Oberheim Matrix synthesizers

Oberheim Matrix synthesizers are a historic product line of subtractive analog synthesizers from Oberheim featuring a system of modulation which Oberheim called "Matrix Modulation" as a method of selecting and routing elements that dynamically shape various aspects of the sounds it produces.

Oberheim Matrix-6 (1985–1990)

While the Matrix-12 (a 12 voice version of the Xpander along with an added keyboard) are based on CEM 3374 oscillators and CEM 3372 filters, the two models Matrix-6 and Matrix-1000 are notable for their implementation of CEM 3396 DCOs, which maintain a completely analog sound but are controlled by digital circuitry, making them much more stable. The Matrix-6R (1986-1990) and Matrix-1000 are both rackmount versions of the Matrix-6. Matrix synthesizers continue to be popular due to their characteristic late-1980s analog sound.

Models
Matrix-12[1] Matrix-6/6R[2] Matrix-1000[3][4][5]
Image(s) (Matrix-6R)
Polyphony 12 voices6 voices
Oscillators 24 VCOs (2 per voice) featuring CEM337412 DCOs (2 per voice) featuring CEM3396
Layers 12 part multitimbral
with up to 6 zones		single, split,
2-part multitimbral		single, monotimbral
Filter 15 variations of
low / high / band / notch based on CEM3372 w/ external switch circuitry		1 low-pass resonant filter using CEM3396 built-in LPF
Memory 100 single 100 multi100 patches, 50 splits1000 patches (800 preset, 200 user)
LFO 52 (plus 1 for vibrato effect)
Rackmount noyes (as Matrix-6R)yes
Keyboard 61-key (velocity & channel aftertouch)none
Control MIDI In/Out/Thru
Production 1985–19881985/86–19881988–1994
Price US$6399US$1695, US$999 (Matrix-6R)US$599

References
  1. Oberheim Matrix 12 page at Vintage Synth Explorer
  2. Oberheim Matrix 6 page at Vintage Synth Explorer
  3. Oberheim Matrix 1000 page at Vintage Synth Explorer
  4. Oberheim Matrix 1000 manual at Vintage Synth Explorer
  5. "Oberheim Matrix 1000". Sound On Sound. June 1994. Archived from the original on 7 June 2015.

Further reading
  • VintageSynth.com has specifications and photos
  • OB6000.de The Editor for the Matrix 1000
  • Xplorer A realtime editor for the Oberheim Matrix-12 and Xpander synthesizers
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