Patent Publication Number: US-9432069-B2

Title: Audio mixing console

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application claims the benefit of priority from European Patent Application No. EP12 155 667.4, filed Feb. 15, 2012, which is incorporated by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to an audio mixing console, and more specifically to an audio mixing counsel that includes a main housing and a wireless transceiver. 
     RELATED ART 
     Audio mixing consoles are widely employed for processing of audio signals of different kinds and numbers. For example, a number of input audio signals may be processed, i.e., amplified or mixed or enhanced with certain audio effects, and then output as audio output signal to one or more consuming units, such as loudspeakers or headphones or recording means. Environments where such audio mixing consoles find application include, but are not limited to: on-stage performances, presentations, places of worship, theater, trade fares, etc. Often, in such situations it is desired to provide wireless transmission to and from certain remote units. Examples for scenarios where wireless transmission is desired include the provisioning of microphones. 
     SUMMARY 
     An audio mixing console for processing audio signals can include a main housing with a plurality of outer surfaces and a plurality of operating elements being provided on a first one of the outer surfaces to control the processing of at least some of the audio signals. Furthermore, the audio mixing console can include a wireless transceiver provided substantially outside the main housing and configured for establishing wireless transmission of a first audio signal included among audio signals. Furthermore, the audio mixing console can include an interface connected to the wireless transceiver and provided on one of the outer surfaces. The interface may be configured for data forwarding of the first audio signal to and from the wireless transceiver. In addition, the audio mixing console can include a radio-frequency permeable housing detachably attached to a second one of the outer surfaces. The wireless transceiver may be positioned within the radio-frequency permeable housing. 
     For example, the wireless transmission may be in the form of a radio link allowing sending data to a remote unit, and receiving data from the remote unit. The data may correspond to the first audio signal, such as in a packetized form that includes, for example, error correction and header data. Different audio signals may relate to input and output audio signals. For example, such input and output audio signals may be received or output through certain connectors. These connectors may be connected to external units, such as audio sources or loudspeakers. Inside the audio mixing console&#39;s main housing, a sound processor or a number of sound processors may be provided in order to process the audio signals by amplifying, mixing, or enhancing with certain audio effects, such as echoes or delays, etc. Also, the interface connected to the wireless transceiver may input and/or output audio data to and from such a sound processor. 
     By providing the wireless transceiver within the radio-frequency permeable housing substantially outside the main housing of the audio mixing console, it may be possible to obtain an audio mixing console which is easy and safe to handle. In particular, the wireless transceiver housed within the radio-frequency permeable housing may not be accidentally detached because it may be provided such that it is not accessible from the outside without removing the housing. At the same time, by providing the wireless transceiver substantially outside the main housing, an increased wireless transmission reliability of the respective wireless transmission may be obtained. For example, the interface may be provided on the second outer surface, as well. However, it may also be possible that the interface is provided on another one of the outer surfaces, preferably on one of the outer surfaces being adjacent to the second outer surface. 
     Furthermore, the wireless transceiver may extend in a vertical direction beyond a plane defined by the first outer surface. The first outer surface may correspond to the outer surface on which the operating elements are provided. Typically, such an outer surface may substantially point in the vertical direction such that the operating elements are easily accessible by a user. Providing the wireless transceiver such that it extends in a vertical direction beyond the plane defined by the first outer surface, such as in a substantially horizontal plane, may result in particularly increased radio transmission reliability. 
     The radio-frequency permeable housing may substantially cover the second outer surface. If the second outer surface is substantially covered by the housing, an audio mixing console may be obtained which is resistant to fluid spill, shock, vibration, or other external stress. In particular, the radio-frequency permeable housing may protrude from a plane defined by the first outer surface. A portion of the radio-frequency permeable housing where the wireless transceiver is housed may protrude from the plane defined by the first outer surface. For example, the edges of the housing and the housing body may be substantially flush with the edges of the second outer surface. In this way, a compact and robust audio mixing console may be obtained. 
     The wireless transceiver may be positioned inside the radio-frequency permeable housing offset from the second outer surface. If the wireless transceiver is positioned offset and away from the second outer surface, particularly good radio-frequency wave propagation may be obtained. As an effect, the wireless transmission reliability may be increased. 
     To this respect, the radio-frequency permeable housing may be substantially made out of plastic material and/or the outer surfaces of the main housing may be made out of metal. A plastic material may have the effect of providing only a small resistance to radio-frequency wave propagation, i.e., low damping. This may allow for increased wireless transmission reliability because the wireless transceiver is housed within the radio-frequency permeable housing made out of a plastic material. At the same time, increased stability and robustness of the main housing of the audio mixing console may be obtained when the outer surfaces are substantially made of metal. 
     The wireless transceiver may be detachably coupled to the radio-frequency permeable housing. Accordingly, the wireless transceiver is removable if not needed. For example, there may exist certain situations, where no wireless transmission is needed. Then it may be possible to remove the wireless transceiver by first removing the housing, then removing the transceiver, and then putting the housing back into place. 
     The wireless transceiver may include an antenna which extends in a vertical direction beyond a plane defined by the first outer surface. For example, the wireless transceiver may include a number of different units, such as a processing unit, and interfaces, and memory devices in addition to the antenna. Such devices may typically be necessary in order to establish a wireless connection. If the antenna is positioned such that it extends in a vertical direction beyond the plane defined by the first outer surface, it may be possible to obtain a radio-frequency permeable housing which has edges that are substantially flush with the edges of the respective second outer surface. In this scenario, substantially the entirety of the second outer surface may be covered, while only in a relatively small region where the antenna is positioned the radio-frequency permeable housing may protrude from the edges of the second outer surface. For example, the radio-frequency permeable housing may project from the edges of the second outer surface. 
     The wireless transceiver may be configured to establish wireless transmission with any of a number of different audio related devices, such as a microphone, headphones, a loudspeaker, an amplifier, a portable music device, or any other audio signal source. Such devices typically may be connected via a wireless radio link with effects as described above. The wireless transceiver may include hardware and software for establishing such a wireless transmission radio link 
     The main housing of the console may be formed to have a tapered vertical extension by having a low front outer surface and a relatively high back outer surface and two tapered side outer surfaces. Such a console may have a cross-section of the main housing substantially formed in a wedge shape. The user may face the low front outer surface and handle the operating elements being provided on the first outer surface, which may be a top surface. A first plane defined by the first outer surface, such as the top surface, may have a second plane normal to it, which encloses a small angle, such as less than 30°, or less than 15° with the vertical direction. 
     The second outer surface may be a side surface of the main housing. This means that the wireless transceiver positioned and housed within the radio-frequency permeable housing may be arranged offset from the side surface of the main housing. 
     The wireless transceiver may be positioned closer to a back outer surface than to a front outer surface of the main housing. For example, the wireless transceiver may be disposed inside the radio-frequency permeable housing, which is detachably attached to the second outer surface, which may be a side surface. The effect of optimized wireless transmission reliability may be achieved by positioning the wireless transceiver closer to the back outer surface of the console, such as facing the remote units. 
     The audio mixing console may further include a second wireless transceiver provided substantially outside the main housing. The second wireless transceiver may be for establishing wireless transmission of a second audio signal. The audio mixing console may further include a second interface connected to the second wireless transceiver and provided on one of the outer surfaces of the console. The second interface may be configured for data forwarding of the second audio signal. The audio mixing console may further include a second radio-frequency permeable housing detachably attached to a third one of the outer surfaces of the console. The second wireless transceiver can be positioned within the second radio-frequency permeable housing. The third outer surface can be on a side of the main housing opposite the second outer surface. For example, the second outer surface may be a right hand side outer surface as seen from the user of the audio mixing console, while the third outer surface may be a left hand side outer surface as seen from the user of the audio mixing console. 
     The first and the second wireless transceivers may establish wireless transmission with two different audio-related devices, such as a microphone, headphones, a loudspeaker, an amplifier, a portable music device, or an audio signal source. By establishing wireless transmission with different audio-related devices using the first and the second wireless transceivers, wireless transmission reliability may be optimized. For example, the first and the second wireless transceivers may use different radio link channels corresponding to, for example, two different radio frequencies. In this example, the wireless transmission of the first and second wireless transceivers may not inhibit each other significantly. 
     The second interface may be provided on the third outer surface, as previously discussed. In other examples, however, the second interface may be provided on a different outer surface, preferably on a surface that is adjacent to the third outer surface. 
     In an example configuration, the first wireless transceiver may be configured to output an output audio signal to headphones and the second wireless transceiver may be configured to input an input audio signal from a microphone. In this example, the audio mixing console may be configured to process the input audio signal obtained from the microphone and then to output the processed input audio signal as the output audio signal to the headphones. It may also be possible, however, for the audio mixing console to process the audio input signal obtained from the microphone, but output a different audio output signal to the headphones. There exist numerous possibilities of configurations between audio input signal and audio output signal. 
     Although the invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, equivalents, combinations, and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of the specification. The present invention includes all such equivalents, combinations, and modifications and is limited only by the scope of the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other features of embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawing, like reference numerals referenced like elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example of an audio mixing console. 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged detail view of a portion of the perspective view of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a back view of the audio mixing console of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the audio mixing console of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the audio mixing console of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional side view of the audio mixing console of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The drawings are to be regarded as being schematic representations of embodiments, and elements illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale. Rather, the various elements are represented such that their function and general purpose become apparent to a person skilled in the art. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example of an audio mixing console  1  comprising a main housing  2 . The main housing  2  of the audio mixing console  1  has six outer surfaces  10 ,  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15 . In  FIG. 1  the outer surfaces  10 ,  11 , and  13  are visible. On a first one of these outer surfaces, a top surface  10 , a plurality of operating elements  20  are arranged. The operating elements  20  allow control of processing of audio signals. Processing can refer to, for example, mixing, amplifying of an audio signal, or enhancing the audio signal with certain audio effects, such as echo or delay. Also, a number of audio input and output connectors  100  are provided on the top surface  10 . These connectors  100  are adapted to input and/or output audio signals as input audio signals and output audio signals, respectively. Also, a power connector  101  is provided on the back outer surface  13 . Also, further audio connectors  100  may be provided on back outer surface  13 . 
     The audio mixing console  1  of  FIG. 1  is shown in a state where a radio-frequency permeable housing  40  (not visible in  FIG. 1 ) is detached from the second outer surface  11 . Because the radio-frequency permeable housing  40  is removed, a wireless transceiver  30  is visible. The wireless transceiver  30  is arranged close to the back outer surface  13  on the second outer surface  11 , which may be described as a right hand side outer surface  11 . If the radio-frequency permeable housing  40  were to be illustrated in  FIG. 1  as attached to the audio mixing console  1 , the wireless transceiver  30  would be housed within the housing  40 . Details of the wireless transceiver  30  will be discussed hereinafter with respect to  FIG. 2 . 
     A second radio-frequency permeable housing  40   a  is visible in  FIG. 1 . This second radio-frequency permeable housing  40   a  is detachably attached to a third outer surface  14  which may be described as a left hand side outer surface of the main housing  2  of the audio mixing console  1 . The third outer surface  14  is hidden in the perspective view of  FIG. 1 . 
     Next, with respect to  FIG. 2 , details of an example of the wireless transceiver  30  are discussed.  FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of the region labeled II in  FIG. 1 . As can be seen, the wireless transceiver  30  includes an antenna  32 . The antenna  32  is positioned offset by a predetermined distance d 1  from the second outer surface  11 . Because the second outer surface  11  is made of metal, positioning the antenna  32  offset from this metal surface can have the effect of increasing wireless transmission reliability. Also, the antenna  32  longitudinally extends to protrude from a substantially transverse plane defined by the top surface  10 . In other words, the antenna  32  projects in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the top surface  10  to a predetermined height above the plane defined by the top surface. The positioning of the antenna, with respect to the side surface  11  and the top surface  10  of the audio mixing board  1  can have the effect of increased wireless transmission reliability. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 2  is an interface  31 . The interface  31  is connected to the wireless transceiver  30  and is configured for data forwarding of a first audio signal to and from the wireless transceiver  30 . For example, the interface  31  can be connected to an audio signal processor within the audio mixing console  1 , or an audio processing board, or an audio signaling bus, or the like. The interface  31  can be configured to send data to the wireless transceiver  30  for sending this data via the wireless radio link established by the transceiver  30 . Also, the interface  31  can be configured to send data from the wireless transceiver  30  towards other units of the audio mixing console as describe elsewhere. Generally, the interface  31  can forward data to and from the wireless transceiver  30  depending on the application. Thus, the interface  31  can be configured to handle input audio signals and/or output audio signals. 
     In particular, the wireless transceiver  30  can establish a bi-directional wireless transmission to and from a remote unit. Such remote audio-related devices (not shown in  FIGS. 1-6 ) can include but are not limited to: a microphone, headphones, a loudspeaker, an amplifier, a portable music device, or an audio signal source. Depending on the particular type of such a remote audio-related device, the wireless transmission between the wireless transceiver and the remote audio-related device can relate to either an input audio signal input into the audio mixing console, or an output audio signal output from the audio mixing console. For example, the connection to headphones may be in form of an output audio signal while the connection from a microphone may be in the form of an input audio signal. The type of connection may vary as the tasks vary. 
     The audio signals may be in the form of packetized data. For example, each packet may include error correction and header data allowing increased wireless transmission reliability. Any data protocols for wireless transmission of audio signals may be used. In addition, in other examples, wireless transmission using the wireless transceiver  30  is not limited to only audio signals such that other data can be received and transmitted using the wireless transceiver  30 . For example, the data may relate to remote control of the audio mixing console  1 , or remote control of remote audio-related devices. Because the content of the packetized data is flexible, the type of application for which the wireless transmission is employed is not limited. 
       FIG. 3  is a back view of the audio mixing console  1 . In  FIG. 3 , the radio-frequency permeable housing  40  is illustrated as attached to the second outer surface  11 . In  FIG. 3 , the location of the radio-frequency permeable housing  40  may be described as the right hand side outer surface of the audio mixing console  1  (appearing at the left side of the audio mixing console  10  in  FIG. 3 , since  FIG. 3  is a back view). Also, in  FIG. 3 , the second radio-frequency permeable housing  40   a  is again illustrated as attached to the third outer surface  14 , which may be described as the left hand side outer surface of the audio mixing console  10 . In  FIG. 3 , the vertical direction is labeled X. As can be seen, the radio-frequency permeable housings  40 ,  40   a  extend in the vertical direction X beyond a plane defined by the top surface  10 . This plane is indicated in  FIG. 3  by a dashed-dotted line. The radio-frequency permeable housings  40 ,  40   a  extend above the plane defined by the top surface  10  in order to allow the antenna  32  ( FIG. 2 ) of each of the wireless transceivers  30  to extend in the vertical direction X beyond said plane. Other than the portion of the radio-frequency permeable housings  40 ,  40   a  positioned between the antenna  32  and the audio mixing console  1 , the edges of the housings  40 ,  40   a  are substantially flush with the edges of the respective outer surfaces  11 , and  13  of the main housing  2 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . This can also be seen from  FIG. 4 , which illustrates an example of a top view of the mixing console  1 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 4 , the radio-frequency permeable housings  40 ,  40   a  extend to respectively cover the second outer surface  11  and the third outer surface  14 , which may also be described as the left hand side and right hand side outer surfaces  11 , and  14 . In  FIG. 4 , the entire length of the right hand side and left hand side outer surfaces  11 , and  14  are covered by the respective radio-frequency permeable housings  40 ,  40   a , which can make the audio mixing console  1  easy and safe to handle. For example, the housings  40 , and  40   a  can be made of a plastic material while the main housing  2  can be made of metal. By making the main housing  2  of metal, a very robust and shock resistant audio mixing console  1  can be achieved. At the same time, because the housings  40 , and  40   a  are made out of a plastic material, good wireless transmission reliability of the radio link established by the wireless transceiver  30  can be obtained. The wireless transceiver  30  (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) is housed in housing  40 , which is made out of plastic or some other material that does not inhibit radio wave transmission. Since the material of the housing  40 , such as plastic, does not significantly inhibit radio-frequency wave propagation, significantly higher wireless transmission reliability of receipt and transmission through the housing  40  can be achieved in comparison to an antenna in, for example, a housing form of metal. 
     The second wireless transceiver  30   a  housed within the second housing  40   a  can be configured similarly to the wireless transceiver  30  housed within the housing  40  with respect to structural, as well as operational features. For example, the positioning of the wireless transceivers  30 , and  30   a  can be symmetrical with respect to the right hand side and left hand side outer surfaces  11 , and  14 . Also, the second wireless transceiver  30   a  can, for example, extend in the vertical direction X beyond the plane defined by the top surface  10  of the main housing  2 . It is also possible that during operation the wireless transceivers  30 , and  30   a  employ the same data protocols, but can communicate with different remote audio-related devices. For example the wireless transceiver  30  may communicate with headphones, while wireless transceiver  30   a  communicates with one or more microphones or other audio sources. In other words, wireless transceiver  30  may output an output audio signal while wireless transceiver  30   a  may input an input audio signal, or vice-versa. 
     Also, the housing  40   a  can be likewise configured as the housing  40 . The housing  40   a  covers substantially the entire third outer surface  14 , which can be described as the left hand side outer surface of the main housing  2 . Also, a portion of the housing  40   a  positioned substantially adjacent the second wireless transceiver  30   a  protrudes above the third outer surface  14 . Also, the second radio-frequency permeable housing  40   a  may be made of a plastic material, or any other material that does not impede communication of wireless signals. 
     In  FIG. 5 , an example of a side view of the audio mixing console  1  is shown. As can be seen, the radio-frequency permeable housing  40  protrudes from the plane defined by the top surface  10  (indicated by a dashed-dotted line in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) only in a portion of the radio-frequency permeable housing  40  that is substantially close to the back surface  13  where the wireless transceiver  30  is housed. The wireless transceiver  30  is not visible in  FIG. 5 , however, the wireless transceiver  30  is visible in the example of  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view along the line labeled VI-VI in  FIG. 4 . This line is coincident with the second outer surface  11  of the main housing  2 , which may be described as the right hand side outer surface. In  FIG. 6 , the wireless transceiver  30  is visible, along with the antenna  32  and the interface  31 . As can be seen from  FIG. 6 , the antenna  32  extends beyond the plane defined by the top surface  10  (indicated by a dashed-dotted line in  FIG. 6 ) in the vertical direction X. The orientation of the top surface  10  is such that the plane defined by the top surface  10  encloses a small angle of approximately 10° with the horizontal direction. This is indicated in  FIG. 6  by the angle β. From  FIG. 6  it is furthermore visible that the vertical extensions of the main housing  2  increase from the front of the main housing  2  (in  FIG. 6  depicted in the upper part) towards the back of the main housing  2  (in  FIG. 6  depicted in the lower part), such as from the front surface  12  towards the back surface  13 . Therefore, the cross-section of the main housing  2  has a wedge shape or, in other words, the main housing  2  has a tapered vertical extension and has a relatively low front outer surface  12  and a relatively high back outer surface  13  and the two tapered side outer surfaces  11 ,  14 . The wireless transceiver  30  is positioned at a position closer to the back outer surface  13  than to the front outer surface  12  inside the radio-frequency permeable housing  40 . 
     While devices according to examples have been described in the details herein, modifications may be implemented in other embodiments. For example, it is possible that the main housing  2  of the audio mixing console  1  has a different shape. It is also possible to provide the wireless transceivers at different outer surfaces, e.g. the front or the back surface inside the respective permeable housings. It is also possible to provide only a single wireless transceiver instead of two wireless transceivers.