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Oberheim Matrix 1000

^# 5

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$875.00 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (39)

2 Critic Reviews

10 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Oberheim Matrix 1000

9 community setups

21 wishlisted

90 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

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Price

5.0 (9)

$875.00 19 available Used

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Average Price: $875

High-end/Boutique

$200

$801+

Price Tier

In the Sound Modules category, Oberheim Matrix 1000 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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Description

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The Oberheim Matrix 1000 is a classic sound module that remains a staple in the world of synthesizers. Revered for its distinctive CEM3396 voice chip, this module offers a palette of rich, analog sounds that have captivated musicians since its release. Ideal for both studio use and live performances, the Matrix 1000 is equipped with six-voice polyphony and a vast library of 1,000 presets, providing a diverse array of tones suitable for any musical genre.

This sound module is renowned for its flexibility and depth, making it a favorite among sound designers and electronic music producers. Its architecture allows for intricate modulation and layering, bringing an unparalleled expressiveness to your music. While the Matrix 1000's interface is simple, it is highly intuitive, making it accessible to both newcomers and seasoned professionals.

The unit is MIDI-compatible, ensuring seamless integration with modern setups. Its compact design allows it to fit comfortably in any rack, making it a versatile addition to any studio or live rig. Whether you're crafting lush pads, punchy basslines, or soaring leads, the Oberheim Matrix 1000 delivers legendary analog warmth and character.

Key Features:

Six-voice polyphony for rich, layered sounds
CEM3396 voice chip offering a classic analog tone
1,000 presets for a wide range of sound options
Comprehensive modulation capabilities
MIDI-compatible for easy integration with modern equipment
Compact design for convenient rack mounting
Ideal for both live performances and studio production

Product specs

Brand	Oberheim
Model	Matrix 1000 Rackmount 6-Voice Synthesizer
Finish	Black, White
Year	1987
Categories	Analog Synths, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital	Analog
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony	6 Voices

FAQs

Is the Oberheim Matrix 1000 an analog synthesizer?: Yes, the Oberheim Matrix 1000 is an analog synthesizer, featuring a hybrid design with analog signal paths and digital control.
How many voices does the Oberheim Matrix 1000 have?: The Oberheim Matrix 1000 is a 6-voice polyphonic synthesizer, allowing for rich, layered sound creation.
What kind of presets does the Oberheim Matrix 1000 offer?: The Oberheim Matrix 1000 includes 1,000 presets, providing a wide range of sounds for various musical styles and applications.
Can the Oberheim Matrix 1000 be controlled via MIDI?: Yes, the Oberheim Matrix 1000 features MIDI input, output, and through connections, allowing for integration with other MIDI-compatible gear.
What is the filter type on the Oberheim Matrix 1000?: The Oberheim Matrix 1000 features a resonant 24dB low-pass filter, contributing to its classic analog sound character.

Videos

Add video

Gregory Cox

Oberheim Matrix 1000 Sound Demonstration

Gregory Cox

OBERHEIM MATRIX-1000 / MATRIX-6 | NEW CUSTOM PATCHES | Analog Synthesizer HD DEMO

AnalogAudio1

Oberheim Matrix-1000 | Analog Rack Power

Espen Kraft

Bad Gear - Oberheim Matrix-1000

AudioPilz

Oberheim Matrix-1000 Vintage Analog Synthesizer (1987)

RetroSound

Oberheim Matrix 1000 vs OB-X8 // A Vintage Gem that deserves a closer look

Starsky Carr

Maybe the most underrated Analog Synthesizer - Oberheim Matrix-1000

RetroSound

The Oberheim Matrix 1000 Analog Synthesizer by Franz Kreimer Keys (with english subtitles)

Franz Kreimer Keys

Two Oberheim Matrix 1000 played by Franz Kreimer Keys (Patches only; no talking)

Franz Kreimer Keys

Oberheim MATRIX 1000 Demo AMBIENT PADS & STRINGS / 1.20 /

Rob World

Reviews

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PROS

Rich, full analog sounds that are unmatched
1,000 patches offer extensive sound variety
Modulation matrix provides deep sound design possibilities
Can be poly-chained for increased polyphony and sonic richness
Special poly mode allows for advanced MIDI channel assignments
Firmware upgrades offer improved MIDI CC control and detune features
Compatible with external controllers for live tweaking
Unique flavor that cuts through a mix well
Compact size compared to other Oberheim synths
Some models are relatively affordable for vintage analog gear

CONS

Overheats easily with variable loading times
Initial lack of front-face editing capabilities
Requires external programmer or software for in-depth sound editing
Envelopes not very snappy, affecting certain sound types
Only one model has a low pass filter per voice
Built-in presets may require external manipulation for customization
MIDI CC support can be unresponsive without firmware updates

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Oberheim Matrix 1000.

Features and functionality

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The Matrix 1000 is noted for its low-note priority in unison/mono mode, affecting bass-line and lead performance approach.
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The Matrix 1000 offers 200 RAM slots for user-created sounds and 800 ROM presets, providing extensive sound storage options despite lacking patch editing capabilities from the front panel.
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Comparisons

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Matrix 1000 shares the CEM3396 chip with Matrix 6 and Cheetah MS6, similar to Prophet 08's rebranded CEM3397.
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Notable difference between Matrix 1000's 4-pole 24dB low-pass filter and OB6's state variable filter contributes to distinct sound genres.
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Cheetah MS6, similar to the Matrix 1000, is known for its multitimbral capabilities and distinct sound, comparable to a Prophet 08, but offers unique voice stacking for complex sound creation.
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The Prophet Rev2 is noted to have similar modulation capabilities to the Matrix 1000, but users find its sound distinct, suggesting careful consideration for those seeking the Matrix's specific tone.
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Use cases and applications

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Matrix 1000 is ideal for fattening up other synths but is cumbersome for parameter tweaking without additional equipment.
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The 666 patch paired with reverb and a Typhon synthesizer creates an impressive solo performance setup, highlighting the Matrix 1000's versatility in creative sound design.
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The Matrix 1000's unique modulation options allow for versatile sound design, making it suitable for users who prioritize expansive modulation over traditional knob-per-function interfaces.
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User experience

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Owners often rely on external units like BCR2000 or MIDI-sysex utilities for effective patch editing on the Matrix 1000.
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Owners report that patch editing on a stock Matrix 1000 is cumbersome due to its sysex architecture and outdated OS, prompting frequent recommendations for an OS upgrade.
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Setup and maintenance

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Owners indicate that remembering patch numbers can be challenging, suggesting a systematic approach or notation to manage favorite patches effectively.
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The Cheetah MS6, akin to the Matrix 1000, may require careful handling due to power supply vulnerabilities and potential battery corrosion issues, necessitating regular maintenance checks.
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Mods and upgrades

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Upgrading the Matrix 1000’s OS is recommended for easier parameter editing via MIDI CC, although the mod matrix still requires sysex commands.
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Software and compatibility

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Edisyn is praised as a superior software controller for the Matrix 1000, offering intuitive interface options compared to other CTLR editors, enhancing user interaction.
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Value and pricing

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The Matrix 1000 is expected to maintain its value, even with new releases like the Behringer UBXa, drawing parallels to the stable pricing of other vintage synths like the TB303.
Source

Critic Reviews

Oberheim Matrix 1000

soundonsound.com

The Oberheim Matrix 1000 is a classic analogue synth module that impresses with its rich, warm sounds and extensive patch library of 1000 presets. Its standout feature is the Matrix Modulation system, offering vast sound design potential. However, the lack of onboard editing controls and the necessity for software or a Matrix 6 for sound editing are drawbacks. Patch organization is also a weak point, with sounds sorted alphabetically rather than by type, which can be inconvenient. Despite these quirks, if you can navigate the limitations, the Matrix 1000 is a treasure trove of iconic Oberheim tones.

positive

Full Review

Oberheim Matrix 1000 (SOS Sep 88)

muzines.co.uk

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 10 Reviews and 39 Ratings

5 star

4 star

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1 star

volcarock

4041

about 7 years ago

perfect sounding analog poly @ budget price

I bought my Black Matrix 1000 as a counterpart to my beloved Juno 60 a week ago. The 6-voice polyphonic rack synthesizer sounds incredibly large, analog and wide, even without FX. I love the overall warm sound. It is the opposite of some harsh-sounding modern synths (I sent the Korg Minilogue back).

Adding delay, reverb or modulation effects turns the matrix into an epic analog pad, brass & string machine. For that I mainly use it. But it's also great for bass, leads, FM, FX and all other kinda analog sounds. Especially with the MOD matrix it is so easy to create very organic sounds. And even if the attack time and the LFOs are not the fastest, they are fast enough for me.

When I bought it, firmware was 1.11, so I did an Eprom upgrade to 1.20 (Tauntek / Rob Grieb), where many bugfixes were fixed and the matrix can now be easily used with a MIDI controller. The Eprom also includes the important global detune of Gigli v. 1.6. With this upgrade, the Matrix 1000 no longer sounds static, the DCOs behave more like VCO.

Without an external controller, the matrix 1000 is more or less an analog preset machine because no editing is possible. the real fun begins with controllers. I tweak the Obeheim Matrix 1000 with my stereoping controller. Of course, you can also use software to tweak, but I prefer real buttons.

For me it is the perfect sounding analog poly! for 500 euros / 570 USD it is still relatively cheap for a vintage analog 6-voice polyphonic. And I already think about a second one for stereo operations or 12-voice polyphony :-)

Roles:

Guitarist Keyboardist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Psychedelic rock

From Gear Setup

jimmarchi1

41029

7 years ago about 7 years ago

I miss my matrix 1k, good synth, grossly underrated because of the lack of knobs

volcarock

4041

7 years ago about 7 years ago

totally agree! The good thing is, that we can choose now between very powerful hardware controllers from Stereoping and Alpes Machines

othiym23

205

about 6 years ago

many sounds

There are so many sounds, and if you have a decent patch librarian that understands its sysex format it's actually not bad for creating sounds, and if you have something with a lot of spare knobs it's not bad for performance. The minimal UI is incredibly intimidating, though.

Roles:

Guitarist Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Techno Dubstep

jimmarchi1

41029

6 years ago about 6 years ago

stereoping synth controller

jimmarchi1

41029

about 11 years ago

Not bad as a MIDI module.

Another 1RU analoger in the Roland MKS camp. The Matrix rack does a lot if you can stand the menus, but I give Roland's juno-in-a-rack the edge because its easier to program due to a simpler feature set and it has a certain timbrality my ear seems to prefer to the oberheim.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Orchestra Alternative rock

method_one

269

over 11 years ago

Unique Preset Machine

There's not much you can do to program a Matrix 1000 unless you get a computer program to help, but with 1000 presets there's good chance you'll find something you like anyway. The Oberheim sounds really cut through a mix and can ad a unique flavor to a track.

ro5

3582

over 10 years ago

Classic analog (pre-set) polysynth.

Classic analog polysynth. Sounds great, even the pre-sets sound great. Extensive control matrix and quite affordable. The only downside is that you need an editor to create/change sounds. And while it does supports MIDI CC extensively, it is not always fluent when doing so. There are some aftermarket firmware updates which make it slightly better but I wouldn't do that live. This is however not really an issue when you're just playing it pre-sets and you can still keep the sounds interesting by using the extensive control matrix.

It will get it's 5th star when someone fixes the response to MIDI CC's.

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Stage & Screen Techno Dub

jimmarchi1

41029

10 years ago almost 10 years ago

yeh, the MIDI implementation sucks.... I made multiple samples of the best patches I made on mine and then sold her last year. Its no Xpander, but who can afford the Xpander these days?

markholloway

about 11 years ago

Many good sounds, but get the free editor to unock its potential!

The guts of this synth is the same as the Matrix 6 but without the ability to edit anything on the front face of the unit. Oddly, the first 200 patch banks may be overwritten while the remaining 800 are ROM sounds. There is a free program for Mac called ObieEditor that gives you full access to the DCO's, LFO, ENV's, Filter, and more. You can copy a patch from the unit into the software, tweak and edit, then send it to one of the User banks on the Matrix 1000 and save it. You now have an amazing, full editable Matrix 1000.