Matrix Portable
Overview
Matrix Portable provides the most convenient way to deliver superior audio quality on any dialup telephone circuit. Combining the most practical user features with Comrex’s technology advancements, it is unquestionably the first choice for those who seek flexible audio remotes.
Compact and modular, Matrix Portable is designed to withstand the rigors of the road. It’s delivered equipped to handle full duplex audio, with up to 15 kHz audio bandwidth, over standard dialup POTS. Audio quality scales automatically to compensate for poor phone lines, keeping you connected and on the air.
Program and cueback can be sent over the same phone line. This is a real advantage when off-air monitoring is delayed from real-time, such as with HD Radio or when using a profanity delay.
The optional Matrix GSM Module uses GSM CSD (circuit switched data) to deliver 7 kHz frequency response over wireless service . It operates where GSM circuit switched data is available . Many carriers around the world offer CSD. In the US, T-Mobile and Cingular were offering this service, however recently they have been discontinuing the Circuit Switched Data service without warning. It has become increasingly difficult to reliably obtain CSD service or to be able to rely on this service for broadcasts and Comrex can no longer recommend this service in the US.
Choose the Matrix Portable ISDN Module when ISDN is available, rather than purchasing an additional codec. It offers MPEG Audio Layer III, G.722 and Comrex’s Turbo G.722, allowing you to select the most appropriate combination of fidelity, compatibility and low delay for your needs.
With the TelCell Module, the Matrix can be used as a portable coupler on plain phone lines and with most cell phones. You can connect with anyone, even if they do not have a codec. While the Matrix does not enhance the audio characteristics of the line, the addition of professional microphones and headphones will help maximize your audio quality.
When you purchase Matrix Portable, you can be confident that you are using the most rugged and reliable remote broadcast equipment available.
Doing a remote? Put Comrex on the line.
Features & Benefits
Audio quality
Comrex audio coding algorithms are uniquely suited to the task of moving high-quality audio along narrow data channels. Hardware is designed to exceed broadcast audio quality expectations. Note that actual performance may vary with phone circuit conditions.
POTS performance:
- Full duplex FM quality (15 kHz) audio bandwidth at connect rates of 24 kbps and above.
- Full duplex audio scales from 12 kHz to 5 kHz at connect rates of 21.6 kbps to 9.6 kbps.
- Selectable “Voice Mode” allows 7 kHz audio with a 300 bps ancillary data channel and extra forward error correction.
- Short coding delay (100 ms) allows seamless two-way conversation.
GSM performance:
- Comrex voice algorithm boosts frequency response to 7 kHz on bit rates as low as 9600 kbps with fewer digital artifacts.
ISDN performance:
- MPEG Audio Layer III—15 kHz mono over a single ISDN B channel.
- G.722—7.5 kHz mono, low delay, over a single ISDN B channel.
- Comrex Turbo G.722—15 kHz mono, low delay, over two ISDN B channels.
TelCell performance:
- Standard POTS response of 300 Hz–3 kHz.
Line connection reliability
Dialup telephone networks can be unpredictable. Comrex combines our years of experience and the latest technologies to keep you in control of your remotes.
For POTS:
- Automatic modem negotiation connects at the optimal rate supported by telephone connection.
- Phone line quality is monitored continuously, and modem renegotiates if the line degrades during the call. Renegotiation may be disabled to prevent dropouts at inconvenient times.
- Maximum data rate can be preset manually to provide a guardband against line errors.
- A brief two-second renegotiation can be forced manually by pressing a single button on either end of the call.
For GSM:
- Proprietary Comrex coding, error correction and modem innovations overcome both bandwidth and network limitations.
- Quick recovery from errors, avoiding the stuttering effect often found with handheld phones.
- Greater stability due to greater available power and external antenna.
Easy-to-use dialing and configuration interface
Useful features that nontechnical personnel can readily understand save you time and money on training, preparation and configuration.
- Quick-dial stores 20 phone numbers in nonvolatile memory.
- One-touch redial.
- Auto-answer (on first or sixth ring) and manual answer.
- POTS connection works with external phones, for PABXs and operator-assisted calls.
- Accepts dialing strings of up to 44 digits with pauses.
- Menu-selectable dialing parameters of analog telephone protocols for 20 countries.
- Backlit LCD displays modem connection speed.
Built for the real world
Comrex has addressed all the details to make use and maintenance of your codec hassle-free.
- Compatible with all Comrex POTS codec models. (A corresponding unit is required at the other end of the phone line.)
- Field-proven, rugged design for years of trouble-free use.
- Software updates are accomplished easily using the Matrix Portable’s multipurpose data port and files downloaded from Comrex website or obtained via e-mail. All software updates are free.
- Switching power supply works everywhere.
- Optional rechargeable battery for up to seven hours of primary or backup operation.
- Store and forward mode—Ability to record and store 10 minutes of full-fidelity audio to send in nonreal time.
Audio mixing and other features
- Two-channel microphone mixer:
- An XLR mic input and XLR mic/line input can be mixed, along with an auxiliary, unbalanced line input to create the send program.
- Headphone output provides an adjustable mix of send and receive audio for the local talent.
- An XLR output provides an adjustable mix of send and receive audio to feed a local device, such as a public address system.
- Built-in peak limiter.
- Front-panel LED status indicators:
- Ring/carrier detection LED flashes when an incoming call is ringing and is steadily on when the internal modem is connected with a compatible codec on the far end.
- Ready indicator illuminates when decoder locks with compatible far-end codec.
- Accessory slot accepts expansion modules for maximum flexibility.
- Two contact closures for remote control:
- One latching, enabled upon the decoder synching with far-end codec.
- One momentary, activated by a button press on the far-end codec.
- A “Send CC” button on the Matrix Portable triggers a contact closure on the far-end Comrex codec.
Matrix Portable Add-ons
Matrix Portable GSM Module - Not for use in North America
Matrix Portable’s core purpose is to provide the best-quality remotes over POTS. Unlike most devices in its class, Matrix Portable has a flexible design, with an accessory slot for function expansion and our most advanced coding, to provide easy and economical migration to new communication technologies.
Wireless audio transmission with enhanced quality from anywhere has been our customers’ most sought-after capability. Advances in GSM and an intensive design effort on the part of Comrex have resulted in an outstanding means to accomplish wireless remotes—the fully integrated Matrix GSM Module for the Matrix Portable. It requires GSM circuit-switched data service.
With the GSM Wireless Module, you can now achieve broadcast-quality audio without being tied to a phone line. What’s the next great communications technology for broadcast remotes? We can’t be certain, but our plan is to have the Matrix Portable support it!
GSM Module Features & Benefits
- The finest audio quality available over wireless telephone services.
- Accepts SIM cards from GSM providers.
- Improved transmission and reception:
- Kit includes a three-inch external magnet-mount antenna.
- Can safely transmit more power (up to 2 watts) than traditional mobile phones, since the phone is neither handheld nor limited by radiation concerns.
- Modules are available in 900/1800 MHz.
- LED indicator of connection status between the Matrix Portable GSM Module and the GSM Network.
Matrix Portable ISDN Module
The Comrex Matrix Portable ISDN Module converts your Matrix to a full-featured ISDN codec.
- Three algorithms are offered in the Matrix ISDN Module to transport mono audio, including G.722 for widest compatibility, Turbo G.722 for very low delay 15 kHz operation and MPEG Audio Layer III for compatibility and full fidelity at lower bit rates.
- Includes ability to deliver MPEG Audio Layer III in one direction with a G.722 return for reduced delay on Layer III feeds.
- Worldwide ISDN interfaces are present in the module, including an international terminal adapter with both “U” and “S/T” interfaces available.
- Compatible with Comrex’s Matrix Rack (with Matrix ISDN Module), Comrex’s Nexus Rack and ISDN codecs from most manufacturers.
- Up to 10 line configurations may be stored in nonvolatile memory.
- Very easy to program through the intuitive Matrix Portable front panel interface.
- An ancillary data channel provides 1200 baud, bidirectional data on the same ISDN channel used for the coded audio with little impact on audio quality. Allowing devices on both sides of the remote to communicate with each other, ancillary data are available in both MPEG Audio Layer III and G.722 modes, but are limited to the G.722 direction when operating in split mode.
Matrix TelCell Module
The Matrix TelCell module provides a simple coupler/hybrid connection to phone lines and mobile phones. Standard landline or wireless call quality is enhanced somewhat by the use of professional microphones, rather than the telephone set, for the audio feed. Audio bandwidth is 300 Hz–3 kHz. The TelCell Module allows Matrix Portable to be used as a field mixer, connecting to studios without codecs or in cases where phone lines cannot support codec transmissions. The Matrix TelCell Module also adds the ability to send and receive audio through the hands-free port of many mobile phones.
The Battery Kit
The battery kit includes a Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery, a charger and a mounting bracket. The battery may be used as a primary source of power to run Matrix Portable for up to 7 hours on POTS or ISDN; up to 4 hours when using the Matrix Portable GSM Module. The battery kit can also be used as an optional backup should AC power be interrupted during a broadcast.
Pairing Matrix Portable with Studio Codecs
Matrix Portable requires a compatible codec on the studio side of the phone connection. The chart below illustrates the various combinations available for each of the codec modules.
| Matrix Portable mode | Paired device requirements |
|---|---|
| POTS Codec |
|
| GSM Codec |
|
| ISDN using MPEG Audio Layer III and/or G.722 |
|
| ISDN using Comrex Turbo G.722 |
|
| Standard telephone call using TelCell (no audio coding) |
|
Matrix Portable Specifications
All specifications are subject to change
Audio connections
- One XLR mic input—adjustable level
- One XLR mic/line input—adjustable level
- Auxiliary mini-jack line tape input—fixed level
- Headphone output—adjustable mix of send and receive audio
- Balanced XLR line level audio out—adjustable mix of send and receive audio
Other connections
- Telephone line and telephone set: RJ-11 6-pin modular jacks (2)
- Contact closures: 2-conductor mini-jacks (2)
- Ready: Latching dry contact closure when Matrix Portable encoder is synchronized to far-end Comrex decoder
- Enter: Momentary dry contact closure activated by button push on Comrex codec
- Auxiliary data port: DB-9
- Accessory connection: 25-pin D
- Power: 5 pin mini-DIN
Audio input levels
- Mic input: -70 to -40 dBu @ 2 KΩ
- Line input: -10 to +10 dBu @ 20 KΩ
- Tape input: -10 dBu (fixed) @ 10 KΩ
Audio output levels:
- Line level out: +12 dBu maximum @ 100Ω
- Headphone out: .5 watt @ 100Ω
Audio Performance
- POTS:
Audio performance varies with phone circuit conditions- Full duplex FM quality (15 kHz) audio bandwidth at connect rates of 24 kbps and above
- Full duplex audio scales from 12 kHz to 5 kHz at connect rates of 21.6 kbps to 9.6 kbps
- Selectable “Voice Mode” allows 7 kHz audio with a 300 bps ancillary data channel and extra forward error correction
- GSM:
Audio performance varies with phone circuit conditions- Up to 7 kHz on bit rates as low as 9600 kbps with fewer digital artifacts
- ISDN:
- MPEG Audio Layer III–15 kHz mono over a single ISDN B channel
- G.722–7.5 kHz mono, low delay, over a single ISDN B channel
- Comrex Turbo G.722–15 kHz mono, low delay, over 2 ISDN B channels
- TelCell:
- Standard POTS response of 300 Hz–3 kHz
Coding Delay
Delay specified does not include transmission delay
- POTS: 100 ms
- GSM: 120 ms (Note: GSM transmission delay may be significant)
- ISDN
- G.722 and Turbo G.722: 6 ms
- MPEG Audio Layer III: 310 ms
- TelCell: Matrix Portable contributes no delay
Power and physical
- External power supply: 24 V for 120/240 VAC 60/50 Hz operation
- Size: 9.5" W x 10" D x 3.5" H (24.1 cm x 25.4 cm x 8.9 cm)
- Weight: 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg)
Matrix Portable ISDN Module
Connections
- ISDN line connection: RJ-45
- External DCE port: DB-9 pin connector allows bypass of the internal terminal adapter to connect to an external terminal adapter, DSU, satellite terminal, etc.
Levels
- Ancillary data: RS-232
- DCE in/out: RS-422
Physical
- Powered through Matrix Portable
- Size: 4.25" W x 6.5" D x 1.5" H (10.8 cm x 16.5 cm x 3.8 cm)
- Net weight: 0.68 lbs (0.31 kg)
Matrix GSM Module
Physical
- Powered through Matrix Portable
- Size: 4.25" W x 6.5" D X 1.5" H (10.8 cm x 16.5 cm x 3.8 cm)
- Net weight: 0.72 lbs (0.32 kg)
- Antenna
- Height with base: 3"
- Connector: SM
Matrix TelCell Module
Connections
- Hands-Free Cell: 1/8" 3-conductor mini-jack
- Tel Line: RJ-11 6-pin modular jack
Physical
- Powered through Matrix Portable
- Size: 4.25" W x 6.5" D X 1.5" H (10.8 cm x 16.5 cm x 3.8 cm)
- Net weight: 0.52 lbs (0.23 kg)
For more details and specifications, please see see the Matrix Detail Book. For more information on GSM, please see Tech Note 209 - Wireless Remotes.
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