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.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/875,900, filed Sep. 10, 2013, for “Modular Experimental Synthesizer”, the invention of Michael Friesen. That Provisional Patent Application is incorporated in its entirety herein as if recited herein in full. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is directed to audio synthesizers, specifically music synthesizers, and more specifically modular music synthesizers. A sound synthesizer (often abbreviated as “synth”) is an electronic musical instrument that generates electric signals (waveforms) which can be converted to sound by loudspeakers or headphone speakers. Synthesizers can imitate musical instruments and/or generate new sounds. 
         [0003]    Synthesizer circuitry generally includes an array of electronic components, such as amplifiers, oscillators, AC or DC power sources, filters, frequency generators, envelope generators and controllers, mixers, multiplexers, phase shifters, phase distortion circuits, frequency choppers, and signal dampers. 
         [0004]    Synthesizer signal processing can include subtractive and/or additive signal processing, frequency modulation, wave-table signal generation, sub-harmonic signal mixing, signal phase distortion, and low frequency, mid frequency, and high frequency separate signal manipulation. Subtractive synthesis filters waveforms in selected frequency ranges. Additive synthesis adds waveforms to the signal in selected frequency ranges. Frequency modulated (FM) synthesis changes the frequency and/or amplitude of a signal carrier frequency. 
         [0005]    Early synthesizers were only analog circuits which used analog signal detection and manipulation, including implementing analog computer algorithms to generate and output signal envelopes. With the growth in the digital circuit industry, digital synthesizers were introduced which operated according to digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms. The synthesizer programming and control input devices remained relatively the same, i.e., keyboards, knobs, and switches, though the numbers of knobs and linear faders were often reduced in number in order to reduce costs. The advantage in providing digital circuitry in synthesizers, as opposed to analog circuitry, is the same as for other products, i.e., reduction in power consumption, reduction in size, and eventually, reduction in costs. 
         [0006]    Modular synthesizers preceded keyboard-based instruments, and continued to he developed, albeit as more expensive, complex, and often esoteric instruments than keyboard-based synthesizers. A modular synthesizer is an electronic unit comprised of “modules” which are connected together by way of patch cords. Voltages from modules may function as audio signals, control signals, or indicators of logic conditions. Each module is built to perform a specific function or several functions and nothing else. A module may have its own active controls, or it may be a slave module with predetermined operational functions. Examples of modules for a modular synthesizer are units dedicated to act as one of the following: voltage controlled oscillators (VCO), white, pink and low frequency noise generators, low frequency, mid-frequency, and high frequency oscillators (LFO, MFO, HFO), complex power sources providing ADSR contours or envelopes (attack, decay, sustain, release), voltage controlled filters and amplifiers (VCF, VCA), mixers, modulators, and sequencers. These modules are selected/built and interconnected to build an audio synthesizer system with desired capabilities. 
         [0007]    With progress in personal computers (PC) and software development (software programming techniques), software synthesizers (softsynth) were introduced. Softsynth is a computer program, implemented in downloaded software, or in a pre-programmed plug-in device, to enable a PC to provide digital audio generation under the control of the PC keyboard and mouse. Advances in PC-CPU design and processing speeds allow softsynth to create a desired audio output as with analog and digital synthesizers. Softsynth software is written for specific operating systems, such as Win98, Win XP, Win 7, Apple® MacOSX. 
         [0008]    Early audio synthesizers were built as simple circuits with a narrow scope of functions and limited abilities. Today, commercially available audio synthesizers are typically either very simple or very complicated. There are very few products available having intermediate technology. As a result, a novice who starts on a very simple unit is often intimidated when he/she begins to step up to more complicated units. 
         [0009]    Modern synthesizers defy exploration by an untrained explorer. Simply sorting out a signal chain is not immediately intuitive or gratifying. Debugging a sound is difficult for most new users. A neophyte cannot approach any modern hardware (or most software) synthesizers and come to a rapid understanding of how to create a sound. Electronic musicians understand that the most basic signal chain involves a keyboard triggering an oscillator which produces an audio signal that is fed to an amplifier. But producing pleasing sounds takes more than this. By the time one possesses the skills to design a synthesizer, the principles of sound chains are so deeply entrenched that they are tacitly considered a prerequisite to approach the instrument at all, and anything simple enough to draw in a novice will be unsatisfying to an experienced artist. 
         [0010]    That situation is amplified when it comes to modular synthesizers. As beautiful as they are, these instruments are daunting even to those with some knowledge of synthesis, and they typically have prices that will discourage hobbyists and semi-professional explorers. While softsynth units are affordable the cognitive barrier persists and problems of ergonomics remain: the Cartesian paradigm of the mouse is inappropriate to manipulate rotary controls and softsynth control panels, commonly shrunk to fit into a computer screen, lack the immediacy, tactile characteristics, and real world quality of a physical instrument. 
         [0011]    An objective of the present invention is to provide a synthesizer that almost anybody, from a novice to an experienced electronic musician, can approach in an intuitive and flexible manner. 
         [0012]    Another object is to provide a synthesizer built from a plurality of hardware modular units, which synthesizer can be configured by the user, who can arrange the physical positions, and insert or remove modules. 
         [0013]    A further object is to provide hardware modules that can be connected without external wiring. 
         [0014]    An even further object is to provide a synthesizer which is expandable in functionality and complexity, being expanded by the user. 
         [0015]    An additional object is to provide a synthesizer which can be implemented as a softsynth unit which appearing to operate as a hardware unit to the musician user. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    These objects are realized in a modular music synthesizer having signal generation and processing by both hardware and software implementation. The synthesizer is assembled by the user-artist from a plurality of physical modules each containing software driven circuitry. These modules include user-artist operated controls connected to the circuitry the module depending upon the processing function emulated within a module. A system central processing unit (system CPU) is in communication with each module and generates audio output using resident softsynth software. In functioning according to the softsynth software, the CPU processes signals according to a software defined virtual modular synthesizer, the configuration of which is determined by the connections of the physical modules. 
         [0017]    The physical modules are each hexagonal-shaped, and of one of two sizes, which facilitates the convenient physical interconnection of modules. The larger size may be 20 cm across diagonal corners, while the smaller size may be 12 cm across diagonal corners. The user assembles the components by plugging modules into each other or by unplugging modules from each other. The sequence and interconnection of modules is communicated to and monitored by the system CPU. Resident within each module is a relatively simple controller board, such as an ARDUINO Board, and associated memory. Plugging one module into another is a configuration event. 
         [0018]    Non-configuration events are triggered by the manipulation of controllers on module surfaces. These non-configuration events, i.e., control key movement and controller manipulation, can be transmitted either as a standard MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) event by way of a device attached to a USB port on the AmpIO module or form the front panel of a module itself. This permits a conventional MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) keyboard to be connected to the CPU via a protocol interface. Virtual module parameters are set and stored using data contained in a configuration filed for that module. 
         [0019]    RFID (radio frequency identification) is used to detect connection between modules, which connection is transmitted to the system CPU which evaluates a reported connection and either initiates a corresponding connection in the virtual modular synthesizer, or rejects the connection. Improper, or invalid, or incomplete connections are rejected and the CPU provides feedback to the user with indicator lights or a text message. The hexagonal module shapes provide overlapping rhomboids as a connection paradigm, where power transfer and inter-module connection is enabled. Modules connect to each other through groove-and-notch overlaps. Using an IO Amp module as a base, nominal electrical power is passed through each module. Modules detect each other by two-way RFID defection, but do not communicate with each other as there is no need. All controls from the module to the CPU and any feedback to the module are direct and wireless. 
         [0020]    The core synthesizer provides for subtractive synthesizing with the following virtual modules: Amp-IO, oscillator, two low frequency oscillators (LFO), two envelope generators (EG), and a filter. Extended modules such as a multi-filter, a step sequencer, a realtime recorder, a key drum pad and an FX processor may be added. Advanced modules can also be introduced. They can add virtual sampling, a virtual multi-oscillator, a virtual multi-filter, virtual advanced envelope generation, a virtual additive oscillator, a virtual advanced keyboard input, and a virtual multiplexer. 
         [0021]    The oscillator module provides the user the opportunity to select wave shape from among sine, square, pulse, sawtooth, and noise waveforms. Buttons are rubberized and internally illuminated. Sliders and faders are capacitive touch sliders. Default parameters are programmed into each module&#39;s circuit board, optionally over-ridden by a configuration file stored in system CPU memory. This facilitates getting results by new users while permitting an experienced user to engage advanced control mechanics. 
         [0022]    The modules of the core synthesizer provide virtual functions for each module. The AmpIO (input-output amplifier) module contains the system CPU and input-output functions. It functions as a three-channel audio mixer. The oscillator module provides six waveforms across a six-octave range and supports PWM (pulse width modulated) and FM (frequency modulated) signal processing. The oscillator module can support three different modulators, can provide three outputs and fine tuning and pitch bending. The filter module can have six filter types and has controls for frequency and resonance. It has three inputs for audio signals or control signals to modulate filter frequency or resonance. The low frequency oscillator (LFO) module has six waveform selectors with ramp options and frequency control. It provides an input for FM or PWM by a control source. The envelope generator (EG) is a four-stage ADSR (attack, decay, sustain, release) envelope generator with polarity control. The EG either generates control signals and/or acts as a gate-contour generator for through signals. 
         [0023]    The invention uses physical interfaces (interconnected hexagonal modules) to control the configuration of a virtual modular synthesizer implemented in software. The virtual modular softsynth is instantiated and configured on a general-purpose lower level computer (such as a RASBERRY PI or a BEAGLEBONE BLACK) located inside the AmpIO module. Common synthesizer modules are represented by dedicated controllers connected to each other to emulate a signal chain. While these modules are physically connected to each other, the actual configuration of the synthesis engine occurs inside the AmpIO module. When a module receives power through its connection to another module, it transmits its identity and connection status to the System CPU (SCPU) in the AmpIO module, which dynamically reconfigures a modular synthesizer in software. Software on the AmpIO module implemented by the CPU dynamically instantiates corresponding modules and connects them with a virtual signal chain. For example, an EG and an LFO may be physically configured to modulate an oscillator, the output of which is sent to a filter. The filter&#39;s frequency is modulated by another EG and the output of the filter is sent to the amplifier module. 
         [0024]    Only the AmpIO module draws power directly from a main power cable. All other modules draw power through their connections, directly or indirectly to the AmpIO module. The connection between other modules is on a power level and on a logic level. The logical connection between modules other than the AmpIO module is only a two way RFID handshake. Once a power level connection is made, each module can poll an ultra-short-distance RFID sensor circuit at the connection point. If a valid connection is detected, the module will transmit an indication of such connection to the system CPU, the message containing the module&#39;s own identity as well as that of the detected (newly connected) module. Each module has RFID transmitters and receivers for enabling detection and confirmation protocol for inter-module connections. Redundant connections can be utilized for error checking. If only a single connection is reported, the system CPU will optionally alert the user to a potential hardware failure. If two conflicting connections are reported, CPU will signal a link failure to the user by setting the corresponding module connector lights to flash. In addition to the lights indicating a valid connection, the user may be able feel the connection by a snap or magnetic pull, insofar as the module-to-module connections feature complementary magnets. Except for the AmpIO, modules do not pass any control data to each other. The only information transmitted between modules (excepting the AmpIO) is the RFID-based connection signal. Pass-through data or logic circuitry is not required because all modules communicate wirelessly with the AmpIO directly. 
         [0025]    Although all effective configurations of the synthesis circuitry actually occur in software, the paradigm of the invention is that the modules are representationally connected through their physical interfaces. To the user, the physical oscillator module appears as an oscillator although its actual implementation is in software in the CPU. Thus, when the user decouples a module, the software instantly disconnects it in the virtual machine. The system CPU will remember the last state of the module when connected to any other module, restoring the last state the next time the module is plugged into a module of the same type. This will allow the user to have pre-set module states. It will also allow the user to disconnect and reconnect a module without having to re-set all of that module&#39;s parameters. 
         [0026]    The CPU can be running on a web server. If a video display monitor, and a keyboard and mouse are connected to the CPU in the AmpIO module, the user can control nearly all system functions, and possibly the entirety of the module configuration, by way of the web interface. The SD (secure digital) card which contains the CPU operating system and the softsynth configuration files may be removed from the CPU and accessed directly in order to affect changes and/or update the software. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    The features, advantages and operation of the present invention will become readily apparent and further understood from a reading of the following detailed description with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and in which: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a hardware implemented audio synthesizer in the prior art; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a software (softsynth) implemented audio synthesizer in the prior art; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an interconnection of hexagon-shaped virtual modules in the hybrid implemented modular music synthesizer of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of a hexagon shaped AmpIO module for the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a hexagon shaped oscillator module for the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a hexagon shaped filter module for the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of a hexagon shaped envelope generator module for the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  is a top plan view of a hexagon shaped low frequency oscillator module for the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the oscillator module of  FIG. 5  showing the RFID proximate connection regions; 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  is a block diagram of the six corners of a hexagon module with the connection corners numbered; 
           [0038]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective partial view of two modules about to be connected; 
           [0039]      FIG. 12  shows a perspective partial view of the modules of  FIG. 11  after connection; 
           [0040]      FIG. 13  shows a plan view of the simplest signal chain for the invention with an oscillator connected to the AmpIO; 
           [0041]      FIG. 14  shows a plan view of interconnected modules for a basic subtractive synthesizer; 
           [0042]      FIG. 15  shows a plan view of interconnected modules for a synthesizer with filter modulation; 
           [0043]      FIG. 18  shows a plan view of interconnected modules for a synthesizer with oscillator modulation; 
           [0044]      FIG. 17  shows a plan view of interconnected modules for an expanded duplicated module function synthesizer system; 
           [0045]      FIG. 18  shows a perspective side view of an AmpIO module showing input and output connection ports; 
           [0046]      FIGS. 19   a ,  19   b,  and  19   c  show three choices for amplifier input to output connections for the AmpIO circuit; 
           [0047]      FIG. 20  is a logic block diagram for module connection detection; 
           [0048]      FIG. 21  is a logic block diagram for module connect approval; 
           [0049]      FIG. 22  is a logic block diagram for dynamic component modeling; 
           [0050]      FIG. 23  is a functional block diagram of the major operational sections of the present invention, a modular music synthesizer implemented in a hybrid system of hardware and software; and 
           [0051]      FIG. 24  is a functional block diagram of the communications between a module and the AmpIO module containing the CPU. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0052]    The present invention is a hardware/software product that emulates the functionality of a modular synthesizer using physical components that are easy to configure and manipulate. When these physical components, being hexagonal-shaped modules, are in close physical proximity to each other. Wireless sensors report a possible connection to a computer, which reconfigures a virtual synthesizer to mirror the physical arrangement. A user musician can physically “connect” a low-frequency oscillator to a filter, and a computer program will echo that physical arrangement in a software-based synthesizer. 
         [0053]    The present modular music synthesizer is based on two complementary existing technologies: (1) soft-synths which can be dynamically configured in real-time; and (2) real-time controllers which communicate with a base station in an ad-hoc wireless network. The physical arrangement of shapes, as a function of location in space relative to each other and detected without wires, using radio sensors, causes a configuration of sound control elements to be generated by the softsynth software. This is separate and distinct from the user setting the control parameters of a synthesizer. The invention, with its hybrid, hardware-software configuration, allows the user to control the parameters of synthesis modules and the overall structure of a modular synthesizer through proximity of physical shapes that represent sound-shaping modules. 
         [0054]    The modules are hexagonal shaped with overlapping rhomboids as a connection paradigm. Power transfer and inter-module connection detection is enabled as a result of this connection. RFID sensing is used to detect connections between modules, with this detection transmitted to a system CPU, which evaluates the reported connection and either instantiates a corresponding connection in a virtual modular synthesizer, or rejects the connection and provides feedback to the user by way of indicator lights and/or a text message on a screen. The connection points can have magnet-assisted or mechanical locks. 
         [0055]    A subtractive synthesizer unit can be modularly assembled include an AmpIO module, an oscillator module, two low-frequency oscillator modules, two envelope generators modules, and a filter module. Other modules which may selectively be added include memory, step sequencer, realtime sequencer, key drum pad, and FX processor, sampling, multi-oscillator, multi-filter, advanced EG, advanced keyboard, and multilexer modules. Modules are paired with and must be compatible with the capabilities of the system CPU in the base AmpIO. The AmpIO module contains internal electronics, including a compact computer (the system CPU) with a custom-modified operating system. The sound-creation code may be based on c-sound and/or Gen. 
         [0056]    Optional advanced functionality is enabled by way of a web interface running on the AmpIO system CPU. 
         [0057]    Modules are connected to each other through groove-and-notch assisted overlaps. Using the AmpIO module as a base, nominal electrical power is passed through each module. Provision can also be made for battery power. Modules detect each other by way of passive RFID, but they do not otherwise communicate with each other as there is no need to. All controls from the module to the system CPU and feedback indicators returned to the module from the system CPU are implemented as wireless transmissions, transmitted directly between the module and the AmpIO-based computer. 
         [0058]    The present invention includes some of the functions of a prior art hardware, analog or digital, synthesizers. Such hardware implemented synthesizers can be constructed of various audio signal processing components into a system having desired audio generation capabilities and requiring varying degrees of control. 
         [0059]    An example is the synthesizer  31  shown in  FIG. 1 , which includes an amplifier  33  as an output driver, and has an interconnection of a plurality of oscillator circuits  35 , a plurality of low frequency oscillators (LFO)  37 , at least one filter circuit  39 , and a plurality of envelope generators  41 . The numbers of each components and the interconnection and string connection of components determines the capability and operation of the synthesizer  31 . 
         [0060]    The present invention also includes some of the functions of a prior art, software synthesizer (softsynth). Such a softsynth synthesizers  45 ,  FIG. 2 , have been implemented with a personal computer (PC)  47  which provides the audio output. Connected to the PC  47  is an SD softsynth disk  49 , a display  51 , and a keyboard  53  and mouse  55 . The user-musician controls the softsynth synthesizer via the keyboard  53  and mouse  55 . 
         [0061]    A modular interconnection of modules for the present invention is shown in  FIG. 3 . Like other audio synthesizers, the hybrid, modular synthesizer of the present invention can have various configurations. The amplifier module  57  has a filter module  59  connected thereto, The filter  59  has an EG module  61  and an oscillator module  63  connected to it. The oscillator module  63  has an LOF module  65  and an EG module  67  connected to it. 
         [0062]    Only the AmpIO (amplifier) module  57  draws power from a power supply. All other modules draw power through their connections using a physical connection which uses multiple electrically redundant links. A provision for battery power may be established in some modules. The modules connect to each other on two independent levels: power and logic. 
         [0063]    The logical connection between modules other than the AmpIO  57  consists solely of a two-way RFID handshake. Once a power connection exists, each module will poll an ultra-short-distance RFID sensor circuit at the connection point. When a connection is detected, the module will transmit its understanding of the connection to the system CPU which is contained in the amplifier module  57 . Each module has both an RFID transmitter and receiver enabling a detect and confirm protocol for inter-module connections. Redundant connections may be used for failures and error-checking purposes. 
         [0064]    The AmpIO module  57  provides audio outputs, The other modules do not pass any sound control data. The only information transmitted between modules is the RFID-based connection signal. All modules communicate wirelessly with the AmpIO module  57 , directly. 
         [0065]    All effective configuration of the audio synthesis circuitry occurs in software. The paradigm of the present invention is that the modules are being connected through their physical interfaces. To the user, the physical oscillator module appears to respond as a physical. When the user decouples a module, the software instantly disconnects it in the virtual machine. There will not be any situations where an LFO could be plugged into an oscillator, configured, removed, and then plugged into a filter as a second LFO. The physical piece has a one-to-one mapping with the virtual module. 
         [0066]    Contained within each hexagonal-shaped module is a dedicated circuit which acts as a detector-transmitter, i.e., a transceiver. Physical controls on the top face of each hexagonal module provide signals, i.e., instructions to the resident transceiver which are in turn transmitted to the system CPU resident in the AmpIO module  57 . 
         [0067]    The amplifier AmpIO module  69 ,  FIG. 4 , includes four slider controls  71  on its top face. Three of these slider controls  71 , face a respective module connection location  73 . A fourth slider  71  is centrally located. The AmpIO which houses the system CPU acts as a three-channel audio mixer. 
         [0068]    An oscillator module  75 ,  FIG. 5 , also has three module connection locations  77  with a respective slider control  79 . A wave shape selector  81  is centrally located. A series of octave selector buttons  83  and an associated volume slider control  85  are positioned on the opposite side. The oscillator module  75  provides six waveforms across a six-octave range and supports PWM and FM and three modulators, three inputs and fine tuning. The oscillator module can also trigger sounds from waveform pads. 
         [0069]    A filter module  87 ,  FIG. 6 , has three active receiving connection points  89  with a respective slider control  91 , and one projecting connection point  93  with an associated slider control  95 . Centrally located on the top of the filter module  87  is a filter selector  97 , with an associated frequency slider control  99  and a resonance slider control  101 . The filter module  87  facilitates six filter types and controls for frequency and resonance. It provides three inputs for audio or control signals to modulate frequency. 
         [0070]    An envelope generator (EG) module  103 ,  FIG. 7 , emulates a four-stage ADSR envelope generator with slider controls  105  for each stage. It also includes positive  107  and negative  109  polarity controls. 
         [0071]    A low frequency oscillator (LFO) module  111  has on its top face, six waveform selectors  113  with ramp up  115  and ramp down  117  selectors. A LFO speed (frequency) slider control  119  is adjacent the selectors  113 . A input modulation slider control  121  is adjacent to the frequency control  119 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of a module where RFID proximate rhomboid shaped connection locations (points) can be seen. Receiving rhomboid points  123  have a socket cut out in the top face of the module. Projecting-connecting points  125  have a socket cut out in the bottom face of the module. 
         [0073]      FIG. 10  shows a diagram or the hexagonal shape of each module. Forward (projecting) connection points  125  are numbered 1, 2, and 3. Receiving connection points  123  are numbered 4, 5, and 6.  FIG. 11  shows two modules about to be connected at a respective RFID connection point.  FIG. 12  shows the two modules after connection. 
         [0074]    As a user-musician progresses in proficiently in operating the synthesizer of the present invention, they will be encouraged to assemble more complex synthesizer configurations.  FIG. 13  shows the connection of an AmpIO module  69  with an oscillator module  75 . This is a minimal configuration of the least number of modules to generate an audio sound. 
         [0075]      FIG. 14  shows a more complicated assembly of an oscillator module  75  connected to an filter module, which in turn is connected to the AmpIO module  69  through a connection of an EG envelope module  103 . A LFO module  111  is connected to the oscillator module. The principal waveform generation and modification modules and the amplifier power module are of the larger size hexagonal shape. The more subtle shaping modules are of the smaller size hexagonal shape. The physical arrangement of modules is logical for signal generation and modification, i.e., audio waveform production and shaping for a subtractive audio synthesizer. It is to be remembered, that the modules do not contain the operational circuitry which they each represent. They merely contain a transceiver circuit which transmits the user musician&#39;s selections to the CPU, which implements the user musician&#39;s selections and actions in software. 
         [0076]      FIG. 15  shows an assembled system where the oscillator is being modulated by an LFO and its output is being shaped by an EG before entering the filter. The filter has two modulators, an EG and an LFO. The LFO defaults to constant run operation. The EG defaults to trigger mode. The frequency is calculated initially from LFO modulation and then EG modulation is applied to the value of the frequency. To the user-musician the system of  FIG. 15  appears as a real hardware synthesizer. But in reality it is a virtual synthesizer being software implemented in the CPU. 
         [0077]    By adjusting the placement and selection of modules, a different kind of sound generation structure can be built (assembled).  FIG. 16  shows the synthesizer of the present invention focusing on oscillator modulation. The lower oscillator input permits pulse width modulation by the LFO, where the LFO is modulated by the triggered EG. A second LFO modulates oscillator frequency. The output from the oscillator is driven through the filter and then the entire signal is routed though another EG before reaching the amplifier. The hybrid, hardware-software implementation of the present invention produces this signal processing with a virtual synthesizer. 
         [0078]    It is only the power capacity of the AmpIO module and the processing limits of the system CPU that limits the size and complexity of the synthesizer module “layout”.  FIG. 17  shows a very large layout which according to the principals of the present invention can be easily conceived, constructed and understood. 
         [0079]    The AmpIO module  69 ,  FIG. 18  can have one-eighth inch receptacles for connecting headphones, and one-quarter inch type receptacles for connecting right, left and center channel output cables. The module has two connectors  131  for power in, a USB connector  133  for a keyboard (and mouse) input, and an HDMI connector  135  for video out.  FIGS. 19   a,    19   b  and  19   c  are graphical presentations for various AmpIO connections. If only one output has a cable, all inputs are routed to that one output,  FIG. 19   a.  If any two adjacent outputs have a cable, then each output gets two inputs,  FIG. 19   b.  If all three outputs have a cable, then each input is routed to its corresponding output. 
         [0080]      FIG. 20  shows a logic flow chart for connection detection logic. When a module is physically connected into the system  137  and therefore is connected to receive power from the AmpIO, the system checks for the authenticity of the connection. This includes AmpIO module activity  139  and connected module activity  141 . Power is transferred  143  to boot the module  145 . The RFID is polled until a detection occurs, wherein the fact that there is detection is sent  149  to the AmpIO module. Then there is a determination if there is an RFID match  151 . If not, the RFID is polled again  153  and the detected RFID is recorded  155  and the match again is sought  151 . If a match is determined it is confirmed and a channel is opened to receive AmpIO confirmation  159 . 
         [0081]    An interface abstraction system  161  permits the use of a software interface or a hardware interface. When a module-to-module connection (in software or hardware) is recognized  163  by the interface abstraction system, that connection is evaluated by the CPU in the AmpIO module,  FIG. 21 . A determination  165  is made of whether the connection is valid. If no valid connection an error signal is sent  167  to the module, if the connection is valid  165 , a module count is made  169  against the capacity of the CPU. If the count is not within limits, an error signal is sent  167  to the physical module. If the connection is valid and the count is within limits an “instantiate virtual module” signal is sent  171  to the DCMS (dynamic component modeling system). 
         [0082]    The DCMS  173  operates on the signal sent  171  from the interface abstraction system (IAS). If first instantiates  175  a virtual synthesis module, it then sets  177  I/O (input-output) routing and connections, and reads  179  the module configuration file from the module configuration database  181  (if present), and sends  183  the module configuration data to the IAS. 
         [0083]      FIG. 23  is a block diagram representation of the hardware/software implemented, virtual synthesizer of the present invention, which presents itself as a modularly connected and modularly expandable hardware system but is really a softsynth driven system. The dynamic component modeling system  185  is implemented by softsynth software operating the CPU. The DCMS receives data and instructions from the interface abstraction system. The IAS acts as the softsynth input interface module for signals coming from possible MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) input from an optional keyboard. The IAS  187  also receives inputs from the modular assembly of hexagonal modules  191 . This modular assembly  191  provides the human interface with the user-musician. 
         [0084]    The communications between any of the signal generating or signal shaping modules (oscillator, filter, LFO, EG or HFO)  193  and the CPU containing module  195  is shown in  FIG. 24 . Each module  193  has a transceiver circuit  197  with software diagnostics  199 . This transceiver  197  is connected to receive signals from the RFID detectors  201  and the user manually operated controls  203 . It is also connected to activate the signals  205  when the CPU determines an unacceptable condition exists. The CPU  207  resident module  195  also has a transceiver  209 , which receives inputs from an on-board RFID circuit  211 , is in two-way communications  213  with the CPU  207 . The module  193 ,  195  respective transceivers  197 ,  209  are in two-way wireless communication  215   
         [0085]    The synthesizer of the present invention is simple to use and manipulate, while providing complex capabilities. 
         [0086]    Many changes can be made in the above-described invention without departing from the intent and scope thereof. It is therefore intended that the above description be read in the illustrative sense and not in the limiting sense. Substitutions and changes can be made while still being within the scope and intent of the invention and of the appended claims.