groups and matrix

[conan]

Hey,

 

Im trying to learn a little more about sound coming from a lighting background. Im wondering if you could explain to me the diffrence between an audio and VCA group. Also what is ment by a matrix on the mixing desk eg a 12x4 matrix?

 

cheers

[tour monkey]

A type into the search function of VCA and Group came up with this thread, which indeed I started.

 

Munky

 

 

Moderators' note : yes indeed. Half of your question has been answered in some detail elsewhere on the forum. Would people PLEASE remember to use the Search function before posting a question, to check whether it's been asked/answered before? There are two and a half years' worth of archived posts, so chances are it's in there somewhere.

[paulears]

the matrix is a kind of internal extra mixer, within the mixer. in a 12 x 4, 12 sources - probably groups plus main outputs (or other combinations of handy internal buses) can be mixed to 4 outputs. Usually presented as 4 columns of 12 knobs. Useful for loads of things - last week a video crew wanted a feed of radio mics, cd audio being played in plus the float mics - the matrix section lets you create this kind of mix out of the groups.

[djw1981]

Matrixes are also very useful for doing front fills, additional monitor mixes, or for feeding delays etc

[mackerr]

Matrixes are also very useful for doing front fills, additional monitor mixes, or for feeding delays etc

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A great use for matrix outputs in a monitor rig is to route 1 mix to several different speakers with the ability to turn individual speakers on and off. This is useful if you have a lead singer you sings from a couple of different places onstage. You can use only the monitors where the singer is without having to create lots of mixes.

 

Mac

[djw1981]

Matrixes are also very useful for doing front fills, additional monitor mixes, or for feeding delays etc

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A great use for matrix outputs in a monitor rig is to route 1 mix to several different speakers with the ability to turn individual speakers on and off. This is useful if you have a lead singer you sings from a couple of different places onstage. You can use only the monitors where the singer is without having to create lots of mixes.

 

Mac

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

You know, I have never used it that way, but now you mention it, its perfect.

 

Many Thanx

[Just Some Bloke]

Matrixes are also very useful for doing front fills, additional monitor mixes, or for feeding delays etc

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just to expand on this a litle.

 

In theatres you often have audience in lots of different places. If you're presenting a musical, then some may be sitting directly in front of the orchestra and,clearly, don't need any orchestra in their speakers (front fills). Others may be at the back of the stalls or the highest balcony and may need a good strong mix of the band for them. If you group radiomics together and orchestra together, then you can use the matrix outs to send just radiomics to the front fills, radios and plenty of orchestra to the farthest delay speakers and somewhere in between for each of the other areas. That's the concept at its most basic: each area of audience has its own mix from the desk so that each person hears the same sound, balanced between what they hear live and what they hear amplified.

[andy_s]

the Allen and Heath website had a useful pdf on the uses of VCAs.