Matrix mixer

Basics

In professional audio, a matrix mixer is used to route audio signals from multiple sources to different destinations. It may be a standalone device or embedded within another, larger product such as a mixing console, digital audio workstation or digital signal processor.

An analog matrix mixer contains a number of simple electronic mixer circuits, the quantity being the number of inputs multiplied by the number of outputs. Each electronic mixer controls the level (gain) of one input going to one output. The level control is usually a rotating potentiometer (called a "pot"). Each row of electronic mixer circuits, one from each input, feeds a summing amplifier or combining amp at the output. A fader (a linear potentiometer) may be used to control the level of each output signal. Other controls may include a mute button for each input/output intersection, a mute button for each input, a mute button for each output, and buttons that invert the input signal polarity. The output signals of the matrix mixer may be digital, or they may be balanced or unbalanced analog. It is possible in a matrix mixer to combine an all-analog signal path with digital control of level.

Any audio console that lacks a matrix section may be connected to an external matrix mixer. Many audio manufacturers have produced matrixes incorporating digital signal processing (DSP) which offers additional tools such as compression, equalization, ducking, gating, and loudspeaker system management.

Live sound

In live sound mixing the front of house mixing console often includes a matrix mixer section for optimizing the blend of sound going to various locations in the performance space. Subgroups, auxiliary mixes, submixes or even the main outputs are routed through the matrix mixer to different loudspeaker zones, making the matrix essentially a "mix of mixes". A front-of-house matrix may be used at a concert to switch between the headliner's and the opening act's mixing consoles. A matrix mixer feature may be included on analog or digital consoles. For instance, the Midas Consoles XL4 concert mixing console has a built-in 8×8 matrix summing 8 subgroups into 8 matrix outputs; the same basic module is available separately as the Midas XL88 (see photograph). The digital Yamaha M7CL mixing console is another such product; it has a 19×8 matrix section summing 16 mixes as well as the main left/right/mono outputs (see screenshot). In the classic analog monitor mixer without faders, the console is set up as a large matrix mixer with the addition of equalization filters and other controls for each input.

The matrix mixer is useful for performance spaces with multiple loudspeaker zones such as main left and right loudspeaker arrays, a center loudspeaker cluster or array, under-balcony speakers for the rear seating area, stage-lip loudspeakers for the front seats, overflow rooms, green rooms, the foyer, and broadcast or live streaming to distant audiences. However, such a use of the matrix is limited by the likelihood that the musicians on stage would be disturbed by any changes made to the channel levels by the front of house operator. It is usually better to supply stage monitors with signal obtained from pre-fader auxiliary sends. Listeners outside of the main performance space will not hear amplified instruments such as electric guitar as well as those inside, so the matrix output going to their location would typically contain more of the amplified instruments. Also, the matrix may be used to send a different blend to any recording devices, especially a blend that is optimized for stereo playback whereas the live sound for the performance space may be presented in mono.

Recorded sound

In the process of mixing for film or television, a matrix mixer may be used to give the film director, television director or producer a working mix of the project while the mix engineer puts it together. In the recording studio, the same method may be used to give the record producer a different blend during the mixing process. The matrix mixer may have also been used to route various audio input channels to specific recording channels.

References

References

1. "Matrix Mixer". [[Sweetwater Sound.
2. Ballou, Glen. (2005). "Handbook For Sound Engineers". Taylor & Francis US.
3. Ballou 2005, p. 1301
4. (2002). "Audio Engineering for Sound Reinforcement". Hal Leonard Corporation.
5. Wilkins, Trev. (2007). "Access All Areas: A Real World Guide to Gigging and Touring". Taylor & Francis US.
6. (1989). "The Sound Reinforcement Handbook". Hal Leonard Corporation.
7. Stark, Scott Hunter. (1996). "Live Sound Reinforcement: A Comprehensive Guide to P.A. and Music Reinforcement Systems and Technology". Hal Leonard Corporation.