Multi-channel device having storage modules in a loop configuration with main control unit for controlling data rates and modifying data selectively and independently therein

A multi-channel device for digital recording and playback of audio signals;

• the multi-channel device comprising:
• a bidirectional interface unit having inputs and outputs;
• a system bus to which the bidirectional interface unit is connected;
• one or more storage modules each connected to the system bus to receive groups of data in parallel;
• a main control circuit;
• an operating unit for driving the main control circuit and being coupled to the system bus and to the one or more storage modules through the main control circuit;
• and
• wherein each storage module comprises at least one digital storage circuit for receiving a removable storage medium and for storing data onto the removable storage medium, and at least one digital buffer storage circuit, the storage module storing, in the at least one digital buffer storage circuit data representative of audio signals which are to be stored for processing or during the exchange of the removable storage medium in the digital storage circuit, each storage module further comprising storage module controller means for transferring data between said digital buffer storage circuit and the system bus at a first rate, and for transferring data between the digital buffer storage circuit and the digital storage circuit at a second rate that is faster that the first rate;
• a communication circuit loop which connects the main control circuit to the storage modules;
• and
• wherein data contained in said at least one digital buffer storage circuit is modifiable by the storage module in a selectively independent manner from data transferred to the digital storage circuit.