Patent Publication Number: US-2007098368-A1

Title: Mobile recording studio system

Description:
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/732,157, filed 2 Nov. 2005, for “Mobile Recording Studio System”, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND  
      A performance recording system is provided as a modular enclosure that can be moved from a first location to a second location and set up temporarily, semi-permanently, or permanently at the second location, and that comprises equipment and features that allow for the production of a high quality recording of a performance conducted within the enclosure.  
     SUMMARY  
      A recording system includes a modular enclosure within which an individual or group can perform audibly and/or visually. An environment control system can be provided and adapted for controlling the environment within the modular enclosure during a performance occurring within the enclosure. The modular enclosure can also include an audio recording device, a video recording device, a playback system including one or more audio and video playback capabilities, a digital signal processing system that includes an audio processing module and a video processing module, and a central processing unit adapted to process inputs from one or more of the audio recording device, the video recording device, the playback system and the digital signal processing system and produce a recording of the audible and/or visual performance performed within the enclosure.  
      The modular enclosure can be adapted to be carried on a trailer, or it can be adapted to be disassembled and carried to a location using a vehicle such as an automobile or sport utility vehicle. Alternatively, the modular enclosure can be moved from a first location to a second location such as a retail location, where it can be permanently established.  
      The environment control system can include one or more of a climate control system, an interchangeable backdrop with selectable images, olfactory stimulation device, tactile stimulation device, TV monitor adapted to replay one or more of prerecorded audio and visual effects comprising song lyrics, music and video, and a fold-down stage adapted to raise the level of a performer within the enclosure, and lighting effects. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of a performance recording enclosure.  
       FIG. 2  is a flow diagram showing the interrelationship between features of an exemplary embodiment of a performance recording system.  
       FIG. 3  is a flow diagram showing further interrelationships between additional features of an exemplary embodiment of a performance recording system. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      A stand-alone performance recording studio system according to one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter can include an enclosure adapted to be moved from a first location to a second location, and temporarily, semi-permanently, or permanently set up at the second location for the purpose of recording the audio and/or visual aspects of an event performed within the enclosure. The recording system can be capable of digital audio and video recording. The recording system can be provided with a controlled environment, adapted to be set up at any location, and adapted to be operated by manual and/or automated means. The recording system also can include features that allow for the superimposing and/or editing of multiple audio and/or video inputs provided within the stand-alone enclosure during an event performed within the enclosure at whatever location is desired.  
      The recording system can be adapted to create recorded outputs comparable to large scale audio/video production and post-production outputs in real or near-real time, at a location other than a traditional fixed recording facility, delivered directly to a customer&#39;s electronic format of choice or to any standard or non-standard digital storage media. The user of this recording system is provided with a means for digitally recording and electronically enhancing their individual performance wherever the stand-alone recording system is located.  
      The stand alone recording system is also capable of being used as a music composition station, where the customer can create an original piece of music on the spot using methods including assembly of prerecorded digital “loops” of royalty-free real instrument performances, which are automatically adapted to fit the tempo and key signature of the composition, by playing original beats and melodies using a “control surface” such as a keyboard or percussion pads which trigger “virtual instruments”, and by adding prerecorded “MIDI loops” which are prerecorded performances that can be assigned to any virtual instrument or sound the customer wants. This can be done with the assistance and guidance of a staff member, or without any assistance in the automated version (Soundbox Automatic). This feature will include the addition of one or multiple digital controllers (“control surfaces”, physical or virtual).  
      The stand-alone recording system according to various embodiments can allow individuals and groups to have access to high quality recordings of themselves performing alone, or with prerecorded backing accompaniment, at a location convenient to that customer, and then to receive a “master” recording in electronic or physical format. This type of controlled environment recording and enhancement has, in the past, typically required booking a studio, an engineer, a producer, and cost hundreds, thousands, or tens of thousands of dollars. The benefits of conventional recording studios can be achieved by the stand-alone recording system, with the additional benefits that include, but are not limited to, achieving a high quality recording with a single transaction, in a mobile operation that can be brought to a customer&#39;s particular location or provided in multiple central locations such as malls if desired, and at a fraction of the cost of a traditional professional recording studio.  
      The system will allow for the creation of and on the spot manufacture and duplication of custom media (CD, DVD or any digital storage device) containing either or both the original compositions created at the recording facility, and legal downloads of commercial recordings owned by other artists or companies selected and purchased at the facility.  
      System components of a stand-alone recording system according to various embodiments can include a controlled recording environment within a modular enclosure that serves as the studio for an individual or group performance, and that can be moved from a first location to a second location and set up temporarily, semi-permanently, or permanently at the second location. The recording system can comprise one or more features such as: 
          Climate control     Video lighting     Motivational lighting     Optional olfactory stimulation     Soundproofing     Audio playback monitor system (both global with speakers and personal with headphones)     Video monitor system, including a tele-prompter device and a composite output monitor for the performer.     Electronic communication system (“talkback”)     Internal acoustic-optimization treatments     Selectable visual backdrops, both real and electronic     Audio capture devices (wired and wireless microphones)     Video capture devices (single and multi-CCD devices, variable focus and fields)        

      A digital signal processing station (manual or automated), can also be provided, and can include one or more features such as: 
          an audio processing module, wherein the audio processing module can include any or all of the following: 
            Filters and frequency equalization     Dynamic range compression     Dynamic range limiting     Sibilance attenuation (“de-essing”)     Digital microphone “modeling”    Noise reduction     Pitch correction     Electronic double-tracking     Environment simulation, wherein environment simulation can include any or all of the following:     Time delay (echo)     Room equalization     Acoustic space simulation (reverb)     Voice alteration and effects, to transform or simulate:     male to female     female to male     adult to child     child to adult     small creature     large creature     “lo-fi”, or am radio simulation     overdrive and distortion    
            a video processing module, wherein the video processing module can provide digital video mixing and blending of multiple input sources, including: 
            Multiple live camera inputs     Prerecorded and live video background inputs     Video effects processing (real time, automated and sequenced), including, but not limited to:     Negative effect     Strobe effect     Sepia effect     Mosaic effect     Black and white effect     Chroma keying, to replace the real background with digitally generated images and alternate video sequences as background     Luma keying     Compositing     Superimposing     Multiple transitions, or “wipes”    Various visual distortion and enhancement effects    
               

      Audio and video element generators and playback units can also be provided. These elements can include one or more of at least the following devices: 
          Audio CD player (and prerecorded content)     DVD Video player (and prerecorded content)     Random Access storage and playback devices     Electronic signal generators        

      A digital capture and editing station can be provided, and can comprise a computer based workstation used for editing the recorded performance and preparing the digital files for output.  
      A secondary editing and media creation station can also be provided, and can comprise a computer based workstation used for assembling the prepared files into the final master, controlling the duplication machines, providing for artistic design of the final master, and control of graphic printing machines which can add custom artwork to a physical master or copy.  
      A primary storage device can also be provided to store the initial unique digital output created by the above systems.  
      A secondary storage device can be provided that is adapted to receive and store the output from the primary storage device for further processing, master assembly and consolidated backup purposes.  
      Duplication and printing devices can also be provided externally or internally to the digital capture and editing station, or the secondary editing and media creation station. The duplication and printing devices can store the desired product onto physical media, and can also add custom artwork to that media.  
      As exemplified in  FIG. 2 , components and features of a recording system according to an embodiment can be provided within the modular enclosure and can be interrelated in a manner that is adapted for the recording, editing, and production of a high quality recording made of an event performed within the enclosure. Wireless microphones  110 ,  112  can be operatively associated with a wireless microphone receiver  114  to provide the performer within the enclosure more flexibility during the performance. A condenser microphone  120  connected with a preamplifier  122  can be provided as an alternative means for inputting vocal signals. A “talkback system”  124  with a microphone and preamplifier can also provide audio inputs.  
      As further shown in  FIG. 2 , the vocal inputs from microphones  110 ,  112 , wireless microphone receiver  114 , and/or condenser microphone  120  and preamplifier  122  can be processed by vocal effects processors  116 ,  118 , in series or in parallel, and fed to an input on a media player/mixer  126  or other device adapted to combine the live inputs from the performer with additional signals such as from a prerecorded sound track. The resulting signal from the media player, or just the prerecorded lyrics of an audio track on the recording if desired, can be fed to one or more of a control lyrics monitor  220 , booth lyrics monitor  222 , control video monitor  224 , and booth video monitor  226 . The CD player  126  can also be enabled to send analog output from the CD player  126  to an analog to digital converter  128 .  
      The analog to digital converter  128  can also receive video signals from video cameras  140 ,  142 ,  144 , with the video signals from the video cameras being selectively combined with video signals provided by a DVD player  270  or other audio-video source, and mixed using a digital video mixer  280 . Output from the analog to digital converter  128  can then be sent to one or more of the control video monitor  224  and booth video monitor  226 . Output from the analog to digital converter  128  can also be provided to a computer or central processing unit  200 , with the interconnection being through a low distortion connection capable of carrying both the video and audio signals, such as through a firewire connection  130 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 2 , the computer or central processing unit  200  can provide the means for editing the inputs and producing a professional quality recording, which can then be stored on a primary storage device  202 , such as any variety of recording media including but not limited to a hard drive, CDs, DVDs, minidisks, etc., and in any desired format. The computer  200 , and a second computer  210 , interconnected for example with an Ethernet T1000 connection  132 , can comprise digital signal processing modules such as the audio and video processing modules described above with at least the capabilities and features listed above. One or both of the computers or central processing units  200 ,  210  can be connected by firewire connections  134  and/or universal serial bus connections  136  or other types of connections to a printer  208 , which can be provided to print graphics on a recording media such as a DVD or CD, and to additional storage devices such as a secondary storage device  206  and an emergency backup storage device  204 . The computers can also provide audio inputs to an audio mixer  212 , which can combine those audio inputs with inputs from the analog to digital converter  128  if desired and provide audio signals to a booth audio playback system  230  and/or a headphone amplifier and distribution device  214  and headphones  216 , and control/main audio playback system  232 , optionally equipped with a sub-woofer  238 . A MIDI controller  234  can also be provided in communication with one or both of computers  200 ,  210 , to enable input of MIDI data streams, as well as a connection to the internet  236  for transmitting data over the internet.  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the computer(s)  200 ,  210  can be in communication via a communications link  150  directly with the audio mixer  212 , as well as an on-disc graphics printer  152 . Further optionally, the digital video mixer  280  can include an output to a projector  154 , which projects the video signal onto a typical presentation screen  156 .  
      Exemplary embodiments of the recording system can comprise various stand-alone modules, which can range from readily portable modules to larger, semi-permanent or permanent rooms or enclosures that can be transported to a site such as a mall, other retail shopping establishment, etc. One embodiment is shown in  FIG. 1 , wherein a performance recording modular enclosure  20  comprises some or all of the above-described components and/or features. The enclosure  20  can include a top  21 , back wall  22 , side walls  24 ,  28 , a front wall/door  26 , and a bottom  27 . The back wall  22  can comprise an interchangeable backdrop with selectable images, or can comprise a screen onto which can be projected or displayed various stationary and/or moving images and colors, or a colored “chroma-key” screen for superimposing images digitally. TV monitors  42 ,  44  can be mounted on the back wall  22  or to the side of the back wall  22 , or on one or both side walls  24 ,  28 , in a position or positions that allows for easy viewing by a performer within the enclosure  20 . The TV monitors  42 ,  44  can provide for video and/or audio playback of signals from cameras mounted within the enclosure  20  or from other sources such as a CD player or DVD player providing prerecorded inputs such as the lyrics of a song being performed in real time by a performer within the enclosure  20 . Additional TV monitors  46 ,  48  can also be provided on the front wall/door  26  of the enclosure  20 , and provide additional playback of signals from cameras and/or prerecorded inputs. Cameras  52 ,  54 ,  56  can be mounted at different angles and different vantage points within the enclosure, such as angling up from the floor or bottom  27  of the enclosure  20 , angling in from the back wall  22 , angling in from the front wall/door  26 , or angling in from any of the other side walls  24 ,  28  or down from the top  21 , in order to provide video and/or audio signals based on the performance occurring within the enclosure  20 . Additional effects within the enclosure can be provided by speakers  62 ,  64 ,  66 , and lights  82 , as well as other sensory inputs including, but not limited to olfactory stimulation and other tactile stimulation such as breezes created by fans, etc.—all to aid in the production of a recorded performance having the desired effects within the enclosure  20 .  
      An engineering desk and module  30  can be provided as the location of the control equipment such as computers and/or central processing units, digital signal processing modules comprising audio and video processing modules, and also as a work station for a production engineer and music composition station space for the customer if desired. A fold down stage  92  can also be provided if desired to allow performers smaller in stature to appear larger or to place them where desired relative to the background effects and/or audio and video recording equipment. A cash or credit card reader  70  can also be provided for embodiments wherein all of the equipment operates automatically to record a performance within the enclosure  20 .  
      The following described embodiments can include features similar to those described above with reference to  FIG. 1 , and with their associated names and/or designations being exemplary only, and not intended to limit in any way the potential variations in name, contents and systems of the recording studios, or in the overall configurations of the studios.  
      Portable: this can be a portable version, intended for small events such as private parties. It can be delivered and transported in a small vehicle, such as a car or minivan.  
      Mobile: this can be an integrated vehicle version, intended to be dropped off at an event or location, indoors or outdoors. It can be a full featured audio-video setup, similar to the Retail Kiosk version, but configured as a trailer.  
      Studio: this can be an indoor retail kiosk version, intended for Malls and other shopping or entertainment facilities. It can feature a soundproof booth plus full audio-video recording and editing capabilities. It can also feature a Soundbox™ iMedia™ Station, which allows legal, custom downloads of audio and video recordings, which are burned to disc, or loaded into the customer&#39;s storage/playback device.  
      Pro: this can be a larger, more advanced and feature laden version of a studio of the present invention. It can be intended for permanent or semi-permanent installation at a fixed location, such as a storefront at a Mall. It can be capable of recording a full combo group as a live performance using multi-track audio and multi-camera video. Like the other described embodiments, the Pro version can produce professional, broadcast quality results.  
      Automatic: this can be an automated version, intended for semi-permanent or temporary installation in a retail or entertainment facility. It can accept cash or credit card payment and create audio-video recordings based on the users&#39; choice of selectable options. It can incorporate Soundbox™ iMedia™ Station capabilities.  
      The portable version (“Soundbox LE, or Live Edition”) can be broken down and delivered by a small vehicle to any indoor or covered outdoor location. It can also include an engineer/producer to run the equipment and assist the customer. A free-standing backdrop chroma-screen, similar to a portable trade show exhibit wall, can be provided. This screen can provide a background suitable for Compositing, which is adding an electronic visual background. This is similar to the way an animated weather map is added behind a TV forecaster. Printed backgrounds can also be available.  
      The portable (Soundbox LE) version can comprise up to three areas. 1. The Engineering Station, which will be where the engineer controls the electronics. 2. The Performance Area (or “Studio Area”) which will be where the Artist/customer performs in front of the background screen and in front of the cameras and lighting, and  3 . The “Concert Stage” area, which is where the effected and processed audio/video output will be displayed. The Concert Stage area will consist of a large, free-standing, portable pop-up screen, similar to a presentation screen, a high-quality powered sound system which may include two or more satellites (powered loud-speakers) and may include a sub-woofer (low frequency loud-speaker) plus a stand mounted projector which receives and projects a feed from the engineering/video-mixing station.  
      Sound conditioning baffles, portable and stand mounted, can be set up around the performance area to improve the recorded sound.  
      Any number of stand mounted video and stage lights can provide back lighting and foreground lighting. One or more tripod mounted CCD (Charged Coupling Device) video cameras can provide feed to the main control board. One or more self-contained, portable equipment racks can be provided adjacent to the performance area, and can comprise electronics such as: Wireless microphone receiver, 2 channels; Vocal Processor (similar to Antares AVP-1); Vocal effects processor (similar to Digitech V300); Karaoke player; Analog to Digital A/V converter (similar to Miglia Directors Cut); Audio interface, media player, additional video monitor screens, remote controllers, Computer and hard drives; Monitor mixer; Headphone amp; Power conditioner; Blank media; supply storage; and a stand mounted teleprompter (karaoke lyric display).  
      The Mobile version is an embodiment that provides a personal recording studio and iMedia Station built into a climate controlled trailer. The Mobile version can comprise the same electronics and capabilities as the Studio or LE version, but can have the ability to be dropped off at an indoor or outdoor event or location. It can also be provided with a soundproof recording room and a separate engineer/operator station, both inside the trailer. The recording room can be approximately 8′ wide×10′ deep×6.5° tall. It can feature both handheld and stand mounted microphone options, speaker or headphone playback options and a 3-camera live video FX system. An awning can cover a large sidewalk-side entry door and lead into the “foyer” area where the iMedia Station is set up. The engineer can be behind a Plexiglas wall so that customers can view the current recording session without disturbing the engineer. The trailer can have both generator power and “shore power” external hookups. The Soundbox Mobile may also have external audio amplification and video projection capabilities (possibly including one or more solid-state display devices, mounted to the trailer) similar the LE Concert Stage area.  
      The Studio version is an indoor retail kiosk version, intended for Malls and other shopping or entertainment facilities. This version can be operated by at least one engineer/producer. The Studio version can feature a soundproof booth plus full audio-video recording and editing capabilities. The Studio version can include a Soundbox™ iMedia™ Station where movies, videos and music from major and independent artists as well as recordings and compilations by other artists can be available for legal download/purchase. It can also feature arcade-style games with automated payment.  
      The Pro version can be a full featured recording studio intended for permanent installation at a fixed location, such as a storefront at a Mall. It can be capable of recording a full combo group as a live performance using multi-track audio and multi-camera video. It can produce professional, broadcast quality results using the latest advances in computer technology.  
      These advances can include electronic drum kits, which trigger recordings (called “samples”) of real or synthesized drums when sensor pads are struck with drumsticks. It can look and feel familiar to a drummer but may not require lengthy setup time, or the traditional large kit of microphones, pre-amps, compressors, hardware recording console and analog or digital tape recorders. Instruments such as guitar and bass guitar can be processed through computer modeled amplifier simulators. Keyboards and drums can be recorded as MIDI data, allowing fast, extensive and precise editing of a performance plus the ability to change sounds (for example, to change a piano track to orchestra-strings or bagpipes) without replaying the part.  
      The blending or “mixing” of the elements can be instantly achieved by the use of Custom Style Templates, which can create appropriate sounding mixes for any style of music, which the Engineer/Producer and Artist can then fine tune to taste.  
      This combination of speed, sonic excellence and custom production presets can produce professional broadcast quality recordings in a fraction of the time, and at a fraction of the price of similar results at traditional recording studios.  
      CD/DVD duplication and custom designed album artwork (also based on custom templates) can be available on site to complete the package.  
      The Automatic version can be a fully automated, stand-alone unit capable of producing a karaoke style audio and/or video recording. It is ideal for semi-permanent or temporary installation in a retail or entertainment facility. It can accept cash or credit card payment and create audio-video recordings based on the users&#39; choice of selectable options. It can incorporate Soundbox™ iMedia™ Station capabilities, accessible from outside the recording booth.  
      The customer can perform inside a recording area that has openings on both sides covered by very heavy acoustic curtains (similar to a photo booth setup). Alternatively, the area can be completely enclosed with regular walls and a door. A sturdy handheld microphone with a flexible steel reinforced cable (similar to the handset in a telephone booth), or a permanent fixed microphone inside the recording enclosure can be used for vocal recording. The camera, teleprompter monitor and video recording monitor can be behind a Plexiglas front wall. Music playback can be through high quality, vandal-resistant indoor/outdoor speakers mounted high on the front wall. A chroma-key (“Green Screen”) background and high intensity front and back lighting can enable the customer to choose a still or full motion electronic background for the video. Preset video special effect sequences can be selectable from “mild to wild” as part of the user definable options. A finished CD/DVD and/or electronic download can be the final output.  
      While the subject matter has been described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents employed, without departing from the scope of the invention.