Oberheim Matrix 12 61-Key 12-Voice Synthesizer

$15,995.00 Price Tier: High-end

3 Critic Reviews

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Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

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4.0 (7)

$15,995.00 9 available Used

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Average Price: $15,995

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Oberheim Matrix 12 61-Key 12-Voice Synthesizer 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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High-end

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Description

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The Oberheim Matrix 12 61-Key 12-Voice Synthesizer is a pinnacle of vintage synthesis, combining the best of analog warmth with digital precision to deliver a powerful sonic experience. With 61 keys and 12 voices, this synthesizer offers an expansive playing surface and the polyphony needed to create lush, complex textures. The Matrix 12 is renowned for its versatile modulation matrix, allowing musicians to route almost any modulation source to any destination, providing an unparalleled level of control and creativity.

The synthesizer features dual oscillators per voice with a wide range of waveforms, including sawtooth, triangle, and square waves with pulse width modulation. Its state-variable filter allows for multiple filter types, such as low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass, making it highly adaptable to different sound design needs. The Matrix 12 is also equipped with an extensive set of envelopes and LFOs that can be freely assigned, offering tremendous flexibility in sound shaping.

Designed with a performance-centric layout, the Matrix 12 offers a comprehensive user interface, including dedicated knobs for real-time tweaking and a robust patch management system for storing your creations. This synthesizer is a must-have for professional musicians and sound designers looking for a blend of classic analog tones and modern digital control.

Key Features:

61-key keyboard with velocity sensitivity
12-voice polyphony with dual oscillators per voice
Comprehensive modulation matrix for extensive routing options
State-variable filter with multiple modes (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass)
Flexible envelope generators and LFOs
Robust patch management system for storing and recalling sounds
Dedicated real-time control knobs for performance tweaks

Product specs

Brand	Oberheim
Model	Matrix 12 61-Key 12-Voice Synthesizer
Year	1985
Categories	Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital	Analog
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys	61 Keys
Polyphony	12 Voices

FAQs

Is the Oberheim Matrix 12 synthesizer analog or digital?: The Oberheim Matrix 12 is an analog synthesizer, known for its rich, warm sound and extensive modulation capabilities.
How many voices of polyphony does the Oberheim Matrix 12 offer?: The Oberheim Matrix 12 provides 12 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex, layered soundscapes and chords.
What are the MIDI connectivity options on the Oberheim Matrix 12?: The Oberheim Matrix 12 features MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, making it versatile for integration into modern MIDI setups.
What type of keyboard action does the Oberheim Matrix 12 have?: The Oberheim Matrix 12 has a synth action keyboard, which is typically lighter and faster, suitable for expressive playing styles often used in electronic music.
How many keys does the Oberheim Matrix 12 have?: The Oberheim Matrix 12 features a full-size 61-key keyboard, providing ample range for performance and composition.

Videos

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gstormelectro

Oberheim Matrix-12 Synthesizer Video Demo #3 - Escape Velocity

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Reviews

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PROS

Unique and unmatched sound quality, described as a "sonic beast"
Exceptional filter types that remain unbeaten after decades
Offers extensive sound modulation capabilities for tone tweakers
Panning and zone options enhance performance versatility
Revered for its aesthetic appeal in studio settings
Considered a masterpiece of analog synthesis technology
Highly valued for its authentic and pure sound

CONS

Extremely high price, often deemed unjustifiable
Rare custom chips inside are no longer manufactured
Original power supply prone to overheating issues
Complex programming requires significant time investment
Not ideal for fast performance or stage use
More cost-effective alternatives like the Oberheim Matrix 1000 exist

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Oberheim Matrix 12 61-Key 12-Voice Synthesizer.

Setup and maintenance

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Only a select few technicians specialize in repairing the Matrix 12, with notable shops in LA, Chicago, and New York.
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Blue marker on logos can potentially be cleaned with alcohol, though it doesn't significantly affect value unless the unit is in museum condition.
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Value and pricing

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An untested Matrix 12 sold for $8,200, while tested units can reach $10,000 or more.
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A unit bought for $160 at a storage auction was initially estimated at $20,000 in pristine condition.
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Features and functionality

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Owners praise the Matrix 12 for its extensive modulation matrix, which allows for complex sound design, making it a powerful tool for sound engineers.
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Comparisons

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The Matrix 12's VCO design is highlighted as superior to the DCOs in the Matrix 6, offering richer and more dynamic sound possibilities.
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Mods and upgrades

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The Tauntek firmware upgrade is recommended for Matrix 6, 6R, and 1000 models, significantly enhancing their capabilities and user interface.
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Software and compatibility

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The iPad app Patchbase is recommended for easy parameter editing on the Matrix, providing comprehensive access to the mod matrix and offering a cost-effective alternative to hardware controllers.
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User experience

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Users report that the Matrix 12 integrates seamlessly into mixes, with a low end that is "felt" rather than heard, enhancing overall sound depth.
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Critic Reviews

Oberheim Matrix 12 & XK Controller (IM May 85)

muzines.co.uk

A true titan in the world of analogue synthesis, the Oberheim Matrix 12 dazzles with its extensive capabilities and unparalleled flexibility. This 12-voice polysynth is essentially two Expanders paired with a velocity-sensitive keyboard, offering a playground of modular-like options without the cables. The ability to independently program each voice and access 27 modulation sources with 47 destinations is groundbreaking, putting it ahead in creative sound design. While its price tag is steep, it's justified by its immense functionality and superior sound quality. The user-friendly interface with an intuitive display enhances the experience, but budget-conscious musicians may need to look elsewhere. Overall, the Matrix 12 stands out as a leader in analogue synthesis, providing vast sonic possibilities that are unmatched.

positive

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Vintage music tech icons: Oberheim Matrix 12 | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Oberheim Matrix 12 is a powerhouse for synth enthusiasts, combining analogue warmth with digital control. Its vast sound-shaping possibilities make it a flexible and timeless machine. However, its complex user interface can be daunting for beginners. While the Matrix 12 impresses with modulation and sound design capabilities, it's not as punchy as older Oberheim models. It's a collector's gem, often found in Hollywood studios but requires careful maintenance due to potential memory issues. For those ready to embrace its complexity, it's a worthy investment, albeit with a hefty price tag and the need for a keen eye when buying used.

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