Matrix Mixer It’s similar to the pin matrix you find on some classic synthesizers where input sources come in on the left and destinations go out at the top of a grid or matrix. On an analog matrix, connections would be made with a pin or plug to physically connect a source to a destination by plugging it into the relevant XY coordinate. This enables you to connect a single input to many destinations or many inputs to one or more destinations. Erica Synths Matrix Mixer is digital and so the connections are made by a couple of encoders with which you dial in the right coordinate and then enable a connection with a push. The connections are visually represented by lit LEDs which makes for a rather nice glowing pattern that feels right at home in the Eurorack environment. Erica Synths Matrix Mixer While that doesn’t feel quite as physical as an analog matrix it has one important feature which is the ability to save and recall matrix patches. So, while the Matrix Mixer is great for organising your signal flow it’s also great for switching between different routings enabling you to cycle through effects, swap filters, combine and split signals at the recall of a patch. There’s also a randomisation feature that will roll a dice and make connections for you which sounds like a fun way to explore different modulations. Each intersection has a 3-level VCA built-in for some rudimentary attenuation. This can be very useful when combining audio or CV signals as all it’s doing is summing the signals. Along with the 16 Eurorack style inputs and outputs on the top of the device, the first two inputs and outputs are mirrored on regular jacks out the back. You’ll also find a MIDI input that can be used for patch selection. I imagine many people would ask why it’s not contained in a Eurorack module but with 16 inputs and 16 outputs it doesn’t look like it would fit sensibly into that space. Having it as a desktop unit makes it that bit more versatile and focused. Erica Synths Matrix Mixer |
