Ssl Matrix User manual

Matrix
Owner’s Manual
www.solid-state-logic.com
Matrix. This is SSL.
The new standard in project studio integration

As research and development is a continual process, Solid State Logic reserves the right
to change the features and specifications described herein without notice or obligation
E&OE
June 2008 – 1st Release: 82S6MT060A
July 2008 – Corrected network connections
November 2008 – Amended network & US cable lengths
egbroke, Oxford, England, OX5 1RU • [phone]
320 West 46th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10036, USA • [phone]
Suite 401, 5757 Wilshire lvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA • [phone]
3-55-14 Sendagaya, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo 151-0051, Japan • [phone]
7 bis, rue de la Victoire, le lanc Mesnil, Paris 93150, France • [phone]
Via Timavo 34, 20124 Milano, Italy • [phone]
Visit SSL at URL: http://www.solid-state-logic.com
© Solid State Logic
All Rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions
AWS 900, AWS 900+, Matrix,Solid State Logic and SSL are trademarks of Solid State Logic
All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or
by any means, whether mechanical or electronic, without the
written permission of Solid State Logic, Oxford, England

a at tr ri ix x. . C Co on nt tr ro ol l y yo ou ur r C Cr re ea at ti iv vi it ty y. .
Welcome to Matrix. With the goal to bring the soul of analogue sound into the machinery of digital workflow, we designed
Matrix - a seamless way to work in both worlds simultaneously. With unparalleled creative control over your DAW and analogue
outboard, Matrix reconfigures your project studio around its most important element - you.
Matrix is a SuperAnalogue 16 channel, 40 line input mixing console with inbuilt signal router and multi-layer digital workstation
control. It’s simply the most elegant way to be creative with your entire arsenal of analogue outboard and cutting-edge digital
equipment. Designed to be at the heart of your everyday creative process, Matrix is built to meticulous SSL hardware standards,
to withstand even the most intensive studio use. Fully equipped to partner your monitors, workstations and outboard gear,
Matrix lets you shape your project studio around the way you work.
The Matrix SuperAnalogue router manages the sends and returns of up to 16 outboard processor units, together with the
assignment of the console’s channel strip insert points. Using the Insert Matrix in the Matrix Remote software, any combination
of your outboard gear can be rapidly inserted into any of your console channels, essentially giving you the ability to run your
outboard as ‘analogue plug-ins’ within your DAW.
With HUI and MCU modes, the 17 motorised faders and channel controls provide complete hands-on control over your DAW
mixer, allowing you to enjoy mixing on a tactile, fully-featured control surface. Additionally, Matrix gives you access to transport
and navigation functions, plug-in and virtual instrument parameters, and essential DAW commands, allowing you to work quickly
and easily using just the console surface.
Alongside its integration of your analogue and digital equipment, Matrix is also a first-class SSL mixer, drawing on our 30 years
of innovative analogue console design. The essential functions of recording and mixing - routing, level measurement and monitoring
- are organised and arranged to make everything available at your fingertips to streamline the entire recording and mixing process.
Matrix analogue architecture provides 16 channels, featuring dual line inputs, balanced insert sends and returns and a dedicated
direct output. Channel level control utilises the same high resolution Digital Controlled Attenuator as fitted to the AWS 900+
and Duality large format consoles. In Matrix the channel DCAs can be remote controlled via MIDI, enabling DAW tracks to
provide full automation control of analogue levels. Dual stereo mix busses and four stereo returns with full stereo mix bus routing
bring the total available mix inputs to 40. Powerful monitoring is a central feature of Matrix with independent Main and Mini
monitor outputs, Artist Monitor output with independent EQ and source selection, and three external monitor inputs with
source summing.
In short, Matrix is the new standard in project studio integration.
Introduction
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atrix Owner’s anual

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Audio Connections 3
Data Connections 4
Configuration of Data Connections 5
Connecting Matrix for use with Multiple Computers 8
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System Requirements: 9
Software Installation (Macintosh) 9
Software Installation (PC) 9
Matrix Remote Configuration 10
DAW Layer Configuration 11
ipMIDI Configuration 13
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Focus Modes 15
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Contents
II atrix Owner’s anual

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Ch ha ap pt te er r 3 3 – – A An na al lo og gu ue e S Si ig gn na al l F Fl lo ow w2 29 9
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The Master Channel Strip 30
The Digital Scribble Strip 31
Total Recall LEDs 31
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Channel Inputs 32
Channel Outputs 32
Auxiliary Sends 34
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Master us Controls 36
Monitoring 38
Talkback 39
Metering 40
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MON Soft Keys 42
METERS Soft Keys 43
AUTO Soft Keys 43
TR Soft Keys 44
IP Soft Keys 44
Misc Soft Keys 44
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Navigating the Projects List 49
Managing Projects 50
Managing Titles 51
Project and Title Notes 52
Track Sheets 52
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Taking a TR Snapshot 53
Naming a TR Snapshot 53
Deleting a TR Snapshot 53
Recalling a TR Snapshot 53
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Naming Devices 59
Device Chains 60
Assigning Devices and Chains to Channel Inserts 62
Contents
III
atrix Owner’s anual

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Ch ha ap pt te er r 5 5 – – D DA AW W C Co on nt tr ro ol l6 63 3
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Matrix Console Layer Selection 63
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The Digital Scribble Strip 65
V-Pot Modes 66
SEL Key Modes 67
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Pro Tools Default Profile 71
Nuendo Default Profile 76
CC (Continuous Controller) Default Profile 78
Contents
IV atrix Owner’s anual

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Ch ha ap pt te er r 6 6 – – D DA AW W a an nd d C CC C C Co on nf fi ig gu ur ra at ti io on n7 79 9
Matrix Console Layer Selection 79
Matrix Remote Layer Selection 79
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Selecting Profiles 80
Creating Profiles 81
Deleting Profiles 81
Renaming Profiles 81
acking Up a Profile 82
Restoring a Profile 82
Disable Handshake 82
Selecting the Transport Master 82
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DAW Control Protocols, US Commands and Menus 83
Soft Key Sets 83
Programming Soft Keys 84
Assigning DAW Protocol Functions 85
Assigning QWERTY Keystrokes 86
Creating Soft Key Menus 87
Renaming Soft Key Assignments 88
Assigning Modified Functions to Soft Keys 88
Removing and Replacing Soft Key Assignments 88
Editing Transport and Utility utton Assignments 89
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CC Snapshots 92
The Digital Scribble Strip 92
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Contents
V
atrix Owner’s anual

A
Ab bo ou ut t T Th hi is s a an nu ua al l
Whether you are an experienced studio engineer or an artist who is relatively new to the recording process, this manual will take
you through the full breadth of Matrix functions. Chapter 1 guides you through the process of connecting up and integrating Matrix
into your studio. Chapter 2 is a tutorial which provides an overview of the essential operating principles of Matrix, introducing
both its analogue and DAW control capabilities, a proportion of which will be familiar to users with studio experience. Chapter
3 then examines the analogue mixing capabilities of the console in more detail. Chapter 4 focuses on the Matrix Remote software
which controls a number of aspects of Matrix, including its relationship with outboard equipment. Chapter 5 introduces the
operational use of Matrix for DAW control, working alongside the control surface documentation in your DAW’s manual. The
Remote is also used to configure and customise Matrix’s control of DAWs, and this is the focus of Chapter 6.
A few simple conventions have been followed in this manual: Labelling on the console control surface or in software is in bold,
retaining the capitalisation of the label itself. ack panel labelling is represented in plain type, also following the capitalisation of
the labels.
Notes are used for clarification and occasionally for advanced descriptions. They are inset and italicized, and have a blue
line below and above.
If you click on any page and chapter references within the manual, your .pdf viewer will jump to that location. Internet references
are also hyperlinked in this way.
Note that these hyperlinks will not work in all .pdf viewers. They do work in Acrobat Reader, which is available from
www.adobe.com.
W
Wh ha at t E El ls se e Y Yo ou u W Wi il ll l n ne ee ed d
In order to make full use of your Matrix, you will require the following, in addition to the Matrix box contents:
A computer on which to run the Matrix Remote software. This can be the same computer as you use for your DAW software.
A Network Switch or Router. If you are running a setup with more than one computer, a network switch or router and additional
network cabling will be needed (see Page 8).
A US KVM switch and/or hub. If you are planning to connect Matrix to more than one computer, you will need a US switch.
If you are only using one computer, the KVM switch will not be necessary. Depending on the complexity of your current studio
setup, the hub may not be essential. You may well find, however, that you no longer have enough US sockets on your computer.
Note that the Matrix US socket is Type .
Multicore cabling. To fully connect your Matrix, you will need up to seventeen 8-channel looms terminating in male 25-way D-
Connectors.
A Stand. There is a wide range of commercially available mixer stands which are suitable for Matrix. SSL are happy to recommend
the Studiospares Z-Frame keyboard/mixer stand, and the Quik Lok ZM-2034 Mixer Stand. Alternatively, you can build Matrix
into your desk surface using the dimensions listed in Appendix .
Digital cabling. Depending on your setup, you may need suitable cables to connect up the AES or S/PDIF digital I/O.
Foot switches. You can also plug up to two momentary foot switches into Matrix.
About This anual
VI atrix Owner’s anual

CChhaapptteerr 11 –– Installation and Setup
This chapter covers everything involved in setting up Matrix. If you have not already done so, please refer to the separate printed
Installation Guide for safety information and instructions on positioning and connecting the Matrix Power supply.
There are a number of ways in which Matrix can be set up to fit into your studio environment. The diagram below outlines the
standard configuration:
Chapter 1 - Setup
1
atrix Owner’s anual

a at tr ri ix x R Re ea ar r P Pa an ne el l C Co on nn ne ec ct ti io on ns s
DEVICE SEND 1-8
DEVICE RETURN 1-8
DEVICE SEND 9-16
DEVICE RETURN 9-16
LINE IN 1-8
DAW RETURN 1-8 CHANNEL OUT 1-8CHANNEL OUT 9-16
LINE IN 9-16
DAW RETURN 9-16
PUSH
REC, MIX, CUE INS RTN
EXT 1,2 (L,R)
MON L/R, ARTIST OUT
REC, MIX, FOLLOW MON OUT
REC, MIX, CUE INS SENDCUE ST, FX OUT 1-4
FX RETURNS 1-4
GPIOUSBX-RACK / DIAGSW2SW1 NETWORKSD CARD
RIGHT - MINI - LEFT
IN - AES - OUT IN - SPDIF - OUT
+18dB
+24dB
RIGHT
LEFT
GAIN
T/HOLD
TB MICVU
Audio Input/output
ch nnels 1–8
Audio Input/output
ch nnels 9–16
M ster Section I/O
Power Input
Ethernet
0dBfs
switch
Meter
trim
TB Mic
trim
M ster
I/O
Mini LS M ster
I/O
Digit l I/O
Optic l nd AES
Foot-
switch X-R ck
I/F
USB SD memory c rd
slot
Unused
Chapter 1 - Setup
2atrix Owner’s anual

P
Pl lu ug gg gi in ng g U Up p Y Yo ou ur r a at tr ri ix x
All audio and data connections to the Matrix console – with the exception of the iJack and headphone sockets – are made to the
rear panel.
A
Au ud di io o C Co on nn ne ec ct ti io on ns s
Line Level audio input and output connections are made using high quality 25-pin D-type female connectors – the only exceptions
being the Mini LS monitor outputs which are available via 3-pin XLR male connectors. All connections are balanced, and all cable
screens are connected to the Matrix chassis. 0VU meter level corresponds to +4d u output level.
All D-connectors are wired according to the TASCAM DB25 specification . See Appendix C for connector pinouts.
Channel Connections
The connectors to access Matrix’s channels are arranged in two groups each of five connectors. The first group provides access
to channels 1 – 8 and the second group to channels 9 – 16.
Line Inputs D25 female Line level inputs to the channels – from mic amps, keyboards etc.
Device Send D25 female Insert Matrix sends to effects units
Device Return D25 female Insert Matrix returns from effects units
DAW Return D25 female Inputs from workstation (DAW – Digital Audio Workstation)
Channel Out D25 female Outputs to workstation
aster Section Connections
The Master Section connectors are allocated as follows:
Ext 1,2 (L, R) D25 female External to Monitor inputs 1 and 2 (L,R)
Mon L/R, Artist Out D25 female Main LS, Mini LS* and Foldback sends (L,R)
Rec, Mix, Follow Mon Out D25 female Record, Mix and Follow Monitor main outputs (L,R)
Rec, Mix, Cue Ins Send D25 female Record, Mix and Cue insert sends (L,R)
Rec, Mix, Cue Ins Rtn D25 female Record, Mix and Cue insert returns (L,R)
Cue St, FX Out 1–4 D25 female Cue Stereo and Effects sends 1–4 outputs
FX Returns 1–4 D25 female Stereo Effects returns 1–4
Mini XLR 3-pin male Mini LS* outputs L and R
* Mini LS outputs are duplicated on the D25 and XLR connectors. Speaker outputs are at line level, requiring external amplification.
Digital I/O
Digital signals are available as either AES3 balanced on digital XLR connectors or as S/PDIF signals on standard optical connectors.
The digital XLR connections should be wired using 110Ω cable.
AES In XLR 3-pin female AES/E U monitor input
AES Out XLR 3-pin male AES/E U bus output
S/PDIF In TOSLink Optical digital monitor input
S/PDIF Out TOSLink Optical digital bus output
Note that both outputs are always active. If there is an incoming digital signal, the output will replicate its sample rate, up
to a maximum of 176.4k z. If no digital input is detected, the output sample rate will default to 44.1k z. See Page 37
for more details.
See Page 44 for a description of digital input source selection via the OptDAC soft key.
Chapter 1 - Setup
3
atrix Owner’s anual

iJack and Headphones
The iJack and headphone sockets are located to the right of the transport control panel .
iJack: Stereo 3.5mm jack Allows the connection of an external line level signal source (such as an
iPod or MP3 player) to be switched directly to the Matrix’s monitors.
Headphones: Stereo 1/4" jack Headphone connection
D
Da at ta a C Co on nn ne ec ct ti io on ns s
oth Network and US connections must be made between Matrix and the computer. For systems including multiple computers,
see Page 8.
Network
®A standard RJ45 connector for Matrix–Workstation network data. A 3m crossover cable is provided which should be used
to connect to a separate ‘Network’ port on the workstation computer.
USB
®Use the 3m US -A to US - cable provided to connect the Matrix to a free US port on your workstation computer. This
connection carries US keyboard commands generated from the console soft keys. This information can be routed to a Mac
or PC and used to control a DAW via its supported keyboard shortcuts, supplementing the existing MIDI DAW control
offered on Matrix.
Defining QWERTY Keyboard Nationality ( acintosh)
®Matrix emulates a UK keyboard. When Matrix is first connected to a Macintosh, a dialogue will be displayed which asks you
to identify the new keyboard. In order to identify the keyboard type, the Mac then requires the key to right of the left Shift
key to be pressed. In the SSL MMiissccsoft key set (see Page 44), there is a key labelled KKeeyybbIIDD. Pressing this key will send
the required keystroke to the Mac to correctly identify Matrix as a UK keyboard.
Network connection
USB connection
IP Network
Matrix Console
Workstation Computer
Network
USB
Ethernet 1
USB
Ethernet 2
Chapter 1 - Setup
4atrix Owner’s anual

Foot Switch Inputs
Sw1 & Sw2 Mono 1/4" jack Foot switch trigger inputs
X-Rack Interface
D9 female serial data port to facilitate connection to an SSL X-Rack for the transfer of Total Recall information. A suitable 2m
cable is supplied with each X-Rack chassis.
Note: Also included on this connector is a second serial data port for diagnostic and service use.
C
Co on nf fi ig gu ur ra at ti io on n o of f D Da at ta a C Co on nn ne ec ct ti io on ns s
Network Wiring
To ensure the fastest possible communication between your workstation computer and Matrix, and to simplify the wiring between
Matrix and computer, Matrix communicates with your workstation over Ethernet using the ipMIDI driver to emulate a multiport
MIDI interface. To ensure minimum latency ipMIDI uses multicast UDP rather than TCP/IP. This means that:
• The network connection should be as short as possible and should only use routers that can support high data transfer
rates. Problems have been experienced with some domestic routers, particularly when used with Pro Tools. Typical
symptoms of a slow network connection are:
– The Matrix fails to synchronise all controls when first connecting with the DAW.
– Channel controls and scribble strips on channels 9-16 fail to update reliably when using the Channel keys.
• ecause ipMIDI uses multicast UDP packets, messages between one computer and Matrix will be received by all other
computers on the network, potentially causing problems in installations with more than one Matrix. The UDP packets can
be blocked by using a firewall router and connecting the main network to the WAN connector. The firewall can then be
configured to allow all traffic apart from UDP ports 21928 through 21947 which are used by ipMIDI and port 50081 which
is used by the Matrix Remote application. Note that it may be necessary to use a separate Ethernet switch in place of the
integrated firewall router switch, as some of these can not support the high data transfer rate required. The NetGear FS108
(an eight port switch) has been used successfully at SSL egbroke.
Most systems can be easily configured with a direct connection between Matrix and the controlling computer.
Assigning the atrix IP Address
y default, Matrix uses a fixed IP address of 192.168.1.2 . A dynamic (DHCP) address, can be assigned via the IIPPSSL soft keys
(see Page 44). The currently assigned address is shown in the scribble strip. If Matrix is connected to the computer via a network
switch or router, it should be assigned a DDHHCCPPIP address, otherwise the FFiixxeeddoption should be used.
®Once you have altered the IP mode, you need to turn Matrix off and on for the changes to take effect.
Chapter 1 - Setup
5
atrix Owner’s anual

Alternative fixed IP addresses can be set using the console diagnostic port. You will need a PC or Mac running terminal emulator
software. Connect the PC serial port to the rear of the console using a 9 way ‘D’ type extension cable (male to female) – see the
X-Rack/Diag table in Appendix C for the pin out.
®Set the terminal as follows: aud rate 19200
8 data bits
No parity
No start bit
1 stop bit
Flow control Xon/Xoff
®Press the ‘Return’ key (
<CR> ) and the terminal window should echo a ‘ > ’ if communication is established. To fix the IP address
type the following:
ip <CR>
setip nnn nnn nnn nnn <CR> where ‘ nnn... ’ is the IP address, e.g. ‘ 10 1 1 1 10 ’.
setmask nnn nnn nnn nnn <CR> where ‘ nnn... ’ is the subnet mask, e.g. ‘ 255 255 255 0 ’. Note that
this should match other devices local to the console.
setgate nnn nnn nnn nnn <CR> where ‘ nnn... ’ is the gateway address e.g. ‘ 10 1 1 1 ’
usefixed <CR>
Direct Network Connection Configuration ( acintosh)
®Connect your Matrix to the computer using the network cable provided, and check that the IP address is set to FFiixxeeddin
the IIPPSSL soft keys (See Page 44).
®Open the Network control panel in System Preferences, and create a new Location (called Matrix in the examples
shown below). Note that Ethernet Port 1 can also be used.
®Next select the Ethernet port to which you have connected Matrix and configure as shown below:
Chapter 1 - Setup
6atrix Owner’s anual

®If you have multiple network adaptors then select the Network Port Configuration pane in the Network control panel
and drag the Ethernet port connected to Matrix to the top of the list. This will ensure that data is transmitted out of the
correct port. Note that currently OS X does not currently allow two ports to be used for IP traffic, so the connection to
your main network will not be available while Matrix is connected.
®Finally, launch the Matrix Remote program and check it connects to your Matrix, as described on the following pages.
Chapter 1 - Setup
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atrix Owner’s anual

C
Co on nn ne ec ct ti in ng g a at tr ri ix x f fo or r u us se e w wi it th h u ul lt ti ip pl le e C Co om mp pu ut te er rs s
Network
To connect Matrix to multiple computers, you will need to connect the Matrix and all the computers via a network switch or
router with sufficient bandwidth to cope with the volume of data which is transferred to and from Matrix. It is essential that you
take note of the configuration issues described on Page 5.
Note that, when connected to a LAN via a router or switch, Matrix should normally be assigned a D CP IP address.
See Page 5 for details.
USB
A US KVM switch will be necessary for switching the US connection between computers, as detailed on Page 90. A hub can
also be used to enable your QWERTY keyboard to be switched along with the Matrix console when you change DAW layers.
Network
USB
Network
USB hub
USB switch
Switch/Router
Firew ll (option)
IP Network
USB
NetworkUSB
M trix Console
Chapter 1 - Setup
8atrix Owner’s anual

S
So of ft tw wa ar re e I In ns st ta al ll la at ti io on n a an nd d C Co on nf fi ig gu ur ra at ti io on n
On the disk which came with Matrix you will find two programs to install. Install the program called Matrix Remote on the
computer from which you intend to control Matrix, and install the program called ipMIDI on any computers which have a DAW
installed which you intend to use with Matrix.
S
Sy ys st te em m R Re eq qu ui ir re em me en nt ts s: :
Matrix Remote is a Java application. It will run under Java Version 5 or higher. PC users can download the latest version from
www.java.com
ipMIDI is compatible with Windows 2000 (maximum 9 MIDI ports), XP and Vista and Macintosh OSX 10.4 and OSX 10.5.
Check the SSL website for the latest versions of the ipMIDI virtual MIDI interface driver and the Matrix Remote application.
These can be found at www.solid-state-logic.com/support/consoles/matrix/downloads.asp
S
So of ft tw wa ar re e I In ns st ta al ll la at ti io on n ( ( a ac ci in nt to os sh h) )
atrix Remote
®Mount the MatrixRemote.dmg disk image and open it. Drag the enclosed Matrix Remote application to the Applications
folder, then to the Dock or any other convenient location.
ip IDI
®Mount the ipMIDI.dmg disk image and open it. Double click on the ipMIDI.pkg file to run the installation program. Note
that you will be asked to log out and in again once you have completed the installation. Once you have logged back in open
Audio MIDI Setup and double click on the ipMIDI icon. Set the number of MIDI ports to 18 in the resulting pop-up.
Note that if you are upgrading an older copy of ipMIDI you must uninstall it before running the installer. To uninstall ipMIDI
simply delete: </Library/Audio/MIDI Drivers/ipMIDIDriver.bundle>. You should empty the Trash after
deleting the .bundle file before running the installer.
S
So of ft tw wa ar re e I In ns st ta al ll la at ti io on n ( (P PC C) )
atrix Remote
®Copy the Matrix Remote.exe file to the Program Files folder (or any other convenient location) then create a shortcut
to it on your desktop and/or task bar. Double clicking on this will launch the Matrix Remote program.
ip IDI
®Run the setupipmidi_1.5.1.exe application (note that the last part of the name may change depending on the version you
are installing) by double clicking on it. Note that you will have to restart the computer at the end of the setup process. Once
the computer has restarted right click on the ipMIDI icon in the task bar and set the number of MIDI ports to 18 in the
resulting pop-up.
Note that if you are upgrading an older copy of ipMIDI you must uninstall (using Add/Remove programs) it before
running the installer.
Chapter 1 - Setup
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atrix Owner’s anual

a at tr ri ix x R Re em mo ot te e C Co on nf fi ig gu ur ra at ti io on n
®Having completed the set-up guidelines described above, run the Matrix Remote software.
In the bottom left-hand corner of the Remote window there is a Find ( ) button, along with indication regarding the current
status of the connection to Matrix:
When the Matrix Remote first opens, it searches for a Matrix console to control. If it finds one, it will automatically link to that
console. This will be indicated by the Status to the right of the button displaying a green ‘Matrix Connected - Matrix
SN XXXX’ message, where SN XXXX is the ID of the Matrix console found.
If the Remote cannot find any Matrix consoles, its status will display the message ‘No Matrix Found, click on Find.’
®If this happens, check your connections and press to bring up the
Find Matrix pop-up.
®If the Remote still cannot find any Matrix consoles, the list in the pop-up
will be empty. In this case, recheck the connections and press the Find
Matrix button in the top right of the pop-up, and the Remote will rescan
for consoles.
®Once the Remote has found the console, it will appear in the pop-up.
Highlight the Matrix ID and then click on Select.
Once a connection has been made to Matrix, the green ‘Matrix Connected - Matrix SN XXXX’ message will appear in the
Status field:
Chapter 1 - Setup
10 atrix Owner’s anual

D
DA AW W L La ay ye er r C Co on nf fi ig gu ur ra at ti io on n
Matrix can connect to up to four DAWs and software MIDI devices, though only one program can be controlled from the Matrix
control surface at one time. In order to cater for setups which include multiple programs, each can be assigned its own Matrix
‘layer’. Control operations performed on the Matrix control surface will then affect whichever program is assigned to the currently
selected layer.
Layers are programmed in the DAW tab in the Matrix Remote:
atrix Remote Layer Selection
The layer being configured in Matrix Remote is selected via the DAW tab’s Layer
radio buttons, located in the middle of the tab towards the top. All other functions
in this tab, with the exception of the Transport Master selection, are specific to
the selected layer.
®First, decide which DAW or MIDI device will be assigned to which layer.
Note that you can always review your layer assignments; This need not be a permanent configuration.
®Next, assign an appropriate Profile to each of the layers to be used. A Profile defines which control protocol (HUI, MCU or
CC - See Chapters 5 and 6 for more details) is used to control the DAW or MIDI device, and also includes up to five sets
of soft keys for a specific DAW program. There are four pre-loaded default Profiles on Matrix:
- A HUI Profile configured for Pro Tools
- An MCU Profile configured for Logic
- An MCU Profile configured for Nuendo/Cubase
- A CC (MIDI Continuous Controller) Profile for MIDI devices.
Chapter 1 - Setup
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atrix Owner’s anual

Eventually you will personalise your Profiles. As part of the personalisation process, Profiles for other DAW packages can be
created using the Pro Tools default Profile for HUI DAWs, and the Logic default Profiles for MCU DAWs (see Chapter 6).
However, for now, the important thing is to make sure you assign each DAW layer the right protocol. If you are running a DAW
other than those listed above, please refer to its manual to establish which control protocol it uses.
®Using the Layer buttons, located in the middle of the DAW tab towards the top, select the
layer you are planning to assign to your first DAW.
®In the Profile Setup area found in the top left corner of the DAW tab, select the correct
default Profile from the Selected Profile drop-down list.
®If the new Profile you select uses a different protocol than that which was previously
selected, a pop-up will appear asking you to reboot Matrix. Press K. If you have more
layers to set up, you can select the Profiles on all of them before rebooting. Once you have
selected all the Profiles required for now, switch the console off and on again.
Note that once the protocol has been changed, the soft key assignments are locked out until the reboot is performed.
Please refer to Chapter 6 for more on DAW layers.
Chapter 1 - Setup
12 atrix Owner’s anual