Erica Synths Matrix Mixer - Part 2

Here's the second part of my video review of the Matrix Mixer desktop module from Erica Synths. In this video I look at some of the practicalities of using the Matrix Mixer for patching Eurorack modules and semi-modular synths.

[@par8mecium]

Using it as an audio router is what really appeals to me, minus the cutoff pops and crackling. Terrific video, Tim. So many hours of hard work. Thank You!

[@skipp752]

Thanks for putting these videos together, great to see someone give some thought to how it might actually be used. The matrix mixer seems like a really interesting piece of gear but practical uses for it clearly have some challenges that would need to be worked out for any given setup.

[@eyeprod3101]

I bought one. Haven't got it yet, but I've been waiting for something like this. What appeals to me is the ease of changing patches in eurorack and the brain power required to plan it all out (and remember what each knob does!). I plan to use it for live performance, both solo and with a band. Thanks for the videos.

[@conceptdevices]

Putting the gear a side, the piece of music you played at the start and the short bit at the end is as good as anything ive heard during the past 50 years, well done on that sir

[@michael-rommel]

I like the approach that you took with the review of this unit. In my opinion the value of the unit lies more in its nature of being controllable via MIDI commands, when you have pre-programmed/configured melodic signals coming in and being routed into completely different effects / modules to change the nature of their sound. So without carrefully programming the changes alongside of your track, there is not so much to gain from using the matrix mixer.

[@clonemeister9097]

Very helpful Tim, a well balanced review.

[@xpump876]

Nice post. Always wanted an Erica Matrix Mixer but its always been a bit pricey - I make do with (4) Barton DIY Matrix mixers which does pretty much what I need

[@MatsueMusic]

19:07 "Create a scenario where randomization will work". That is a very bold statement, Tim. If you are looking for content, seeing how you would go about doing that would be an amazing opportunity to learn. Though, if you don't already know, right angle/90 degree cables would get those cables right out your way.

[@audionomads3863]

thank you so much ... "im all up for audio routing with recall & and some basic Cv routing for my vintage drum synths cheers it was a great help .

[@MisterMajister]

The Analogue Solutions synths seems to be absolutely brilliant. I always come back to rezfilter's song demo of the Vostok 2020. It would be cool to see one of those reviewed by you, not gonna lie. Also great vid as always!

[@PeterJDeVault]

One thing you might explore that's harder to do without a matrix mixer is feedback routing -- taking an output and mixing it back in to an upstream input with variable attenuation. That opens up some really interesting possibilities. Thanks for another very thoughtful video!

[@FelipeTellez]

Stellar video mate. I think my key take-away is that with the Matrix Mixer, you could hypothetically curate your own home-brew SYNTRX / Synthi AKS. One could replicate/add/modify what these iconic synths are and do in a smaller form factor but still retain the same mantra.....gotta say, very curious about potentially diving into this in future.

[@SuperChaoticus]

Tim, terrific video. I've been eyeing this, trying to figure out whether this would benefit the way I work. You've given me a lot to think about.

[@Midi-olo-gist6758]

Really good and informative video Tim. I've got mine and starting to experiment with a couple of straight modular units such as the Pico system III, the Neutron, and a couple of other units. Thinking like a mad scientist. Should be fun 🙃 . Waiting for your next video. Stay blessed bro.

[@kabood777]

Thank you very much Tim, the intro music was absolutely beautiful 🙏👌✨

[@AKDanMusicMan]

Thanks for the video, Tim. I was considering this to have my synths plugged in, along with some effects pedals and eurorack effects so I could pick and choose how to route the signal for a particular composition and not have to go behind all the products to manually route them each time. This would also keep me from having to constantly patch on a regular patch bay to route signal. I could set up presets for my favorite combos and still have the flexibility to create custom patches. It seems that was your conclusion too?

[@cymbolic_space1832]

i have been considering the matrix mixer as a way to expand my 4 aux sends on my A&H Zed mixer. I have started doing dub style performances and the Matrix seems like a great way to automatically change effects routing for different tracks.

[@MARCUSSOUNDS]

If you are into a special style of music or sound I can see how the random function is kinda useless, but for me who compose with cybernetic patches and usually use techniques that surprises myself and doing a lot of feedback it seems amazing! And I often repatch during live performance. Try it, you might like it, but I agree, you need to know what’s possible or not for the performance at hand. With that said, thanks for a nice video. I dare you to go totally experimental in a third video! 😊 with random switching in the matrix mixer, and more random patching. 😊

[@danapfranz]

Perhaps you mentioned it, but I missed it - is there a way to choose a specific preset (other than midi program change), or do you have to step through them to find the one you're looking for? Also...I can't find an answer to this, though it may be obvious to many people - what are the 2x 1/4 inch inputs and outputs on the back of the unit used for? Thanks

[@unclemick-synths]

Good video as usual 👍. For a tool like this the only need I would see for myself would be switching patches during a live performance but I would only route the connections through it that would actually be switched. However, for that I would like to see controls more suited to live performance such as an array of illuminated buttons.

[@jaysgood10]

Looked good on paper.

[@ArkaHtun]

If you use tendril cables it’s less messy ,plus you can label the tops with numbers ,so you can easily see which cable is in which jack on your modules .. I think the trick is to set it , and build you muscle memory. Then you can save patches if you keep the cables where You have originally put them . If you make a system you for one voice , then you could switch filters and oscilators to suit .. that’s what I’m planning to use it for

[@beatnikcafe]

In regards to the pop sound heard when switching audio patches, would there still be a noise if no sound was being cutoff? Another way to put this, if the patch points that change didn't have any audio coming in or out, but only on the patch points that were not changing, would that be a way to eliminate the audible pop sound?

[@TimShoebridge]

Hi, The pop sound is only as a result of audio from used channels being cut off, so as long as your next preset keeps those used channels open there won't be a problem

[@pawnotdaw4559]

Funny seeing this now as for the last week I’ve reconfigured the Sssr matrixtriate(?) to use sending out to different effects. Before I was using it to route various triggers to different percussion modules. Plus also sequencing different patches making glitchy stuff.

[@suhan8382]

thanks for patching :)

[@bhamadicharef]

What is the bandwidth between the in and out ? Are these only for control signals only ?

[@richdawson2521]

What do the ¼” Ins and Outs do?

[@synthshoot1026]

It is cool but the one thing I'm not sure I like about this is that it doubles the amount of cables you normally need. Cables for all the outs and cables for all the ins. Without the matrix mixer, even if you patch all, your going to need half that amount of cables.

[@jdanielcramer]

I’d go round-the-bend-crazy trying to remember what I patched into it 🙀🤣

[@fearmo1852]

What synth kB is the grey one in the middle at the end.

[@TimShoebridge]

Hi. It's a Subsequent 37 but the CV edition, I think they were all light grey but not 100% sure

[@danielpirone8028]

Lovely music! I wish someone would create a CV + usb controlled DC coupled mixer - like a big sister to this but with sliders etc. or find a way to make a box that encodes +/- 10v DC into a line level audio range so we could use traditional mixers. Or just use the new expert sleepers and ableton/ bitwig … I know it is off the point.

[@DayflightTrok]

The matrix mixer is of interest but only for very sophistic one shot sound experiences.

[@bhamadicharef]

from a electronic design point of view looks like an expensive (Euro 490) 16x16 analogue crosspoint !

[@sonikboom007]

This thing seems like an answer to a problem ive never had in my modular experience... waste of money and space for me.