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	Matrix-6	Matrix-1000
Image(s)		(Matrix-6R)
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

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