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Oberheim Matrix-12 Synopsis

One of the most powerful polyphonic subtractive synthesizers, thanks to its modulation matrix.

• Matrix-12: Keyboard version.
• Xpander: Tabletop version with half the polyphony.

Voice architecture is dual oscillator subtractive (i.e. VCO1+VCO2->VCF->VCA1->VCA2). VCO's can be sync'd. Basic FM is also provided (VCO1 or VCF is the carrier, VCO2 is the modulator), although modulation depth can also be modulated via matrix. Additionally, 3 tracking generators are provided to scale any control source (5 levels). Modulation matrix sources are Lever 1 and 2 (MIDI), Pedal 1 and 2, Vib, Keyboard (CV, MIDI), Lag, Velocity, Release Velocity, Aftertouch, EGs, LFOs, Tracking Generators, Ramp generators (20 sources max)

Key Features

1. Aftertouch: Modulation matrix source
2. Architecture Class: subtractive
3. Audio IO: 3 analog outputs (L, R, mono) (see Models)
4. Audio Source: Available waveforms are up saw, triangle, pulse and noise
5. Communication Interface: Tape in/out, MIDI In, Out, Thru
6. Effects: None
7. EG: Five 5 element (1 level, 4 rate, DADSR) EG destinations are modulation matrix. Each EG can be triggered by lfo or external trigger. Additionally, 4 ramp generators are provided.
8. Expansion: None
9. Filter: resonant, multi-mode (1-4 pole low, 1-3 pole high pass, 2/4 pole band pass, 2 pole notch, 3 pole phase shift, 2-3 pole high pass + 1 pole low pass, 2 pole notch + 1 pole low pass, 3 pole phase + 1 pole low pass)
10. Form Factor: (see Sibling Comparison)
11. Key Scaling: filter cutoff
12. LFO: Each of the 5 LFOs has triangle, up saw, down saw, square, random, noise or sample (any mod source) waveforms. Additionally a common "vibrato" lfo is provided with same waveforms except sample.
13. Memory:
• Multi Memory: 100?
• Patch Memory: 100?
• PCM Memory: N/A
• Sample Memory: N/A
• Sequencer Memory: N/A
14. Multitimbral: 3
15. Pedal Inputs: patch increment, 2 assignable, trigger
16. Performance Control: Lag (i.e. linear or exponential portamanto), patch chain (100 steps)
17. Polyphony: (see Sibling Comparison)
18. Power: AC
19. Released: 1984 (see Sibling Comparison)
20. Sequencer: No
21. Signal Class: analog
22. Velocity: Modulation matrix source, including release velocity (3 curves)

Sibling Comparison

Notes:

1. Matrix-12 parameters have not been verified

Matrix-12

Additional Features:

• Audio IO: 12 individual outputs

Xpander

Additional Features:

• Audio IO: 6 individual outputs
• Control Interface: 6 CV and gate inputs

Further Information

• Subtractive synthesis
• http://wikipedia.org/wiki/Subtractive_synthesis
• Analog synthesizer
• http://wikipedia.org/wiki/Analog_synthesizer
• Xpander:
• http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan98/articles/oberheim.htm
• Parts:
• http://syntaur.com/oberheim_xpander.html

References

• Pictures:
• http://www.synthony.com
• manuals:
• http://tcapp.compubsynths
• http://manuals.fdiskc.com/