the mobile output audio  514  based on the microphone audio  518 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 9  shows a process  900  for the audio controller  502  of  FIG. 5  according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiments, the elements of the process  900  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements, as will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant arts based on the disclosure and teachings provided herein. For example, in various embodiments, some or all of the steps of process the  900  can be executed in a different order, concurrently, and the like. 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , at  902 , in any of the three modes (game mode, mobile mode, and mobile mode with combo sound), the audio controller  502  may perform the functions listed below. The audio controller  502  may receive the game sound audio  506  into the game sound interface  504 . The audio controller  502  may receive the game chat input audio  526  into the game chat input interface  524 . The audio controller  502  may receive the microphone audio  518  into the microphone interface  516 . The audio controller  502  may receive the mobile input audio  510  into the mobile input interface  508 . The audio controller  502  may provide the earphone audio  522  based on the mobile input audio  510 . The audio controller  502  may provide the game sound audio  506  to the earphone interface  520 . The audio controller  502  may transmit the earphone audio  522  from the earphone interface  520 . The audio controller  502  may process the earphone audio  522  prior to the earphone interface  520  transmitting the earphone audio  522 . 
         [0060]    If, at  904 , the game mode is selected, then at  906 , the audio controller  502  may perform the functions listed below. The audio controller  502  may provide the game chat input audio  526  to the earphone interface  520 . The audio controller  502  may provide the game chat output audio  530  based on the microphone audio  518 . The audio controller  502  may transmit the game chat output audio  530  from the game chat output interface  528 . The signal processor  546  of the audio controller  502  may process the game chat output audio  530  prior to the game chat output interface  528  transmitting the game chat output audio  530 . 
         [0061]    If, at  904 , the mobile mode is selected, then at  908 , the audio controller  502  may perform the functions listed below. The audio controller  502  may provide the mobile output audio  514  based on the microphone audio  518 . The audio controller  502  may transmit the mobile output audio  514  from the mobile output interface  512 . The signal processor  546  of the audio controller  502  may process the mobile output audio  514  prior to the mobile output interface  512  transmitting the mobile output audio  514 . 
         [0062]    If, at  910 , the mobile mode with combo sound is selected, then in addition to performing any of the mobile mode functions listed above, at  912 , the audio controller  502  may provide the game chat input audio  526  to the earphone interface  520 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 10  shows user-operable controls and user-perceivable indicators of an audio controller  1002  according to one embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 10 , the user-operable controls include a rocker switch  1004 , a volume dial  1006 , a mobile mode slider  1008 , a game mode slider  1010 , a mobile device control button  1012 , a mute button  1014 , and an equalizer button  1016 . The user-perceivable indicators include mobile mode light-emitting diodes (LEDs)  1018 , game mode LEDs  1020 , and a mute LED  1022 . 
         [0064]    The functions of the user-perceivable indicators and the user-operable controls of  FIG. 10  will now be described with reference to the audio interfaces of  FIG. 5 . Referring again to  FIG. 10 , the rocker switch  1004  has two positions. When the right side of the rocker switch  1004  is depressed, the audio controller  1002  is placed in the game mode. Note the right side of the rocker switch  1004  bears a “joystick” icon. When the audio controller  1002  is in the game mode, the game mode LEDs  1020  glow orange. When the left side of the rocker switch  1004  is depressed, the audio controller  1002  is placed in the mobile mode. Note the left side of the rocker switch  1004  bears a “smartphone” icon. When the audio controller  1002  is in the mobile mode, the mobile mode LEDs  1018  glow blue. 
         [0065]    The volume dial  1006  changes the gain of the earphone audio  522  when rotated. Clockwise rotation of the volume dial  1006  increases the gain, while counter-clockwise rotation decreases the gain. Rotating the volume dial  1006  to the fully counter-clockwise position turns off the audio controller  1002 . 
         [0066]    The mobile device control button  1012  may control a connected mobile device using the mobile device controller  548 . For example, when a connected mobile device is operating as a phone, the mobile device control button  1012  may be used to answer and end calls. As another example, when a connected mobile device is operating as a music player, the mobile device control button  1012  may be used to play and pause the music. 
         [0067]    The mute button  1014  may be used to mute the earphone audio  522 . When the earphone audio  522  is muted, the mute LED  1022  glows red. The mute LED  1022  may also glow red when the audio controller  1002  is on, but the audio cable  212  ( FIG. 2 ) is disconnected. 
         [0068]    The equalizer button  1016  may be used to cycle through a plurality of equalization profiles. The signal processor  546  applies the selected equalization profile to the earphone audio  522 . Each equalization profile may include audio equalization, 3D spatialization, or both. In one embodiment, the equalization profiles include a flat equalization profile, a bass boost equalization profile, and a midrange boost profile. The equalizer button  1016  may also be used, in combination with the volume dial  1006 , to select mobile mode with combo sound, as described below. When the volume dial  1006  is rotated to the fully counter-clockwise position, and the equalizer button  1016  is pressed for four seconds, the audio controller  1002  toggles in and out of mobile mode with combo sound. The equalizer button  1016 , the mobile mode slider  1008 , and the game mode slider  1010  may be used to mix and balance the components of the earphone audio  522 , as described below. 
         [0069]      FIG. 11  illustrates mixing and balancing for the game mode according to one embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 11 , an audio controller  1102  includes two balancers  1104 ,  1106  and a mixer  1108 . The first balancer  1104  changes the audio level balance between the game chat input audio  526  and the game sound audio  506  responsive to operation of the game mode slider  1010 . The second balancer  1106  changes the gain of the mobile input audio  510  responsive to operation of the mobile mode slider  1008 . The mixer  1108  combines the output of the balancers  1104 ,  1106 , and provides the combination as the earphone audio  522 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 12  illustrates mixing and balancing for the mobile mode according to one embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 12 , the first balancer  1104  changes the gain of the game sound audio  506  responsive to operation of the game mode slider  1010 . The second balancer  1106  changes the audio level balance between the output of the first balancer  1104  and the mobile input audio  510  responsive to operation of the mobile mode slider  1008 , and provides the combination as the earphone audio  522 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 13  illustrates mixing and balancing for the mobile mode with combo sound according to one embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 13 , the first balancer  1104  changes the audio level balance between the game chat input audio  526  and the game sound audio  506  responsive to operation of the game mode slider  1010 . The second balancer  1106  changes the audio level balance between the output of the first balancer  1104  and the mobile input audio  510  responsive to operation of the mobile mode slider  1008 , and provides the combination as the earphone audio  522 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 14  shows detail of the first balancer  1104  of the audio controller  1102  of  FIG. 11  according to one embodiment. For clarity, the game sound audio  506  is shown as monaural audio. Referring to  FIG. 14 , the game mode slider  1010  includes a potentiometer  1412  that provides a variable analog output voltage Vvar responsive to operation of the game mode slider  1010 . An analog-to-digital converter (ADC)  1402  converts the variable analog output voltage Vvar to a digital voltage. A gain controller  1404  controls two variable-gain amplifiers  1406 ,  1408  in accordance with the digital voltage. The variable-gain amplifier  1406  varies the gain of the game sound audio  506 . The variable-gain amplifier  1408  varies the gain of the game chat input audio  526 . A mixer  1410  combines the outputs of the variable-gain amplifiers  1406 ,  1408 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 15  shows gain profiles for the first balancer  1104  of  FIG. 11  in the game mode and mobile mode with combo sound according to one embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 15 , the gain profile of the game sound audio  506  is shown as a solid line, and the gain profile of the game chat input audio  526  is shown as a broken line. When the game mode slider  1010  is in its middle position, the gains of both the game sound audio  506 , and the game chat input audio  526 , are at maximum. Moving the game mode slider  1010  counter-clockwise reduces the gain of the game chat input audio  526  gradually to zero (mute). Moving the game mode slider  1010  clockwise reduces the gain of the game sound audio  506  gradually to zero (mute). 
         [0074]      FIG. 16  shows detail of the second balancer  1106  of the audio controller  1102  of  FIG. 11  according to one embodiment. For clarity, the mobile input audio  510 , and the output  1614  of the first balancer  1104 , are each shown as monaural audio. The output  1614  of the first balancer  1104  is referred to herein as “combo sound” audio  1614 . Referring to  FIG. 16 , the game mode slider  1010  includes a potentiometer  1612  having two resistive tracks  1616 ,  1618 . The position of the potentiometer  1612  along the resistive tracks  1616 ,  1618  is changed responsive to the operation of the mobile mode slider  1008 . The first track  1616  changes the gain of the mobile input audio  510  directly, in the analog domain, according to the position of the potentiometer  1612 . The second track  1618  provides a variable analog output voltage Vvar according to the position of the potentiometer  1612 . An analog-to-digital converter (ADC)  1602  converts the variable analog output voltage Vvar to a digital voltage. A gain controller  1604  controls a variable-gain amplifier  1606  in accordance with the digital voltage. The variable-gain amplifier  1606  varies the gain of the combo sound audio  1614 . A mixer  1610  combines the output of the variable-gain amplifier  1606  with the gain-adjusted mobile input audio  510 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 17  shows gain profiles for the second balancer  1106  of  FIG. 11  in the mobile mode with combo sound according to one embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 17 , the gain profile of the combo sound audio  1614  is shown as a solid line, and the gain profile of the mobile input audio  510  is shown as a broken line. When the mobile mode slider  1008  is in its middle position, the gains of both the combo sound audio  1614 , and the mobile input audio  510 , are at maximum. Moving the mobile mode slider  1008  counter-clockwise reduces the gain of the combo sound audio  1614  gradually to zero (mute). Moving the mobile mode slider  1008  clockwise reduces the gain of the mobile input audio  510  gradually to zero (mute). 
         [0076]      FIG. 18  shows a process  1800  for the audio controller  1002  of  FIG. 10  according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiments, the elements of the process  1800  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements, as will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant arts based on the disclosure and teachings provided herein. For example, in various embodiments, some or all of the steps of the process  1800  can be executed in a different order, concurrently, and the like. 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIG. 18 , at  1802 , in any of the three modes (game mode, mobile mode, and mobile mode with combo sound), the audio controller  502  may perform the functions listed below. The audio controller  502  may provide the earphone audio  522  based on the mobile input audio  510  received by the audio controller  502 . The audio controller  502  may the provide earphone audio  522  based on the game sound audio  506  received by the audio controller  502 . The audio controller  502  may change an audio level balance between the game chat input audio  526  and the game sound audio  506  responsive to operation of the game mode slider  1010 . The audio controller  502  may change a gain of the mobile input audio  510  responsive to operation of the mobile mode slider  1008 . The audio controller  502  may, responsive to operation of the user-operable mobile device control button  1012 , cause a mobile device connected to the audio controller  502  to answer a call, end a call, start music play, or end music play. 
         [0078]    If, at  1804 , the user-operable switch  1004  is in the game mode position, then at  1806 , the audio controller  502  may perform the functions listed below. The audio controller  502  may provide the game chat output audio  530  based on the microphone audio  518  received by the audio controller  502 . The audio controller  502  may provide the earphone audio  522  based on the game chat input audio  526  received by the audio controller  502 . The audio controller  502  may change the gain of the game chat input audio  526  and the game sound audio  506  responsive to operation of the mobile mode slider  1008 . 
         [0079]    If, at  1804 , the user-operable switch  1004  is in the mobile mode position, then at  1808 , the audio controller  502  may provide the mobile output audio  514  based on the microphone audio  518 . 
         [0080]    If, at  1810 , the mobile mode with combo sound is selected, for example using the volume dial  1006  and the equalizer button  1016  as described above, then in addition to performing any of the mobile mode functions listed above, at  1812 , the audio controller  502  may provide the earphone audio  522  based on the game chat input audio  526 . 
         [0081]    While a use case for gaming and mobile devices is described in detail herein, the disclosed audio controllers may be employed in other use cases with other audio devices. For example, a user may employ the disclosed audio controllers to switch between two different subsets of players using two different communication channels/types, or two channels within the same type. As another example, a user may employ the disclosed audio controllers to connect and mix audio for a smartphone and a voice service such as Skype, Lync, or the like. As another example, a user may employ the disclosed audio controllers to connect and mix audio for components of a home entertainment system such as speakers, television sets, DVD players, and the like. Furthermore, while particular connectors have been described for the disclosed audio controllers, other connectors and/or adapters may be employed to connect to audio devices having other connectors. 
         [0082]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
         [0083]      FIG. 20  is a front view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
         [0084]      FIG. 21  is a rear view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
         [0085]      FIG. 22  is a left side view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
         [0086]      FIG. 23  is a right side view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
         [0087]      FIG. 24  is a top view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
         [0088]      FIG. 25  is bottom view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
         [0089]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
         [0090]      FIG. 27  is a front view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
         [0091]      FIG. 28  is a rear view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
         [0092]      FIG. 29  is a left side view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
         [0093]      FIG. 30  is a right side view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
         [0094]      FIG. 31  is a top view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
         [0095]      FIG. 32  is bottom view of an audio controller device according to one embodiment. 
         [0096]    Embodiments of the disclosure can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. Embodiments of the disclosure can be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage device for execution by a programmable processor; and method steps of the disclosure can be performed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform functions of the disclosure by operating on input data and generating output. The disclosure can be implemented advantageously in one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. Each computer program can be implemented in a high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language, or in assembly or machine language if desired; and in any case, the language can be a compiled or interpreted language. Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory and/or a random access memory. Generally, a computer will include one or more mass storage devices for storing data files; such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and optical disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM disks. Any of the foregoing can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). 
         [0097]    A number of implementations of the disclosure have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.