Avid Pro Tools | MTRX Base Unit with MADI and Pro|Mon Avid

The Avid Pro Tools | MTRX is a 64-channel audio interface with user-customizable I/O; highest quality DAD conversion; up to 384kHz/DSD resolution; 1,500 x 1,500 matrix; 256 x 32, 32-bit floating point summing mixer; up to 48 remote-controlled preamps; multiple audio source routing including AES3, MADI, Dante, and SDI; integration with S6, S3, and EUCON control surfaces; and much more.

Avid’s Pro Tools established its leadership in the industry based on years of listening and implementing professional user’s requests for features particular to the way they work. However, with so many personal studios in existence these days, there are as many workflows and hybrid combinations of digital and analog equipment as there are audio professionals, with new ones emerging every day. So how did Avid respond to all these increasing demands for workflow and I/O-specific features? Something to the effect of, “Fine, you do it” – and the Pro Tools | MTRX audio interface was born. The Pro Tools | MTRX is a 32×32 audio interface featuring conversion by DAD (Digital Audio Denmark) and user-configurable I/O that carries within it enough power and flexibility serve as the brains and nerve center for the most complex, multi-format facilities with capacity to spare.

Avid Pro Tools | MTRX – Just the Facts:

• 64-channel Pro Tools | HD interface (dual 32-channel mini-DigiLink ports)
• Customize the MTRX analog and digital I/O via eight x 8-channel card slots
• Conversion by Digital Audio Denmark (DAD)
• 1,500 x 1,500 low-latency channel matrix routing
• Extended monitor control and flexible routing with Pro Tools | S6, S3, and other EUCON surfaces via Pro | Mon and DADman control
• Connect and route sources through AES3, MADI, Dante, and/or SDI I/O (optional)
• High-quality mic preamps for remote control from Pro Tools
• Automatic sample rate conversion on inputs
• Up to 48-channel A/D and D/A
• Sync through Word Clock, AES11, Video, and all digital I/O
  

Avid Pro Tools | MTRX – Under the Hood

Serious connectivity out of the box

While its fully modular design offering a high level of customization is one of the big deals about the box, make no mistake, the MTRX isn’t just an empty vessel waiting to be filled. Avid’s Pro Tools | MTRX comes loaded with an assortment of I/O. The rear panel of the base unit includes 64 channels of MADI I/O, an 8-line AES3 interface with 16 channels of I/O, and a 2-port 64-channel mini DigiLink interface to connect directly to Pro Tools | HDX or HD Native.

Custom-configure the MTRX analog and digital I/O  

The modularity of Pro Tools | MTRX takes the “pot-luck” factor out of choosing a unit specifically for its I/O. If you’ve ever sat on the retail side of pro audio, you know that manufacturers in the prototyping stage often consult with pro audio salesmen and studio integrators on which types of I/O to include for the widest reach. Of course, that was still hit-and-miss at best. And now with all the myriad third-party hardware and audio formats, it’s near impossible to design a single dedicated box that can address all audio needs and establish peaceful negotiation between all digital factions. Avid’s MTRX provides the most all-encompassing solution by providing an audio interface with eight available card slots for eight-channel analog and digital I/O cards, or remote-controlled preamps.

You can select and combine MADI, Dante, AES3, 3G-SDI, and analog mic or line I/O depending on your professional endeavors. For example, if Guzauski is your name and mixing is your game, you can go stark raving MADI and add an additional 128 bi-directional channels along with the built-in 64-channel MADI optical port. If you’ve got outboard to connect, you can install a maximum of six AD and/or DA cards to support up to 48 analog channels. You can configure an all-digital box or any combination between analog and digital – whatever suits your fancy.

(For card options see below)

Sample rate and format conversion

If your work involves various digital formats, the Pro Tools | MTRX performs sample-rate conversion at all inputs and allows you to route any input to any output, which means you could route eight channels of AES3 into MADI out, and so on. You get the versatility you need to connect with the myriad array of gear and devices out there, plus, the MTRX can effectively replace the collection of single-format I/O and monitor interfaces that drive up the real estate prices of your racks. It can at once expand and streamline your workflow, enabling you to do more while minimizing complex connectivity.

Highest-quality conversion by Digital Audio Denmark (DAD)

Now that we have the I/O problem sorted, the next user issue resolved by the MTRX is conversion. In times past, professional users, while appreciating the stability of Pro Tools hardware and software, didn’t like being limited in their choice of conversion, or limited to eight or sixteen channels ADA per interface. The Pro Tools MTRX gives you 32 channels of A/D/A by one of the most respected names in conversion: Digital Audio Denmark. In point of fact, there are mastering engineers who’ve used every brand of high-end conversion available and feel that DAD are the best converters they’ve heard.

Speaking of mastering, the MTRX not only offers PCM sampling rates up to 384kHz, as well as 352.8kHz DXD but also allows mastering houses to archive to 1-bit DSD* at 2.8224MHz and 5.6448MHz (referred to as 64 and 128FS, which is 64 and 128 times the sample rate of a CD respectively).

*DSD or Direct Stream Digital is a trademark of Sony/Phillips

DADman control’s 1,500 x 1,500 routing matrix

DADman software provides remote control of all sources, monitors, and speaker sets directly from Pro Tools | S6 and other EUCON-enabled control surfaces. Using DADman software, you can route, split, and patch audio with a massive low-latency routing capacity of up to 1,500 x 1,500 cross points. You can feed any input to any output, or even send audio to multiple outputs simultaneously, which provides a flexible interface to Pro Tools | Ultimate production software. You can remotely control up to 48 mic preamps per interface from both DADman and the Pro Tools | S6 control surface. DADman enables you to control multiple Pro Tools | MTRX interfaces from one workstation or create a multi-operator system for film post-production. Those who work in multi-room video post facilities will greatly appreciate the ability to store and recall various room setups.  

DADman control software key features:

• Complete control of the interface parameters
• A/D analog input and mic preamp control
• D/A output level control
• 1,500 x 1,500 routing matrix control
• Settings configuration
• Controls multiple units
• Avid EUCON and PRE compatible
• Flexible Monitor control configuration
• Pro | Mon monitor control
  

Extended monitor control via EUCON control surfaces

Pro Tools | MTRX includes Pro | Mon 2, which gives you control of monitoring, talkback, and fold-down, whether you’re mixing in mono, stereo, 5.1, 7.1, 9.1.6 (Dolby Atmos), or even a 64-channel immersive audio mix. With Pro | Mon 2, you can configure your monitor section as you need it with multiple speaker sets. Build custom fold-down templates to instantly switch between monitor formats. Pro | Mon also provides a 256 x 32, 32-bit floating point summing mixer, enabling you to sum stems and sources to feed monitor outputs.

Pro | Mon 2 Monitor Control enables the MTRX converters and digital matrix to operate as an audio signal processor, providing high-resolution summing and low-latency routing of monitor signals. The monitor control is managed via DADman software, which has support for the EUCON 3 control protocol, enabling full control of monitor functionality from the Avid S6, S3, Pro Tools | Dock, and Pro Tools | Control.

Pro | Mon 2 features:

• Monitor controller with talkback, summing, fold-down and speaker up-match
• Support for all immersive audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and home Atmos
• Configurable for any audio format mono, stereo, 5.1, 7.1, 9.1.6, and up to 128 channels
• Control via the DAD MOM – Monitor Operating Module
• Control via EUCON 3 from Avid S6, S3, PT Dock, and PT Control
• Built-in matrix for flexible routing and digital insert
• Pristine A/D and D/A conversion and optional mic pre
• Digital I/O via MADI, AES3, Dante, and SDI
• Fixed 7-sample latency on all signal paths and 32-bit floating-point summing
• Speaker Processing and Bass Management via the SPQ Speaker Processor EQ option
  

Configuring an MTRX

While we did say early on that the point of the MTRX is to custom-configure it to your specific endeavors or facility, it is a complicated unit, difficult to sort out via Internet marketing copy alone. It’s a task best served by consulting an experienced systems integrator, such as your friendly neighborhood PAD Professional (it’s what we do on a world-class scale). As such, rather than simply offer the various I/O cards on separate web pages and let you try to sort through them all, consulting with a PAD integrator can streamline the process, taking into account your current business model and future creative or business needs.

For example, if you’re considering a MADI setup, the MTRX can be configured as a 19×19 MADI router. However, implementing MADI on the MTRX is more complicated than simply piling on MADI cards to your heart’s content. The Pro Tools | MTRX Dual MADI cards don’t come with a standardized MADI protocol. In keeping with the deep level of customization available, the Dual MADI cards come with two empty SFP (small form-factor pluggable) cages to be filled with MADI optical transceivers. The optical transceivers come with a choice of wavelength, connector type, and light source. For more details on each MTRX I/O card, please see below – and when you’ve had enough information overload, contract your PAD Professional, who’ll make it easy for you to sort out the details and configure the system to suit your present needs and future aspirations.

MADI Module and Dual MADI I/O option card – what’s the difference?

The important distinction between the MTRX MADI module and the Dual MADI I/O option card is that the MADI module is a small-form daughterboard that fits underneath the Pro Tools | MTRX motherboard with its I/O appearing in the optical ports above the rear-panel DigiLink connectors (rear-panel left), while the Dual MADI I/O card is a full-length PCIe card that fits into the expansion card slots on the right of rear panel (facing it).

Choosing an SFP MADI transceiver

In keeping with the MTRX modularity for professional use, there is no standard pre-selected MADI format. As with all I/O on the MTRX, you have options. Both the MADI daughterboard and Dual MADI PCIe card have two empty cages for SFP (small form-factor pluggable) transceivers. The 64-channel transceivers offer a choice of wavelength (850nm/1,300nm), light source (LED/Laser), and connector type, which is either the LC optical (Lucent connector) or HD/mini-BNC coaxial connector for compatibility with the Pro Tools | HD MADI interface.    

Which wavelength and light source should I use?

Wavelength – The most commonly used wavelength in multi-mode MADI fiber optic transmission is 850nm, which allows runs of up to 1,000 ft. over 100BASE-SX cable. The next most common is 1,300nm, which is slightly more expensive than 850nm due to the use of longer wavelength over 100BASE-FX cable. Maximum cable runs for 1,300nm are up to 6,600 ft. However, cost is not always the determining factor. If you’re connecting to a live-sound digital console you must accommodate the wavelength used by the console’s MADI interface. Consoles by Yamaha, Soundcraft, and Midas are equipped with 1,300nm multi-mode MADI fiber optics. As such, it’s necessary to consult the owner’s manual or talk with your PAD Professional.  

Light source: For MADI cards and interfaces, such as those by RME, SSL, Antelope, etc., LEDs are the most common and cost-effective light source. Naturally, laser light sources are more expensive, since they are more powerful, operate at faster speeds, and are capable of transmitting light more accurately over longer distances. Again, it’s important to consult with your PAD systems integrator for the best option.

The following SFP (small form-factor pluggable) transceivers are available for the MTRX MADI Module:

• Multi-mode optical module, 1300nm wavelength, Laser light source, LC connector
• Multi-mode optical module, 1300 nm, low output LED light source, LC connector
• Multi-mode optical module 850 nm, Laser light source, LC connector
• Multi-mode optical module, 850 nm, low-output LED light source, LC connector
• Tools MTRX SFP Coax MADI HD/mini-BNC; 64-channel coaxial MADI transceiver
  

Pro Tools | MTRX I/O Card Options:

Pro Tools | MTRX Dual MADI I/O Card

• Full-length PCIe card with two latching SFP cages for MADI optical SFP (small form-factor pluggable) transceivers
• up to 128 channels of MADI I/O per each MTRX option slot
• Accepts two 64-channel, bi-directional small form-factor pluggable (SFP) transceivers
• Add optical I/O via Lucent Connectors (LC) or mini-BNC for compatibility with Pro Tools | HD MADI interface

 

Pro Tools | MTRX MADI Module for Base Unit:

• Small-format daughter board with two latching SFP cages for MADI optical (LC) or coaxial (mini-BNC) SFP transceivers
• Adds up to 128 channels of MADI I/O to the MTRX base unit
• Accepts two 64-channel, bi-directional small form-factor pluggable (SFP) transceivers
• Add optical I/O via Lucent Connectors (LC) or mini-BNC for compatibility with Pro Tools | HD MADI interface
  

 

Pro Tools | MTRX 8 Line Pristine AD Card

• Full-length PCIe analog-to-digital expansion card
• Add eight channels of line-level analog inputs via 25-pin D-sub connector, Tascam standard pin configuration
• Input gain adjustable from -18dB to +70dB
• Maximum input level, 9dBu to 30dBu
• Sampling resolution: 5-bit sigma/delta @ 5.645MHz/6.144 MHz; 24-bit PCM, DSD 64 and 128FS
• Extremely low noise behavior of 0.00014% and crosstalk less than -120dB.
• Input Impedance 10k ohm
  

 

Pro Tools | MTRX 2 Mic/Line Pristine AD Card

• Full-length PCIe analog-to-digital expansion card
• Two high-quality, ultra low-noise, remote controlled preamps with up to +70dB gain
• Highly detailed DAD conversion up to 24-bit/384kHz
• Low-cost option for talkback and tracking
  

 

Pro Tools | MTRX 8 Mic/Line Pristine AD Card

• Full-length PCIe analog-to-digital expansion card
• 8 high-quality, ultra low-noise, remote controlled preamps with up to +70dB gain for tracking and talkback
• Highly detailed DAD conversion up to 24-bit/384kHz; 2.8224MHz and 5.6448MHz DSD (64 & 128Fs)
  

 

Pro Tools | MTRX 8 Pristine DA Card

• Full-length PCIe digital to analog I/O card
• Add eight channels of line-level analog outputs via 25-pin D-sub connector, Tascam standard pin configuration
• Output gain adjustable from -60dBu to 24dBu in steps of 0.1dB
• PCM sample rates: 44.1kHz-384kHz, DSD 2.8224 and 5.6448MHz,
• Modulation resolution: 32-bit oversampling, format: 1-bit DSD, 24-bit PCM
• Send the highest quality analog audio to outboard processors, summing mixers, consoles, or “more me” cue mixers
  

 

Pro Tools | MTRX 8 AES3 I/O Card

• Four stereo-in by four stereo-out, full-length PCIe I/O card
• Add eight XLR AES3 line inputs and outputs (16 channels)
• Built-in, automatic sample rate conversion
• Comes with an AES3 breakout cable
• Use all eight MTRX expansion ports for AES3 I/O option cards
• Send and return effects; bridge between digital consoles, power amps, Dante network, and other AES-equipped audio equipment

 

Pro Tools | MTRX Dual SDI/HD/3G Embed/De-embed Card

• Full-length 2 x 16 channel PCIe card
• Extract (de-embed) and process up to 16 channels of audio embedded in a digital video stream directly to Pro Tools or out via MADI, Dante, AES3, or analog
• Embed 2-channels of audio in SDI
• Accepts 3G, HD-SDI and SD-SDI signals
• Built-in automatic sample rate conversion
• Embed 2-channel audio in SDI directly from Pro Tools, MADI, Dante, or analog.
  

Pro Tools | MTRX 64-Channel IP Audio Dante Module

• Small card snaps into a slot on the Pro Tools | MTRX motherboard
• Adds Dante audio networking capabilities to the Pro Tools | MTRX base unit
• (64 channels at 44.1/48kHz, 32 channels at 88.2/96kHz, or 16 channels at 192kHz)
• 1ms default latency
• Uses standard Cat5/6 Ethernet cable and connectors
• Automatic device discover displays newly connected equipment in Dante software

Join the growing list of audio professionals, world-class recording studios, and feature film post-production facilities who rely on the Avid Pro Tools | MTRX modular interface for the highest audio quality and most versatile workflow integration. To create the optimal configuration for your MTRX, contact your PAD Studio Integrator today.

Features

Avid Pro Tools | MTRX key features:

• Highest audio quality possible – up to 384kHz PCM and DSD64/DSD128
• Customize the interface for your needs, with up to 48 analog channels, 64 digital, or any combination
• Choose from a wide variety of I/O, including mic pres, Dante, MADI, AES3, and 3G-SDI
• Versatile I/O lets you connect with the widest array of equipment and environments
• Use standalone or as a 64-channel interface to Pro Tools | HD
• Comprehensive routing and monitoring control with the included DADman software and Pro | Mon 2
• Use one interface for multiple applications, including music recording, Dolby Atmos, live sound, multiple Pro Tools post workflows, monitor control, and more
• Remotely control up to 48 mic preamps per interface from both DADman and Pro Tools | S6
• Configure your monitor section with multiple speaker sets
• Build custom fold-down templates to instantly switch between monitor formats
• Sum stems and sources to feed monitor outputs using Pro | Mon as a 256 x 32 summing mixer
• Work with multiple audio formats, from mono and stereo to 64 channels of audio output
• Front-panel display of signal status and session activity
  

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Specifications

Pro Tools | MTRX Base Unit specifications:

• AES/EBU I/O: Eight AES pairs (16 mono) via two D25 connectors
• MADI I/O: Coaxial interface with 64 I/O channels via BNC connectors
• Option card slots: Eight available for I/O customization (see options below); up to six slots can be used to mix and match analog (AD/DA) cards, providing up to 48 analog channels per MTRX interface
• System sync: Word Clock/video black burst (VBB) I/O via BNC connectors; AES11 input
• Pro Tools interface: Two 32-channel DigiLink Mini connectors (64 channels total)
• Sample rate: Supports 44.1 kHz–384 kHz, as well as DSD 64/DSD 128 with high precision internal clock and PLL
• Power: Dual power supplies (internal)
• Chassis: 2U 19-inch rack-mountable unit (482.6 mm)

 

Pro Tools | MTRX 8 Line Pristine AD Card specifications:

• Analog inputs: 8 line-level
• Connector: D-Sub 25-pin Tascam standard configuration
• Input gain: Adjustable from -18dB to +70dB in steps of 0.1 dB; ± 0.25dB accuracy
• Max input level: Adjustable from 9dBu to 30dBu in steps of 0.1dB
• Sampling resolution: 5-bit sigma/delta @ 5.645MHz or 6.144 MHz; 24-bit PCM
• DSD sample rates: 2.8224MHz and 5.6448MHz (64 and 128FS)
• THD+N (A): < -117dB @ -3dBFS / 0.00014%
• Crosstalk: < -120dB
• Input Impedance: > 10k ohm
  

 

Pro Tools | MTRX 8 Line Pristine DA Card specifications:

• Analog outputs: 8 line-level via 25-pin D-Sub connectors
• Modulator resolution, format: 32x oversampling, 1-bit DSD, 24-bit PCM
• PCM (DXD) sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 174.4, 192, 352.8, 384 kHz
• DSD sample rates: 2.8224 and 5.6448MHz (64 and 128FS)
• Dynamic range (A): > 128dB
• THD+N (A): < -110 dB @ -3dBFS
• Crosstalk: < -120dB
• Max output level: Adjustable from -60dBu to 24dBu in steps of 0.1dB
  

 

Avid Pro Tools | MTRX 8 AES3 I/O card specifications:

• Digital I/O formats: AES/EBU, Pro Tools DigiLink Mini, Dante IP Audio
• Supported sample rate: Up to 192kHz MADI/up to 384kHz, and DSD
• Synchronization: AES11, Word Clock, all digital inputs; Video Sync (word clock connector) / PAL, NTSC, SECAM
• DSD sample rates: 8224 and 5.6448MHz (64 / 128FS)
• Dynamic range (A): > 128dB
• THD+N(A): < –110dB @ –3dBFS / 0.00031%
• Cross talk: < 120dB
• Max output level: Adjustable from –60dBu to 24dBu in steps of 0.1dB
  

 

Avid Pro Tools | MTRX 8 SDI/HD/3G Embed/De-embed card specifications:

• Digital I/O formats: AES/EBU, Pro Tools DigiLink Mini, Dante IP Audio
• Supported sample rate: Up to 192kHz MADI/up to 384kHz, and DSD
• Synchronization: AES11, Word Clock, all digital inputs; Video Sync (word clock connector) / PAL, NTSC, SECAM
• DSD sample rates: 8224 and 5.6448MHz (64/128FS)
• Dynamic range (A): > 128dB
• THD+N(A): < –110dB @ –3dBFS / 0.00031%
• Cross talk: < 120dB
• Max output level: Adjustable from –60dBu to 24dBu in steps of 0.1dB
  

 

Pro Tools | MTRX 8 Mic/Line Pristine AD Card specifications:

• Analog inputs: 8 mic/line
• Mic preamps: 8
• Input gain: Adjustable from -18dB to +70dB in steps of 0.1dB; ± 0.25dB accuracy
• Max input level: Adjustable from 9dBu to 30dBu in steps of 0.1dB
• Mic equivalent input noise (A): < -133 dB
• Sampling, resolution: 5-bit sigma/delta @ 5.645/6.144MHz, 24-bit PCM
• DSD sample rates: 2.8224MHz and 5.6448MHz (64 and 128FS)
• THD+N (A): < -117dB @ -3dBFS / 0.00014%
• Crosstalk: < -120dB
• Input Impedance: >10k ohm

 

Pro Tools | MTRX 2 Mic/Line Pristine AD Card specifications:

• Analog inputs: 2 mic/line
• Mic preamps: 2
• Input gain: Adjustable from -18dB to +70dB in steps of 0.1dB; ± 0.25dB accuracy
• Max input level: Adjustable from 9dBu to 30dBu in steps of 0.1dB
• Mic equivalent input noise (A): < -133 dB
• Sampling, resolution: 5-bit sigma/delta @ 5.645/6.144MHz, 24-bit PCM
• DSD sample rates: 2.8224MHz and 5.6448MHz (64 and 128FS)
• THD+N (A): < -117dB @ -3dBFS / 0.00014%
• Crosstalk: < -120dB
• Input Impedance: >10k ohm