What is an audio matrix on a mixing console (analog vs. digital)

An overview of what a matrix is and how to set it up on an analog and digital console. In this video, we use an Allen & Heath GL2400 (analog) and a Presonus Studiolive Series III (digital).
This video was made in response to several questions/posts about what a matrix is. Matrix mixes are considered a "mixer within a mixer".

[@MikeSilv]

THANK YOU for such an in depth demonstration. I’ve been struggling to understand the differences between matrixes & standard outputs/sends & this did it.

[@stageleftaudio]

You are so welcome!

[@lukeheidmusic]

Thank you for the awesome and in depth video!

[@XIIMonkeysMusicGroup]

This is the best explanation I've seen! And I use both of those mixers too!

[@JAROCHELOcesarcastro]

Wow! I just needed one video to understand how to use MATRIX. Thank you!

[@stageleftaudio]

Great to hear!

[@kelvinkalaluka8185]

Educative video. I learn a lot from this channel. Many thanks to you stageleftaudio.

[@stageleftaudio]

Very welcome

[@krider7296]

Thank you so much for the very clear explanation of the matrix.

[@boat2k]

This is the best explanation of matrix setup i have found for the Presonus Studiolive console. Thank you!

[@stageleftaudio]

Thank you for the comment.

[@valentumo77]

Very educative, many thanks,That's exactly what I need! Although there are still questions... For example, we do not understand why when using two stereo inputs for microphones at the same time there is a counter-phase and only with the plugin in the sequencer you can fix it, until we figured it out.

[@stageleftaudio]

Thank you for your comment. For your question about the microphones, the problem you are referencing is caused from audio wave-lengths cancelling. Some times to fix this issue, set the polarity to reverse (reverse polarity) on one of the microphone inputs. This should cause the combined wave-lengths to be "out of phase", therefore, reducing the counter-phase.

[@Dicoboomtime]

Thanks for explaining the matrix. Its the only bit thst I hadn't worked out for the Soundcraft MH4.

[@kryticaldepth5220]

Thank you for making this video.. Very helpful..

[@leelakhiat5582]

Thanks stage left ...

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks for watching.

[@numanuma20]

Thank you so much.

[@HAPPYJACKRC]

Thanks for sharing

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks for watching!

[@ginalkleinklein1998]

Nice video 😊

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks for the visit

[@ginalkleinklein1998]

@@stageleftaudio 🥰

[@sksalmanali8684]

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[@dilshaperera9989]

Thank you very much

[@stageleftaudio]

You are welcome

[@dilshaperera9989]

@@stageleftaudio can I send private massage in whatsapp

[@stageleftaudio]

We do not use communication services like whatsapp. Take a look in the "About" section of our KZbin channel. There is an area where our email address is listed. You can reach us by email.

[@dilshaperera9989]

@@stageleftaudio ok thanks

[@thomas9469]

Hello Again, Quick question .. Question about ST1 which I currently connect the cable to the phone to play music, there is a little button next to it what is that for.. also I feel Ike I have a bring the fader up all the way to get a good sound. Thanks again

[@stageleftaudio]

The ST* inputs are for stereo inputs, most commonly used for the returns from outboard effects units (reverb, delay, etc...). Even though the inputs can support stereo, we used them only for mono returns. The button next to the ST* knobs just indicates where the input signal needs to be routed to... either to the input channel/fader, or directly to the L/R output of the console, bypassing the input fader; it's common to keep the switch UP so the signal stays routed on the input fader. For the volume issue you mentioned, make sure your phone volume is turned all the way up. Next, make sure the "gain" for the ST1 input is turned up (but not all the way... this could produce distortion). If you have done all this and you still don't have good volume, you may need to use something like a passive DI box that will convert the output signal level of your phone to a level designed for consoles. We use a Radial "Stage Bug" SB-5 when connecting phones, MP3 players, laptops to our systems. Hope this helps.

[@thomas9469]

@@stageleftaudio Thank you so much for the replay , so what’s does the ST1 knob does and I see the gain knob above it. The ST knob and gain knob need to be at the same level? Thanks much !

[@stageleftaudio]

The only knob you need to turn is the ST1 one; use the PFL feature on the input channel you are using to see how "loud" the signal is in the console. The knob above the ST1 is for the XLR input gain... you do not need to use that knob.

[@thomas9469]

@@stageleftaudioAlright.. I didn’t test the PFL on it. I kept the ST1 at 2 o clock. I will check the level. Thanks again.

[@hackneyal68]

The easiest way to think of the matrix is that they are basically output aux’s fed from the outputs be they subgroups, L/R and in some circumstances auxs

[@rosspeterson2658]

When would you use an aux send and when would you use a matrix?

[@stageleftaudio]

An aux-send is most commonly used as a monitor send(s) for the band. A matrix is like an aux-send, but it can also include instrument groupings, like sub-groups. A matrix is sometimes called a "mix within a mix". A matrix can be used sending specific instruments/inputs to center-fill speakers, side-fill speakers, or to audio recording feeds for videographers, etc..

[@RegularTennesseeJoe]

Very informative. I’m still holding out on a digital board due to the complexity of it!!🤣🤣

[@stageleftaudio]

I understand! We use the Presonus StudioLive series iii consoles. They have a great work-flow; easy to learn.

[@RegularTennesseeJoe]

@@stageleftaudio I have used a Allen and Heath SQ7 and it was a task!!🤣🤣

[@mitas3484]

So when using a matrix mix, you get EQ and other controls, that you wouldn’t have on say the AUX going to a stage monitor? Trying to understand the differences, it seems like having multiple “Main” mix copies, sort of…

[@stageleftaudio]

You will get the same channel EQ and other settings on both the matrix and an AUX. A matrix is sort of like an AUX, except the matrix (on an analog console) is fed from a few selected sources (sub-groups, external input, L/R main). Whatever EQ settings that are on the channels will be sent to the matrix. For digital consoles, a matrix-send is far more powerful than an AUX-send; because the matrix can be fed many different audio sources; much more than an AUX-send, this includes EQ as well. You are correct, you can have multiple "main" mix copies, however, you can choose not to include the "main" mix in the matrix-sends. If a "main mix" is routed to a matrix, it's usually to support a videographer. A matrix mix is just another routing option available on many consoles. Hope this helps.

[@mitas3484]

@@stageleftaudio It does, thanks a ton! I have a greater understanding for sure, maybe will try to use it more actively

[@weareallbeingwatched4602]

It is a separate mix built from subgroups

[@mitas3484]

@@weareallbeingwatched4602 So you can usually control the volume of each subgroup, so splitting say the kick and bass to one, will allow a separate sub output?

[@stageleftaudio]

You can assign any input to any subgroup. If you have kick and bass routed to the same sub-group (and assuming no other inputs are on that subgroup), this could be a separate sub output (or matrix output) with its own volume control. I'm assuming you are needing just kick and bass in one sub-group?

[@thomas9469]

Can u please help me with something, We have the same mixer in the church. I understand u mention the last channel on the matrix is for video. We do Facebook live when we have service, so how we can connect to the phone to do live to get better quality sound. What cable do I need? Just a quarter inch to headphone jack ? We are using I phone if u can advise that would be a great help for the church. Thank you so much.

[@stageleftaudio]

I do not know much about live feed mixing. This type of mixing is usually called "broadcast mixing", which usually requires different mixing consoles. For the GL2400, you should probably use an AUX output for the broadcast mix. The matrix could work, but there could be more involved with using a matrix compared to an AUX mix. Use an AUX mix, do not use a matrix mix. For an AUX mix, sounds like you will need an XLR output connector (from the console) to a min-headphone jack (to the phone) for Facebook. Mixing the AUX output for the phone, will take some time.

[@thomas9469]

@@stageleftaudio Thank you so much for replying back to me. We had an other mixer which can plug in RCA to headphones jack that didn’t work either. Where is the Aux mix connection located in the mixer if u can refer, also u mentioned it will take some time,are u referring to when connected to live there is a lag. Thanks 🙏

[@stageleftaudio]

The AUX mixes are the monitor mixes on the console. The "time" that I mentioned was the amount of time it would take to setup a good mix for the Facebook feed. You would need to set the levels for each input to the Facebook feed... this process can take some time to setup, especially if you are needing a good mix. Try searching KZbin for videos on how to setup a mix for a Facebook feed. There may be some videos that could help you.

[@thomas9469]

@@stageleftaudio Thank you again. So the connection go under monitor on the back of the board which need a quarter inch correct? Also the red knob is that for controlling the level of sound going to the live? U mentioned earlier XLR. I wish u do a video tutorial about live feed. Thank a million God bless. U mentioned about high pass filter in the video is it better to turn that on for all mic channels ? 🙏

[@stageleftaudio]

Sounds like you may need some tutorials on how to use the GL2400 console. I recommend you contact someone local to you that can assist you with how to use that console. This forum (KZbin comment section) is not the best place for detailed instructions. I do not know much about live feed setups, unfortunately, I will not be able to do a video covering that topic.

[@paratyshow]

👍☑ Tks

[@daofficial2116]

What is your mixer made of? I have one like that but it says made in China 

[@stageleftaudio]

The console we use is an older model. I think it was manufactured in the U.K. I don't recall seeing anything on the console indicating it was made in China. There's usually nothing wrong with gear being made in other countries... as long as the company is conducting continuous quality and assurance checks with the products throughout the manufacturing cycle.

[@daofficial2116]

@@stageleftaudio May I see the writing on the back?

[@stageleftaudio]

Our GL console is in storage and will not be taken out unless we need it for an event. Try posting your question to an audio forum. You should get better responses than what you will get on KZbin. Also, many forums allow users to upload photos... youtube does not allow for inline-images.

[@abelanil3]

Which is monitors control in the mixer?

[@stageleftaudio]

The monitors are the "AUX" knob controls.

[@abelanil3]

@@stageleftaudio so is the red keys related to monitors?

[@stageleftaudio]

No red knobs. The monitors have the word "AUX" next to them. They would be the grey knobs (2 of them) next to the light-blue knobs (2 of them). There are 4 knobs for monitors, and they are located just above the yellow knobs.

[@abelanil3]

@@stageleftaudio is it possible to give your mail id if possible 🙏

[@stageleftaudio]

I'm sorry. We cannot provide support or ongoing lessons for any gear. All we can do is offer suggestions and help viewers find their own answers. You may want to try searching the internet for what you are specifically looking for. Also, belonging to an audio forum may also provide support for you.

[@wilnewyork1]

I bought a cheap audio mixer and cannot even get it to work with my powered speakers and mic, I simply don't get it, am I that dumb?

[@stageleftaudio]

There's a lot of variables in a signal path from console input to the speaker output. Work on one section at a time. Also, for help/support/service type of questions, I recommend posting them on audio forums. There are a lot more people on audio forums to help with audio issues and questions.

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[@carlgoyal58]

First view😀

[@carlgoyal58]

First..

[@sksalmanali8684]

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[@stageleftaudio]

We hope to add more videos soon.