MATRIX MIXING
A Quick Guide to Live Sound Matrix Mixing
By Carey Davies - Allen & Heath
MATRIX MIXING
7x4 ? 6x2 ?
11x8 ? MATRIX ?
A Quick Guide to Live Sound Matrix Mixing
What is a Matrix?
How does it work? What can you do with it?
12x4 ?
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A basic definition:
A matrix is a set of lines that cross at right angles A grid to route inputs to outputs where the lines cross
crosspoint
Input
Output
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A console works like a big matrix. Input channels route to mix buses. The matrix Now add anroutes output the Matrix group and LR outputs to additional matrix outputs.
Inputs CH14 CH13 CH12 CH11 CH10 CH9 CH8 CH7 CH6 CH5 CH4 CH3 CH2 CH1
The Matrix
R L Grp1 Grp2 Grp3 Grp4 Matrix1 Matrix2 Matrix3 Matrix4 Aux5 Aux6 Grp1 Grp2 Grp3 Grp4 L R
Mix bus
Outputs
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The Matrix is presented in one of 3 ways:
As a mixer in a mixer, Like an Aux send, or As a stand-alone mixer
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Layout 1 A mixer in a mixer
The Matrix
GL2400
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A mixer in a mixer Matrix section
A look at a typical master section:
Monitoring, Talkback Aux masters
Sub grouping
Group masters
L,R,M masters
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EXT IN Ext in
We build a matrix grid where several sources can be routed to several matrix outputs. The sources usually include the group mixes, LRM masters, and inputs to add in external signals.
Signals mix to the outputs through level controls at the crosspoints.
GRP11 Grp GRP22 Grp GRP33 Grp GRP44 Grp L MIX L mix R MIX R mix
crosspoint Matrix 1 MTX1 OUT Matrix 2 MTX2 OUT
MTX4 OUT Matrix 4 MTX3 OUT Matrix 3
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EXT IN Ext in
A mixer in a mixer
GRP11 Grp GRP2 Grp 2 GRP33 Grp GRP44 Grp L MIX L mix R MIX R mix
7x4 Matrix
Now add the other source controls, This example is referred to as a 7x4 Add the master matrix. It has 7 controls, sources and 4 matrix outputs And route to the matrix output sockets
Sources Masters
Mutes, AFL
Matrix 1 MTX1 OUT Matrix 2 MTX2 OUT
MTX4 OUT Matrix 4 MTX3 OUT Matrix 3
Outputs
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Layout 2 A bit like Aux sends from the masters The Matrix GL4800
Matrix masters
Sends from the groups and LRM
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Delay, EQ, limiter
Matrix masters
Patch in processing devices Insert point The signal path
Matrix1 Matrix2 Matrix3 Matrix4 M R L Grp8 Grp7 Grp6 Grp5 Grp4 Grp3 Grp2 Grp1 Sends to matrix
11x4 Matrix
This example is referred to as an 11x4 matrix. It has 11 sources and 4 matrix outputs
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Layout 3 Stand-alone matrix mixer Example - A DSP mix processor such as the iDR-8
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Matrix mixer
Crosspoint matrix
A matrix of many inputs to many outputs
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Matrix mixer
Crosspoint matrix
Adds processing such as speaker crossovers, delay and time alignment, room and device EQ, noise gates, compression and protection limiting
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Matrix mixer
Adds remote control such as network, wall plates, faderexample controllers, This has MIDI, 16 touch more inputs panels, and 16 and outputs
16x16 Matrix
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A look at what you can do with it:
Equipped and ready!
The Matrix a toolbox of useful outputs:
Extra mix outputs
Combine L+R for mono Live recording Delay fill speakers
Mono or stereo IEM
Headline/support console link Broadcast feed Video feed
Cry room feed
Hearing loop feed Backstage monitor
Reduced image stereo fills
Create stereo Auxes Add room ambience
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No job impossible!
The Matrix many advantages:
Each output has an independent level trim
Create mono or stereo feeds Create feeds with reduced stereo image Create a different balance to compensate for the acoustics
Add room or stage ambience
Add stereo presence to a mono aux Insert processors such as delay, EQ, limiting
MATRIX MIXING
Yes, I can do it!
So when the video guy comes up just before the show I need a feed
You are ready!
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Now, a few application examples
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Application 1
Extra LR outputs
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Application 1
EXT IN Ext in GRP11 Grp GRP22 Grp
Extra LR outputs
To You feed can additional also reduce L and the R stereo speakers image
GRP33 Grp GRP44 Grp L MIX L mix R MIX R mix
L L Matrix1
R R Matrix2
Add a little Simply turnLup to L Matrix in Matrix 2, 1 and and RR toin Matrix Matrix 12
Matrix 1 MTX1 OUT
Matrix 2 MTX2 OUT
MTX4 OUT Matrix 4
MTX3 OUT Matrix 3
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Application 2
Create a Mono Fill
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Application 2
EXT IN Ext in GRP11 Grp GRP22 Grp
Create a Mono Fill
GRP33 Grp GRP44 Grp L MIX L mix R MIX R mix
L M Matrix1
Mix L and R together to one matrix output
Matrix 1 MTX1 OUT
Matrix 2 MTX2 OUT
MTX4 OUT Matrix 4
MTX3 OUT Matrix 3
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Application 3
Create a Delay Fill
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Application 3
EXT IN Ext in GRP11 Grp GRP22 Grp
Create a Delay Fill
Rear stalls, under balcony intelligibility
GRP33 Grp GRP44 Grp L MIX L mix R MIX R mix
Delay L R And EQ Matrix1 Matrix 1 MTX1 OUT Matrix 2 MTX2 OUT
MTX4 OUT Matrix 4 MTX3 OUT Matrix 3
Fill
Time = 1ms/ft
Fill
Compensate for the delay Start with just the vocals between the speakers and quieter instruments Patch in a delay unit, and EQ to filter out some LF and HF
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Application 4
Live Recording
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Application 4 First, consider the live gig Introducing the band
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Application 4
The band plays
The instruments are so loud, the voice and keys are lost
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Application 4
So, we need some PA
Add PA speakers
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Application 4
Balance the sound
The vocals and quieter instruments are faded up
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Application 4 The listener hears both the stage sound and PA sound
Stage sound
The PA mix not ideally balanced for the recording. Too much vocal, not enough drums and guitar
PA sound
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Application 4 We need to re-balance the mix for the recording
The solution is to use the matrix
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Room microphones
Application 4
EXT IN Ext in GRP11 Grp GRP22 Grp
Live Recording
GRP33 Grp GRP44 Grp L MIX L mix R MIX R mix
Start with the stereo PA mix Compensate for the stage sound Add room ambience
The recording is now properly balanced and includes live ambience
Matrix 1 MTX1 OUT
Matrix 2 MTX2 OUT
MTX4 OUT Matrix 4
MTX3 OUT Matrix 3
MATRIX MIXING
Application 5
In-ear Monitor Mix
An application for the matrix on a monitor console A solution to the problem of not enough Auxes GL2400 For example: 6 Auxes = 6 Wedges 4 Matrix = 4 mono IEM or 2 stereo IEM Total = 10 monitor mixes
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Room microphones
Application 5
EXT IN Ext in GRP11 Grp GRP22 Grp
In-ear Monitor Mix
Closed ear means the musician needs the full mix
GRP33 Grp GRP44 Grp L MIX L mix R MIX R mix
Start with a general stereo mix Use Groups to add more me
Use Groups to add more of requested sources Add stereo room ambience
Matrix 1 MTX1 OUT
Matrix 2 MTX2 OUT
MTX4 OUT Matrix 4
MTX3 OUT Matrix 3
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Application 5
The Matrix is a quick way to create mono or stereo in-ear monitor mixes
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Application 6
Convert a Mono Aux to Stereo
Add stereo instruments and presence to a mono Aux mix Another way to create stereo in-ear monitor mixes
MATRIX MIXING
Application 6
EXT IN Ext in GRP11 Grp GRP22 Grp
Convert a Mono Aux to Stereo
GRP33 Grp GRP44 Grp L MIX L mix R MIX R mix
Patch an Aux into two matrix inputs Add a general stereo mix
Use Groups to add reverb and ambience
Matrix 1 MTX1 OUT
Matrix 2 MTX2 OUT
MTX4 OUT Matrix 4
MTX3 OUT Matrix 3
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Application 7
Link Consoles
Link headliner and support act consoles into the same PA
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Application 7
Support act console
R L EXT IN Ext in
GRP22 Grp
GRP11 Grp
Link Consoles to the PA
Feed the PA from Matrix 1 and 2
Headline act console
GRP33 Grp GRP44 Grp L MIX L mix R MIX R mix
Route LR to the PA Route external LR to the PA
Matrix 1 MTX1 OUT
Matrix 2 MTX2 OUT
MTX4 OUT Matrix 4
MTX3 OUT Matrix 3
The two consoles mix with independent level control via the matrix
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And the list goes on
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No job impossible!
In Summary:
The Matrix is a useful set of extra outputs
It lets you create an intelligible mix for fill speakers It lets you create a better balanced live recording It adds to the capability of a monitor console
It overcomes the problem of not enough Auxes
And it is available on most ALLEN & HEATH consoles!
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The Matrix GL3800
MATRIX MIXING
For more information: www.allen-heath.com [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Enjoy your mixing!
