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.

HL

April 27, 2011 @ 6:44 pm

Used by Boris Blank of Yello.

Mitch

February 28, 2011 @ 8:30 pm

Eventually fail? everything eventually fails. That's the price you pay for those sounds, just like owning a Prophet VS or an MKS-80, or anything else for that matter. Professional Sound and Music in San Diego rebuilds vintage synth power supplies, did an excellent rebuild for my Xpander when it failed (after 27 years of use). I'll have them rebuild it again in another 27 years.

matt

January 29, 2011 @ 1:57 pm

To the guy swearing you can't find parts: I just sent my xpander to get fixed by JL (famous analog tech). Not only did he have a power supply, but he had pots and knob covers and everything else!

Johnny

September 20, 2010 @ 1:02 pm

I changed the keyboard for a new one, it has off course aftertouch and this one is semi weighted, it feels soooo much better than stock.
I also have a OB-X, OB-Xa and OB-8 to compare, but the M12 sounds so silky smooth, it's like butter.....i love it to death.
I also have an Xpander with a Oddernmart modification, i'm also thinking to install one in my M12 and sell the Xpander, if you don't know what it is just Google.
One of the nicest mods i can think off.

Synth Fixist

July 31, 2010 @ 8:11 pm

Lol at the message below..either doesn't have a clue what he's talking about or seriously neurotic. M12 PSU design is one of the best in any synth. CEM3374 are absolutely not impossible to find if you know where to look. Flo failures are extremely rare in real life, if so nearly always caused by a cheap driver IC. Yeh I bet you probably did claim it was ultra reliable when you sold your heap on ebay! DOOMED I say DOOMED... lol!!!

<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.