Delay-Based Digital Audio Effects Module for DJs and Musicians

Abstract

This module can manipulate audio signals, in real time, by modulating them in the time domain. This device is nicknamed “The Time Machine”. This device is meant for DJs and musicians who wish to be able to change characteristics about the music that they are playing during a live performance. This device allows the user to be able to change the playback speed of a song, such as slowing the song down and speeding it up. It allows the user to reverse the song. This device allows the user to perform momentary loops at various lengths for a stutter effect. This device can even change up the rhythm of a song by rearranging parts within a sequence. This device also lets the user perform vinyl effects, like what DJ’s do. This device lets the user be able to remix music on the fly and in real time. The device has a touch screen user interface and a set of 12 hardware push buttons. The user is able program each of the buttons using a touch screen interface. The user selects which button they want to program with the touch screen interface. They can then select from a list of 25 different delay-based audio effects to program to the button. This gives the user full customizability of the layout on the control board. The user can load all 12 buttons with different effects in any arrangement they choose. The user plugs their audio device into the input of the module with a 3.5 mm jack. They then plug in a speaker or headphones. There is a Tap Tempo on the GUI used to synchronize the effects to the tempo of any song. After the song is synchronized, the user can then perform combinations of delay-based audio effects to remix any song. The origins of this device came from a project for the Multi-Disciplinary Undergraduate Research Institution at IUPUI. I led a team of 3 other researchers where we were tasked with developing a digital audio effects module. During the research, we evaluated several different types of digital signal processors and devices to house our touch screen graphical user interface which was used in this project. I expanded on this project to add more functionality and customizability to the device. The inspiration for this project came from a VST (Virtual Studio Technology) plugin called Gross Beat, from Image Line.