ADDAC System (814), After Later Audio (Keanu), and Toppobrillo (Matrixplexer) have released new uniquely featured matrix mixer modules.
A mixer is part of every modular system. It costs little and opens up many patch options. A stereo mixer is a step up and can be used to create stereo signals and often more. It has become a trend in recent years.
The matrix mixer is the king of all mixers and gives more routing freedom. It allows routing multiple audio or CV signals to various outputs, for example. Many developers seem interested in this concept. In a week, three companies released new matrix mixer modules: ADDAC System, After Later Audio & Toppobrillo.
I don’t usually do this, but all three new matrix mixers are in one news article.
ADDAC System ADDAC814 Stereo Matrix Mixer
The ADDAC814 Stereo Matrix mixer is probably the most classic among the three new releases. It’s a 33HP (25HP + 8HP) 6-in x 6-out stereo matrix mixer with hands-on control.
The module has 36 color-coded knobs in white, black, and red that help you to recall routings faster. Black for A, C, E outputs, red for B, D, F outputs, and white/cream for potential feedback diagonal: 1A, 2B, 3C, 4D, 5E, 6F. All left input channels are normalled to the right inputs.
The ADDAC814 Stereo Matrix mixer has DC-coupled circuitry, so it can mix audio and CV signals. Jumpers on the back of both modules allow the user to set each channel independently to Line or Synth Level, making it easier to integrate with external sources, sound processors, or guitar pedals.
In addition, the ADDAC System also added blank areas on the left and button edges of the ADDAC814 matrix mixer for writing the inputs and output source – a handy feature.
ADDAC System ADDAC814 Stereo Matrix Mixer is available soon for $379,99/389€.
After Later Audio Keanu
After Later Audio has a unique matrix mixer (24HP) that combines audio and modulation, which was created in partnership with Tim Held and Podular Modcast.
Keanu is a 4-in/4-out matrix mixer with VCAs on each output and switches to choose between unipolar or bipolar control. A unique feature of After Later Audio Keanu is its built-in modulation sources normalled into each channel.
Channel 1 and 2’s CVs offer clockable looping functional generators with rise/fall length controls and with end of rise/fall trigger outputs. Then, channels 3 and 4, each are “meandering” voltage sources created by three LFOs, each with different frequencies.
You can control their rates individually with three dedicated CV inputs and add a slew to each channel on an individual basis. For example, the oscillators can be changed from square to triangle. This slew also applies to external voltages sent into their channel.s.
Less attractively designed than the ADDAC system ADDAC814, Alter Later Audio Keanu offers a matrix with simple knobs with which you can set the routing values.
Alter Later Audio Keanu is available now for $275.
Toppobrillo MatrixPlexer Matrix Mixer
Number three is the new Toppobrillo MatrixPlexer. It’s a 24HP 4-in x 4-out matrix mixer with unique scanning capabilities. According to Toppobrillo, the Matrixplexer is the mutant future cousin of the Miniplexer from 2012, with a ton of extra features.
MatrixPlexer offers four DC-coupled inputs and four output mixes with dedicated switches. The module handles the audio using low-noise linear VCAs, including post-input attenuators.
A highlight of the MatrixPlexer is its powerful scanning ability. You can use it to create input and output animations, spatialization, mix sequences, rhythms, and more. The module hosts a transport section with X and Y where you can set the active cross-points, or channels, in the matrix.
There are three modes to explore: dot, bar, and scroll. The latter awakens internal through-zero LFOs that can scan the matrix continuously and seamlessly in any direction. You can set the rate using the sliders and CV input.
Further, you can find a shape knob with a matching CV to adjust the crossfade slope between channels, anyware from hardware switching to linear crossfades.
Plus, you can sync the modes to the external clock using the trigger input. And on the back, you have a header, allowing you to use digital expansion.
Toppobrillo MatrixPlexer is not yet out. According to the developer, it will start shipping in January 2025, and the price is TBD. For pre-orders, you can add your name to their email list on their website.
First Impression
Three very exciting matrix mixer modules, each with very different feature sets. I like the ADDAC very much because it is very straightforward and stereo. Keanu also looks promising, especially with the addition of modulation.
My favorite is, so far, the Toppobrillo, as the ability to scan through the matrix sounds like super fun. I’m looking forward to more about all three.
But also the Toppobrillo because the scanning can be very wild
More information here: ADDAC System / After Later Audio / Toppobrillo
Available at my partners
it burns.