Domain related product design

Studio, Stage and Broadcast

Today’s pro-audio products fit roughly into two categories:

1. Digital Audio Workstations

The multichannel audio systems such as computer DAW, and dedicated recording, mixing, processing, patching and conversion systems all need some kind of extended audio connectivity so that many flows can freely circulate between devices. In addition to flowing audio, there is a need for command & control to organize the flows and control their processing. CopperLan's unified network implicitly guarantees reliable communication throughout with no particular setting.

2. Peripheral equipment

The second category of pro-audio devices encompasses equipment that uses basic digital audio links, analog audio only, or no audio links at all. By enabling an automated unified setup, CopperLan justifies reinstating a control interface on every product. With CopperLan, it is possible to automatically identify an entire setup, retrieve the settings from every knob, be in control and get real-time feedback information of any parameter, manage snapshots of an entire setup. All of this can be achieved without requiring dedicated librarian/editing software.

Truly modular drum kits

Electronic drum kits are targeted at musicians who are not necessarily eager to struggle with technology. They would rather expect the same freedom of expansion and rearranging of their kit as with an acoustic set.
Added to the inherent complexities in this category of equipment, this can represent a serious challenge for the product designer.

In CopperLan, equipment of different capabilities (whether or not including a sound generator) can be linked in any way to create a fused network of devices, each taking the various roles of triggering, sequencing and sound generation.

A hi-hat device, for instance, does not need to connect to a specific encoding box; it can be CopperLan all by itself (usually without setting buttons, knobs or display as it could be remote edited).

Similarly, triggering devices in the form of typical percussion instruments (timpani, crotales, vibraphone, marimba, etc.) could become widespread, as they would connect seamlessly to any existing setup of whatever size with zero added complexity in use or setting up (they too don’t need their own display or setting buttons).

Here is a summary of other useful features in the percussion domain:

• Simplified cabling
• Low latency
• Free pitch capability
• High data resolution
• Non-gated triggering / custom triggering (hi-hat pedal, brushes)
• Capability to define unique qualifiers (position, movement, material, …)
• Event messaging allows continuous data update

The sum of all features

By its very nature, the synthesizer is the device that can make the most of CopperLan.

• Match the needs of wide polyphony with full individual voice control
• Separate event triggering and update
• Non-tempered scaling (free pitch: stretch tuning, controlled unison)
• Cross-device modulation capabilities (virtual CV)
• Simultaneous multiple timing references
• Linking of timing references and modulators (clocks & LFOs)
• Split-device design made practical (see general concepts)
• Harmonized audio and control flows

Automation and modularity in a truly unified environment

• Possibility to connect ALL equipment and access it by name
• Work along any streaming format without conflict.
• Separate preload and triggering of settings
• Data querying system for remote control devices
• Simple implementation of total setup recall capability
• Timing references dedicated to film and video
• Simultaneous multiple timing references
• Harmonized audio and control interaction
• Long cables allowed (Ethernet)
• Mix all types of connections in a unified setup

Reinstating the power of descriptive messaging

• Seamless blending of hardware and virtual devices
  (reconcile the convenience of virtual applications with the advantages of outboard equipment)
• Automatic identification of the entire setup
  (easy access, editing and recording)
• Storage and recall of all settings inside and outside the computer
• New protocol encompasses all needs of modern music production
• Multiple elastic timing references allow a trouble-free match between music and notation
• Smooth integration with MIDI

Properly addressing ALL instruments

• High data resolution
• Free pitch capability (violin, theremin, fretless bass, timpani, …)
• Separate handling of pitch, expression and triggering
  (plucking, bowing, …)
• Capability to freely define unique sound qualifiers
  (e.g. the simultaneous stimuli of trumpet blow, pitch, key play and muffle)
• Event messaging that allows continuous data update
• Peculiarities are defined from the controlling device side instead of being frozen in a preset setting

Power as a goal - Intuitiveness as a guide

• Interactive plug & play self-configuring setup
• Simplified cabling
• Remote editing capability
• Shared display capability
• Embedded CopperLan USB Host
• Accessories do not need a separate power supply
  (USB or Power-over-Ethernet)