Oberheim Matrix 1000

Oberheim Matrix-1000 Image

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 sounds can only be edited via MIDI, so you'll need an external MIDI editor (such as MOTU's Unisyn) or Access' Matrix Programmer to 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 colored face-plate. 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.

55 Visitor comments
tuj
January 3, 2010 @ 6:39 am
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
January 2, 2010 @ 8:11 am
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.
Steve
December 31, 2009 @ 12:14 pm
daisy-chaining M-1000s for more polyphony?

download the PDF manual to the right on this page...look at page 14 of the PDF, where it talks about Units.
SteveFromBerlin
December 29, 2009 @ 10:10 am
Does anyone know if it's possible to get some really big and dirty bass sounds out of it, like e.g. the DSI Mopho/Tetra have? Is it all a question of programming or is it not capable of too phat sounds?
Danny
November 5, 2009 @ 9:37 am
Front 242 used these on their '91 tour !
 
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  • Demos & Media
  • YouTube Thumbnail
    Video 1
    - Oberheim Matrix-1000 Analog Synthesizer by RetroSound

    Audio Clip 1 - Except for the drum loop, this track is all Matrix 6! These sounds can also come from the Matrix 1000.

    Manual - Read or download the complete and original owner's manual for the Oberheim Matrix 1000 (in PDF format).

    Editor - The MATRIX 2001 is a Graphical User Interface for the Oberheim Matrix-1000 synth module for the PC. It's just about $10 and offers direct 'on-the-fly' editing of all sound parameters with visual feedback using large and familiar controls, fully integrated Bank Manager with point-and-click interface, SysEx file import and export, and Random patch generator.

  • Specifications
  • Polyphony - 6 voices
  • Oscillators - 12 DCO's at 2 per voice
  • LFO - 2
  • Layers - Single / Split / Multitimbral
  • Memory - 800 preset patches, 200 user patches
  • Keyboard - None
  • Effects - None
  • Control - MIDI
  • Date Produced - 1987 - 1994

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