Matrix mixers

clwilla · 2024-06-01T02:26:08.887Z

I have 2 matrix mixers in my synth, one stereo and one mono.

The stereo one (AI Synthesis 018 Stereo Matrix Mixer) is used in quite literally every patch.

The mono one (Atomosynth Transmon), is a powerhouse. 4 channels switchable bipolar, 4 channels bipolar with individual outputs, 12 channels of VCA AND individual outputs. Has great gain for feedback patching. It’s absolutely awesome.

There’s a decent chance I’ll try and find a way to shoehorn the new SetonixSynth Shaka8 and a couple of Shaka4s to replace the AI Synthesis stereo matrix mixer once it’s available.

bellyfullofstars · 2024-06-01T05:12:12.991Z

Yes! I use mine mainly for audio routing, like a multi aux send to/from my stereo modules, and I love it! It sounds very clean, and allows me to do so much more than I would be able to otherwise with my (relatively modest) 168hp system.

loopBack · 2024-06-02T00:22:36.278Z

I’ve been really curious about the Transmon, but I haven’t seen too much feedback about it, so I’m very interested to see your post. I’ve tried a lot of the euro matrix mixers: Bear, Doepfer, Bragi/Nodular, 4ms, Instruo Lion, and I strangely found myself using the Bear the most, despite the mini pots. I really like the apparent flexibility of the Transmon, with the different approaches to each output row.

The Shaka8 look interesting. I also really have my eyes on the Ritual Electronics Aranea. Diagonal mix!

clwilla · 2024-06-02T01:18:25.800Z

The gain takes a bit of getting used to. There’s a good amount, particularly on the VCA rows. You can really drive with it. Sounds great.

One really nice aspect is that it’s 8 fully functional VCAs with individual outs.

I would heartily recommend it.

110 · 2024-06-02T22:47:44.506Z

5x5 and biphase is a really good format. is the center position locked?

clwilla · 2024-06-03T02:36:26.272Z

From what read, they paid special attention to that. Yes, and not only is it dead at center, but center is detented on the knob.

sns · 2024-06-04T21:45:23.327Z

The pots are indeed center detented, they had some special potentiometers custom made for this one. IIIRC they have 1 or 2 more “pins” than the usual potentiometers (I had never seen this kind of pots before) with some added circuitry allowing zeroing the signal easily and consistently, as classic center detent potentiometers were not precise enough to do so reliably. I’d ask them directly if you want more details though, but that’s the main thing I enjoyed (with the fifth channel) while testing it vs. the A-138M (the only other eurorack matrix mixers I’ve had/used, can’t compare with any others).

I think they plan on releasing a video explaining this and demonstrating various uses soon.

pelang · 2024-07-11T10:40:39.876Z

…I am dreaming of a simple 3x3 stereo matrix mixer with the in/outs on an expander and with the possibilities of chaining into a 3x6 or 6x6 etc…grid (which means using two raws in Eurorack)
Would that take to much space ?

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desolationjones · 2024-07-11T13:20:02.497Z

Setonix has a new, stereo, 4x2 matrix VC mixer which is chainable. Expanders each add one extra output. No option for more inputs, but that would be easy enough to accomplish using external unity mixers.

pelang · 2024-07-11T13:36:44.188Z

they look nice. I can imagine a 4x8 system. Not sure if I need VCA’s… Matrix mixing alone can get supercomplex

clwilla · 2024-07-13T18:50:20.206Z

CV matrix mixers are awesome. A stereo cv matrix mixer seems ultra useful. Bring audio in and out of mixes and fx sends? Count me in.

Edit:
Since I wrote this post a VC stereo matrix mixer has indeed been released. Because of the exponential VCA topology it uses it doesn’t work well for my application, but it is otherwise a very nicely built and considered module.

pelang · 2024-11-01T18:41:12.475Z

pelang:

Would that take to much space ?

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NoGuitars · 2024-11-01T19:46:28.421Z

I would consider that “correct size”

But most Euro-aficionado’s would probably think it is too much HP…

xmacex · 2024-11-01T20:24:33.508Z

I am like “congrats on all the modules, but what kind of shoulders/back do you have to play that for over 10 minutes?”

pelang · 2024-11-01T20:44:30.786Z

zhan zhuang helps
Besides that, I feel more like the captain of a big sailing boot…more like steering and listening.
and I sit cross legged

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vhall · 2024-11-02T08:02:30.615Z

Are those all 84hp Doepfer cases? They look lovely lined up like that.

pelang · 2024-11-02T15:53:12.027Z

yes. I lifted and spaced the cases for cable management. I prefer semi-patch systems where 70% is fixed patched. The large matrix will greatly help as it keeps all the (audio) routings open. Besides the A8 as a field-recoding player, there are no “synths” in the rack. Everything is processing and effects.

eblomquist · 2024-11-02T15:59:37.123Z

Can you share your modulargrid for this?

pelang · 2024-11-02T16:07:44.601Z

I don’t use modulargrid any longer. I have better results arranging modules in real space (access , readability, importance, and pairing).

Sidiblue · 2024-11-18T21:17:59.710Z

I contacted Hinton about the SwitchMix II and learned that it would no longer be available. Quality control concerns “Sorry, SwitchMix is not available for the forseeable future. We have had a lot of trouble with quality control by the switch manufacturer and not meeting their specs.” I don’t see any matrix mixer models that come close to their specifications. Am I mistaken?