Trend price : 350-450€
Affordable analog polysynth derived from classic Matrix 12 / Xpander intelligent technology. The Matrix series gets the name the Digital Matrix Control a digital way to internally route signals and modulation to different synt section, simplified from previous huge modular patchbays. The rackmount version is model Matrix6R.
Overview
KEYBOARD (weight: 10 Kg) 61 keys with velocity and aftertouch (the "pressure"). The main panel features a 16-characters VDF fluorescent display (adjustable brightness), 20 membrane buttons, 1 volume slider and 2 levers for pitch bend and modulation control.
Rear panel terminal connectors:
-
main out (it is stereo: 2 sounds can be split)
-
cassette interface I/O
- Midi interface
-
expression pedal input
-
pedalswitch input for sustain
- memory protect switch
- headphones (front)
Voice
6 channels polyphony. Each voice is composed by 2 syncable DCO oscillators
DCO1: pulse (adj width) / saw / wave / mix saw-triangle
DCO2:
pulse (adj width) / saw / wave / mix saw-triangle / noise
Filter
a 4 poles resonant filter. The VCF can auto-oscillate and consequently modulate the DCO1 by Frequency Modulation process. It follows the FM basic principle like Yamaha DX-7, but in this case the DCO1 is the modulator and the VCF is the carrier.
Performance
- bender lever can be assigned to pitch DCO1 / DCO2 / both
- modulation lever can be assigned to
LFO / VCF cutoff
- 3 modes portamento generator
(for pitch or cutoff)
- keyboard split in 2 zones "LOWER" and "UPPER" + unison
- key velocity to VCF
/ LFO
- 3 keyboard response curves : linear + 2 exponential
LFO
2 modulators (shapes: sawtooth up / down, triangle, square, random, S&H and noise) with variable depth, 3 retrig modes and lag mode.
1- LFO1 : destinations can be freely assigned into the matrix modulation
2- LFO2 : destinations can be freely assigned into the matrix modulation
A third slimmed-down LFO3 acts as a simple vibrato with individual depth, frequency and same shape
Matrix
computerized section is a kind of signal router previously implemented in more expensive Matrix 12: a totally open structure! each sound manages up to 10 combinations between 20 sources and 32 destinations.
Envelope
3 EGs (4 segments + 1 delay time + 1 main level)
1- EG1 is assigned into the matrix control
2- EG2 is routed to amplitude by default but can be re-assigned by matrix control
3- EG3 is be assigned into the matrix control
Midi
basic contro changes, but full sysex implementation. Some controls:
- program change
- pedals and levers can be CC# re-assigned
- it is possible to assign 2 Midi channel to lower and upper part (bitimbric)
Memory
-
100 patch slots
- 50 split zones configurations
(the "multis")
Audio demo:
Video Clip:
Review
OK: affordable / complex routing
NOT : edit interface / maybe too complicated
"The cut-down version of the Mighty Matrix 12 is a very clever machine, but it sounds different from previous model. Good sound, pads, brasses and effects - like tradition in Oberheim. Main interface with no knobs and so many parameters can be frustrating, that's why Matrix6 prices are still affordable"
Text , review, special demos copyright polynominal.com / Eric Pochesci