The MatrixBrute Noir Edition started as a rumor after some leaked images earlier this year, but this synth by Arturia has now received an official release. Although no changes have been made in terms of features or architecture, the MatrixBrute Noir Edition is sure to be a coveted synth by fans of analog hardware. Users still get the same 100% analog audio signal path and true analog effects but decked out with a brand new paint job, new knob caps, and black ionized parts.

For anyone not yet familiar with the MatrixBrute, the list of specifications and features is impressive, to say the least.

Main Features

• Analog Matrix Synthesizer
• 256 Preset memory locations
• 2 Analog Exponential VCO’s:
• Saw + UltraSaw, Square +Pulse width, Triangle + Metalizer, Sub
• 1 Analog Linear VCO/LFO
• Saw, Square, Triangle, Sine waveforms; LFO time divisions; Key track
• VCO 2>1 Hard Sync
• Audio Mod:
• VCO1>2 ; VCO1 < VCO3> VCO2 ; VCF 1 < VCO3> VCF 2 ; VCF1 < Noise> VCF2
• Noise Generator:
• White ; Pink ; Red ; Blue noise types
• 5 input Audio Mixer with Filter routing
• Steiner Parker filter with 12+24 db per octave modes ; Drive ; Brute factor; Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, Notch
• Ladder filter with 12+24 db per octave modes ; Drive ; Brute factor; Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass
• 2 LFO’s
• Sine, Tri, Square, Ramp, Saw, Random, S&H
• 3 Envelope Generators
• 2 Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release
• 1 Delay, Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release
• External Audio In
• 16x16 Matrix modulation panel
• 64 step sequencer
• STEP enable, Slide, Accent, Modulation
• Save and recall sequence patterns on the fly
• Analog Effects
• Stereo delay, Delay, Flanger, Chorus, Analog Reverberator
• Arpeggiator
• 12 CV / Gate Inputs/Outputs
• Audio Input, Line or Instrument level
• Stereo audio output
• MIDI and USB I/O
• Pedal inputs for Expression and Sustain

The MatrixBrute Noir Edition also features 64 new presets and a firmware update along with the limited edition cosmetic makeover. The update addresses some issues that the arpeggiator and sequencer had in terms of needing a MIDI start message. Even though the Noir Edition of the MatrixBrute is simply the same hardware in a sleek black coat, it is definitely a desirable bit of gear. The retail price for the MatrixBrute Noir Edition is about $2000, but it is limited to only 500 units. For more information about this synthesizer, watch the video below check out the official website at https://www.arturia.com/products/hardware-synths/matrixbrute-noir/overview.