Vintage Synth Explorer

Oberheim • Matrix 1000

The analog Matrix 1000 is essentially 1,000 Matrix 6 patches in a single-space compact rackmount MIDI module. It has the same synth architecture as the Matrix 6. Each of its 6 voices have two DCO's (digitally controlled analog oscillator), a low pass filter, 2 VCA's, 3 envelope gens, 2 LFO's, and 2 ramp gens. The sounds are plentiful and good enough, however if you want to edit your own, you'll need a Matrix 6/6R or some universal editor (such as MOTU's Unisyn) or Access' Matrix Programmer to externally edit parameters. You can also load sounds from the Matrix 6 via SysEx or software.

The Matrix 1000 provides an excellent source of pads, textures and ambient sounds. It has 195 "keyboard" sounds, 118 "strings", 130 "woodwinds & perc", 239 "synthesizer", 119 "bass", 74 "lead" and 125 "effects". For the price, there is no better way to find genuine analog Oberheim Matrix sounds in a compact and very in-expensive rack module that is loaded with more sounds than you'll ever need! The older versions of the Matrix 1000 have a black front-panel. The newer models in the '90's have a cream face-plate (pictured above). It has been used by Apollo 440, Juno Reactor, Moby, Cirrus, Fatboy Slim, Laurent Garnier, ATB, Depeche Mode, Future Sound of London, Pet Shop Boys, and Faithless.

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Mark

Posted 40 days ago

Great sound classic Oberheim Curtis filters!
Like Tuj says...you need a Sys-ex editor to go with this or you'll be counting up to '1000' in your sleep.
I use X-oR/Unisyn with mine.

SteveFromBerlin

Posted 168 days ago

Thanks mik303,

well I bought it in the meantime for a very cheap price (180€!) and will check it out in the next couple of weeks. I also got me a DSI MoPho, so I do have a good bass weapon and woun't be disappointed too much.

mik303

Posted 169 days ago

For SteveFromBerlin: I wouln't recommend this for bass sounds, the envelopes are too slow for faster bass sounds. If your looking for some in your face bass sounds look for somewhere else... Maybe it works better for calm and slow music?

tuj

Posted 209 days ago

You can change the sounds if you have any sysex editor, like SoundDiver. I've edited plenty that way. You only get 200 user slots however.

Steven

Posted 210 days ago

Without the Access Matrix Controller you cannot change the sounds (part from unison), but the MX1000 has 1000 presets so you will always find something you like. If you can buy the Access controller for a reasonable price, go for it. There are also software editors available, but it is not shure if they will work under newer operating systems (WindowsXP, Vista). The MX1000 is a great synth.

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