Generalized electronic music interface

• US 20040065187A1
• Filed: 10/06/2003
• Published: 04/08/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/15/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: NRI R&D Patent Licensing, LLC (Advanced Touchscreen and Gesture Technologies, LLC)
• Original Assignee: Lester F. Ludwig
• Inventors: Ludwig, Lester F.
• Granted Patent: US 8,030,567 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 84/645
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/005 Input arrangements through a video camera
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/017 Gesture based interaction, e.g. based on a set of recognized hand gestures interaction based on gestures traced on a digitiser G06F3/04883
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/041 Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0412 Digitisers structurally integrated in a display
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04847 Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0488 using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04883 for inputting data by handwriting, e.g. gesture or text
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/00 Details of electrophonic musical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/0058 Transmission between separate instruments or between individual components of a musical system G10H1/0083 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/0066 using a MIDI interface
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/348 Switches actuated by parts of the body other than fingers
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/46 Volume control
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2220/521 Hall effect transducers or similar magnetic field sensing semiconductor devices, e.g. for string vibration sensing or key movement sensing
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2220/525 Piezoelectric transducers for vibration sensing or vibration excitation in the audio range; Piezoelectric strain sensing, e.g. as key velocity sensor; Piezoelectric actuators, e.g. key actuation in response to a control voltage
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2230/095 Spint zither, i.e. mimicking any neckless stringed instrument in which the strings do not extend beyond the sounding board
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2230/101 Spint koto, i.e. mimicking any traditional asian-style plucked zither with movable bridges
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2230/115 Spint sitar, i.e. mimicking any long-necked plucked string instrument with a large number of additional non-playable sympathetic resonating strings or an additional gourd-like resonating chamber
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2230/145 Spint guitar keyboard, i.e. mimicking a combination of a guitar-like instrument, with or without strings, and a piano-like keyboard, e.g. with white and black keys arranged like on a piano
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2230/271 Spint gong, i.e. mimicking circular flat, nippled or bowl-shaped metallic percussion instruments G10H2230/321 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 3/18 using a string, e.g. electric guitar mechanical features G10D1/085
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 3/26 : using electric feedback
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 84/10 : Feedback

Abstract

A generalized interface for interconnecting a wide range of electronic musical instruments and signal processing systems includes an outgoing multi-channel audio interface and an outgoing control interface. The outgoing multi-channel audio interface receives instrument audio signals generated by an external musical instrument, while the outgoing control interface receives MIDI control signals generated by the same external musical instrument. The outgoing multi-channel audio interface and the outgoing control interface respectively communicate audio signals and MIDI control signals to the external signal processing system. Variations include the addition of multi-channel audio paths to the instrument using drive transducer signals to excite instrument vibrating elements; the use of control paths to the instrument to control on-instrument lighting, signal processing, drive transducers, controller interpretation, etc.; non-MIDI control paths out of the instrument; providing the instrument with expanded power to supporting on-instrument lighting, video devices, and other auxiliary systems; video signals out of the instrument; and video signals to the instrument to support on-instrument video display.

Claims

1. A generalized interface for interconnecting electronic musical instruments and signal processing systems, said generalized interface comprising:

an outgoing multi-channel audio interface for receiving instrument audio signals comprising at least three independent audio signals generated by an external musical instrument, wherein said outgoing multi-channel audio interface provides said instrument audio signals to an external signal processing system; and

an outgoing control interface for receiving MIDI control signals generated by said external musical instrument, said outgoing control interface providing said MIDI control signals to said external signal processing system.

2. The interface according to claim 1, wherein said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface are integrated to utilize a common physical interface connector.

3. The interface according to claim 1, wherein said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface utilize a plurality of physical interface connectors.

4. The interface according to claim 1, wherein said instrument audio signals and said MIDI control signals are multiplexed to form a common multiplexed signal that is provided to said external signal processing system.

5. The interface according to claim 4, wherein said common multiplexed signal is provided to said external signal processing system using a wireless communication link.

6. The interface according to claim 4, wherein said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface are integrated to utilize a common physical interface connector, and wherein

said common multiplexed signal is provided to said external signal processing system using said common physical interface connector.

7. The interface according to claim 4, wherein said common multiplexed signal is provided to said external signal processing system using an optical communication link.

8. The interface according to claim 1, said interface further comprising:

an incoming control interface for receiving incoming control signals generated by said external signal processing system, said incoming control interface providing said incoming control signals to said external musical instrument.

9. The interface according to claim 8, wherein said incoming control signals comprise signals of MIDI format.

10. The interface according to claim 1, said interface further comprising:

an incoming multi-channel audio interface for receiving a plurality of incoming audio signals generated by said external signal processing system, said incoming plurality of multi-channel audio interface providing said incoming audio signals to said external musical instrument.

11. The interface according to claim 1, said interface further comprising:

an outgoing control interface for receiving non-MIDI control signals generated by said external musical instrument, said outgoing control interface providing said non-MIDI control signals to said external signal processing system.

12. The interface according to claim 1, said interface further comprising:

a low-power interface for receiving electrical power provided by said external signal processing system, said low-power interface providing said electrical power to said external musical instrument, wherein said electrical power is adapted to provide power to an audio subsystem integrated with said external musical instrument.

13. The interface according to claim 1, said interface further comprising:

a low-power interface for receiving electrical power provided by said external signal processing system, said low-power interface providing said electrical power to said external musical instrument, wherein said electrical power is adapted to provide power to a control subsystem integrated with said external musical instrument.

14. The interface according to claim 1, said interface further comprising:

a low-power interface for receiving electrical power provided by said external signal processing system, said low-power interface providing said electrical power to said external musical instrument, wherein said electrical power is adapted to provide power to an audio subsystem and a control subsystem integrated with said external musical instrument.

15. The interface according to claim 1, said interface further comprising:

a moderate-power interface for receiving moderate-load electrical power provided by said external signal processing system, said moderate-power interface providing said moderate-load electrical power to said external musical instrument, wherein said moderate-load electrical power is adapted to provide power to auxiliary systems associated with said external musical instrument.

16. The interface according to claim 15, wherein said moderate-load electrical power provided by said moderate-power interface is adapted to provide power to controllable lighting devices associated with said external musical instrument.

17. The interface according to claim 15, wherein said moderate-load electrical power provided by said moderate-power interface is adapted to provide power to a video device associated with said external musical instrument.

18. The interface according to claim 1, said interface further comprising:

an outgoing video interface for receiving outgoing video signals generated by said external musical instrument, said outgoing video interface providing said outgoing video signals to said external signal processing system.

19. The interface according to claim 1, said interface further comprising:

an incoming video interface for receiving incoming video signals generated by said external signal processing system, said incoming video interface providing said incoming video signals to said external musical instrument.

20. The interface according claim 2, wherein said common physical connector is attached to one end of a cable for connecting said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface to said external signal processing system.

21. The interface according claim 2, wherein said common physical connector is attached to one end of a cable for connecting said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface to said external musical instrument.

22. The interface according claim 2, wherein said common physical connector is for mating with a connector integrated with said external musical instrument.

23. The interface according claim 2, wherein said common physical connector is for mating with a connector integrated with said external signal processing system.

24. The interface according claim 2, wherein said common physical connector is attached to one end of a cable assembly for connecting said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface to said external musical instrument.

25. The interface according claim 3, wherein at least one physical interface connector of said plurality of physical interface connectors is configured to mate with a connector integrated with said external musical instrument.

26. The interface according to claim 3, wherein at least one physical interface connector of said plurality of physical interface connectors is configured to mate with a connector integrated with said external signal processing system.

27. A method for interconnecting electronic musical instruments and signal processing systems, said method comprising:

receiving instrument audio signals at an outgoing multi-channel audio interface, wherein said instrument audio signals comprise at least three independent audio signals generated by an external musical instrument;

providing said instrument audio signals to an external signal processing system;

receiving MIDI control signals at an outgoing control interface, wherein said MIDI control signals are generated by said external musical instrument; and

providing said MIDI control signals to said external signal processing system.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface are integrated to utilize a common physical interface connector.

29. The method according to claim 27, wherein said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface utilize a plurality of physical interface connectors.

30. The method according to claim 27, wherein said instrument audio signals and said MIDI control signals are multiplexed to form a common multiplexed signal that is provided to said external signal processing system.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein said common multiplexed signal is provided to said external signal processing system using a wireless communication link.

32. The method according to claim 30, wherein said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface are integrated to utilize a common physical interface connector, and wherein

said common multiplexed signal is provided to said external signal processing system using said common physical interface connector.

33. The method according to claim 30, wherein said common multiplexed signal is provided to said external signal processing system using an optical communication link.

34. The method according to claim 27, said method further comprising:

receiving incoming control signals at an incoming control interface, wherein said incoming control signals are generated by said external signal processing system, said incoming control interface providing said incoming control signals to said external musical instrument.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein said incoming control signals comprise signals of MIDI format.

36. The method according to claim 27, said method further comprising:

receiving a plurality of incoming audio signals at an incoming multi-channel audio interface, wherein said plurality of incoming audio signals are generated by said external signal processing system, said incoming multi-channel audio interface providing said plurality of incoming audio signals to said external musical instrument.

37. The method according to claim 27, said method further comprising:

receiving non-MIDI control signals at an outgoing control interface, wherein said non-MIDI control signals are generated by said external musical instrument, said outgoing control interface providing said non-MIDI control signals to said external signal processing system.

38. The method according to claim 27, said method further comprising:

receiving electrical power at a low-power interface, wherein said electrical power is provided by said external signal processing system, said low-power interface providing said electrical power to said external musical instrument, and wherein said electrical power is adapted to provide power to an audio subsystem integrated with said external musical instrument.

39. The method according to claim 27, said method further comprising:

receiving electrical power at a low-power interface, wherein said electrical power is provided by said external signal processing system, said low-power interface providing said electrical power to said external musical instrument, and wherein said electrical power is adapted to provide power to a control subsystem integrated with said external musical instrument.

40. The method according to claim 27, said method further comprising:

receiving electrical power at a low-power interface, wherein said electrical power is provided by said external signal processing system, said low-power interface providing said electrical power to said external musical instrument, and wherein said electrical power is adapted to provide power to an audio subsystem and a control subsystem integrated with said external musical instrument.

41. The method according to claim 27, said method further comprising:

receiving moderate-load electrical power at a moderate-power interface, wherein said moderate-load electrical power is provided by said external signal processing system, said moderate-power interface providing said moderate-load electrical power to said external musical instrument, and wherein said moderate-load electrical power is adapted to provide power to auxiliary systems associated with said external musical instrument.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein said moderate-load electrical power provided by said moderate-power interface is adapted to provide power to controllable lighting devices associated with said external musical instrument.

43. The method according to claim 41, wherein said moderate-load electrical power provided by said moderate-power interface is adapted to provide power to a video device associated with said external musical instrument.

44. The method according to claim 27, said method further comprising:

receiving outgoing video signals at an outgoing video interface, wherein said outgoing video signals are generated by said external musical instrument, said outgoing video interface providing said outgoing video signals to said external signal processing system.

45. The method according to claim 27, said method further comprising:

receiving incoming video signals at an incoming video interface, wherein said incoming video signals are generated by said external signal processing system, said incoming video interface providing said incoming video signals to said external musical instrument.

46. The method according claim 28, wherein said common physical connector is attached to one end of a cable for connecting said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface to said external signal processing system.

47. The method according claim 28, wherein said common physical connector is attached to one end of a cable for connecting said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface to said external musical instrument.

48. The method according claim 28, wherein said common physical connector for mating with a connector integrated with said external musical instrument.

49. The method according claim 28, wherein said common physical connector for mating with a connector integrated with said external signal processing system.

50. The method according claim 28, wherein said common physical connector is attached to one end of a cable assembly for connecting said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface to said external musical instrument.

51. The method according claim 29, wherein at least one physical interface connector of said plurality of physical interface connectors is configured to mate with a connector integrated with said external musical instrument.

52. The method according to claim 29, wherein at least one physical interface connector of said plurality of physical interface connectors is configured to mate with a connector integrated with said external signal processing system.

53. A generalized interface for interconnecting electronic musical instruments and signal processing systems, said generalized interface comprising:

an outgoing multi-channel audio interface for receiving instrument audio signals comprising at least three independent audio signals generated by an external musical instrument, wherein said outgoing multi-channel audio interface provides said instrument audio signals to an external signal processing system;

an incoming control interface for receiving incoming control signals generated by said external signal processing system, said incoming control interface providing said incoming control signals to said external musical instrument; and

an outgoing control interface for receiving control signals generated by said external musical instrument, said outgoing control interface providing said control signals to said external signal processing system.

54. The interface according to claim 53, wherein said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface are integrated to utilize a common physical interface connector.

55. The interface according to claim 53, wherein said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface utilize a plurality of physical interface connectors.

56. The interface according to claim 53, wherein said incoming control signals comprise signals of MIDI format.

57. The interface according to claim 53, said interface further comprising:

an incoming multi-channel audio interface for receiving a plurality of incoming audio signals generated by said external signal processing system, said incoming multi-channel audio interface providing said plurality of incoming audio signals to said external musical instrument.

58. The interface according to claim 53, said interface further comprising:

a low-power interface for receiving electrical power provided by said external signal processing system, said low-power interface providing said electrical power to said external musical instrument, wherein said electrical power is adapted to provide power to an audio subsystem integrated with said external musical instrument.

59. The interface according to claim 53, said interface further comprising:

a low-power interface for receiving electrical power provided by said external signal processing system, said low-power interface providing said electrical power to said external musical instrument, wherein said electrical power is adapted to provide power to a control subsystem integrated with said external musical instrument.

60. The interface according to claim 53, said interface further comprising:

a moderate-power interface for receiving moderate-load electrical power provided by said external signal processing system, said moderate-power interface providing said moderate-load electrical power to said external musical instrument, wherein said moderate-load electrical power is adapted to provide power to auxiliary systems associated with said external musical instrument.

61. The interface according to claim 53, said interface further comprising:

an outgoing video interface for receiving outgoing video signals generated by said external musical instrument, said outgoing video interface providing said outgoing video signals to said external signal processing system.

62. The interface according to claim 53, said interface further comprising:

an incoming video interface for receiving incoming video signals generated by said external signal processing system, said incoming video interface providing said incoming video signals to said external musical instrument.

63. The interface according claim 54, wherein said common physical connector is attached to one end of a cable for connecting said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface to said external signal processing system.

64. The interface according claim 54, wherein said common physical connector is attached to one end of a cable for connecting said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface to said external musical instrument.

65. The interface according claim 54, wherein said common physical connector is for mating with a connector integrated with said external musical instrument.

66. The interface according claim 54, wherein said common physical connector is for mating with a connector integrated with said external signal processing system.

67. The interface according claim 54, wherein said common physical connector is attached to one end of a cable assembly for connecting said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface to said external musical instrument.

68. The interface according claim 55, wherein at least one physical interface connector of said plurality of physical interface connectors is configured to mate with a connector integrated with said external musical instrument.

69. The interface according to claim 55, wherein at least one physical interface connector of said plurality of physical interface connectors is configured to mate with a connector integrated with said external signal processing system.

70. A method for interconnecting electronic musical instruments and signal processing systems, said method comprising:

receiving instrument audio signals at an outgoing multi-channel audio interface, wherein said instrument audio signals comprise at least three independent audio signals generated by an external musical instrument;

providing said instrument audio signals to an external signal processing system;

receiving incoming control signals at an incoming control interface, wherein said incoming control signals are generated by said external signal processing system;

providing said incoming control signals to said external musical instrument;

receiving control signals at an outgoing control interface, wherein said control signals are generated by said external musical instrument; and

providing said control signals to said external signal processing system.

71. The method according to claim 70, wherein said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface are integrated to utilize a common physical interface connector.

72. The method according to claim 70, wherein said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface utilize a plurality of physical interface connectors.

73. The method according to claim 70, wherein said incoming control signals comprise signals of MIDI format.

74. The method according to claim 70, said method further comprising:

receiving a plurality of incoming audio signals at an incoming multi-channel audio interface, wherein said plurality of incoming audio signals are generated by said external signal processing system, and wherein said incoming multi-channel audio interface provides said plurality of incoming audio signals to said external musical instrument.

75. The method according to claim 70, said method further comprising:

receiving electrical power at a low-power interface, wherein said electrical power is provided by said external signal processing system, wherein said low-power interface provides said electrical power to said external musical instrument, and wherein said electrical power is adapted to provide power to an audio subsystem integrated with said external musical instrument.

76. The method according to claim 70, said method further comprising:

receiving electrical power at a low-power interface, wherein said electrical power is provided by said external signal processing system, wherein said low-power interface provides said electrical power to said external musical instrument, and wherein said electrical power is adapted to provide power to a control subsystem integrated with said external musical instrument.

77. The method according to claim 70, said method further comprising:

receiving moderate-load electrical power at a moderate-power interface, wherein said moderate-load electrical power is provided by said external signal processing system, wherein said moderate-power interface provides said moderate-load electrical power to said external musical instrument, and wherein said moderate-load electrical power is adapted to provide power to auxiliary systems associated with said external musical instrument.

78. The method according to claim 70, said method further comprising:

receiving outgoing video signals at an outgoing video interface, wherein said outgoing video signals are generated by said external musical instrument, and wherein said outgoing video interface provides said outgoing video signals to said external signal processing system.

79. The method according to claim 70, said method further comprising:

receiving incoming video signals at an incoming video interface, wherein said incoming video signals are generated by said external signal processing system, wherein said incoming video interface provides said incoming video signals to said external musical instrument.

80. The method according claim 71, wherein said common physical connector is attached to one end of a cable for connecting said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface to said external signal processing system.

81. The method according claim 71, wherein said common physical connector is attached to one end of a cable for connecting said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface to said external musical instrument.

82. The method according claim 71, wherein said common physical connector is for mating with a connector integrated with said external musical instrument.

83. The method according claim 71, wherein said common physical connector is for mating with a connector integrated with said external signal processing system.

84. The method according claim 71, wherein said common physical connector is attached to one end of a cable assembly for connecting said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said outgoing control interface to said external musical instrument.

85. The method according claim 72, wherein at least one physical interface connector of said plurality of physical interface connectors is configured to mate with a connector integrated with said external musical instrument.

86. The method according to claim 72, wherein at least one physical interface connector of said plurality of physical interface connectors is configured to mate with a connector integrated with said external signal processing system.

87. A generalized interface for interconnecting electronic musical instruments and signal processing systems, said generalized interface comprising:

an outgoing multi-channel audio interface for receiving instrument audio signals comprising at least three independent audio signals generated by an external musical instrument, wherein said outgoing multi-channel audio interface provides said instrument audio signals to an external signal processing system; and

an incoming multi-channel audio interface for receiving a plurality of incoming audio signals generated by said external signal processing system, said incoming multi-channel audio interface providing said plurality of incoming audio signals to said external musical instrument.

88. The interface according to claim 87, wherein said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said incoming multi-channel audio interface are integrated to utilize a common physical interface connector.

89. The interface according to claim 87, wherein said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said incoming multi-channel audio interface utilize a plurality of physical interface connectors.

90. The interface according to claim 87, said interface further comprising:

a wireless communication link for providing said instrument audio signals to said external signal processing system and said plurality of incoming audio signals to said external musical instrument.

91. The interface according to claim 87, said interface further comprising:

an incoming control interface for receiving incoming control signals generated by said external signal processing system, said incoming control interface providing said incoming control signals to said external musical instrument.

92. The interface according to claim 91, wherein said incoming control signals comprise signals of MIDI format.

93. The interface according to claim 87, said interface further comprising:

a low-power interface for receiving electrical power provided by said external signal processing system, said low-power interface providing said electrical power to said external musical instrument, wherein said electrical power is adapted to provide power to an audio subsystem integrated with said external musical instrument.

94. The interface according to claim 87, said interface further comprising:

a moderate-power interface for receiving moderate-load electrical power provided by said external signal processing system, said moderate-power interface providing said moderate-load electrical power to said external musical instrument, wherein said moderate-load electrical power is adapted to provide power to auxiliary systems associated with said external musical instrument.

95. The interface according to claim 87, said interface further comprising:

an outgoing video interface for receiving outgoing video signals generated by said external musical instrument, said outgoing video interface providing said outgoing video signals to said external signal processing system.

96. A method for interconnecting electronic musical instruments and signal processing systems, said method comprising:

receiving instrument audio signals at an outgoing multi-channel audio interface, wherein said instrument audio signals comprise at least three independent audio signals generated by an external musical instrument;

providing said instrument audio signals to an external signal processing system;

receiving a plurality of incoming audio signals at an incoming multi-channel audio interface, wherein said plurality of incoming audio signals are generated by said external signal processing system; and

providing said plurality of incoming audio signals to said external musical instrument.

97. The method according to claim 96, wherein said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said incoming multi-channel audio interface are integrated to utilize a common physical interface connector.

98. The method according to claim 96, wherein said outgoing multi-channel audio interface and said incoming multi-channel audio interface utilize a plurality of physical interface connectors.

99. The method according to claim 96, said method further comprising:

providing said instrument audio signals to said external signal processing system and said plurality of incoming audio signals to said external musical instrument using a wireless communication link.

100. The method according to claim 96, said method further comprising:

receiving incoming control signals at an incoming control interface, wherein said incoming control signals are generated by said external signal processing system, and wherein said incoming control interface provides said incoming control signals to said external musical instrument.

101. The method according to claim 100, wherein said incoming control signals comprise signals of MIDI format.

102. The method according to claim 96, said method further comprising:

receiving electrical power at a low-power interface, wherein said electrical power is provided by said external signal processing system, wherein said low-power interface provides said electrical power to said external musical instrument, and wherein said electrical power is adapted to provide power to an audio subsystem integrated with said external musical instrument.

103. The method according to claim 96, said interface further comprising:

receiving moderate-load electrical power at a moderate-power interface, wherein said moderate-load electrical power is provided by said external signal processing system, wherein said moderate-power interface provides said moderate-load electrical power to said external musical instrument, and wherein said moderate-load electrical power is adapted to provide power to auxiliary systems associated with said external musical instrument.

104. The method according to claim 96, said method further comprising:

receiving outgoing video signals at an outgoing video interface, wherein said outgoing video signals are generated by said external musical instrument, and wherein said outgoing video interface provides said outgoing video signals to said external signal processing system.

105. A generalized interface for interconnecting electronic music systems, said generalized interface comprising:

an incoming MIDI control interface for receiving incoming MIDI control signals generated by a first electronic music system, said incoming MIDI control interface providing said incoming MIDI control signals to a second electronic music system; and

an outgoing MIDI control interface for receiving outgoing MIDI control signals generated by said first electronic music system, said outgoing MIDI control interface providing said outgoing control signals to said second electronic music systems, wherein said incoming MIDI control interface and said outgoing MIDI control interface are integrated to utilize a common physical interface connector.

106. The interface according to claim 105, wherein said common physical interface connector is attached to one end of a cable.

107. The interface according claim 105, wherein said common physical interface connector mates with a connector integrated with said first electronic music system.

108. The interface according claim 107, wherein said common physical interface connector mates with a connector integrated with said second electronic music systems.

109. The interface according to claim 105, said interface further comprising:

a low-power interface for receiving electrical power provided by said external signal processing system, said low-power interface providing said electrical power to said external musical instrument, wherein said electrical power is adapted to provide power to a control subsystem integrated with said external musical instrument.

110. A method for interconnecting electronic music systems, said method comprising:

receiving incoming MIDI control signals at an incoming MIDI control interface, wherein said incoming MIDI control signals are generated by a first electronic music system;

providing said incoming MIDI control signals to a second electronic music system;

receiving outgoing MIDI control signals at an outgoing MIDI control interface, wherein said outgoing MIDI control signals are generated by said first electronic music system, and wherein said incoming MIDI control interface and said outgoing MIDI control interface are integrated to utilize a common physical interface connector; and

providing said outgoing control signals to said second electronic music systems.

111. The method according to claim 110, wherein said common physical interface connector is attached to one end of a cable.

112. The method according claim 110, wherein said common physical interface connector mates with a connector integrated with said first electronic music system.

113. The method according claim 112, wherein said common physical interface connector mates with a connector integrated with said second electronic music systems.

114. The method according to claim 110, said method further comprising:

receiving electrical power provided at a low-power interface, wherein said electrical power is provided by said external signal processing system, said low-power interface providing said electrical power to said external musical instrument, wherein said electrical power is adapted to provide power to a control subsystem integrated with said external musical instrument.

115. A generalized interface for interconnecting electronic music systems, said generalized interface comprising:

an incoming MIDI control interface for receiving incoming MIDI control signals generated by a first electronic music system, said incoming MIDI control interface providing said incoming MIDI control signals to a second electronic music system using a wireless communication link; and

an outgoing MIDI control interface for receiving outgoing MIDI control signals generated by said first electronic music system, said outgoing MIDI control interface providing said outgoing control signals to said second electronic music system using said wireless communication link.

116. A method for interconnecting electronic music systems, said method comprising:

receiving incoming MIDI control signals at an incoming MIDI control interface, wherein said incoming MIDI control signals are generated by a first electronic music system;

providing said incoming MIDI control signals to a second electronic music system using a wireless communication link;

receiving outgoing MIDI control signals at an outgoing MIDI control interface, wherein said outgoing MIDI control signals are generated by said first electronic music system; and

providing said outgoing control signals to said second electronic music systems using said wireless communication link.