Avid Technology Pro Tools MTRX User manual

Pro Tools®| MTRX Studio
Installation Guide

Legal Notices
© 2020 Avid Technology, Inc., (“Avid”), all rights reserved. This guide may not be duplicated in whole or in part without the written
consent of Avid.
For a current and complete list of Avid trademarks visit: www.avid.com/legal/trademarks-and-other-notices.
Bonjour, the Bonjour logo, and the Bonjour symbol are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.
This product may be protected by one or more U.S. and non-U.S. patents. Details are available at www.avid.com/patents.
Product features, specifications, system requirements, and availability are subject to change without notice.
Guide Part Number 9320-70136-00 REV B 03/20

Safety Instructions iii
Safety Instructions
Read and Keep these Instructions
Warning
Important Safety Instructions
1Read these instructions.
2Keep these instructions.
3Heed all warnings.
4Follow all instructions.
5Do not use this equipment near water.
6Clean only with dry cloth.
7Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other equipment (includ-
ing amplifiers) that produce heat.
9Protect power cords from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the equipment.
10 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
11 For products that are not rack-mountable: Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified
by the manufacturer, or sold with the equipment. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the
cart/equipment combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

Pro Tools | MTRX Studio Installation Guideiv
12 Unplug this equipment during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
13 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the equipment has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the equipment, the equipment has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
14 For products that are a Mains powered device:
The equipment shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids (such as
vases) shall be placed on the equipment.
Warning! To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades
with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide
blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, con-
sult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
15 For products containing a lithium battery:
CAUTION! Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equiva-
lent type.
16 For products with a power switch: It should remain accessible after installation.
17 The equipment shall be used at a maximum ambient temperature of 40° C.
18 This unit is provided with a power supply cord set suitable for 120VAC input only (for U.S.A. and Can-
ada). For other than U.S.A. and Canada, a qualified person must provide for use with this unit, an ap-
propriate, approved power supply cord set which is in compliance with the end use country
requirements and has a minimum cross-sectional area of 1.0mm2.
19 For products with more than one power cord:
CAUTION: This unit has more than one power supply cord. Disconnect two power supply cords before
servicing to avoid electrical shock.
ATTENTION: Cet appareil comporte plus d’un cordon d’alimentation. Afin de prévenir les chocs élec-
triques, débrancher les deux cordons d’alimentation avant de faire le dépannage.
20 For products with an operator-accessible fuse:
CAUTION: For continued protection against risk of fire, replace only with same type and rating of fuse.
ATTENTION: Pour ne pas compromettre la protection contre les risques d’incendie, remplacer par un fus-
ible de même type et de même caractéristiques nominales.

Read and Keep these Instructions v
Rack-Mount Safety Instructions
1ElevatedOperatingAmbient—If installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly, the operating ambient
temperature of the rack environment might be greater than room ambient. Therefore, consider installing
the equipment in an environment compatible with the maximum ambient temperature (Tma) specified
by the manufacturer.
2Reduced Air Flow—Installation of the equipment in a rack should be such that the amount of air flow
required for safe operation of the equipment is not compromised. Make allowances for cooling air to be
available to the front panel surface and no restrictions at the rear.
3Mechanical Loading—Mounting of the equipment in the rack should be such that a hazardous condition
is not achieved due to uneven mechanical loading.
4Circuit Overloading—Consideration should be given to the connection of the equipment to the supply
circuit and the effect that overloading of the circuits might have on over-current protection and supply
wiring.Appropriate consideration of equipment nameplate ratings should be used when addressing this
concern.
5Reliable Earthing—Reliable Earthing of rack-mounted equipment should be maintained. Particular at-
tention should be given to supply connections other than direct connections to the branch circuit (for ex-
ample, use of power strips).
LED Safety Notices
Avid hardware might contain LED or Laser devices for communication use. These devices are compliant
with the requirements for Class 1 LED and Laser Products and are safe in the intended use. In normal op-
eration the output of these laser devices does not exceed the exposure limit of the eye and cannot cause
harm.
Environmental Compliance
Proposition 65 Warning
This product contains chemicals, including lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
Perchlorate Notice
This product may contain a lithium coin battery. The State of California requires the following disclosure
statement: “Perchlorate Material—special handling may apply, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardous waste/
perchlorate.”
Recycling Notice

Pro Tools | MTRX Studio Installation Guidevi
EMC (Electromagnetic Compliance)
Avid declares that this product complies with the following standards:
• FCC Part 15 Class A
• EN 55032:2012, Class A
• EN 61000-3-2:2014, AC Mains Harmonic Current
• EN 61000-3-3:2013, AC Mains Voltage Variations and Flicker
• EN 55103-1:2009, Emissions Environment E4
• EN 55103-2:2009, Immunity Environment E1–E4
FCC Compliance for United States
Safety Compliance
This equipment has been tested to comply with EN 60950-1:2006 + A11:2009 + A1:2010 + A12:2011
+A2:2013
Power Safety Input Rating
Pro Tools | MTRX Studio: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 45 VA Max.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environ-
ment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful in-
terference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Cables: Connections to Avid hardware must be made with shielded cables with metallic
RFI/EMI connector hoods in order to maintain compliance with FCC Rules and Regulations.
Any modifications to the unit, unless expressly approved by Avid, could void the user's authority
to operate the equipment.

Read and Keep these Instructions vii
CE Compliance
(EMC, Safety, and RoHS)
Avid is authorized to apply the CE (Conformite Europenne) mark on this compliant equipment thereby de-
claring conformity to EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU and RoHS Recast
Directive 2011/65/EU.

Pro Tools | MTRX Studio Installation Guideviii

Contents ix
Chapter 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Pro Tools | MTRX Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
System Requirements and Compatibility Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Conventions Used in Pro Tools Documentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 2. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
What’s in the Box?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Rack Mounting MTRX Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Connecting Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Register Pro Tools | MTRX Studio and Activate your Avid Master Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Download Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Redeem Pro Tools DigiLink I/O License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Network Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Starting Up or Shutting Down Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Chapter 3. Connecting Pro Tools | MTRX Studio to an HDX or HD Native System . . . . . . . . 11
Connecting Pro Tools | MTRX Studio to Pro Tools | HDX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Connecting Pro Tools | MTRX Studio to Pro Tools | HD Native. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Synchronization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Example System Configurations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Chapter 4. Installing and Configuring DADman Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Installing DADman Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Assigning the IP Address for your Computer and Pro Tools | MTRX Studio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
DADman Matrix Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Monitor Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Contents

Pro Tools | MTRX Studio Installation Guidex
Chapter 5. Pro Tools | MTRX Studio Front and Back Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Pro Tools | MTRX Studio Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Pro Tools | MTRX Studio Back Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Reconfig Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Appendix A. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Audio Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Electrical Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Mechanical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Environmental Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Appendix B. Warranty Claims Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Chapter 1: Introduction
Pro Tools | MTRX Studio
Welcome to Pro Tools®| MTRX Studio. MTRX Studio is an extremely versatile multi-channel audio in-
terface for Pro Tools | HDX and Pro Tools | HD Native systems. MTRX Studio supports 16- and 24-bit au-
dio with sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz. MTRX Studio provides two DigiLink™
Mini ports for up to 64 input and output channels with Pro Tools. MTRX Studio provides 16 analog line
inputs, 16 analog line outputs, two analog monitor outputs, two headphone outputs, and two analog inputs
for microphones or instruments. It also provides a 64 I/O channels Dante®IP Audio interface and 16 chan-
nels of ADAT™I/O, Word Clock and Loop sync synchronization, and an input for a foot switch (for var-
ious DADman functions, such as talk back remote control). Additionally, MTRX Studio provides built-in
SPQ processing for room tuning, bass management, and equalizing of cue and monitor signals.
MTRX Studio can be used a traditional recording interface, with mic and line analog I/0, phantom power,
and two headphone jacks on the front panel. MTRX Studio can also be used as a monitor controller output
device for immersive audio post production applications with up to 9.1.6 channel layouts (though 7.1.4 is
most common). Pro Mon monitor control functionality is available for EUCON™-enabled Avid devices
with MTRX Studio using DADman software.
MTRX Studio Features
MTRX Studio provides up to 64 discrete channels of audio for Pro Tools with two DigiLink Mini ports
(Primary and Primary/Expansion).
Analog I/O
• 2 Instrument/Microphone inputs (with preamps)
• 16 analog line inputs (DB25)
• 16 analog line outputs (DB25)
• 2 monitor outputs (balanced 1/4-inch)
• 2 stereo headphone outputs
12
Pro Tools®| MT RX Studio
12
INST
LINK

Pro Tools | MTRX Studio Installation Guide2
Digital I/O
• 64x64 Dante I/O
• 16x16 ADAT I/O
Synchronization
• Sample rates of 44.1–192 kHz
• Synchronization by Internal, Word Clock, Loop Sync, ADAT, or Dante IP
Control, Routing, and Processing
• Operation using DADman software—some settings can be controlled on the front panel
• All settings controlled over Ethernet
• 512x512 cross-point matrix
• 256x32 summing (Pro | Mon) with monitor profiles
• SPQ processing with 256 filters for 16 channels of speaker EQ
System Requirements and Compatibility Information
Avid can only assure compatibility and provide support for hardware and software it has tested and ap-
proved.
For complete system requirements and a list of qualified computers, operating systems, hard drives, and
third-party devices, visit www.avid.com/compatibility.

Chapter 1: Introduction 3
Conventions Used in Pro Tools Documentation
Pro Tools documentation uses the following conventions to indicate menu choices, keyboard commands,
and mouse commands:
:
The names of Commands, Options, and Settings that appear on-screen are in a different font.
The names of physical switches on MTRX Studio are in displayed in bold text.
The following symbols are used to highlight important information:
Convention Action
File > Save Choose Save from the File menu
Control+N Hold down the Control key and press the N key
Control-click Hold down the Control key and click the mouse button
Right-click Click with the right mouse button
User Tips are helpful hints for getting the most from your Pro Tools system.
Important Notices include information that could affect your Pro Tools session data or the perfor-
mance of your ProToolssystem.
Shortcuts show you useful keyboard or mouse shortcuts.
Cross References point to related sections in this guide and other Avid documentation.

Pro Tools | MTRX Studio Installation Guide4
Resources
The Avid website (www.avid.com) is your best online source for information to help you get the most out
of your Avid system.
Account Activation and Product Registration
Activate your product to access downloads in your Avid account (or quickly create an account if you do not
have one). Register your purchase online, download software, updates, documentation, and other re-
sources.
www.avid.com/register
www.avid.com/account
Support and Downloads
Contact Avid Customer Success (technical support), download software updates and the latest online man-
uals, browse the Compatibility documents for system requirements, search the online Knowledge Base or
join the worldwide Avid user community on the User Conference.
www.avid.com/support
Training and Education
Study on your own using courses available online, find out how you can learn in a classroom setting at an
Avid-certified training center, or view video tutorials and webinars.
www.avid.com/education
Video Tutorials
The Get Started Fast with Pro Tools series of online videos provide tutorials to help if you are new to
Pro Tools. They also provide videos for the experienced user that introduce new features found in the latest
versions of Pro Tools.
www.avidblogs.com/get-started-fast-with-pro-tools/
Products and Developers
Learn about Avid products, download demo software, or learn about our Development Partners and their
plug-ins, applications, and hardware.
www.avid.com/products

Chapter 2: Installation 5
Chapter 2: Installation
Installing Pro Tools | MTRX Studio involves the following:
1Unpacking MTRX Studio
2Rack mounting MTRX Studio (optional)
3Connecting cables
4Registering your MTRX Studio
5Downloading and installing software
6Authorizing Pro Tools DigiLink I/O License with iLok License Manager
7Configuring network settings
What’s in the Box?
Before you get started installing Pro Tools | MTRX Studio, unpack the box, which contains the following:
•MTRXStudio
• 1 Activation card
• 1 IEC power cable
• 2 BNC cables (for connecting Loop Sync or Word Clock)
• This printed installation guide
Keep the activation card on hand to register your MTRX Studio and access software downloads and firm-
ware updates. Set the power cable and BNC cables aside until you are ready to start connecting cables. Re-
move the MTRX Studio from the box and packaging, and place it on a hard and dry surface.
Rack Mounting MTRX Studio
If you install MTRX Studio into a 19-inch rack, be sure to leave plenty of room for ventilation. MTRX Stu-
dio, as with all Avid audio interfaces, needs room at the sides, as well as above and below, to maintain
proper air flow for cooling. Do not block the sides of the unit or disconnect the internal fan. If the units are
rack-mounted in a case, remove the case lids or doors before operating the system. Failure to do so can re-
sult in the units overheating very quickly, which can permanently damage sensitive components.

Pro Tools | MTRX Studio Installation Guide6
Connecting Cables
Once you have installed MTRX Studio in a rack (optional), you are ready to start connecting cables.
Connect Power
Connect the included IEC cable to MTRX Studio. Then connect the cable to a grounded AC power outlet.
It is recommended that you connect to a grounded power switch or power conditioner.
Connect Ethernet
Connect the MTRX Studio directly to your computer or to your computer’s network using a GigaBit
Ethernet cable (not included) (see “Network Configuration” on page 8).
Connect DigiLink
Connect one or two DigiLink Mini cables (not included) to the DigiLink Mini ports on MTRX Studio.
Then connect the other end of these cables to an HDX card, or an HD Native card or HD Native Thunder-
bolt box. See Chapter 3, “Connecting Pro Tools | MTRX Studio to an HDX or HD Native System.”
Connect Clock Sync
If you are installing Pro Tools | MTRX Studio in a system with multiple audio interfaces (such as HD I/O)
and/or a synchronization peripheral (such as SYNC HD), make the appropriate Loop Sync or Word Clock
cable connections using the included BNC cables.
Connect Audio
Make sure that your sound system is powered off. Make the appropriate analog and digital audio cable con-
nections for your system.
Connect a Footswitch
You can connect a footswitch (optional) to the back of MTRX Studio (1/4-inch jack) to control monitor
profiles or talkback.
In order to meet EMC requirements and in order to obtain the highest performance of MTRX Studio, use
high-quality, properly shielded cables for all external connections when installing MTRX Studio. For the
power connection, a normal unshieldedpower cable with a proper protective earth conductor can be used.
To orient yourself with MTRX Studio back panel connections, see Chapter 5, “Pro Tools | MTRX Studio
Front and Back Panels.”

Chapter 2: Installation 7
Register Pro Tools | MTRX Studio and Activate your Avid
Master Account
Your Pro Tools | MTRX Studio includes an Activation card with a code that lets you register the unit, and
access software, firmware, and documentation downloads.
To register your MTRX Studio and access MTRX Studio-related downloads through your Avid Master
Account:
1Locate the Activation card with the code that came with your MTRX Studio.
2Visit https://www.avid.com/redemption.
3Log in to your Avid Master Account. If you do not already have an Avid MasterAccount, create a new
one and log in.
4Under My Products, click the Avid Software Activation and Download link.
5Enter the code on your Activation Card and click Activate Product.
All documentation, software, and firmware relevant to your MTRX Studio will now be available for down-
load under My Products in your Avid Master Account.
Download Software
Once you have registered MTRX Studio, you can download software and firmware updates from your
Avid Master Account. For DADman installation and configuration instructions, see Chapter 4, “Installing
and Configuring DADman Software.”
To download MTRX Studio software and firmware:
1Log in to your Avid Master Account (if you are not already).
2Under My Products, click the My Products and Subscriptions link.
3Under the My Products tab, click Pro Tools | MTRX Studio.
4To the right of Product Details and Download Links, click Show.
5Click the links for any Read Me documentation about firmware and/or software updates. Review this in-
formation carefully to ensure the successful installation of DADman software, firmware updates, and
proper function of MTRX Studio.
6Click the link to download the installer for the latest version of DADman software for your operating
system (macOS or Windows). DADman software is required to use MTRX Studio with Pro Tools.
For information on installing and configuring DADman, see Chapter 4, “Installing and Configuring
DADman Software.”

Pro Tools | MTRX Studio Installation Guide8
Redeem Pro Tools DigiLink I/O License
In order to use MTRX Studio with Pro Tools, you must first authorize your iLok with the Pro Tools
DigiLink I/O license (which is added to your Avid Master Account when you register MTRX Studio).
Once you have registered your MTRX Studio, use iLok License Manager to authorize your iLok with the
Pro Tools DigiLink I/O license.
Network Configuration
MTRX Studio is equipped with two GigaBit Ethernet connectors and an internal Ethernet switch, a con-
troller port and a port for IP Audio Dante I/O. The network connectors can operate as two “parallel” con-
nectors for the internal switch or as dual connectors for redundant IP audio operation. When operating in
parallel, controlling the unit is done using Net port 1. MTRX Studio has one to three different IP addresses.
One for the unit control using DADman software and one or two for the IP audio in single or redundant
mode respectively. The network configuration is managed separately for the controlling interface and for
the IP audio interface, and can have different configurations. The controlling interface is used for con-
trolling MTRX Studio from DADman, and the IP audio interface is used for interfacing IP audio in a net-
work.
The factory default setting of the IP address of the controller port of the MTRX Studio is 10.0.7.20. The IP
address can be changed manually using DADman or it can be set to be automatically assigned by a DHCP
server/router in the network. If needed, MTRX Studio can be set in recovery mode with the fixed factory
defined IP address (10.0.7.20) and IP discovery using DHCP. This is described in the Reconfiguration sec-
tion of this guide. For a more detailed description of the network functionality, configuration, and behav-
ior, please refer to the separate MTRX Studio Operation Guide.pdf (available for download from your Avid
Master Account).
MTRX Studio is supported by Pro Tools | Ultimate 2019.12 or later.

Chapter 2: Installation 9
Starting Up or Shutting Down Your System
To ensure that the components of your Pro Tools system communicate properly with each other, you need
to start them in a particular order.
Start up your Pro Tools system in this order:
1Make sure all your equipment (including your computer) is off.
2Lower the volume of all output devices in your system.
3For systems with an expansion chassis, turn on the chassis.
4Turn on any external hard drives. Wait approximately ten seconds for them to spin up to speed.
5Turn on your network router (if it is not already on).
6Turn on any control surfaces (such as S6).
7Turn on any MIDI interfaces, MIDI devices, or synchronization peripherals.
8With the volume of all output devices lowered, turn on your audio interfaces (such as MTRX Studio).
Wait at least fifteen seconds for your system hardware to initialize.
9Turn on your computer.
10 Launch Pro Tools or any third-party audio or MIDI applications.
Shut down your Pro Tools system in this order:
1Quit Pro Tools and any other running applications.
2Turn off or lower the volume of all output devices in your system.
3Turn off your computer.
4Turn off your Pro Tools audio interfaces (such as MTRX Studio).
5For systems with an expansion chassis, turn off the chassis.
6Turn off any MIDI interfaces, MIDI devices, or synchronization peripherals.
7Turn off any control surfaces (such as S6).
8Turn off any external hard drives.
To quit Pro Tools, choose Pro Tools > Quit (Mac) or File > Exit (Windows).

Pro Tools | MTRX Studio Installation Guide10