Oberheim Matrix-12

The classic Matrix-12 synthesizer from the mid '80s

[SynthManiaDotCom]

The Minimoog envelope was designed with the chip from a door bell. OB-X had the Z80 chip used in freakin PacMan and Frogger. Who the fudge cares? Personally, I judge synths by their sound, not by their technical innards. Besides, comparing an '80s synth to two synths from the '70s is apples and oranges. Sure, the Matrix doesn't sound like OB-X or Eight Voice. But it doesn't sound "worse" - it sounds different. It's still a top class synth with a fantastic sound, even if you don't appreciate it.

[johngrunwell]

So much fun, it's like hearing a bazillion 1980s movie scenes in less than 10 minutes.

[keithjohnson]

I have played this synth and it's one of my favorites.

[SynthManiaDotCom]

And these are just Single Mode sounds :-D Next I'll do a video in Multi Mode. It sounds even more incredible when it's layered.

[lonophonic]

Just been looking on this, I think I’ve found a new synth to love. One of Oberhiem’s absolute finest synths!

[SynthManiaDotCom]

Thank you - this was a very quick demo done on the small Roland mixer M-10DX which has a decent reverb. I'll create a better video with my larger mixer and better effects later.

[nofretzDW]

One of the top 3 analog poly synths ever for me. Absolutely beautiful sounds. Great demo, too.

[MrSefe]

Sounds like every 80's movie soundtrack was made with this.

[cfcreative]

The organic sound out of this is just inspiring.

[YOURMOTHER]

What is the name of the second riff/song 0:30 that you played here??? Tnx

[AlexKworld]

At 3:11 - 808 State - Pacific (sort of). Nice!

[SynthManiaDotCom]

FANTASTIC song by Fiction Factory! :-D One of the songs that remind me the most of the '80s.

[macrosssaga]

All oscillators are VCOs(analog).
All filters are VCFs(analog).
Only the envelopes are digital.
Don't confuse folks by saying "analog-digital hybrid".
That would be a Prophet VS or a Waldorf Wave.

[beagletender]

You can make out the harmonic and melodic foundation for a lot of 1980s Giorgio Moroder and R&B tunes in these sounds. The synths on "Don't You Want Me" by Human League also spring to mind.

[Booger]

It's nice to see a demo with someone who knows how to actually play real good.

[severeweather]

Impressive! Gotta love that thing! Steve Roach used this, from his album in 1986 (Empetus) and on.

[jimmyklane]

I always wanted an OB-8 or OB-X, but "settled" for a Matrix-12, and reminders like this video keep me plugging away at this beast of a synth...mine has to sit for 2 hours before I can pass the tune routine on the upper page...VCA and VCO seem to fail more and more, I'm sure I'm leaking DC somewhere....such a shame, as this will be REALLY pricey to ship and repair. :-(

[tellermotion]

favorite sounds: 5:30 and the last sound

[DollarHeadache]

Years ago, I listened to the naysayers, that Xpander / Matrix-12 had a sluggish attack. Even last year, I believed this and bought OB-8 over Xpander. But hearing the credible plucked / percussive patches, and now that my OB-8 is joined by DMX and DSX, I find myself wanting the Xpander so I can have the DSX play it - it is now my thirtieth birthday dream gift-to-myself, jumping past a Les Paul Custom or Deckard's Dream. Though if by a miracle Tom Oberheim brings back the SEM in the little-over-a-year I have until 30, I'll buy four of those instead.

[adamharris]

The Oberheim Matrix-12 patch "Brass" is/sounds similar to the Oberheim Xpander patch "Brass" and Roland JX-8P patch "Stab Brass".