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Solid State Logic Matrix2 Delta Mixing Console and Control Surface

40-input, 16-channel SuperAnalogue Console with Analog Summing, Total Recall, Integrated DAW Control, and X-Rack Integration
5 Write review Item ID: Matrix2
$20,999.99

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Solid State Logic Matrix2 Delta Mixing Console and Control Surface
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$20,999.99
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Speak with a console specialist!

Sweetwater's Console Specialists are long-time studio professionals with decades of real-world experience in running, designing, installing, and integrating high-end recording studios. Whether you're looking to update, integrate, or start from scratch, contact us today!

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Hybrid Console for the Modern Studio

Boasting stunning SuperAnalogue sound quality, ultra-smooth workflow options, and extremely warm analog summing, the Solid State Logic Matrix2 delivers the large-format console benefits serious engineers demand. A total of 40 inputs and 16 motorized faders for both tracking and DAW control more than meets the demands of most small professional facilities and project studios, and a combination of six aux buses and four stereo returns with full stereo mix bus routing makes it easy to integrate all of your outboard gear as well. Top it off with amazing multilayer DAW control, powerful communications, and X-Rack system integration, and the ultra-modern Matrix2 line-level console is your ticket to mixing perfection.

Related Videos: Matrix2 Delta Mixing Console and Control Surface

A perfect modern console for your outboard gear

With no microphone preamplifiers, equalizers, or dynamics processors onboard, the Matrix2 eliminates a huge chunk of circuitry from your signal path while providing ample connections for your outboard gear. Each of the Matrix2's 16 channels includes a main input, a DAW return input, and an insert point. This insert point actually connects to the console's Insert Matrix, which lets you route your outboard gear to each channel with the flexibility of using a software plug-in. You can even use the Insert Matrix to A/B different processing chains, and since you can control everything from software, fitting this feature into your mixing workflow is easy. And when you're finished mixing, you can take advantage of 40 inputs for incredible analog summing.

Pristine SuperAnalogue circuitry

Audio systems are defined by their bottlenecks, such as dynamic range, noise floor, and true frequency response. In most systems, this occurs well before the digital stage, which offers 144dB of dynamic range (at 24-bit) and supports frequencies up to 96kHz (a full 76kHz above the threshold of human hearing). That isn't the case with SSL's SuperAnalogue DC-coupled circuitry design. Using top-of-the-line surface-mount manufacturing techniques, the signal path from any point to another in the Matrix2 offers an extremely wide frequency range with a flat response, next to no distortion, and an almost unmeasurable noise floor. Even if you're recording at 24-bit/192kHz, this console will never be your sonic bottleneck.

Take complete control of your DAW

As a true hybrid console/control surface, the SSL Matrix2 takes total command of your DAW environment, putting the vast majority of software functions at your fingertips. With HUI or MCU modes, the 17 motorized faders and channel controls provide complete hands-on control over your DAW mixer. Additionally, the Matrix2 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. For crucial track adjustment, the unique Focus Fader mode enables the Master Fader (and accompanying V-Pot) to control any channel within your DAW environment that is not part of the currently selected layer. It's a real time-saver when you're mixing down.

Professional monitoring and talkback

Communications and monitoring are two of the things the engineers here at Sweetwater put a lot of thought into when they built their own studios, and they're two of the things that really stand out about the SSL Matrix2. Separate Main, Mini, and Independent Artist monitor (headphone) outputs make it easy to set up your monitoring workflow in a simple and logical way, whereas five additional stereo monitoring inputs (including digital inputs for your DAW) let you jump between the main mix, reference tracks, and other material. You can use this section for listen back as well, and an integrated talkback mic with level control provides easy communication with your talent.

X-Rack integration for Total Recall

Total Recall has been one of the most characteristic features of SSL consoles for generations, and the Matrix2 brings a whole new level of software control to this invaluable tool. Thanks to the Total Recall tab in the Matrix Remote application, taking TR snapshots and keeping them organized is a piece of cake. Several of the Matrix2's settings can be automatically recalled, and LED indicators on the rest of the controls make recall as painless as possible. What's more, the Matrix2's Total Recall fully supports up to six SSL X-Rack modules, allowing you to save and recall settings on your compatible outboard gear.

Solid State Logic Matrix2 Features:

  • Streamlined for a hybrid workflow
  • Pristine SuperAnalogue circuitry
  • Take complete control of your DAW
  • Professional monitoring and talkback
  • X-Rack integration for total recall
  • Minimal signal path makes it easy to use your outboard gear
  • Each channel includes inputs for both tracking and mixing
  • Insert points let you patch in additional outboard processors
  • Insert Matrix provides plug-in-style hardware routing options
  • Stereo Cue ins add a total of 40 inputs for analog summing
  • Same DC-coupled circuit design found in SSL's top gear
  • Transparent signal path exceeds 24-bit/192kHz resolution
  • Extremely wide frequency range with flat response
  • Ultra-low distortion performance won't color your sound
  • Virtually nonexistent noise floor offers extended dynamics
  • DAW Focus Mode provides full control surface functionality
  • HUI and MCU mode presets cover every major DAW software
  • 17 motorized faders provide amazing hands-on control
  • Complete transport controls and timeline readout onboard
  • Focus Fader mode provides additional mixing flexibility
  • Main and Mini outputs let you easily switch between monitors
  • Artist monitor output is perfect for setting up headphones
  • 5 external monitoring inputs provide ample source selection
  • External input summing makes adding reference tracks simple
  • Updated Total Recall system makes restoring settings easy
  • Manage TR setups right from the Matrix Remote application
  • Many settings can be instantly and automatically restored
  • Manual settings guided with simple LED indicator lights
  • TR supports up to 6 additional SSL X-Rack modules

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Tech Specs

  • Type: SuperAnalogue Console with DAW Control
  • Computer Connectivity: Ethernet, USB
  • Faders: 17 x 100mm (Motorized)
  • Height: 8.97"
  • Width: 37.24"
  • Depth: 28.50"
  • Weight: 55.1 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 729940X2

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Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5

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A MUST for the serious project studio/film scorer or commercial facility "B" Room

My partner and I purchased a previously owned Matrix 2 with a fully loaded X-Rack and four (4) 96 pt TT Patch Bay array. I've been using the board nearly daily since August 2020. Top line observation is in my title. To elaborate, first let me address the sound quality -- WOW. "Super Analogue" is not SSL marketing hype. It's a real thing and a wonderful thing at that. First word that comes to mind is clarity but without any harness. The realism of reproduction is simply amazing. Previously we had:

a digital board, used mainly as a limited control surface: faders, panning and transport;
an Avocet II as a monitor section;
a Dangerous 2-Bus LT

The Matrix 2 as a control surface is sweet. Now I can control my plus almost as easily as my hardware. The LED channel strip will switch from track assignments to plug-in assignments at the touch of a button. The only negative depends on the plug-in in the sense that how the parameter names read out. Can get a little hairy if you are dealing with a multi-parameter plug that goes for pages and pages for the first time, but for simple plugs like a 1176 emulation, it is a JOY to turn a knob and look at the board instead of the screen. It would be nice to have the GUI automatically pop up of the plug you've selected but that's a Cubase thing, not a Matrix thing. In fact the level of assigning key commands to a single button on the Matrix is SUPER easy. I've been waiting for a control surface like this FOREVER..or at least since I migrated from ALL hardware and ADATs to a computer-based DAW.

As a summing mixer -- the sound is just a pleasure. The board itself isn't a "character" board. But that's what your outboard is for. Blows away the 2-Bus, which I liked but the Matrix is top shelf. It is easy and elegant to bring 16 mono channels of outboard into my mix. What to check whether my Distressor or SSL XR625 is the better compressor for a lead vocal?? I simply look at the board, push 3 keystrokes before I'm tweaking each of the compressors and I can literally toggle between the two faster than actually listening to the results. I have more hardware than I can normal to the Matrix's 16 floating inserts, but with a patchbay, I can patch my dbx de-esser into the insert with a couple of cables. It's not instantly recallable like a piece of gear that's normalled into the Matrix but certainly not a complicated "it takes forever" process.

The Total Recall System is not as easy as your DAW but nonetheless you can take a snapshot of virtually all of your board's setting and have them recalled and then you manually dial the pots back into their exact position. This works for both the Matrix and the X-Rack. (The only thing with the bell controls on the SSL EQ's have no independent visual indicator of whether you had the bell curve buttons pushed -- a very minor issue in the days of cell phones.

In sum, the board is deep and really will change your workflow for the better once you create your DAW and matrix templates. I had to adjust certain expectations. For example, I believed that the faders controlled the ANALOG signal path from input channels 17-32 before I started actually working with the board. I was wrong -- 17-32 are controlled by pots. So, it's better to designate these channels for things like plug-in reverbs, delays, etc. and do your leveling and automation in the DAW. Nonetheless, one you UNDERSTAND how Matrix works, it's actually VERY cleverly designed. I don't see myself ever getting rid of the Matrix unless I was getting its big brother, the AWS 24 or 32 AND I needed to raise cash by selling the Matrix to buy it. However at that point, I'd have a multi-room facility and the Matrix would be great for a "B Room." However, let me stress there is NO difference in the sound between the Matrix and the Duality or AWS. The only difference is really the in-board EQ's and/or compressor and mic press. With enough XRacks and modules you can have the functional equivalent of a AWS 924 with a smaller footprint.

Quibbles...a few...nothing is perfect. The Matrix remote app in which you set up your Matrix/X-Rack profiles, channel names, button assignments, etc. is generally well-implemented but the track sheet feature is a little clunky in that in order to make further notes on it (it automatically fills in your channel inserts, for example), you have to save the file as an HTL file and re-open in a text editor. Pages works well on the Mac but it would be great to be able to do it within the app itself.

Another thing is that the Matrix does need the occasional re-boot with the way I have it connected to my Mac for ethernet. SSL recommends that you do a simple direct connection hardwire connection between the computer and the Matrix. Otherwise, you can use a router but definitely turn-off your WIFI. I get occasional broken handshakes between the Matrix and the DAW -- for example, the loop function button "froze" on the Matrix but I was able to turn it on and off using my mouse. A simple re-boot of the Matrix cured it. A slight drag but nothing fatal. I will ultimately do the direct connection but it's a fairly low priority frankly.

It's a lot of money unless you're running a full-on commercial facility but if you are busy being paid to record and/or mix on a project studio, small-midsize indie budget, it's certainly worth it. But make sure that you have a sufficiently generous high quality I/o count on your audio interface and outboard. If you do, get it. Wonder and elegant piece of gear in every way.
by JH Torch from NYC on
Music background: Professional musician, producer & recording engineer. Adjunct instructor

What's not to love

I went to AES last year in NYC and I was on the hunt for either a small analog summing console or a nice control surface for multiple DAWS's. Ideally, I would find something that did both. I was so sick of mouse clicking and computer screens that I had to take a break from recording because it got so tedious, so I was ready to make the move.

There were seriously nice consoles at the show (API, Daking, Neve, SSL Origin, Trident). I went in with my mind set on the new API The Box which I think is still tremendous. After playing with all of them for the day they all had plusses and minuses. The biggest plusses is they all had that analog mojo but some were lacking on the DAW control so I went home empty handed.

Going home, the biggest thing these consoles were missing were DAW control and instant recall in one integrated console. To be fair, I believe the API could have recall in the 1608 models and up (for $75k IIRC) and the Neve was the slickest for $100k which was the price of my first house.

I decided after leaving NYC I would research to see if a console like this even existed. A few weeks later I ran across the SSL Matrix. It had everything I was looking for in one package. Basically, an analog mixer on the front end with DAW control and SSL summing on the back end. Man, I could not be happier. I came from an SSL X desk for summing but this appeared tio be on another level.

You can read the manual but here are some of the innovative and powerful plusses this thing has over the competition.

-CC (DAW layers) - not well advertised but this thing can control up to 4 different DAW's or other controllers via the layer function. With the flip of a button another DAW or CC controller can be brought up instantly and fader ready. I move between Pro Tools and Ableton constantly and this a great feature.
-Insane i/o routing – I have a patchbay but not necessary
-minimal plugins needed in Pro Tools to get a good mix - fantastic analog summing. The low end is always the hardest to dial in with a DAW mix and the detail and stereo imaging in the SSL is second to none.
-If you use the SSL X-Rack's this is all total recall compatible. Great if you use the SSL outboard
-no noisy console fan or fan on the power supply! Super quiet an no machine room required
-integrates really well with the SSL Sigma which is not a lot more $$$. Pairing these two I get 32 channels of SSL inputs. On mixdown it gets more insane.

Negatives:

Yes, it's a learning curve because it is both an analog mixer and DAW controller on one. The manual is well written, and the Quick Start guide gives working examples to get you started. I just took it day by day and larked the analog front in first (I'm old school) and learned the DAW controls as I went.

Overall this was a huge purchase for what I do, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. After years of being frustrated with subpar analog consoles that needed constant maintenance and still clicking that mouse, the Matrix strikes the balance in what I have been looking for. SSL really thought this one and I expect this one to carry me into my retirement years.
by Greg from TN on

SSL Matrix2

The best solution for an integrated DAW, console and outboard (and plugs as virtual outboard) gear environment. Huge routing flexibility allows much personalization. Total Recall is a major plus. Somewhat of a learning curve because of the massive routing flexibility of this board. But a few times through, and you're making music, not thinking gear. Very intuitive kit. The comprehensive DAW control integration frees you from mouse and keyboard, as most DAW functions can be accomplished right on the board through a nice combination of soft and dedicated controls. This takes a bit of time to get used to before you stop reaching for the mouse, but you can add skills as you use and learn the board's capabilites. Artist monitoring choices are easy and flexible. 16 faders are a limitation, with DAW channels 17 though 32 on rotary pots. An easily integratabtle 16 channel strip (or even 8) sidecar would be a very nice option, but such an option would probably encroach upon SSL's larger, more expensive offerings. Matrix 2 is what it is, and it works beautifully. The SuperAnalogue sound is superb, of course.

You could probably get most of this functionality a bit cheaper by combining different pieces of gear, but putting it all in one box simplifies the task immensely. Can be functional without a patch bay, but adding patch bays increases signal flow options tremendously, and is recommended. Matrix Remote software offers a very elegant solution for integrating rack gear into the DAW workflow during tracking or mixing. Drop and drag icon; press insert button on the input channel; done. To disconnect, right click icon; remove; done. Almost too easy. Easy to set up virtual outboard with plugs in DAW. Create Aux sends, and feed them from Matrix's four mono FX sends and return to its four stereo returns. Four aux send/returns and you can use two at a time on any channel; 1 & 2, or 3 & 4. And this is just a taste, so much more in there.

Highly recommended for just about any high-end audio recording environment not needing a massive amount of channels that requires easily controlled, integrated truly hybrid recording solution.
by Sweetwater Customer on

A clever, solid piece of SSL Gear

You have to be serious about your project studio to take the plunge on this thing. If you're that person, then you'll be happy you did. It's the hub of my studio. My personal tastes on why this board is for me:

- The SSL Super Analogue signal path for both tracking and mixing
- The 16ch analog summing (I've been through many summing boxes)
- The integrated insert Matrix for my outboard connections...so fast and seamless!
- The multi layer DAW control is top notch
- And just the overall feel of a true analog console. Digital meets analog at it's finest.
- Once the learning curve is over, the new streamlined workflow promotes creativity
- Trust me, there's more bells and whistles I'm not even mentioning!
by GM on
Music background: Artist, producer, recording engineer

Protools12

Des is working will with protools 12
by David from Oman on
See also: Console Recording, Solid State Logic, Solid State Logic Recording Consoles
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