Matrix Feature Set Pulls Together Analogue and Digital Equipment
CHICAGO, ILKeith Cleversley, the creative force behind the Playground Recording & Mastering Studio and veteran producer of innovative alternative bands such as the Flaming Lips, Spiritualized, Mercury Rev, Hum, Flickerstick, Verve, Posies, and Urge Overkill, recently discovered the new Solid State Logic Matrix and immediately centered his new studio around this powerful new addition to the SSL family of industry standard consoles. Matrix, which offers SuperAnalogue 16 channel, 40 input, line-level mixing capabilities with inbuilt signal router and multi-layer digital workstation control, allows Cleversley to combine the Playground’s mountain of analogue outboard gear and the Pro Tools HD3 Accel System into a streamlined working environment.
“Knowing that the Matrix was an SSL was more than enough to peak my interest in the console,” says Cleversley. “When I started to look at what this console delivers, I instinctively knew that the Matrix was what I needed to tie our studio together. The console’s features such as Total Recall and its capability of controlling multiple DAW’s at once were perfect for the way we need to work. Having the same elegance, richness, and clarity that I’ve come to expect from the SSL name at the unexpected price point was the icing on the cake and made choosing the Matrix truly simple!”
The Playground is a multi-mission facility with a primary focus on mixing and mastering. Tracking is done when necessary to complete the myriad of projects going through the studio. The Playground employs a vast array of outboard units, synthesizers and processors for each project and greatly benefits from the routing offered by Matrix.
“This console has actually managed to help re-ignite my passion for making music and for being in the studio again,” Cleversley asserts. “With so many options and boxes and gadgets available today, things can get extremely complicated quite quickly and the Matrix seamlessly pulls it all together efficiently and intuitively.”
Matrix offers comprehensive DAW control integrated into the ergonomic design. This allows for on-console access to all software features, bringing the tactile feel of analogue to the virtual domain.
“With the new facility, I was reluctant to make the switch to a DAW working model with digital plug-ins, effects, processing and sound modules inside the box,” Cleversley states. “I like to touch a control and hear the result. The elegance and sheer intuitiveness of the Matrix is single-handedly responsible for making me remember what it’s like to mix with my ears again! Instead of obsessing over numbers and mouse clicks, I found myself reaching for a fader, pan pot, a soft-key, or a soft-knob that could control virtually any Pro Tools’ parameter I chose, freeing me to simply listen and focus again! Imagine that, mixing music by listening to it. The Matrix makes that a reality in a digital world.”
Solid State Logic is the world’s leading manufacturer of analogue and digital audio consoles and provider of creative tools for music, broadcast and post production professionals. For more information about our award-winning products, please visit: www.solid-state-logic.com.
