Arturia Launches Oberheim Matrix-12 Analog Polysynth Software Emulation

Arturia’s Matrix-12 V effectively emulates all the original parameters of Oberheim’s expansive (and expensive) mighty Matrix-12 analog polysynth. Perhaps the crowning glory of legendary Californian synth designer Tom Oberheim’s namesake Californian company, the Modulation Matrix gave rise to this innovative instrument’s notable name and was a revelation at the time of its 1985 launch. Why? Well, it effectively enabled flexible routing to rival the monstrous modular systems that preceded it, but buried its “patch chords” behind the vast vista of a futuristic-looking frontage for accessing multiple menu pages with few hands-on controls.


Little wonder, then, that top-tier synthesists such as British synth pop pioneer Vince Clarke and German electronic trailblazers Tangerine Dream were among its early adopters, attracted to the 15 filter types and almost endless modulation possibilities— cutting-edge even by today’s standards— and, of course, Oberheim’s trademark thick and warm sound that was thicker than ever thanks to 12 truly independent analog voices with two oscillators apiece.

Arturia’s acclaimed True Analogue Emulation (TAE) engine enables Matrix-12 V to deftly deliver all that and more to today’s computer-based music-making masses for a fraction of the cost of its hefty hardware namesake. New aliasing-free algorithms allowed the varied waveforms of the original Oberheim Matrix-12’s two oscillators to be accurately modelled and recreated for starters. So are those 15 flexible filter types (selectable via FILTER MODE). Meanwhile, the MAIN (VCO 1, VCO 2, FM, FILTER, LAG, RAMPS, ENV, TRACK, LFO, and MODULATION PAGE) sections all feature dedicated parameter controls — unlike the original Oberheim Matrix-12, which was not necessarily an ideal performance instrument. Indeed, all Matrix-12 V parameters can be controlled via MIDI, allowing automation within a DAW or manually with a keyboard controller.


Cleverly, what was once hidden (in hardware) is now revealed (in software), thanks to the easy-to-use Matrix-12 V GUI . Recreating the original Oberheim Matrix-12’s Modulation Matrix meant Arturia could enhance and expand this ear-opening experience. While adding a dedicated drop-down MOD page to show each modulation source, destination, and its associated amount aids navigation, Matrix-12 V doubles the number of routable modulation sources to 40! Flexibly, spatially-aware users can choose from one of six studio-grade effects available in each of the two drop-down FX slots provided.


Fortunately, 500-plus professionally-programmed presets across a wide range of musical styles showcase the scope and power of this innovative instrument.

The AAX-, AU-, VST-, and VST3-compatible Matrix-12 V is available to purchase as a boxed version for €169.00 EUR/$169.00 USD from any authorised Arturia dealer or online as a boxed version or download directly from Arturia.
For more information, visit the  Matrix-12 V product webpage here.
www.arturia.com