Oberheim Matrix synthesizers

Oberheim Matrix-6 (1985–1990)

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.

While the Matrix-12 (a 12 voice version of the Oberheim Xpander along with an added keyboard) are based on CEM 3340 Oscillators and CEM 3320 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[2] Matrix-1000[3][4][5]
Image(s) (Matrix-6R)
Polyphony 12 voices6 voices
Oscillators 24 (2 per voice) featuring CEM334012 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 CEM3320 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 yes (as Xpander)yes (as Matrix-6R)yes
Keyboard 61-key (velocity & aftertouch)none
Control MIDI In/Out/Thru
Production 1984–19881985–19881987–1994

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

  • "Oberheim Matrix 1000". Sound On Sound. September 1988. pp. 54–56. ISSN 0951-6816. OCLC 925234032.
  • 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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