Vintage Synth Explorer

Oberheim • Matrix 6

The Matrix 6 was one of the last few synthesizers from Oberheim to come out during the mid-eighties following the classic OB-series. The Matrix 6 utilized high-tech but less expensive digital and midi features and still retained a totally analog sound. It did this by using DCOs (digitally controlled oscillators) to provide stability, programmability and more. All the Matrix synthesizers featured Matrix Modulation which allows for extremely wild virtual patching for almost unlimited range of sounds and modulation capabilities!

The Matrix 6 is a very popular synthesizer today because it offers access to the legendary sounds and power of the Matrix 12, though not as meaty but at a fraction of the cost. The Matrix 6 is also like the Xpander, but with only 6 voices of polyphony and slimmer programming. Each of its 6 voices has a pair of DCOs, a low pass filter, 2 VCA's, 3 envelope generators, 2 LFO's, and 2 ramp gens for a variety of complex analog pads, basses and sounds.

The programmability is vast, but it can be very tedious. As was the growing trend in synthesizers during this time, knobs and sliders were replaced by just a few membrane buttons and a simple data slider. This is accompanied by gobs of programming and patch data written across the face of the unit. Fortunately Midi SysEx is fully supported so you can get patches on-line and transmit them into the Matrix. And software editors such as Unisyn make graphic editing possible for much easier programming.

The Matrix 6R (pictured above) is the Matrix 6 without a keyboard, retaining its membrane programming interface. Oberheim later produced the Matrix 1000, which is essentially 1000 patches from the Matrix 6 in a 1-unit rack-module, preset and editable only through SysEx. For professional studio work or live on stage, both the Matrix 6 keyboard and rack-mount are excellent and versatile synths that make a great source of bright and punchy sounds, vintage analog pads, textures and ambient sounds. It is used by Orbital Apollo 440, Jimmy Edgar, Philip Glass, The Grid, Future Sound of London, Astral Projection, The Shamen, Mouse on Mars, Tangerine Dream and Cirrus.

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The Black Knight

Posted 12 days ago

Fantastic sounding dirty beast, massive sounds, amazing programmability, slightly slow envelopes but to be perfectly honest not every synth fits all holes, this is an underated classic but i have to point out its got a much more analog sound than that of the matrix 1000, they are supposed to be the same, but those wide bodied CEMS and the sightly odd way its clock pulse behaves compared to that of the 1000 makes them worlds appart imo.
This unit is capable of a lot of unique sounds some of which are just plain scary. Great great great little synth and very reliable in my experience.

The MIDIGuru

Posted 54 days ago

It programs well. Two, coupled with a OB-XK controller, you could really get that OB-12 series sound.

AnaRenaissance1

Posted 73 days ago

How do these stack up against over the other mid-ranged DCO based 80s analogs?
Juno 60/106, JX-3P, Poly800 etc (or even SCI Prophet 600, Multitrak)

Mezzo

Posted 205 days ago

I have to agree with Jupiter. These just don't sound like the VCO equipped Oberheims. That said they still kick most of their DCO contemporaries. I love the way these sit in a mix. You can get lush strings and pads that are big but not smothering. A computer editor greatly simplifies programming. It is worth it as these synths have a lot to offer. I have the Matrix 6R - still very affordable, not typically prone to problems and there are plenty of them. Real, usable analog on the cheap... not too shabby.

JR

Posted 241 days ago

programming seems horrible at first but is easy to grasp and well laid out. all changes made are done in real time so you can hear what you're adjusting. once you get past the tedious programming you have a synthesizer capable of pretty much any sound. a highly capable synth.

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