Using miniature signal processing equipment in real-time brass performance
Thomas J. Plsek · The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America · 2003
Real time signal processing for brass instrument performance has been in use for more than 20 years now. It has been fraught with many problems not the least of which is the complexity, size, and expense of the equipment as well as the acoustical output of the instrument itself. One device which addresses these issues is the new Yamaha ST5: Personal Studio for brass instruments. By combining a Yamaha Pickup Mute, which very effectively minimizes the acoustical output of the instrument, with a battery powered unit small enough to be worn on a belt (ca. 5 in.×3 in.×1 in.), this system enables the performer to use such effects as reverb, delay, chorus, equalizer, pitch shifter, etc., that can be used in a wide variety of situations such as private practice, live concert performances, and recordings. By creatively managing the acoustic instrument and the miniature electronic equipment, a reasonably large array of musical resources become available to the performer enabling him/her to enhance existing performance environments, as well as find and develop new ones.