Derek Dela Cruz

Emma Rice
Daniel Ford
James Wreden
STEM - 3
September 16, 2020

Classification Scheme

Concepts Concept 1 Concept 2 Concept 3 Concept 4 Concept 5

Functions

Amplify Preamp fader Volume fader Volume knob Amplifier Preamp knob

EQ Low pass High pass Parametric Tilt EQ EQ Map

filter filter EQ

Portability Compact Small Cylinder Built in coil tie

overall number of shape
structure parts/cords

Carrying
case

Adaptability Quarter inch XLR USB adapter MIDI adapter Apple device
adapter connector adapter

Important Vocab

A ​preamplifier​ (preamp or "pre") is an electronic amplifier that converts a weak electrical signal
into an ​output​ signal strong enough to be noise-tolerant and strong enough for further
processing​, or for sending to a ​power​ amplifier and a loudspeaker

An ​XLR Connector​ is a type of electrical ​connector​ primarily found on professional audio,

video, and stage lighting equipment
Parametric Equalization ​is EQ with full control over all three variables: Center Frequency,
Q/Width, and Amplitude.

The Musical Instrument Digital Interface, or ​MIDI​, is a method used to transmit digital instrument
data between computers.

Thought Process

Amplify: ​By amplifying the audio, this allows the audio to properly be altered, since the electrical
signal would be otherwise too weak to work with. This means the preamp is a necessary
function of the product, as otherwise it would be impossible to properly equalize and level the
sound

​ he ability to equalize and balance audio is our product’s primary function. We thought
Tilt EQ: T
of using a tilt EQ function with knobs instead of faders because it would be more fitting for our
target audience, amateur musicians. Knobs allow an easy balancing of treble and bass by
turning left and right, while faders control the different areas individually. Faders would require a
better understanding of audio engineering and would be less accessible to the young musicians.
Having an EQ map would also help musicians visualize the equalization.

Portability: ​Portability is an important part of the final product we create. In order to market this
to consumers, it must be reasonably sized and easy to travel with. The concepts we discussed
as a group all cater to the many needs that musicians have when traveling with equipment.
Cases, different shapes, and keeping the overall size of the product compact are key features
that would make our product both unique and desirable. In the end, we agreed that these five
concepts would be the most helpful and important to consider in our final design steps.

​ aving a product that has versatility or the ability to adapt is something that we are
Adaptability: H
taking into consideration for the creation of our product. The concepts we discussed above in
our matrix cover most of the common features of something that is adaptable. Modifications
such as apple phone adapters, XLR connectors, and other adaptors would all be unique and
highlighted features of our product. It would also make the use of this product easier, and hence
consumers would most likely be drawn to using/purchasing it.

Insights From Mentor

Our mentor did not have any feedback for us, he thought that we had a solid set up. He really
liked the concepts that we created, and we talked about the limitations of some of the ideas we
had. However, for the classification scheme as a whole, he had no edits for us and was very
supportive of the direction we are headed in for this project. We added some of our own
changes to make sure we could create viable and useful feasible concepts.
Rough Model Idea (made with Blender):