The Hum Audio Devices N-Matrix originated from the insert-routing section of the company’s N-Trophy All Discrete Mastering Console. Following the introduction of the N-Trophy at AES New York in 2024, HUM Audio received requests from mastering engineers and producers for a standalone system capable of providing the console’s routing flexibility without requiring the complete console. The resulting Hum Audio Devices N-Matrix was released during 2025 as a dedicated mastering and mixing insert processor.
At its core is a six-slot stereo insert chain capable of placing connected processors in virtually any required order. Rather than simply functioning as a conventional analogue patchbay or insert switcher, the Hum Audio Devices N-Matrix can divide those six positions into two independent three-slot chains, designated A and B. This allows processors to be configured into separate serial or parallel signal paths without physically repatching equipment.
Five operating modes provide different arrangements of the two signal paths. These include a conventional single-chain configuration, two completely separate three-slot chains, parallel operation derived from Input A, parallel processing with the two chains subsequently summed, and operation in which two independent input chains are combined at Output A. This architecture enables the Hum Audio Devices N-Matrix to perform duties that would otherwise require a combination of insert switching, patching and analogue summing equipment.
Routing and switching are performed using almost 300 hermetically encapsulated relays with gold-plated contacts. The left and right channel relay assemblies are located on separate circuit boards, while the complete signal path remains fully balanced from input to output. Passive switching is used wherever possible to minimise the circuitry inserted into the analogue path.
Active electronics are employed only where additional signal processing is required. These sections include M/S encoding and decoding, Side level adjustment, stereo stem summing and output level trimming. The discrete M/S system allows encoding and decoding to be introduced at different points within the processing chain, effectively providing two additional processing positions beyond the six external stereo inserts.
This makes it possible, for example, to convert a stereo signal to Mid/Side, process the Mid and Side components using external hardware, and return to conventional left/right stereo later in the chain. The Side signal can also be trimmed, allowing adjustment of stereo width within the analogue processing path.
The Hum Audio Devices N-Matrix’s stereo summing system allows the outputs of its two processing chains to be combined internally. Its summing stage uses HUM Audio discrete operational amplifiers related to those employed in the company’s LAAL analogue mastering limiter. Multiple N-Matrix units can also be cascaded, extending the available routing and allowing more elaborate multi-stem processing and summing configurations.
The front panel provides direct access to the routing system rather than relying on menus or computer control. Individual insert positions, M/S functions, routing modes, output controls, muting and solo functions are available from dedicated controls. Stepped rotary controls are provided for output and Side signal level adjustment.
The Hum Audio Devices N-Matrix stores its current configuration when switched off, allowing the previous setup to be restored when the unit is powered again. A dedicated Reset function provides a rapid method of clearing the routing configuration, deactivating the insert slots and effectively returning them to hard bypass.
Studio connections are made entirely using balanced XLR connectors rather than multipin DB25 connections. Separate stereo Input A and Input B connections and corresponding outputs support the unit’s dual-path architecture, while six pairs of stereo insert connections provide access to external processors.
The Hum Audio Devices N-Matrix is housed in a 2U rackmount chassis and is hand-built in Poland. Its combination of passive relay switching, discrete analogue processing and configurable routing places it somewhere between a mastering insert switcher, analogue patching system, M/S processor and stereo summing unit, with these functions integrated into a single hardware device.
Features
- Fully analogue, all-discrete audio architecture
- Six-slot stereo insert chain
- Main insert chain can be divided into two independent three-slot chains
- Almost 300 hermetically encapsulated relays with gold-plated contacts
- Passive relay-based signal switching and routing
- Fully balanced signal path from input to output
- Separate left and right channel relay circuit boards
- Five operating modes for serial, split, parallel and summed processing
- Two independent stereo inputs and outputs, designated A and B
- All-discrete M/S encoder and decoder
- M/S encoder and decoder can be positioned at different points in the processing chain
- M/S functions effectively provide two additional processing positions
- Adjustable Side signal level for stereo width control
- Internal stereo stem summing
- Discrete analogue summing stage
- Output level trimming
- Mute and solo functions
- Stepped rotary controls for output and Side signal adjustment
- Multiple N-Matrix units can be cascaded for expanded routing and summing
- Recalls the previous configuration after power cycling
- Dedicated Reset function returns insert slots to bypass
- Balanced XLR connections throughout