Oberheim's Matrix 12 is a legendary analog synthesizer from the mid-eighties that is still the king of analog sounds. One of the fattest, roundest, pleasantly analog synthesizers around! It's long been known for creating some of the thickest and best analog pads, sweeps, buzzes, basses and textures. It features Matrix Modulation for extremely wild virtual patching for almost unlimited range of sounds and modulation capabilities!

The Matrix 12 is similar to the Xpander and the lighter Matrix 6. But the Matrix 12 is much fatter and more programmable than either. Every control can have an effect on some other parameter thanks to Oberheim's flexible design. For example, there are 15 types of LFOs and VCAs per voice! And there's plenty of diagrams drawn out on the front panel of the synth to help you figure out some signal routing. This is not a synth for the beginner. It is used by The Orb, Gravity Kills, Vangelis, Technotronic, and Depeche Mode.

planetplayer

January 15, 2009 @ 6:38 pm

I wish I had this too. I played and tried when new in 1980's. Sounds
great and powerful. I have impressed on it, but could not get the exact sounds I wanted, but whatever I did sounded great. This is an instrument to have and keep for life. Love the displays, wood, action, levers, blue finish, Midi etc.. I had one more chance to order one new in the late 1990's when it was offered.
I should have brought it. I was just worried about maintenance.
I should have brought the Matrix-12. String sounds are great from memory. I have samples and was listening to them earlier this morning. Sample are not as impressive as the real thing and very impracticle. One thing about the Matrix system is the generators. This is the last step of programming and may make patches sound unique.
I don't remember if you could put the Matrix-12 oscillators on Unison. I would like to know.

Kent

November 23, 2008 @ 3:28 pm

Truly a modulation monster! Thanks to the very intuitive modulation matrix the handling is good despite a small number of knobs. Characteristic sound, very fat and warm, but compared to the old SEMs more artificial and sometimes less transparent - this is due to its chip-based architecture. However, one of the most complete synthesizers due to its enormous modulation capacity.

<987654321>

 

Post Comment!

Your Name: (Required.)

Email Address: (Required, not published.)

Image verification: (required)

Message:

 

Posting Rules:
Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

I have read and understand the posting rules.