The Matrix; The User Interface; Usage - RME Audio Fireface UC User Manual

27. The Matrix

27.1 Overview
The mixer window of TotalMix looks and operates similar to mixing desks, as it is based on a
conventional stereo design. The matrix display presents a different method of assigning and
routing channels, based on a single channel or monaural design. The matrix view of the Fire-
face UC has the look and works like a conventional patchbay, adding functionality way beyond
comparable hardware and software solutions. While most patchbays will allow you to connect
inputs to outputs with just the original level (1:1, or 0 dB, as known from mechanical patchbays),
TotalMix allows you to use a freely definable gain value per crosspoint.
Matrix and TotalMix are different ways of displaying the same processes. Because of this both
views are always fully synchronized. Each change in one view is immediately reflected in the
other view as well.
27.2 Elements of the Matrix View
The visual design of the TotalMix Matrix is mainly determined by the architecture of the Fireface
UC:
Horizontal labels. All hardware outputs
Vertical labels. All hardware inputs. Below are
all playback channels.
Green 0.0 dB field. Standard 1:1 routing
Black field with number. Shows the current
gain value as dB
Blue field. This routing is muted
Brown field. Phase 180° (inverted)
Dark grey field. No routing.
To maintain overview when the window size has been reduced, the labels are floating. They
won't leave the visible area when scrolling.
27.3 Operation
Using the Matrix is a breeze. It is very easy to indentify the current crosspoint, because the
outer labels light up in orange according to the mouse position.
If input 1 is to be routed to output 1, use the mouse and click one time on crosspoint In 1 /
AN 1 with held down Ctrl key. Two green 0.0 dB field pop in, another click removes them.
To change the gain (equals the use of a different fader position, see simultaneous display of
the mixer view), drag the mouse up or down, starting from the gain field. The value within
the field changes accordingly. The corresponding fader in the mixer view is moving simulta-
neously, in case the currently modified routing is visible.
On the right side is the Control Strip from the mixer window, adapted to the Matrix. The but-
ton for the temporary fader group is missing as well as all View options, as they don't make
sense here. Instead the button Mono Mode lets you decide whether all the actions per-
formed in the Matrix are valid for two channels or just one.
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User's Guide Fireface UC © RME