DE10101473B4 - Automatic detection and adjustment of tempo and phase of pieces of music and interactive music players based on them - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for detecting the tempo and phase of a piece of music in digital format with the following method steps:
Approximate determination of the tempo (A) of the piece of music by a statistical evaluation (STAT) of the time intervals (Ti) of rhythm-relevant beat information in the digital audio data (Ei),
Approximate determination of the phase (P) of the piece of music based on the position of the clocks in the digital audio data in the time frame of a frequency oscillating reference oscillator (MCLK) which is proportional to the determined tempo,
- Successive correction of the detected tempo (A) and phase (P) of the piece of music based on a phase shift of the reference oscillator (MCLK) relative to the digital audio data by evaluating the resulting systematic phase shift and regulating the frequency of the reference oscillator proportional to the determined phase shift.

Description

The Invention relates to the detection and adaptation of pace and phase of music, in particular for the realization of an interactive music player, among other things a possibility for the reproduction of several synchronized to a new complete work music pieces offers. In the process, digital music data becomes advantageous Design by a simultaneous playback of several pieces of music a standard CD-ROM drive in real time.

Of the Occupation of the Disk Jockey (short: DJ) is experiencing in today, through embossed modern electronic music Dance culture a huge technical appreciation. To the craft of this Belongs to a profession arranging the songs into a complete work (the set, the Mix) with its own voltage arc. It is among other things essential the individual titles in their tempo and their phase, ie the situation The clocks in the time grid, in such a way to match (English for short: "Beatmatching") that the pieces in the transitions to melt into a whole and the rhythm is not interrupted.

In In this context, the technical problem of speeding up and phase alignment of two pieces of music or audio tracks in real time. It would be it desirable if a possibility for automatic tempo and phase alignment of two pieces of music or Audio tracks available in real time would, to free the DJ from this technical aspect of mixing, or a mix automatically or semi-automatically, without the help an accomplished DJ to create.

So far This problem has been solved only in part. So there is software player for the Format MP3 (a standard format for compressed digital audio data), the pure real-time tempo detection and adapt. However, the detection of the phase must be continue by hearing and the adjustment of the DJ done manually. This will be a considerable Measure Attracted attention of the DJ, what else for artistic Aspects like music composition etc. would be available.

Further are hardware effect devices to edit audio information that has real-time tempo and phase detection, but no adaptation of tempo and phase on the audio material, if this only analog is fed. It can only be the relative phase shift the two audio tracks are visually displayed.

From the patent US 5 256 832 A a method for determining beat positions known. The beat position is determined on the basis of threshold values within an interval. A corresponding MIDI clock is determined based on the beat positions output to a MIDI sequencer.

It But they are not devices known the tempo information to compute loops (these are short audio chunks that repeat continuously can be reproduced) and uses loop lengths. These will be among the most so far used playback devices either previously cut and loaded (software MP3 player) or set manually and adjusted (hardware CD player).

A Object of the present invention is therefore in the creation a possibility for automatic tempo and phase alignment of two pieces of music or Audio tracks in real time with as possible high accuracy.

A essential to be overcome technical hurdle represents the accuracy of a tempo and phase measurement, which with the for this measurement available standing time decreases. The problem thus arises primarily for an investigation the tempo and the phase in real time as it is during live mixing the case is.

Is solved This object is achieved by an invention having the features of the independent claims.

• a) näherungsweise Ermittlung des Tempos (A) des Musikstückes durch eine statistische Auswertung (STAT) der zeitlichen Abstände (Ti) rhythmusrelevanter Beat-Informationen in den digitalen Audiodaten (Ei),
• b) näherungsweise Ermittlung der Phase (P) des Musikstückes anhand der Lage der Takte in den digitalen Audiodaten im Zeitraster eines mit einer dem ermittelten Tempo proportionalen Frequenz schwingenden Referenz-Oszillators (MCLK),
• c) sukzessive Korrektur von ermitteltem Tempo (A) und Phase (P) des Musikstückes anhand einer Phasenverschiebung des Referenz-Oszillators (MCLK) relativ zu den digitalen Audiodaten durch Auswertung der resultierenden systematischen Phasenverschiebung und Regulierung der Frequenz des Referenz-Oszillators proportional zur ermittelten Phasenverschiebung.

In particular, the invention is achieved by a method for detecting the tempo and phase of a piece of music in digital format with the following method steps.

• a) Approximate determination of the tempo (A) of the piece of music by a statistical evaluation (STAT) the time intervals (Ti) of rhythm-relevant beat information in the digital audio data (Ei),
• b) approximately determining the phase (P) of the piece of music on the basis of the position of the clocks in the digital audio data in the time frame of a frequency oscillating reference oscillator (MCLK) which is proportional to the determined tempo,
• c) successive correction of the determined tempo (A) and phase (P) of the piece of music based on a phase shift of the reference oscillator (MCLK) relative to the digital audio data by evaluating the resulting systematic phase shift and regulating the frequency of the reference oscillator proportional to the determined phase shift ,

It So there is a successive approximation to the ideal value in a loop.

there it has to be cheap proven when rhythm-relevant beat information through bandpass filtering the underlying digital audio data in different frequency ranges be won.

Especially This works well if rhythm intervals of the audio data in case of need by multiplying their frequency by powers of 2 into a predefined one Frequency octave are transformed where these time intervals for Deliver tempo determination. If the frequency transformation is a grouping rhythm intervals, especially in pairs or triplets, preceded by the addition of their time values, additional results relevant intervals.

To An advantageous embodiment is the amount of data obtained of time intervals of the rhythm-relevant beat information accumulation points examined. The approximate Tempo determination then takes place on the basis of the information of a cumulative maximum.

To a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the present invention Invention becomes approximate Determination of the phase of the piece of music the phase of the reference oscillator chosen such that the greatest possible match between the rhythm-relevant beat information in the digital audio data and the zero crossings of the reference oscillator.

Further it has to be cheap proved when a gradual correction of the determined tempo and phase of the piece of music at regular intervals in such short time intervals occurs that resulting correction movements and / or correction shifts remain below the audibility limit.

By doing all successive corrections of the determined tempo and phase of the Piece of music about the Time can be accumulated Based on this further corrections with steadily increasing precision take place.

Instead of This can be done permanently by making such successive corrections alternatively, as long as until a given tolerable Error limit is fallen below. This is suitable for the determined Pace especially an error limit less than 0.1%.

In order to an adaptation to possible tempo changes in the music piece is achieved takes place for the case that the corrections over always a negative or positive for a predefined period of time are, a renewed approximately Determination of tempo and phase followed by successive correction.

Next the above automatic detection of tempo and phase of music pieces it requires a solution the task mentioned above also an adaptation of pace and phase of the music pieces.

This Problem is solved by looking for a first approximation Determining the tempo and the phase of the piece of music the result and the adaptation successively through reaction is improved to the playback speed of the piece of music.

• – vollständige Ermittlung von Tempo und Phase des ersten Musikstückes wie voranstehend beschrieben,
• – näherungsweise Ermittlung von Tempo und Phase des weiteren Musikstückes wie voranstehend beschrieben,
• – Anpassung der Abspielgeschwindigkeit und der Abspielphase dieses weiteren Musikstückes durch sukzessive Anpassung der Frequenz und der Phase des diesem weiteren Musikstück zugeordneten Referenz-Oszillators an die Frequenz und die Phase des dem anderen Musikstück zugeordneten Referenz-Oszillators.

According to the invention, this is done by a method for synchronizing at least two pieces of music in digital format with the following method steps:

• Complete determination of tempo and phase of the first piece of music as described above,
• Approximately determining the tempo and phase of the further piece of music as described above,
• - Adaptation of the playback speed and the playback phase of this further piece of music by successive adjustment of the frequency and the phase of this further piece of music associated Refe rence oscillator to the frequency and the phase of the other piece of music associated with the reference oscillator.

there It has been found to be advantageous when adapting the Playback speed and the playback phase of the other piece of music based a possible Phase shift environment of this further piece of music associated reference oscillator relative to the reference oscillator of the other piece of music an evaluation of the resulting systematic phase shift and regulation of frequency of the further piece of music associated reference oscillator proportional to the determined phase shift he follows.

It So there is a successive approximation to the ideal value in a loop in which the tempo and Phase information on the control of the playback speed of the audio material react.

To the Playing pre-produced music is becoming very different nowadays equipment for different Storage media such as vinyl, CD or cassette used. These However formats were not for it designed to intervene in the playback process to the music with it to work in a creative way. This possibility is desirable and is nowadays, despite the limitations of the aforementioned disk Jockeys practiced. Here are preferred vinyl records used because it is easiest to play with the speed of play and position.

today but are predominantly Digital formats like audio CD and MP3 are used to store music. With the invention described above is now called Creative handling of music on any digital formats possible.

By Namely, the method according to the invention described above is possible a collection of songs in a fully automated way Create mix in which the pieces in tempo- and in-phase strung together.

This is enabled by a music player in which at least two pieces of music in digital format as shown above can be synchronized in real time.

Especially This is effectively achieved in such a music player, in each of which rhythm-relevant beat information a given past Period starting from a current play position of the piece of music as Basis for determining the tempo in real time.

By The automatic tempo detection can be at the request of the listener Content of a music data source, e.g. a compact disc CD, in one selectable by him e.g. speed-related Sequence can be played as a homogeneous mix.

The The invention therefore also encompasses such a music player the synchronized music pieces automatically arranged to a complete work with a uniform rhythm and playable.

Around to be able to intervene in a targeted manner, is it important to have a graphical representation of the music in which one the current play position and also a certain Recognizes period in the future and in the past. Adds to this usually the amplitude envelope the sound waveform over a period of several seconds before and after the playhead position The display shifts in real time in speed, in which the music plays.

there there is a fundamental need preferably have much helpful information in the graph, to intervene in a targeted manner. Furthermore would like to you can engage ergonomically in the playback on comparable to DJ's often practiced "scratching" on vinyl record players, being the turntable during playback is stopped and moved forwards and backwards.

• – ein Mittel zur graphischen Darstellung von mit einer Tempo- und Phasenerkennungsfunktion, insbesondere einer solchen wie vorangehend beschrieben, bestimmten Taktgrenzen eines in der Wiedergabe befindlichen Musikstückes in Echtzeit,
• – ein erstes Steuerelement zum Wechsel zwischen einem ersten Betriebsmodus, in dem das Musikstück mit einem konstanten Tempo abgespielt wird, und einem zweiten Betriebsmodus, in dem die Abspielposition und/oder Abspielgeschwindigkeit vom Anwender direkt beeinflussbar in Echtzeit ist, und
• – ein zweites Steuerelement zur Manipulation der Abspielposition in Echtzeit umfasst.

To solve this problem, the present invention proposes an interactive music player which

• A means for graphing in real-time, with a tempo and phase detection function, in particular such as described above, certain beat boundaries of a piece of music in play,
• - A first control to change between a first mode of operation in which the piece of music is played at a constant tempo, and a second mode of operation in which the playing position and / or playing speed is directly influenced by the user in real time, and
• - Includes a second control for manipulating the playback position in real time.

• – einem Mittel zur graphischen Darstellung der aktuellen Abspielposition, mit dem eine Amplitudenhüllkurve der Klangwellenform des wiedergegebenen Musikstückes über einen vorgebbaren Zeitraum vor und nach der aktuellen Abspielposition darstellbar ist, wobei sich die Darstellung in Echtzeit mit dem Tempo der Wiedergabe des Musikstückes verschiebt, und mit
• – einem Mittel zur Glättung eines stufigen Verlaufs zeitlich begrenzter, mit dem zweiten Steuerelement vorgegebener Abspiel-Positionsdaten zu einem sich gleichmäßig mit einer der Audio-Abtastrate entsprechenden zeitlichen Auflösung ändernden Signal.

According to an advantageous embodiment of this interactive music player this is additionally equipped with

• - A means for graphing the current play position, with an amplitude envelope of the sound waveform of the reproduced piece of music over a predetermined period of time before and after the current play position can be displayed, the display moves in real time with the tempo of the playback of the piece of music, and with
• - Means for smoothing a graded course of time-limited, predetermined by the second control playback position data to a uniformly with one of the audio sampling rate corresponding temporal resolution changing signal.

there It has proved to be advantageous when for smoothing a stage history of temporally limited play position data Means for ramp smoothing is provided by the with each predetermined play position message a Ramp with constant slope can be triggered, which is in a predeterminable Time interval the smoothed Signal from its previous value to the value of the play position message moves. Alternatively or in addition can be a linear digital low-pass filter, in particular a Resonant filter second order, for smoothing a graded course serve predetermined temporally limited play position data.

Around jumps to avoid during playback, serves in the event of a change between operating modes reached the position reached in the previous mode as starting position in the new mode.

in the Case of a change between the operating modes is avoided of abrupt speed changes the current playback speed reached in the previous mode through a smoothing function, especially a ramp smoothing or a linear digital low-pass filter on the new operating mode corresponding playback speed out.

Around when playing with fast and fast changing speed one preferably similar to authentic playback the "scratching" with a vinyl turntable to achieve uses a further advantageous embodiment of the interactive music player according to the invention for an audio signal a scratch audio filter, the audio signal being pre-emphasis filtered (Predistortion) and stored in a buffer memory becomes, out of which it depends from the respective playback speed with variable tempo readable is to go afterwards De-emphasis filtering (back equalization) to be subjected to and reproduced.

Out lets the tempo information the length one or more cycles with sufficient accuracy at the touch of a button, the length a loop so that this is "crack-free" and with the pace of the original Play audio tracks. In such an interactive music player, the tempo information on the manner described according to the invention determined is, according to a further advantageous embodiment of a or more of the synchronized pieces of music based on the determined tempo information of the respective piece of music the length one over one or more bars of this piece of music reaching playback loop in real time isochronous definable and playable.

The Phase information can to be used, again at the touch of a button, jump marks within of the track, so-called cue points, or entire loops exactly to one Clock initial Beat to lay. An advantageous interactive music player will be so further developed by that for one or more of the synchronized pieces of music based on the determined Phase information of the respective piece of music in real time isochronous Jump labels definable and within this piece of music integer multiples of bars are displaceable. Such cue points and loops can even at the touch of a button by integer multiples of bars within of the track. Both are done in real time while the Play the audio track.

Of further allows the information obtained the tempo and phase of an audio track driving so-called tempo-synchronous effects. The audio signal will match the own rhythm manipulated, what rhythmically effective real-time sound change allows. In particular, the tempo information can be used to loops with tact-precise lengths to cut out of the audio material in real time.

One further advantageous interactive music player excels Therefore, characterized in that each reproduced audio stream Signal processing means can be manipulated in real time, in particular by Filtering devices and / or audio effects.

traditionally, When mixing multiple pieces of music, the audio sources of sound carriers become several players, e.g. Turntables or CD players, played and over Mixer mixed. This procedure is limited an audio recording on a recording of the final result. On the Base computer systems with audio interfaces with appropriate Audio processing software such as audio sequencers or so-called Sample editing programs that involve digital audio information can be manipulated is not an interactive intervention of the user during playback possible.

For a reproduction the mixing process or at a later time exactly at one to be able to mix preselectable position within a piece of music, it would be desirable if not only the final result could be stored.

These Requirement is according to the invention solved by an interactive music player, who develops it is that real-time interventions over the timing can be stored as digital control information are, in particular those of a mixing process of several pieces of music and / or additional Signal processing.

By doing mixing operations of music pieces and / or interactive interventions in pieces of music with audio signal processing means independent as a new complete work digital audio information of pieces of music in the form of digital control information, especially for reproduction purposes, can be stored, can be the process of interactive mixing and interactive effects editing Record and play at any time.

To have a further advantageous embodiment of the invention Stored digital control information is a format containing information for identifying the processed pieces of music and a respective one of these associated temporal sequence of play positions and state information includes the actuators of the music player.

One decisive advantage of this recording option and the proposed Formats consists in the fact that a digital record the mixing process independently from the audio data of the mixed pieces of music and thus without copyright problematic copying of this audio data can be done. The overall result can be self-employed at any time reproduced, further processed, duplicated and transmitted.

One particularly advantageous interactive music player is through suitably programmed computer system equipped with audio interfaces realized. It can standard data storage of the computer system for receiving the control file. Also will thus a particularly interesting exchange of usually little memory-intensive recording files e.g. also about that Internet enabled.

• – einen ersten Datenbereich mit digitalen Audiodaten eines oder mehrerer Musikstücke und
• – einen zweiten Datenbereich mit einer Steuerdatei mit digitalen Steuerinformationen zur Ansteuerung eines Musik-Abspielers umfasst, insbesondere eines solchen wie im vorangehenden beschrieben, wobei
• – die Steuerdaten des zweiten Datenbereichs auf Audiodaten des ersten Datenbereichs Bezug nehmen.

In this context, the invention also enables the provision of a data carrier, in particular a compact disc, the

• A first data area with digital audio data of one or more pieces of music and
• - Includes a second data area with a control file with digital control information for controlling a music player, in particular such as described above, wherein
• - refer the control data of the second data area to audio data of the first data area.

there it is particularly advantageous if the digital control information the second data area mixing operations of pieces of music and / or interactive interventions in pieces of music with audio signal processing means as a new complete work of digital audio information of music pieces of the first data area represent.

Further it has to be cheap proven when stored digital control information of the second data area have a format containing information for identifying the processed music of the first data area and a respective temporal associated therewith Sequence of playback positions and status information of the actuators of the music player.

On such a disk let yourself also advantageously arrange a computer program product that directly be loaded into the internal memory of a digital computer can and software sections that this digital computer uses assumes the function of a music player, especially one such as described above with the corresponding control data of the second data area of the volume, which is based on audio data of the first data area of the volume refer to a complete work represented by the control data is when the program product is running on a computer.

Thereby that the interactive music player plays the audio, the signal analysis and the Signal transformation by means of effects and loops united exists the possibility for the first time both a real-time recognition of the tempo and the phase an audio track as well as their automatic alignment. additionally The analysis provides necessary output data for the control tempo-synchronous Effects and loops.

advantages Among other things, this creates the possibility of automation created by it the so-called beat matching, a not easy to learn basic requirement of DJ mixing, at every transition two pieces of music a considerable amount of the DJ's attention. Continue to exist the possibility to automate the entire mix process.

Further Advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following Description of advantageous embodiments and in conjunction with the figures. It shows in schematic representation:

1 a block diagram to illustrate the extraction of rhythm-relevant information and their evaluation for the approximate determination of the tempo and phase of a music data stream,

2 a further block diagram for the successive correction of the determined tempo and phase,

4 1 is a block diagram of an interactive music player according to the invention with the possibility of engaging in a current playback position;

5 a block diagram of an additional signal processing chain for the realization of a scratch-audio filter according to the invention and

6 a data carrier combining audio data and control files for reproducing entire works created from the audio data according to the invention.

in the following is a possible Realization of the approximation Tempo and phase detection as well as tempo and phase adaptation according to the invention being represented.

first Step of the procedure is a first, approximate determination of the Tempo of the piece of music. This is done by a statistical evaluation of the time intervals of so-called beat events. A possibility for obtaining rhythm-relevant events from the audio material is done by narrow bandpass filtering of the audio signal in different Frequency ranges. To determine the tempo in real time for the following calculations only the beat events of the last one Seconds used. Here are 8 to 16 events in about 4 to 8 seconds.

by virtue of the quantized structure of music (16th notes grid) can not only quarter-note beat intervals used for tempo calculation become. Other intervals (16th, 8th, ½ and whole notes) can also be used Octave (for example, by multiplying its frequency by powers of 2) into a predefined frequency octave (e.g., 80 - 160 bpm, English for beats per minute) and thus temporally relevant information deliver. Faulty octaves (e.g., of triplet intervals) fall later because of their relative rarity in the statistical evaluation not significant.

Around also triplets, or ruffled rhythms (single easily from the In the first Point gained time intervals additionally in pairs and triples grouped by adding their time values before they are octaved. Through this procedure, the rhythmic structure between the Clocks out of the time intervals.

The The amount of data collected is examined for accumulation points. It As a rule, three accumulation maxima arise as a result of this the octaving and grouping methods whose value is rational relationship (2/3, 5/4, 4/5 or 3/2) to each other. Should be out of the strength of a the maxima do not emerge clearly enough that this is the actual Tempo of the piece of music indicates lets the correct maximum from the rational conditions determine the maxima among each other.

to approximate Determining the phase, a reference oscillator is used. This resonates the previously determined pace. Its phase is advantageously chosen so that the best match between beat events of the audio material and zero crossings of the audio Oscillator results.

Then done a gradual improvement of the speed and phase determination. By the natural inadequacy the first approximation Tempo determination will be first after a few seconds, the phase of the reference oscillator relative move to the audio track. This systematic phase shift gives information about by what amount the tempo of the reference oscillator has to be changed. A correction of the tempo and the phase is advantageously carried out at regular intervals to below the audibility limit the shifts and corrective movements.

All Phase corrections starting from the approximations Phase correlation are done, are accumulated over time, so that the calculation of tempo and phase on an ever-increasing time interval based. As a result, the tempo and phase values are increasingly precise and lose the aforementioned Blemish of approximation Real-time measurement. After a short time (about 1 min) the error of the with this method determined tempo value below 0.1% Measure Accuracy, which is a prerequisite for the calculation of loop lengths.

The representation according to 1 shows a possible technical realization of the described approximate tempo and Phsenerkennung a music data stream in real time using a block diagram. The structure shown can also be called a 'Beat Detector'.

As input are two streams of audio events and audio events E _i with value 1 before meeting the peaks in the frequency bands F1 and F2 at 150 Hz or 9000 Hz tsprechen at 4000Hz ^s. These two event streams are initially treated separately by filtering them through respective bandpass filters having respective cutoff frequencies F1 and F2.

follows an event within 50 ms of the previous one will become the second Event not considered. A Time of 50 ms equals the duration of a 16tels at 300 bpm well below the duration of the shortest Intervals in which the music pieces usually are settled.

From the stream of filtered events E _i , a stream of the simple time intervals T _i between the events is formed in respective processing units BD1 and BD2.

Two further streams of the band-limited time intervals are additionally formed from the stream of simple time intervals T _li in identical processing units BPM_C1 and BPM_C2, namely with time intervals T _2i , the sums of two successive time intervals, and with time intervals T _3i , the sums of three in each case successive time intervals. The events used may also overlap.

As a result, the following two currents are additionally generated from the current: t ₁ , t ₂ , t ₃ , t ₄ , t ₅ , t ₆ ,.
T _2i : (t ₁ + t ₂ ), (t ₂ + t ₃ ), (t ₃ + t ₄ ), (t ₄ + t ₅ ), (t ₅ + t ₆ ), ... and
T _3i : (t ₁ + t ₂ + t ₃ ), (t ₂ + t ₃ + t ₄ ), (t ₃ + t ₉ + t ₅ ), (t ₄ + t ₅ + t ₆ ), ...

The three streams T _1i , T _2i , T _3i are now time-octaved in corresponding processing units OKT. The time octave OKT is performed such that the individual time intervals of each current are doubled until they lie in a predetermined interval BPM_REF. In this way one obtains three data streams T _1io , T _2io , T _3io , ... The upper limit of the interval is calculated from the lower bpm limit according to the formula: t hi [ms] = 60000 / bpm low

The lower limit of the interval is 0.5 * t _hi .

• a) [t11o – t12o)2 + (t11o – t13o)2 + (t11o – t14o)2 < 20

Each of the three streams thus obtained is now stored for both frequency bands F1, F2 in respective others Processing units CHK checked for consistency. This is used to determine whether a certain number of consecutive, time-octaved interval values are within a predetermined error limit. For example, the following values are checked in detail:
For T _1i check its last 4 events t _11o , t _12o , t _13o , t _14o then whether

• a) [t 11o - t 12o ) 2 + ( t11o - t 13o ) 2 + (t 11o - t 14o ) 2 <20

If this is the case, the value t _{11o is output} as a valid time interval.

• b) (t21o – t22o)2 + (t21o – t23o)2 + (t21o – t24o)2 < 20

For T _2i, check its last 4 events t _21o , t _22o , t _23o , t _24o to _see if:

• b) (t 21o - t 22o ) 2 + (t 21o - t 23o ) 2 + (t 21o - t 24o ) 2 <20

If this is the case, the value t _{11o is output} as a valid time interval.

• C) (t31o – t32o)2 + (t31o – t33o)2 < 20

For T _3i check its last 3 events t _31o , t _32o , t _33o , then, if:

• C) (t 31o - t 32o ) 2 + (t 31o - t 33o ) 2 <20

If this is the case, the value t _{31o is output} as a valid time interval.

In this case, the consistency check a) takes precedence over b) and b) takes precedence over c). If a value is output at a), b) and c) are no longer examined. If no value is output at a), b) is examined, etc. If, however, neither a) nor b) nor c) finds a consistent value, the sum of the last 4 non-octave individual intervals (t ₁ + t ₂ + t ₃ + t ₄ ).

Of the so out of the three streams The determined value stream of consistent time intervals will turn in a downstream processing unit OKT in the specified Time interval BPM_REF octaved. Then the octave time interval becomes one BPM value converted.

When Result is now two streams BPM1 and BPM2 of bpm values before - one for each the two frequency ranges F1 and F2. Be in a prototype these streams queried with a fixed frequency of 5 Hz and the last one eight events from both streams for the statistical evaluation. You can at this point but certainly also a variable (event-driven) sampling rate and you can also use more than just the last 8 events, for example, 16 or 32 events.

These last 8, 16 or 32 events from each frequency band F1, F2 become together and in a downstream processing unit STAT on accumulation maxima N considered. In the prototype version, an error interval of 1.5 bpm, i. as long as events are less than 1.5 bpm from each other differ, they are considered as belonging together and add in weighting. The processing unit STAT determines Here, at which BPM values accumulations occur and how many Events the respective accumulation points are assigned. The strongest weighted accumulation point can be considered as the local BPM measurement and delivers the desired Tempo value A.

In A first development of this method is in addition to the local BPM measurement a global measurement by taking the number, the used events on 64, 128 etc. expands. For alternating rhythm patterns, in which only every 4th bar the tempo gets through clearly, can often one Event number of at least 128 required be. Such a measurement is more reliable, but also takes more time.

Another crucial improvement can be achieved by:
Not only the first accumulation maximum is taken into consideration, but also the second accumulation maximum. This second maximum is almost always due to triplets present and may even be stronger than the first maximum. However, the tempo of the triplets has a clearly defined relationship to the tempo of the quarter notes, so that it can be determined from the ratio of the tempi of the first two maxima, which accumulation maximum is assigned to the quarters and which to the triplets.

Taking T1 as the tempo of the first maximum in bpm and T2 as that of the second maximum The following rules apply if T2 = 2/3 · T1, then T2 is the tempo.
If T2 = 4/3 · T1, then T2 is the tempo.
If T2 = 2/5 · T1 then T2 is the tempo.
If T2 = 4/5 * T1 then T2 is the tempo.
If T2 = 3/2 * T1 then T1 is the tempo.
If T2 = 3/4 * T1 then T1 is the tempo.
If T2 = 5/2 * T1 then T1 is the tempo.
If T2 = 5/4 * T1 then T1 is the tempo.

An approximate phase value P is determined from one of the two filtered simple time intervals T _i between the events, preferably from those values filtered at the lower frequency F1. These are used to roughly determine the frequency of the reference oscillator.

The representation after 2 shows a possible block diagram for the successive correction of the detected tempo A and phase P, hereinafter referred to as, CLOCK CONTROL '.

First, the reference oscillator or the reference clock MCLK is started in a first step 1 with the coarse phase values P and tempo values A from the beat detection, which is virtually a reset of the in 2 equal to the control loop shown. Subsequently, in a further step 2, the time intervals between beat events of the incoming audio signal and the reference clock MCLK are determined. For this purpose, the approximate phase values P are compared with a reference signal CLICK, which has the frequency of the reference oscillator MCLK, in a comparator V.

In the case of systematic exceeding (+) of a "critical" deviation in the case of several consecutive events having a value of, for example, more than 30 ms, in a further processing step 3 the reference clock MCLK is changed by a brief change in tempo A (i + 1) = A (i) + q or A (i + 1) = A (i) - q against the deviation (again) adapted to the audio signal, where q represents the used lowering or raising the tempo. Otherwise (-) the tempo is kept constant.

in the further course takes place in a further step 4 a summation all correction events from step 3 and the time elapsed since the last "reset" in own memories (not shown). At about every 5th to 10th event one approximate accurate synchronization (difference between the audio data and the reference clock MCLK is below about 5 ms) becomes the tempo value on the basis of the previous tempo value, which accumulated until then Correction events and since the elapsed time in one recalculate step 5 as follows.

• – q als der in Schritt 3 verwendeten Absenkung oder Anhebung des Tempos (beispielsweise um den Wert 0.1),
• – dt als der Summe der Zeit, für welche das Tempo insgesamt abgesenkt oder angehoben wurde (Anhebung positiv, Absenkung negativ),
• – T als dem seit dem letzten Reset (Schritt 1) verstrichenen Zeitintervall, und
• – bpm als dem in Schritt 1 verwendeten Tempowert A errechnet sich das neue, verbesserte Tempo nach folgender einfachen Formel: bpm_neu = bpm·(1+(q·dt)/T)

With

• - q than the decrease or increase in the tempo used in step 3 (for example by the value 0.1),
• - dt as the sum of the time for which the tempo has been lowered or raised altogether (increase positive, decrease negative),
• T as the time interval elapsed since the last reset (step 1), and
• - bpm as the tempo value A used in step 1, the new, improved tempo is calculated according to the following simple formula: bpm_new = bpm * (1+ (q * dt) / T)

Further is checked, whether the corrections in step 3 over always negative or positive for a certain period of time are. In such a case, there is probably a tempo change in the audio that is not corrected by the above procedure can be. This status is recognized and almost perfect when the next one is reached Synchronization event (step 5) will be the time and the Correction memory cleared in a step 6 to the starting point to reset in phase and pace. After this "reset", the procedure starts again with a Put on step 2 to optimize the tempo.

A synchronization of a second piece of music is now done by adjusting its tempo and phase. The adaptation of the second piece of music is done indirectly via the reference oscillator. After the above-described approximate tempo and phase determination of the piece of music, these values are successively adapted to the reference oscillator according to the above method, only this time the playback phase and the playback speed of the track itself is changed. The original tempo of the track can be easily calculated backwards from the necessary change in its playback speed compared to the original playback speed.

To the Playing pre-produced music is traditionally diverse equipment for different Storage media such as vinyl, compact disk or cassette used. These formats were not for that designed to intervene in the playback process to the music with it to work in a creative way. This possibility is desirable, and is practiced these days, despite the limitations of the said DJ's. there are preferred vinyl records used because it is easiest to play with the speed of play and position.

today but are predominantly Digital formats like Audio CD and MP3 are used to store music. MP3 is a digital compression method Audio data according to the MPEG standard (MPEG 1 Layer 3). The procedure is asymmetric, i. the coding is much more complicated than the decoding. Furthermore, it is a lossy one Method. The present invention now allows said creative Handling music on any digital formats through a suitable interactive music player, that of the measures according to the invention shown above created new possibilities Use.

Around to be able to intervene in a targeted manner, is it important to have a graphical representation of the music in which one recognizes the current play position and also a certain one Recognizes period in the future and in the past. Adds to this usually the amplitude envelope the sound waveform over a period of several seconds before and after the playhead position The display shifts in real time in speed, in which the music plays.

in principle would like to if possible have much helpful information in the graph, to intervene in a targeted manner. Furthermore would like to if possible ergonomically can intervene in the playback process, in a comparable way for so-called "scratching" on vinyl record players, including stopping and moving the turntable forwards or backwards while understand the playback.

In the interactive music player created by the invention, musically relevant times, in particular the beats, can now be used with the above ( 1 and 2 ) extracted from the audio signal and displayed as markers in the graphical representation, for example on a display or on a screen of a digital computer on which the music player is realized by an appropriate programming.

• a) Musik läuft frei, mit konstantem Tempo,
• b) Abspielposition und -geschwindigkeit wird vom Anwender direkt beeinflusst.

Furthermore, a hardware control element R1 is provided, eg a button, in particular the mouse button, with which one switches over between two operating modes:

• a) music is free, with a constant tempo,
• b) Playback position and speed are directly influenced by the user.

Of the Mode a) corresponds to a vinyl record that you do not touch and whose speed is equal to that of the turntable. The mode b) on the other hand corresponds to a vinyl record, which one stops by hand and back and forth pushes.

In an advantageous embodiment of an interactive music player, the playback speed in mode a) is further influenced by the automatic control for synchronizing the clock of the music being played to another clock (cf. 1 and 2 ). The other clock may be generated synthetically or given by another concurrently playing music.

Besides that is another hardware control R2 is provided, with which one in the Operating mode b) quasi determines the plate position. This can be one continuous regulator, or even the computer mouse.

The representation after 4 shows a block diagram of such an arrangement with the signal processing means explained below, with which an interactive music player according to the invention is provided with the possibility of intervention in a current play position.

The with this further control R2 predetermined position data usually have a limited temporal resolution, i.e. it will only be in regular or irregular intervals one Message sent, which transmits the current position. The playhead the stored audio signal but should change evenly, with a temporal resolution, which corresponds to the audio sample rate. Therefore, the invention uses at this point a smoothing function, from the given with the control R2 stage signal a high resolution, changing evenly Signal generated.

One method for doing this is to trigger a ramp with a constant slope with each given position message, which moves the smoothed signal from its old value to the value of the position message in a predetermined time. Another possibility is to send the stepped waveform into a linear digital low-pass filter LP whose output represents the desired smoothed signal. For this purpose, a 2-pole resonance filter is particularly suitable. A combination (series connection) of the two smoothings is also possible and advantageous and allows the following advantageous signal processing chain:
preset step signal -> ramp smoothing -> lowpass filter -> exact playback position
or
preset step signal -> low pass filter -> ramp smoothing -> exact playback position

The block diagram after 4 illustrates the in an advantageous embodiment in the form of a schematic diagram. The control element R1 (here a button) serves to change the operating modes a) and b) by triggering a switch SW1. The controller R2 (here a continuous slider) supplies the position information with temporally limited resolution. This serves as a low-pass filter LP for smoothing as an input signal. The smoothed position signal is now differentiated (DIFF) and provides the playback speed. The switch SW1 is driven with this signal at a first input IN1 (mode b). The other input IN2 is connected to the tempo value A, as in 1 and 2 can be determined described (mode a). The control element R1 is used to change between the input signals.

When changing from one to the other mode (equivalent to holding and releasing the turntable), the position must not jump. For this reason, the proposed interactive music player assumes the position reached in the previous mode as the home position in the new mode. Likewise, the playback speed (1st derivative of the position) should not change rapidly. Therefore, you also take the current speed and guide you through a smoothing function, as described above, to the speed that corresponds to the new mode. To 4 This is done by a Slew Limiter SL, which triggers a ramp with a constant slope, which moves the signal from its old value to the new value in a given time. This posi tion or speed-dependent signal then controls the actual PLAY playback unit for playback of the audio track by it affects the playback speed.

When "scratching" with vinyl records, So playing with fast and fast changing speed changes the sound waveform in a characteristic way, due to the peculiarities the recording method used by default for vinyl records. When creating the Press Master for the Record in the recording studio, the sound signal goes through a pre-emphasis filter (Predistortion filter) according to RIAA standard, which raises the heights (so-called "cutting characteristic"). In each plant, which is used to play records, is located a corresponding de-emphasis filter (Back equalization filter) that reverses the effect so that one approximates the original one Receives signal.

If but now the playback speed is not the same as when recording what u.a. when "scratching" occurs, so all frequency components of the signal on the record accordingly shifted and therefore from the de-emphasis filter damped differently. This results in a characteristic sound.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of an inventive interactive music player according to the invention with a structure accordingly 4 a scratch audio filter is provided to simulate the described characteristic effect. For this purpose, in particular for a digital simulation of this process, the audio signal within the playback unit PLAY 4 subjected to another signal processing, like this in 5 is shown. For this purpose, after the digital audio data of the music piece to be played has been read from a medium D or sound carrier (eg CD or MP3) and DEC decoded (especially in the case of the MP3 format), the audio signal is subjected to a corresponding pre-emphasis filtering PEF , The signal prefiltered in this way is then stored in a buffer memory B, from which it is stored in a further processing unit R depending on the operating mode a) or b), as in 4 is read out according to the output signal of SL with varying speed. The read signal becomes then treated with a de-emphasis filter DEF and then played back (AUDIO_OUT).

For the Pre- and de-emphasis filters PEF and DEF, which have the same frequency response As stated in the RIAA standard, it is conveniently used one digital IIR filter each 2nd order, i. with two cheap selected Poles and two cheap selected Zeropoint. If the poles of the one filter are equal to the zeros of the other filter, lift the two filters in as desired their effect exactly when the audio signal is at original speed is played. In all other cases, the mentioned generate Filter the characteristic sound effect of "scratching". Of course, the described Scratch audio filters also related to any other Types of music players be used with "scratching" function.

In Combination with the proposed CD grabbing method yields Among other things, the advantageous possibility, one and the same Load tracks twice into the interactive music player and over that Mix automix techniques with themselves, remix them or run them as a one-song duration mix without ever getting out of step. Very short titles can thereby be extended by the DJ as desired.

In addition, the tempo of a mix can be adjusted via a specific frequency change to the master clock MCLK (the reference oscillator) 2 ) are gradually raised or lowered gradually over a multi-hour set to produce targeted effects of enhancement or reassurance to the audience.

As already mentioned at the beginning, become conventional when mixing several pieces of music the audio sources of phonograms on several players played and over mixed a mixer. This procedure is limited an audio recording on a recording of the final result. A reproduction the mixing process or a touchdown at a later time is exactly at a predeterminable position within a piece of music not possible.

Exactly This now achieves the present invention by providing a file format for digital Tax information is proposed which the possibility offer, the process of interactive mixing and a possible Record and accurately reproduce effect processing from audio sources. This is especially true with a music player as described above possible.

The Record is divided into a description of the used Audio sources and timing of control information of the mixing process and additional Effects Editing.

It only the information about the actual mixing process and the original audio sources needed to reflect the result of the mixing process. The actual Digital audio data is provided externally. This avoids Copyright problematic copying of protected music pieces. It can by storing digital control information thus mixing operations of several audio pieces with regard to play positions, synchronization information, Real-time interventions with audio signal processing means etc. as a mix of audio sources and their effect processing as a new complete work be realized with a comparatively long playing time.

This has the advantage that the description of editing the audio sources low compared to the generated audio data of the mixing process are edited, the mixing process at any point and restarted can be. Furthermore can existing audio tracks in various summaries or as longer coherent interpretations be reproduced.

With previous recordings and music players whereas it was not possible to record and reproduce a user's interaction since the known players The technical prerequisites are lacking to control these precisely enough. This is made possible only by the present invention, by playing multiple digital audio sources and their playing positions can be determined and controlled. This will make it possible to process the entire process digitally and corresponding control data to save in a file. This digital control information are preferably stored in a resolution that is the sampling rate corresponds to the processed digital audio data.

• – eine Liste der verwendeten Audioquellen z.B. digitale Aufgezeichnete Audiodaten in komprimierter und unkomprimierter Form wie z.B. WRV, MPEG, AIFF und digitale Tonträger wie etwa eine Compact Disk und
• – den zeitlichen Ablauf der Steuerinformation.

The recording is essentially divided into 2 parts:

• A list of the audio sources used, eg digital recorded audio data in compressed and uncompressed form such as WRV, MPEG, AIFF and digital audio recordings such as a compact disk and
• - The timing of the control information.

• – Informationen zur Identifizierung der Audioquelle
• – zusätzlich berechnete Information, die Charakteristiken der Audioquelle beschreibt (z.B. Abspiellänge und Tempoinformationen)
• – beschreibende Information zur Herkunft und Urheberinformation der Audioquelle (z.B. Künstler, Album, Verlag etc.)
• – Metainformation, z.B. Zusatzinformation die über den Hintergrund der Audioquelle informiert (z.B. Musikgenre, Information zum Künstler und Verlag)

The list of audio sources used includes:

• - Information for identifying the audio source
• - additionally calculated information describing the characteristics of the audio source (eg playing time and tempo information)
• - descriptive information on the origin and copyright information of the audio source (eg artist, album, publisher etc.)
• - Metainformation, eg additional information informing about the background of the audio source (eg music genre, information about the artist and publisher)

• – die zeitliche Abfolge von Steuerdaten
• – die zeitliche Abfolge von exakten Abspielpositionen in der Audioquelle
• – Intervalle mit kompletter Zustandsinformation aller Stellglieder, um als Wiederaufsetzpunkte der Wiedergabe zu dienen

The control information stores, inter alia:

• The timing of control data
• The timing of exact playback positions in the audio source
• Intervals with complete state information of all the actuators to serve as re-points of the replay

in the Following is a possible Example of the management of the list of audio pieces in one form of the XML formats. XML stands for Extensible Markup Language. This is a name for a metalanguage describing pages in the WWW (World Wide Web). It is in contrast to HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) possible, that the author of an XML document in the document itself Extensions of XML defined in the Document Type Definition part of the document and in the same document also uses.

The control information data referenced by the list of audio pieces is preferably stored in binary format. The basic structure of the stored control information in a file can be described as an example as follows:

With [Identifier of the controller] is a value denoting a control member (e.g., volume, Speed, position) of the interactive music player. Such control members can several subchannels [controller channel], e.g. Number of the playback module to be assigned. A unique control point M is defined by [identifier of the controller], [Controller channel] addressed.

When The result is a digital record of the mixing process, the stored, non-destructive with respect to the audio material reproduced, duplicated and transfer can be, e.g. above the Internet.

An advantageous embodiment with such control files is a disk D, as this is based on 6 is illustrated. The latter has a combination of a normal audio CD with digital audio data AUDIO_DATA of a first data area D1 with a program PRG_DATA accommodated on a further data part D2 of the CD for playing such likewise existing mix files MIX_DATA, which directly affect the audio data AUDIO_DATA stored on the CD access. The playback or mix application PRG_DATR does not necessarily have to be part of such a data carrier. A combination of a first data area D1 with digital audio information AUDIO_DATA and a second data area with one or more files with the mentioned digital control data MIX_DATA is also advantageous, since such a data carrier, in conjunction with a music player of the invention, contains all necessary information for the reproduction of a previously created new complete works from the existing digital audio sources.

Particularly advantageous, however, the invention can be implemented on a suitably programmed digital computer with corresponding audio interfaces by a software program performing the method steps illustrated above in the computer system (eg the playback or mixing application PRG_DATA). The disk described in conjunction with the performed on a standard CD-ROM drive advantageous CD grabbing method then allows the complete Functionality of the invention.

All mentioned in the above description or in the figures Features should, if the known state of the art allows, on their own or in combination as falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims (31)

Procedure for detecting the pace and phase of a digital in Format present piece of music with the following process steps: - Approximate determination of the Tempo (A) of the piece of music by a statistical evaluation (STAT) of the time intervals (Ti) rhythm-relevant beat information in the digital audio data (Egg), - approximately Determination of the phase (P) of the piece of music based on the position of the bars in the digital audio data in the time frame one with the one determined Tempo proportional frequency oscillating reference oscillator (MCLK), - successively Correction of the determined tempo (A) and phase (P) of the piece of music based on a phase shift of the reference oscillator (MCLK) relative to the digital audio data by evaluation of the resulting systematic phase shift and regulation of the frequency of the Reference oscillator proportional to the determined phase shift. Procedure for detecting the pace and phase of a digital in Format present piece of music after Claim 1, wherein rhythm-relevant beat information (Ti) by Bandpass filtering (F1, F2) of the underlying digital audio data be obtained in different frequency ranges. Procedure for detecting the pace and phase of a digital in Format present piece of music after Claim 1 or 2, wherein the rhythm intervals determined from the audio data if necessary by multiplying their frequency by powers of 2 (OCT) into a predefined frequency octave in the values (T1io ... T3io) be transformed, which serve in the sequence for speeding up. Procedure for detecting the pace and phase of a digital in Format present piece of music after Claim 3, wherein in the frequency transformation (OKT) in addition to the individual rhythm intervals of the audio material (Ti, T1i) also the by adding the time values of two (T2i), three (T3i) or more successive time intervals formed by these rhythm intervals be used. Procedure for detecting the pace and phase of a digital in Format present piece of music after one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, wherein the obtained amount of data of time intervals (BPM1, BPM2) of the rhythm-relevant beat information on accumulation points (N) is examined and the approximate Tempo determination based on the information of a cumulative maximum takes place. Procedure for detecting the pace and phase of a digital in Format present piece of music after one of the preceding claims, being to the nearer Determining the phase (P) of the piece of music the phase of the reference oscillator (MCLK) chosen such that will be the greatest possible match between the rhythm-relevant beat information in the digital Audio data and the zero crossings of the reference oscillator (MCLK). Procedure for detecting the pace and phase of a digital in Format present piece of music after one of the preceding claims, wherein a successive correction (2, 3, 4, 5) of the determined tempo and phase of the piece of music at regular intervals in such short time intervals occurs that resulting correction movements and / or correction shifts remain below the audibility limit. Procedure for detecting the pace and phase of a digital in Format present piece of music after one of the preceding claims, with all successive corrections of determined tempo and phase of the piece of music about the Time accumulates (4) and building on this further corrections with steadily increasing precision respectively. Procedure for detecting the pace and phase of a digital in Format present piece of music after Claim 8, wherein successive corrections take place until a is fallen below predetermined tolerable error limit. Method for detecting the tempo and phase of a piece of music in digital format according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the event that the corrections over a predeterminable period are always always negative or positive (6), a renewed (RESET) approximately determination of tempo (A) and phase (P) with subsequent successive correction (2, 3, 4, 5) takes place. Method for synchronizing at least two in digital Format present pieces of music with following process steps: - full determination of pace and phase of the first piece of music according to one of the preceding claims, - approximate determination of Tempo and phase of the further piece of music after one of the preceding ones Claims, - Adaptation the playback speed and the playback phase of this further piece of music by successively adjusting the frequency and phase of this another piece of music associated reference oscillator to the frequency and the phase of the other piece of music associated reference oscillator. Method for synchronizing at least two in digital Format present music pieces after Claim 11, wherein for adapting the playback speed and the playback phase of the other piece of music based on a phase shift of this further piece of music associated reference oscillator relative to the reference oscillator of the other piece of music an evaluation of the resulting systematic phase shift and a regulation of the frequency of the further piece of music assigned Reference oscillator proportional to the determined phase shift takes place. Music player with at least two in digital format present music pieces according to claim 11 or 12 can be synchronized in real time. Music player according to claim 13, wherein each rhythm-relevant Based on beat information (Ti) from a given past period from a current play position of the piece of music as a basis for tempo determination serve in real time. Music player according to one of the preceding claims 13 or 14, with synchronized pieces of music automatically becoming a complete work can be arranged and played with a uniform rhythm. Interactive music player who - a means of graphic Presentation of with a tempo and Phase detection function, certain clock limits of one in the playback located piece of music Real time, - one first control element (R1) for switching between a first operating mode (a) in which the piece of music is played at a constant tempo, and a second mode of operation (b) in which the playing position and / or playing speed directly influenceable by the user in real time, and - a second Control (R2) for manipulating the playhead in real time includes. Interactive music player according to claim 16, with - one Means for graphically displaying the current playhead position, with an amplitude envelope of the Sound waveform of the reproduced piece of music over a predetermined period of time before and after the current play position can be displayed, wherein the presentation in real time with the tempo of the playback of the piece of music shifts, and with - one Means of smoothing (LP, SL) of a gradual course of time limited, with the second Control (R2) predetermined play position data to a evenly with one of the audio sampling rate corresponding temporal resolution changing Signal. The interactive music player of claim 17, wherein for smoothing a leveled timed play position data ramp smoothing (SL) is provided by the with each predetermined play position message a ramp with a constant slope can be triggered, which is in a predefinable Time interval the smoothed Signal from its previous value to the value of the play position message moves. An interactive music player according to claim 17, wherein a linear digital low-pass filter (LP) ,, for smoothing a stage history of temporally limited predetermined play position data is used. Interactive music player according to one of the preceding claims 16 to 19, wherein in the case of a change between the operating modes (a, b) the position reached in the previous mode as the starting position in the new mode. Interactive music player according to one of the preceding claims 16 to 20, wherein in the case of a change between the operating modes (a, b) the current playback speed reached in the previous mode (DIFF) by a smoothing function, on the new operating mode corresponding playback speed feasible is. Interactive music player according to one of the preceding claims 16 to 21, wherein an audio signal passes through a scratch audio filter by the audio signal a pre-emphasis filtering (PEF) and stored in a buffer memory (B), out of it depending from the respective playback speed with variable tempo readable (R) is to be followed subjected to de-emphasis filtering (DE F) and reproduced become. Interactive music player according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 22, where for one or more of the synchronized pieces of music based on the determined Tempo information of the respective piece of music the length of a one or more bars this piece of music reaching playback loop can be defined and played in isochronous mode in real time. Interactive music player according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 23, where for one or more of the synchronized pieces of music based on the determined Phase information of the respective piece of music in real time isochronous Jump labels definable and within this piece of music integer multiples of bars are displaceable. Interactive music player according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 24, wherein each reproduced audio data stream by signal processing means can be manipulated in real time. Interactive music player according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 25, where real-time interventions over the timing as digital control information (MIX_DATA) are storable. Interactive music player according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 26, with mixing operations of music pieces and / or interactive interventions in pieces of music with audio signal processing means independent as a new complete work of digital audio information of pieces of music in the form of digital control information (MIX_DATA are storable. Interactive music player according to one of the preceding claims 26 or 27, wherein stored digital control information has a format, the information for the identification of the processed pieces of music and a respective temporal sequence of playheads associated therewith and state information of the actuators of the music player. Interactive music player according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 28, by a suitably programmed with audio interfaces equipped computer system is realized. Computer program product directly into the internal memory a digital computer can be loaded and software sections comprising, with which the method steps according to one of claims 1 to 12 executed when the program product is running on a computer. disk (D), the - one first data area (D1) with digital audio data (AUDIO_DATA) of a or several pieces of music (TR1 ... TRn) and - one second data area (D2) with a control file (MIX_DATA) with digital Includes control information for controlling a music player, in which - the Control data (MIX_DATA) of the second data area (D2) on audio data (AUDIO_DATA) of the first data area (D1).