TB3 Card for MTRX Studio - Possible to integrate HD I/O interfaces?

[audiogamble]

Hi there. I'm helping set up a studio where the existing setup is 2 HD I/O 's connected to an HDN PCI Card. We're adding Dolby Atmos to the setup, and went with the MTRX Studio to provide monitor control / tuning for the atmos system. Eventually we'll also migrate the stereo monitoring setup over to the MS as well.

He also purchased the TB3 option card.

I wanted to reach out here to get some clarity on what our options are with the MTRX Studio and how it could integrate with his existing HD I/O converters.

Does having the TB3 card now negate the need for his HDN card? IE - is there a way to connect digilink from the MTRX Studio to the HD I/O 's, and then use the TB card to interface to the computer? Does having the TB card allow the MTRX Studio to act as a digilink host in this way?

If not, is the only way to maintain use of the HD I/O's is to connect them, and the MTRX Studio as interfaces to the HDN Card?

I think I know the answer, but I'm having a hard time finding online resources for the Thunderbolt card that would confirm this. Perhaps someone from avid, or a user more experienced in this could chime in?

Thanks for the help.

[uptheoctave]

Originally Posted by audiogamble

Hi there. I'm helping set up a studio where the existing setup is 2 HD I/O 's connected to an HDN PCI Card. We're adding Dolby Atmos to the setup, and went with the MTRX Studio to provide monitor control / tuning for the atmos system. Eventually we'll also migrate the stereo monitoring setup over to the MS as well.

He also purchased the TB3 option card.

I wanted to reach out here to get some clarity on what our options are with the MTRX Studio and how it could integrate with his existing HD I/O converters.

Does having the TB3 card now negate the need for his HDN card? IE - is there a way to connect digilink from the MTRX Studio to the HD I/O 's, and then use the TB card to interface to the computer? Does having the TB card allow the MTRX Studio to act as a digilink host in this way?

In a word, No.

If you were using HDN and now have TB3 you will get much better performance from the MTRX Studio's TB driver than from HD Native.

If you need IO expansion beyond what is on the MTRX Studio then look at Dante or ADAT expansion.

Originally Posted by audiogamble

If not, is the only way to maintain use of the HD I/O's is to connect them, and the MTRX Studio as interfaces to the HDN Card?

If you had HDX (rather than HD Native) then there is *sometimes* an argument for connecting one MTRX Studio digilink connector to one HDX digilink connector and using the other HDX digilink connector to connect to the HD IO.

But with HD Native, there is no point at all if you have the TB3 card.

The HD Native card and HDIO are a decent set up to sell on to someone.
I would do that in your position, and buy some appropriate expansion for the MTRX Studio from Focusrite, Ferrofish, Lynx, RME or any of the companies who make good quality ADAT/Dante expansion.

[audiogamble]

Appreciate the reply

You mentioned:

If you were using HDN and now have TB3 you will get much better performance from the MTRX Studio's TB driver than from HD Native.

Do you mean actual performance in terms of how smoothly the unit runs, or do mean that in terms of functionality? I understand that going away from HDN and onto core audio would allow for higher voice counts in pro tools sessions for example. Anything else I might be missing?

[uptheoctave]

Originally Posted by audiogamble

Appreciate the reply

You mentioned:



Do you mean actual performance in terms of how smoothly the unit runs, or do mean that in terms of functionality? I understand that going away from HDN and onto core audio would allow for higher voice counts in pro tools sessions for example. Anything else I might be missing?

I meant lower latency.