Oberheim • Matrix 12

Oberheim Matrix 12 Image

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.


VISITOR COMMENTS

Comments page 1 of 3
Click here to add a comment
planetplayer
Posted 310 days ago
To me, the Matrix-12 sounds better than the OB-8. I could work with the Matrix-12. The OB-8 has made me dance. The OB-XA and OB-X OB-.... is much more what I like and need for rock sound. Matrix needs time to program for best results. Matrix-12 is readily easy for New age synth texture type sounds. Trust me, it sounds better than digital synths for FX if you know how to program. For full frequency range, an older OB SEM based is better. Wish I had one, it sounds nice and looks even better. I think over the years it would come back as "this is what I want to play today" by a lot of keyboardist ,like a fine rare violin, but it it may not be what you would want to record with all the time for certain types of music. You cannot play anything that sounds wrong on Matrix-12. Does anyone have any class to build something like this anymore?
planetplayer
Posted 310 days ago
This is one of the last of the best of analogue and that was in the 80's and then again in the 1990's. It is very powerful reigner, rainer, etc...
It has a lot of flexibility and portability that Moog modulars did not have. I thinks this is one of the best looking analogues at least in top 5. Never seen this used live by rock groups. Sounds are spectacular, but If I remember correctly I made a mental note to myself. If I need to make what I wanted with this I would have to overdub two passes.
planetplayer
Posted 310 days ago
It is a SYNTH! I don't know if this is the king of analogues since there are Moog modulars, the Yamaha GX-1, Yamaha CS-80, maybe Jupiter 8 because of loudness. Last, but not least and not a king but the Prophet P5 at times to me, esp with SYNC function can sizzle a mix much stronger than the Matrix-12. To be the king of analogue the signal path must be 100% analogue from in to out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think it was advertised as a killer synth which it is in some ways. I think this had DCO's like all other OB Matrix series. I would rather have VCOs. The sounds are top notch, however I don't recall some things like Ring mod, X-Mod, I think Matrix-12 has SYNC and FM at least but not sounding as loud as a Prophet P5 or even other synths with SYNC or FM.
planetplayer
Posted 310 days ago
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
Posted 363 days ago
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.
 

infoRatings


Demos & Media


Specifications



Resources