Remote Controlled Analog Audio Gear and Automation

Automation in audio production involves making changes automatically, such as adjusting volume levels, throughout a song. With automation, you can instruct your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to turn effects on or off, change volumes, pan positions, plugin settings, and effect levels during track playback.

In the past, producers made manual adjustments during the final mix of a track. Today, DAWs enable automatic adjustments, allowing for multiple simultaneous automations that can be endlessly repeated. Automation can be recorded in real-time or drawn into the DAW, controlling parameters of the DAW or plugins. The DAW records these changes and repeats them during playback, eliminating the need for recall sheets as all parameters are saved.

Extending automation to physical analog devices in the studio, such as hardware units, has been implemented by some companies through dedicated plugins. While beneficial, this approach has drawbacks including additional plugins, protocol complexities, physical wiring, and costs associated with software development.

Pros:

• Streamlines automation processes.
• Enhances precision and repeatability.
• Integrates seamlessly with DAWs.

Cons:

• Plugins: Require installation, adding complexity to the DAW interface.
• Protocol: Necessitates protocol drivers, increasing CPU load.
• Wiring: Involves physical connections, often using cables for noise-free operation.
• Cost: Involves software development expenses.

Despite these drawbacks, there are solutions for effective remote unit management.

MIDI Protocol:
A simple solution involves using the MIDI protocol for automation. MIDI can send/receive notes and commands, making it versatile for various devices, including guitarist pedalboards. DAWs natively support MIDI, facilitating integration and synchronization with audio tracks.

MIDI signals can be transmitted over USB or Ethernet. Ethernet offers the advantage of longer cable lengths without the limitations of USB. The rtp-MIDI (Real Time Protocol) enables MIDI over standard networks, including Ethernet and Wi-Fi, which is supported by most modern devices.

Point-to-Point vs. Networked Connections:
Traditional studio setups involve direct connections between devices, such as microphones to preamps. However, MIDI over Ethernet allows for networked connections using an Ethernet switch, enabling multiple devices to communicate simultaneously.

Ethernet can handle numerous MIDI channels over a single cable, making it infinitely expandable. Unlike USB/DIN-MIDI, which is limited to 16 ports per cable, rtp-MIDI networks can support unlimited virtual ports, enhancing scalability.

• No additional plugins: DAWs can manage MIDI commands directly.
• No extra drivers: DAWs have built-in MIDI support.
• Wiring flexibility: Ethernet cables can extend beyond USB/DIN-MIDI limits, and Wi-Fi can be utilized.
• Cost-efficiency: MIDI is a global standard, eliminating extra software development costs.

 

Develop an embedded automation board for audio device control focusing on:

MIDI Information from LAN: Interface MIDI devices with LAN to avoid long DIN/USB-MIDI cables.
Decoding MIDI Messages: Use a microcontroller (MCU) to decode MIDI messages for audio automation.
Controlling Devices: The MCU controls electronic devices such as motorized faders, DACs, and relays.

 

The board should include an Ethernet controller and an MCU, minimizing RF noise to ensure transparency to audio signals.

The firmware should be open source and adjustable to different hardware needs, promoting a flexible and educational project.

The Ethernet controller, like the WIZnet W5100, facilitates easy network connections with minimal components. The communication between the Ethernet controller and the MCU uses the SPI protocol.

MIDI Audio Automation separates digital control from analog domains. The project, available as hardware and software, is open for customization and use by both DIY enthusiasts and professional audio companies.

 

 

 

Remote control of analog audio gear through automation and networked MIDI is a viable and scalable solution. By leveraging open-source hardware and software, this approach offers flexibility, cost-efficiency, and enhanced control over studio environments

MIDI Audio Automation involves digitally controlling analog equipment. It’s crucial to emphasize that digital and analog domains remain completely separate. Analog equipment can have its various parameters and functions altered by a digital control system. Essentially, the digital aspect replaces manual adjustments, such as turning a knob or activating a switch, while the analog components continue to operate as intended.

In this system, digital control does not alter the inherent nature of analog equipment. The analog components retain their original characteristics, ensuring high-quality audio output. Digital control merely provides a more efficient and precise way to manage these analog parameters.

Both the hardware and software involved in this project are open source, making them free to use, embed, copy, and customize. The entire project includes physical hardware, software code, schematics, and Gerber files, providing a comprehensive toolkit for DIY audio enthusiasts and professional audio companies alike.

The rtp-MIDI Audio Automation project is designed to inspire the DIY audio community, encouraging users to embed new features into their own audio designs. The project is accessible to all, regardless of whether you are an individual hobbyist or a professional audio company.

Regardless of how you use the project, it’s important to acknowledge MCAudioLab and this article when sharing your work on the web and social media. This recognition supports the ongoing development and sharing of innovative audio automation solutions.

MIDI Audio Automation bridges the gap between digital precision and analog quality. By leveraging this open-source project, you can enhance your audio equipment’s functionality while maintaining the integrity of analog sound. Join the community of audio innovators and contribute to the evolving landscape of audio technology.

In addition to the resources listed below you can also check whether your local library will be holding any publishing about specific subjects.

MIDI: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIDI

rtp-MIDI: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RTP-MIDI

Microcontroller: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microcontroller

Atmega2560: https://www.microchip.com/en-us/product/ATmega2560#document-table

WIZnet W5100 https://www.wiznet.io/product-item/w5100/

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