HUM Audio N-Matrix Relay-Based All-Discrete Insert Matrix

The HUM Audio N‑Matrix is a fully analog, all‑discrete insert matrix with enormous capabilities and great simplicity of use. It is, in fact, much more than insert matrix. It is absolutely unique and allows for real freedom of work. You won't be overwhelmed by increasingly complex technology, but quite the opposite꞉ N‑Matrix is very intuitive and pleasant to use. It allows you to work fast and simply. You will focus on the creative process itself, while ultimately solving all advanced ’insert’ tasks you may encounter in your daily work as a mastering or mixing engineer. N‑Matrix will not alter your perfectly worked‑out master in any way, so you can always use it with the utmost confidence. This is the way it should be.

A beautiful and inspiring classic look is accompanied by a friendly and innovative approach to working with an insert matrix processor. It helps to bring back the pleasant feeling of communing with what is close to every human being by nature꞉ the beauty of pure analog sound.

THE IDEA BEHIND THE N‑MATRIX

The N‑Matrix processor is an expanded concept of the passive insert matrix used in the N‑Trophy All Discrete Mastering Console (i.e., the center section of the N‑Trophy All Discrete Analog Console). HUM felt a real need to design a completely new insert matrix - one that is all‑discrete, analog, lossless, passive, and at the same time offer much more than other available insert switchers, enabling fast and intuitive operation. One that would be user‑friendly and fully satisfy the ideas and needs of sound engineers. To build the N‑Matrix, HUM used almost 300 top‑class, hermetically encapsulated relay switches with gold‑plated contacts. The PCB boards containing relays for left and right channels are completely separated from each other for the best audio performance.

CREATIVE TOOLS

N‑Matrix offers maximum quality possible in the analog domain that you can expect from a mastering‑grade insert processor. The entire audio signal path is fully balanced from inputs to outputs. All switching and routing is passive, based on top quality relays, and the audio path is as short as it can be. The only active discrete circuits are those responsible for M/S encoding, decoding, Side trimming, stems summing, and output level trimming ‑ if you switch them on, of course. In each mode, the N‑Matrix is fully transparent in sound, and offers massive headroom, allowing you to manipulate the sound of your connected devices in any way you like. N‑Matrix M/S processing circuits are of the same top quality and use a similar concept to that used in the famous LAAL Look Ahead Analog Limiter. These circuits work in a more musical way and sound very natural compared to similar processors. The M/S Encoder and Decoder effectively serve as two additional inserts꞉ 7 and 8.

SIMPLICITY AND FREEDOM

N‑Matrix is so easy and pleasant to use, but what you see is what you get. Everything is on the surface. There are no hidden functions, and the internal structure of the insert matrix is so elaborate that it does not restrict you in any way from freely selecting the order of your devices. Not only does the N‑Matrix allow you to program any order of your six devices in the insert chain, but it also allows you to split the main six‑slot chain into two three‑slot sub‑chains [A] and [B]. N‑Matrix’s different working modes enable parallel processing, serial processing, cascading, stereo stems summing, M/S encoding and decoding at any point in the chains, soloing, output level trimming, and even stereo width expansion between chosen slots. The possibilities are immense. This is indeed an engineer’s dream come true for an all‑analog top‑of‑the‑range insert matrix processor.

INSPIRATION

All N‑Matrix features are easily controlled on the comfortable‑to‑use front panel with an inspiring classic design. Solid machined aluminum knobs and top‑class vintage‑style buttons complete the premium feel. The internal structure of the N‑Matrix has been meticulously designed to handle even the most sophisticated applications. When you put your hands on your N‑Matrix, you will be amazed!

The stereo stem summing feature is particularly powerful. The summing bus is implemented using M op‑amps, which are also used in the LAAL mastering limiter, among other devices. When you cascade more than one N‑Matrix, you can get a multi‑stem summing system with level control. But that's just the beginning. You can have chains or sub‑chains on individual units in different parallel or series modes, as well as M/S encoding and decoding done on separate N‑Matrix units. That can, for example, extend the encoded part of the insert chain by significantly more than 6 slots. This opens up enormous creative possibilities. Each N‑Matrix remembers its last settings when powered off. You can always quickly reset them by pressing the RESET button. This deactivates all slots, which effectively equates to putting them into Hard Bypass mode.

CONNECTIONS AND STUDIO INTEGRATION

N‑Matrix is a 2U device with balanced, discrete XLR analog inputs and outputs on the back panel. The entire signal path of the N‑Matrix is fully balanced, from inputs to outputs. HUM decided not to use the DB25 connectors because of their poor reliability compared to XLR sockets. XLR connections also give you much more flexibility, especially when the N‑Matrix is not used in fixed studio environments.

HUM AUDIO N‑MATRIX FEATURES:

• Mastering patch bay/switcher/insert processor with a fully analog, all‑discrete audio signal path
• Very high headroom, wide band, and very low noise (±24V internal powering)
• Fully balanced signal flow, from inputs to outputs
• All‑passive, lossless signal switching, based on top‑quality relays with gold‑plated contacts
• Perfectly transparent sound, no matter what settings or operating mode you use
• Two independent stereo inputs and outputs A and B
• Six‑slot stereo main inserts chain
• Possibility to split the main chain into two three‑slot sub‑chains [A] and [B]
• Five modes of operation, with linear or parallel processing, splitting and stems summing
• Possibility to sum two stereo input stems flowing through two parallel chains
• Summing is based on discrete op‑amps designed for the famous LAAL limiter
• Cascading two or more N‑Matrixes opens up even more incredible possibilities for multi‑stem summing and processing
• All‑discrete M/S Matrix with lots of features
• M/S Encoder and Decoder effectively serve as two additional inserts and can be used at any point in the inserts chain
• Output section with Out A, Out B, and Side signal trimming, muting, and soloing
• Rotary stepped control for outputs and for Side signals trimming
• All inputs/outputs use balanced XLR sockets
• 2U chassis, classic design with top‑quality buttons and solid machined aluminum knobs
• Custom‑made shielded AC cord