Oberheim Matrix synthesizers
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/Oberheim_Matrix-6.jpg/300px-Oberheim_Matrix-6.jpg)
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) | ![]() |
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Polyphony | 12 voices | 6 voices | |
Oscillators | 24 (2 per voice) featuring CEM3340 | 12 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 multi | 100 patches, 50 splits | 1000 patches (800 preset, 200 user) |
LFO | 5 | 2 (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 | 1984–1988 | 1985–1988 | 1987–1994 |
References
- ^ Oberheim Matrix 12 page at Vintage Synth Explorer
- ^ Oberheim Matrix 6 page at Vintage Synth Explorer
- ^ Oberheim Matrix 1000 page at Vintage Synth Explorer
- ^ Oberheim Matrix 1000 manual at Vintage Synth Explorer
- ^ "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.
External links
- 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