Solid State Logic has announced the Matrix2 mixing console, offering SSL analogue summing, boutique analogue outboard mic preamplifiers and processing (via its software controlled analogue patch system) and DAW control surface.
‘This is a significant upgrade to Matrix, which introduces a cool collection of features that new customers will enjoy and existing customers can access free of charge,’ says SSL Inc CEO, Piers Plaskitt. ‘This new version should see Matrix continue to provide the most elegant and streamlined way to create a true hybrid audio production environment for years to come.’
Matrix2 builds on the integrated software controled patching of analogue channel inserts of the original Matrix, allowing hardware device inserts to be loaded directly from the console hardware controls with an interface that facilitates loading individual processors, A/B comparison of different processors and building processor chains. This was previously only accomplished via the remote browser software, which has now also been re-designed to provide a ‘drag-and-drop’ style interface for loading processors and building chains.
Fader Linking has been added to the console, allowing two or more faders to be grouped, to facilitate stereo or 5.1 channel control or subgroup style mixing. The A-FADA (Analogue Fader Accesses DAW Automation) summing system used in Duality, AWS and the new SSL Sigma rack has been introduced to enable the analogue faders of Matrix2 to be driven by automation data from a DAW. A-FADA enables channel automation to be performed entirely in the analogue signal path, but with the advantages of DAW automation data editing. The addition of A-FADA to Matrix2 facilitates project portability between different SSL products. The previously optional 5.1 output card will now be included as standard pre-fitted in all units.
Other features additions include ‘partial TR set-up save and import’, which allows selected parts of the console setup to be saved and imported as set-up templates; new Preset insert matrix scenes; Preset insert naming tools; ‘automatic dB readout’ for Pro Tools, allowing the scribble strip to display fader values upon touch; modifier key ‘press-and-hold’ functionality for Cubase/Nuendo users and new DAW templates for Presonus Studio One and Ableton Live!
All new features (excluding 5.1 output card) are available to existing Matrix customers as a free upgrade.
Matrix2 is now shipping, priced at US$23,999/£14,749/€18,487 plus tax.
More: www.solidstatelogic.com
