An electronic performance device includes a storage mechanism 1, a detection mechanism 2 and an output mechanism 3. The storage mechanism 1 is configured to store data waveforms per level of hit strength. The detection mechanism 2 is configured to transmit a detection signal at the time of hitting. The output mechanism 3 is configured to output data waveforms corresponding to the hit strength indicated by the detection signal. The storage mechanism 1 stores basic data waveforms corresponding to each level of strength of a hit on a musical instrument. An additional element that is produced based on waveform data extracted separately from the basic waveform data and applicable to multiple levels of the hit strength. The output mechanism 3 outputs output waveform data where the additional element is applied to the basic waveform data.

A signal processing apparatus receives an input acoustic signal, acquires a first acoustic signal having a periodic variation corresponding to the frequency of gamma waves, and outputs an output acoustic signal based on the acquired first acoustic signal and the second acoustic signal. The second acoustic signal is based on the input acoustic signal.

A system configured to perform audio limiting using block-based processing to reduce acoustic distortion and/or computational cost. While sample-by-sample processing would apply a plurality of gain ramps to a single audio sample, the block-based processing applies a single gain ramp to ensure that the audio sample is below a threshold value. To perform block-based processing, an audio limiter component identifies a maximum amplitude value across all channels for a selected audio frame of an audio signal. Using the maximum amplitude value and the threshold value, the audio limiter component determines a block gain value associated with the selected audio frame and selects between attack processing, hold processing, or release processing. Using the selected processing and the block gain value, the audio limiter component determines instantaneous gain values for the audio samples within the audio frame.

An effects device for a musical instrument, comprising: an input (18) for receiving a signal from a musical instrument; a control input (7) for receiving a control signal; an output (8, 9) for connecting the device to a sound reproduction device; a memory (30) configured to record the input signal; and a processor (29) configured, upon receiving a control signal, to select a section of the recorded input signal from the memory (30) and to loop it, wherein the processor (29) is configured to overlap a start and end regions of the selected section when looping. A method is also provided for producing an effect for a musical instrument, comprising the steps: a) recording an input signal from a musical instrument into memory (30), b) selecting a section of the recorded input signal and looping it, wherein a start and end regions of the selected segment are overlapping when looping.

An effects device for a musical instrument, comprising: an input (18) for receiving a signal from a musical instrument; a control input (7) for receiving a control signal; an output (8, 9) for connecting the device to a sound reproduction device; a memory (30) configured to record the input signal; and a processor (29) configured, upon receiving a control signal, to select a section of the recorded input signal from the memory (30) and to loop it, wherein the processor (29) is configured to overlap a start and end regions of the selected section when looping. A method is also provided for producing an effect for a musical instrument, comprising the steps: a) recording an input signal from a musical instrument into memory (30), b) selecting a section of the recorded input signal and looping it, wherein a start and end regions of the selected segment are overlapping when looping.

In order to play waveform data back at a variable performance tempo by using waveform data which complies with a desired reference tempo, the present invention performs a timeline-expansion/contraction control on the waveform data to be played back, according to the relationship between the performance tempo and the reference tempo. The present invention also determines whether to limit the playback of the waveform data according to the relationship between the performance tempo and the reference tempo. In the case that playback is to be limited, the present invention stops playback of the waveform data, or reduces the resolution of playback processing and continues playback of the waveform data. The present invention stops playback of the waveform data when, for example, the relationship between the performance tempo and the reference tempo is a relationship in which the waveform data would be played back at a performance tempo which would cause a processing delay or a deterioration of sound quality. As a result, it is possible to preemptively prevent a system freeze and solve problems such as the generation of music which has a slower tempo than the desired performance tempo, or the generation of music which includes the intermittent cutting out of sound due to noise, or a significant reduction to sound quality.