HUM Audio N-Matrix is a fully analog, all-discrete relay-based insert matrix — a standalone, expanded version of the insert matrix section housed in the N-TROPHY console's Center Section, designed for mastering and mixing engineers who need maximum transparency and routing flexibility without requiring the full console. Built with nearly 300 hermetically sealed relays with gold-plated contacts and physically separated PCB boards for the left and right channels. The only active discrete circuits are those handling M/S encoding/decoding, Side signal trimming, stems summing, and output level trim — all remaining switching and routing is fully passive and lossless. Internal +/-24V power supply delivers massive headroom throughout. Unveiled at NAMM 2026; hand-assembled in Poland.
Six inserts, five operating modes, and M/S at any point in the chain
The six-slot stereo main insert chain operates as a single serial chain of six inserts or can be split into two independent three-slot sub-chains [A] and [B]. Five operating modes: Standard (serial), Simple Split (two independent 3-slot chains), Parallel Split (two parallel processing chains), Parallel Split with Summing (parallel chains with output summing), and Parallel Summing (summing two parallel input stems through discrete opamps identical to those in the LAAL mastering limiter). Cascading two or more N-Matrix units opens up multi-stem summing and processing without a fixed channel limit. The discrete M/S matrix with encoder and decoder functions as two additional full-spec insert slots and can be placed at any point in the chain — before or after any slot, regardless of operating mode. The Side signal has its own independent stepped rotary level trim, muting, and soloing. Output A, Output B, and Side each have independent stepped trim controls.
Architecture and mastering-grade system integration
All inputs and outputs use balanced XLR sockets — no DB25 connectors, no quality compromise at the connection point. PCB boards for the left and right channels are physically separated for the best possible audio performance. The signal path is fully balanced from input to output, and the audio path is kept as short as possible throughout. Solid machined aluminum knobs and backlit vintage-style buttons on the front panel enable intuitive switching of complex routing configurations without reaching for the rear panel. The N-Matrix is a natural complement to HUM Audio's LAAL mastering limiter — together they form a comprehensive analog mastering-grade system. It works with any outboard connected via XLR. The unit occupies 2U of rack space and is hand-assembled in Poland from audiophile-grade components.
KEY FEATURES
- Analog all-discrete relay-based insert matrix — standalone expanded version of N-TROPHY insert section
- Nearly 300 hermetically sealed relays with gold-plated contacts
- Separate PCB boards for L and R channels — maximum separation and audio performance
- 6 stereo insert slots in the main chain, freely reorderable
- Main chain splittable into two independent 3-slot sub-chains [A] and [B]
- 5 operating modes: Standard, Simple Split, Parallel Split, Parallel Split with Summing, Parallel Summing
- Stems summing via discrete opamps identical to LAAL mastering limiter
- Cascadeable — multi-stem summing without fixed channel limit
- Discrete M/S matrix with encoder and decoder freely assignable to any point in the chain
- M/S Encoder and Decoder function as two additional full-spec insert slots
- Independent stepped rotary trim, muting, and soloing for Side signal
- Stepped rotary output trim for Out A, Out B, and Side independently
- Passive lossless signal switching — zero coloration regardless of operating mode
- +/-24V internal power supply — massive headroom
- All I/O on balanced XLR — no DB25 connectors
- Natural companion to HUM Audio LAAL mastering limiter
- 2U chassis; solid machined aluminum knobs, backlit vintage-style buttons
- Hand-assembled in Poland from audiophile-grade components
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: analog all-discrete relay-based insert matrix, 2U rack
- Signal path: fully analog, discrete, balanced, passive switching throughout
- Relays: nearly 300, hermetically sealed, gold-plated contacts
- PCB boards: separate for L and R channels
- Insert slots: 6 stereo in main chain
- Sub-chains: 2x 3-slot [A] and [B]
- Operating modes: Standard, Simple Split, Parallel Split, Parallel Split with Summing, Parallel Summing
- M/S matrix: discrete encoder and decoder, freely assignable to any point in the chain
- Summing: discrete opamps (identical to LAAL mastering limiter)
- Output trim: stepped rotary per Out A, Out B, Side
- Side signal: independent trim, muting, soloing
- Inputs/outputs: balanced XLR (no DB25)
- Power: +/-24V internal
- Active circuits: M/S encoding/decoding, Side trim, stems summing, output trim only
- Chassis: 2U
- Production: hand-assembled, Poland, audiophile-grade components
