The invention relates to a method for receiving radio broadcast signals by means of a radio broadcast receiver and to a radio broadcast receiver designed for performing the method, wherein the broadcast receiver has at least two receiving units for different transmission techniques. The user selects a radio broadcast service of a first receiving unit of the at least two receiving units, and the selected radio broadcast service is then played back by the radio broadcast receiver. The other, second receiving unit for the different transmission technique of the radio broadcast receiver searches for an alternative radio broadcast service having preferably the same or comparable content during the playback of the radio broadcast service selected by the user, and the radio broadcast receiver automatically switches over to the second receiving unit having the alternative radio broadcast service if the first receiving unit cannot play back the selected radio broadcast service.

According to a first aspect of the embodiments, a microphone mixer is provided comprising: an input adapted to receive differential microphone (mic) output signals; a gain-trim circuit adapted to receive the differential mic output signals, and which includes a substantially fully differential amplifier adapted to amplify the received differential mic output signals through use of a gain-trim output adjustment device that provides a variable gain amount ranging from a first gain-trim gain value to a second gain-trim gain value, to produce differential gain-trim circuit output signals; a fader circuit adapted to receive the differential gain-trim circuit output signals, and which includes a differential amplifier adapted to attenuate the received differential gain-trim circuit output signals through use of a fader output adjustment device that provides a variable gain amount ranging from a first fader gain value to a second fader value; and a common adjustment apparatus that mechanically ties the gain-trim output adjustment device with the fader output adjustment device such that the first gain-trim gain value and first fader gain value are obtained substantially simultaneously at a first position of the common adjustment apparatus, and the second gain-trim gain value and second fader gain value are obtained substantially simultaneously at a second position of the common adjustment apparatus.

An electrolarynx includes a case housing tone-producing circuitry, a power switch to turn on the circuitry, a control button (i.e., a pushbutton) to actuate the power switch, and a pressure-sensitive-resistor (PSR) that is physically coupled to the pushbutton. The tone-producing circuitry is configured to respond to variations in PSR resistance that are caused by a user depressing the pushbutton. User-selected modes, that are selectable in one embodiment with a mode switch, include multiple frequency-varying modes (FVMs) in which the frequency of the electrolarynx tone is varied with different sensitivities to variations in PSR resistance, and multiple volume-varying modes (VVMs) for varying the volume of the electrolarynx tone with different sensitivities. A preferred embodiment provides a nonlinear frequency characteristic that facilitates operation at the low end of the pushbutton-controlled (i.e., PSR-controlled) frequency range, accomplishing same by applying suitable shape factors to frequencies of a linear frequency characteristic.

An instrument interconnect system that interfaces an instrument, such as a guitar or a bass, to an audio-receiving device, such as an amplifier, effect box, or a mixer. The instrument interconnect system provides enhanced clarity and sonic detail. The instrument interconnect system may allow a musician to select a voltage-buffered output signal, an unbuffered output signal, or may allow a musician to mix a voltage-buffered output signal and an unbuffered output signal. The instrument interconnect system may further allow the musician to selectively activate or deactivate gain-adjustment circuits and equalization circuits.

Systems are disclosed including a television (TV) set having included audio system. The TV set permits control over various functions, at least including audio volume, via a remote control. When the viewer activates the remote volume control, a graphic appears indicating the state of the volume control and, optionally the mute status. The graphic can be presented on the TV screen. In alternate embodiments, the graphic may be presented on a display of the remote, or even some other location, e.g., a different remote control. If a mute button is provided on the remote control, when the viewer activates the mute button, a graphic appears indicating the state of muting and, optionally, the volume control status. The TV set also offers control over various aspects of the audio system, including settings which go beyond volume up/down, generally through some sort of menu system.

Certain embodiments provide methods and systems for managing a sound profile. An example playback device includes a network interface and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored therein instructions executable by the processor. When executed by the processor, the instructions are to configure the playback device to receive, via the network interface over a local area network (LAN) from a controller device, an instruction. The example playback device is to obtain, based on the instruction, via the network interface from a location outside of the LAN, data comprising a sound profile. The example playback device is to update one or more parameters at the playback device based on the sound profile. The example playback device is to play back an audio signal according to the sound profile.

Certain embodiments provide methods and systems for managing a sound profile. An example playback device includes a network interface and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored therein instructions executable by the processor. When executed by the processor, the instructions are to configure the playback device to receive, via the network interface over a local area network (LAN) from a controller device, an instruction. The example playback device is to obtain, based on the instruction, via the network interface from a location outside of the LAN, data comprising a sound profile. The example playback device is to update one or more parameters at the playback device based on the sound profile. The example playback device is to play back an audio signal according to the sound profile.

A portable amplifier is disclosed. In embodiments, the portable amplifier comprises a cabinet that opens and closes on a diagonal to contain all internal components, and optimizes sound quality. In embodiments the portable amplifier can be connected to an extension cabinet in order to provide an additional speaker. The portable amplifier can function on AC or DC power, and features user-friendly lighted ports and controls. The amplifier can feature AINiCo speakers and a three-spring reverb tank. The portable amplifier can be optimized for weight and power to achieve output of about 4 to about 5 watts per pound.

In one example, a zone player may include a network interface, at least one processor, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and program instructions stored on the non-transitory computer-readable medium that may be executable by the at least one processor such that the zone player is configured to receive an instruction to change a volume setting of the zone player to a requested volume level; in response to receiving the instruction to change the volume setting of the zone player to the requested volume level, adjust the volume setting of the zone player to an adapted volume level that is lower than the requested volume level; and after adjusting the volume setting of the zone player to the adapted volume level, send an indication that the volume setting of the zone player has been adjusted to the requested volume level rather than the adapted volume level.

An audio processing system includes a server complex in communication with a network. The server complex receives a digital audio file and one or more analog domain control settings from a client device across the network. A digital-to-analog converter converts the digital audio file to an analog signal. One or more analog signal processors apply at least one analog modification to the analog signal in accordance with the one or more analog domain control settings. An analog-to-digital converter converts the modified analog signal to a modified digital audio file. The server complex can then deliver the modified digital audio file to the client device across the network.