If you only had one monosynth...

The Matrixbrute is an incredible instrument. The available palate of sounds within this brute is wildly broad, and is capable of producing amazingly beautiful and organic sounds. What is even more amazing than the breadth of timbre is just how amazing the interface is for programming patches and exploring sonic possibilities.

Arturia analog synths are really interesting and unique, and that interest starts with their OSCs. While they can sometimes veer into harsh and overly bright territories, the OSCs are so alive and drifty without being unwieldy. The wave-folding and shape modulation available can make some an incredibly rich sounds with very little work. These OSCs also feed nicely into a mixer which can drastically effect the drive feeding into the two filters.

The filters here are a ton of fun to use. There's a 12/24db state variable Steiner-Parker filter that does LP,HP,BP, and notch. Then there's also a 12/24db ladder filter that can be run in LP, HP, and BP. These filters can be run in parallel or serial, and each OSC can be run in to either or both filters. If that wasn't enough, there's drive and brute factor for each filter!

With a 3rd OSC that doubles as an LFO, there's a potential total 3 LFOs and 3 ENVs. Each of these has a unique feature such as onset delay or phase adjustments. The LFOs also let you draw a custom shape in on the matrix if you are feeling spicy. The best part of the modulators is that they are an absolute breeze and joy to assign via the matrix. The patching on this synth really is phenomenal. And all of these modulators with destinations has their own depth/attenuation value assigned to them! WOW!

I've read a lot of criticisms surrounding the FX engine on the Matrixbrute, but I would contend that it's one of the most pleasantly characterful qualities of the instrument. The lofi analog FX engine can add some wonderfully organic sounding ambiance to your patches. You can get some seriously woody and percussive sounds that sound almost physically produced rather than synthesized, and a lot of that natural feel can be attributed to the "reverb" effect.

Another criticism I've seen made of the Matrixbrute is about the keybed. On any other keyboard-based instrument, I'd probably agree. However, this keybed is really well paired on this brute. It's extremely light and fast action with really, really wonderful velocity sensitivity. I feel like I can be extraordinarily expressive with my playing on this instrument.

This instrument has so many more features that this review could drag on for ages, and there are already so many more much better reviews on the internet already that I refuse to give those features anything more than a cursory glance.. The ins and outs on this synth are amazing, and it includes a nice pedal insert point pre-FX. The performance controls on this synth are dope. The 4 macro knobs are incredibly powerful. The sequencer is really well done, and can sequence parameters as well as notes. The arp exists and is very usable. Everything you want to do is so quickly accessible that you just have to experience it for yourself.

If I had to bag on this instrument for a second I would say that 44 lbs is WAY too heavy for an instrument that you might want to gig. It's also massive in size, so it can be difficult to place comfortably in a smaller space or even in a flight case. The last drawback I can think of at the moment has to do with just how flexible it is as an instrument. It's so complex that it doesn't have large sweet spots, and it really requires you to dig in to the sound design portion of the synth if you are going to get the most out of its glorious existence.

If I had to summarize my feelings about the Matrixbrute then I'd probably label it as the greatest monosynth ever made. It's not my favorite synthesizer due to the drawbacks I listed in the previous paragraph, but it is such an amazingly powerful and creatively inspiring instrument that I can't imagine ever parting with it. It makes gorgeous sounds that no other synthesizer is capable of making, and it sounds more alive than any other synth that I own.

Favorite Monosynth Ever

I grabbed a MatrixBrute toward the beginning of the year, and it's quickly worked its way to being my staple monosynth. It's a three oscillator, two filter analog monster, and nothing else I own comes close. The MatrixBrute is capable of everything, from screaming leads to complex sequences to soft ambiences. The Steiner Parker ladder filter likewise gives it a unique, smooth and warm flavor that no other synth in my getup has. As the name implies, this synth is solidly aimed at programmers and sound designers, but the keyboard is still one of the best I've ever played.

One of the first of Arturias monster machines

One of the first of Arturias monster machines - very very nice and easiest sequencer on board - love it - sounds great..but...not as nice as moog, arp, roland or oberheim sound in my opinion...Arturia have to create better sounding OSCs...

Amazing

Does it all- really deep features. Not trivial to use right.

From Gear Setup

The beast -- and very easy to use

How can a synth be this powerful but also this easy to understand? Arturia really knocked it out of the park on this one and you'll be hearing a lot of it on album 3.

Arturia MatrixBrute

Synth programmers dream. Sequences on board are very nice, and the sounds are deep and clean. I would strongly suggest this synth to all my old school programming buddies.

A very flexible analogue workstation

A great modern design. Think ARP2600, Transcendent 4600, VC3 (matrix pin), West and East coast merged together with a stereo analogue effects unit.

Monster and a keeper!

I don't know what to say as I am still exploring, but this is a keeper, as is the sub37 and elektron gear!