AES 2013: SSL launches Matrix2

Solid State Logic has introduced Matrix2 at the 135th AES Convention (Booth 2821).

One of the features of the first Matrix, the integrated software-controlled patching of analogue channel inserts, has been upgraded in Matrix2. Hardware device inserts can now be loaded directly from the console hardware controls (previously this was done only via the remote browser software) with a new interface that facilitates loading individual processors, A/B comparison of different processors and building processor chains. The Matrix remote browser software has also been re-designed to provide a new drag and drop-style interface for loading processors and building chains.

A Fader Linking system has been added to the console, which allows 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 user’s 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.

A collection of smaller new features have also been added including ‘partial TR setup save and import,’ which allows selected parts of the console setup to be saved and imported as setup templates; new Preset insert matrix ‘scenes;’ Preset insert naming tools; ‘automatic dB readout’ for Pro Tools users, allowing the scribble strip to automatically 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.

Matrix2 will ship in December 2013. All of these new features (excluding the 5.1 output card) will be available to existing customers as a free upgrade.

www.solidstatelogic.com