MTX8 Review - Effect pedals enter the matrix
Added 2020-08-23 11:01:00 +0000 UTCHi!
"Gamechanger" is such an overused word, that I didn't use it in the title of this email or video, so I don't get accused of clickbait, but MTX8 from Future Sound Systems (FSS) may just be one. A gamechanger I mean... not clickbait...
The concept isn't new at all: the EMS Synthi has a patch matrix, and FSS have had a product called MTX9 - matrix module for Eurorack - for quite some time.
All they did here is put 1/4 inch jacks on the MTX9 and make it standalone, so what's the big deal?
If you have just 2 or 3 effects pedals, probably not much. But if you have more, there's something very liberating about hooking everything up to a master switch and experimenting with different chains and routings by moving little pins around rather than physically moving gear from place to place or unplugging and replugging any cables.
Alternatives exist. Patch bays do a good job of letting you patch everything in one place but don't have mixing or splitting functions. Switch pedals like the Boss ES-8 or Gigrig G2 are designed mainly single effects chains (though they have some parallel functionality). Switchblade from a company called Sound Sculpture is similar and can store routings as presets, but it's expensive, big and menu-driven.
Is the MTX8 the perfect solution for the problem? There are pros and cons like everything else, but it's certainly is a step in the right direction and an exciting tool for people who want to treat their effects pedals like eurorack modules.
All my best,
Ziv (always excited for matrix control over things on youtube as "Loopop"...)
Comments
I wasn't familiar with Patchulator - a nice inexpensive solution though seems like it can't really split or merge? (maybe with a stack-cable...) I'm quite curious about the G2... whiteboard paint (or at least stickers...) are a good idea - I'd be lost for what's what without proper labels
2020-08-23 12:09:19 +0000 UTCVery interesting - i have the BoredBrain Patchulator on my pedalboard and also their INTRFX to go back and forth to modular and i like them both in terms of price performance. Patchulator is stereo throughout, too, which is sweet. I replaced GigRig G2 with it, tho as with the MTX8 that would only work for bedroom guitarists, i guess. I so wish that the Patchulator had the whiteboard surface tho - i'm almost tempted to paint it with whiteboard paint.
Andrew Condon
2020-08-23 11:35:57 +0000 UTC
