you know i didn't quite get a chance to read all the details. it would make sense to have a AES out, otherwise you would be standard XLR out which would throw an analog link into the mix. i dont think you would be able to change the pattern on the computer screen through an analog connection, just doesn't make sense. as far as i can remember it came out of the mic into a box, or router type thing and into the laptop. i would assume that box would be a power supply for the mics as well as a signal processor. i know i have an info sheet somewhere in my piles of mess, around my house. try to find out more info for us all to drool over.