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Photo of Oberheim Matrix 6 and more gear in a studio and synths

Oberheim Matrix 6

$664.05 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (9)

1 Critic Review

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Oberheim Matrix 6

4 community setups

9 wishlisted

32 saved

Page last updated Jun 25, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 25, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (20)

$664.05 15 available Used

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Average Price: $664

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Oberheim Matrix 6 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

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Description

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Unlock the sonic potential of your music with the Oberheim Matrix 6, a revered name in the world of synthesizers. This classic analog polyphonic synthesizer offers not just a rich history but also six voices of analog warmth that have captivated musicians since its release. Engineered for both studio and stage use, the Matrix 6 provides a versatile sound palette, making it a staple for electronic music producers and keyboardists alike.

With its unique matrix modulation system, this synthesizer allows for intricate sound shaping, providing a vast array of tonal possibilities that can be tailored to fit any genre. Whether you're crafting lush pads, punchy basses, or soaring leads, the Matrix 6's dynamic capabilities ensure that your musical creations are boundless. This synthesizer is equipped with 61 velocity-sensitive keys, giving you expressive control over your performance, and its robust MIDI implementation makes it easy to integrate into modern setups.

The Oberheim Matrix 6 is celebrated for its user-friendly interface that offers deep programmability without overwhelming complexity. Its architecture encourages experimentation, allowing seasoned professionals and synth enthusiasts alike to push the boundaries of their soundscapes.

Key Features:

Six-voice polyphony for rich, full-bodied sound
Unique matrix modulation system for advanced sound design
61 velocity-sensitive keys for expressive playability
Comprehensive MIDI integration for seamless connectivity
User-friendly interface with deep programmability
Classic analog sound with modern capabilities

Product specs

Brand	Oberheim
Model	Matrix 6 61-Key 6-Voice Synthesizer
Finish	Black
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	6 Voices

FAQs

Is the Oberheim Matrix 6 synthesizer fully analog?: Yes, the Oberheim Matrix 6 is a fully analog synthesizer, known for its rich and warm sound that is characteristic of vintage analog synths.
How many voices of polyphony does the Oberheim Matrix 6 have?: The Oberheim Matrix 6 features 6 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex chord structures and layered soundscapes.
What type of keyboard action does the Oberheim Matrix 6 have?: The Oberheim Matrix 6 has a synth action keyboard, providing a responsive and smooth playing experience suitable for dynamic performances.
Does the Oberheim Matrix 6 support MIDI connectivity?: Yes, the Oberheim Matrix 6 includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it compatible with other MIDI devices for versatile integration into your setup.
What sound characteristics can I expect from the Oberheim Matrix 6?: The Oberheim Matrix 6 is renowned for its lush, analog sound with a wide range of tonal possibilities, from warm pads to cutting leads, suitable for various musical genres.

Videos

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musictrackjp

Oberheim Matrix-6 Demo & Review

musictrackjp

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

AnalogAudio1

Synth Stuff Ep. 11 - Oberheim Matrix-6

tritonrecordings

OBERHEIM MATRIX 6 , DEMO NA CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

OBERHEIM MATRIX 6 - SOUND DEMO (NO TALKING, ONLY PLAY)

Eaglechild

OBERHEIM MATRIX 6 - Better than the OB-X8?

Vulture Culture

Exploring the Oberheim Matrix-6

Johnny Morgan Synth Dreams

Reviews

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PROS

Rich, fat sound quality, surpassing even newer models
Individually clocked DCOs offer unique drift and sound
Exceptional for creating organic sounds, mimicking VCO quality
Versatile for bass, pads, strings, brass, ambient, and effects
Infinite modulation options for sound variation
Good value for its price point
6-note polyphony with good velocity sensitivity keyboard
Supports firmware and hardware updates for improved functionality

CONS

Lacks real-time editing controls, relying on menu system
No data slider, making parameter changes cumbersome
Some MIDI parameter changes can cause processing freezes
Limited voice polyphony without voice stealing features
Original firmware not optimized for parameter changes

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Oberheim Matrix 6.

Use cases and applications

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The Matrix 6 can be a platform for additional gear placement, which is rare among synths with extensive control panels.
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The Matrix 6 has been noted for its ability to produce darker, cutting sounds that aren't overly shrill, broadening its appeal beyond typical 80s music.
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The synth's presets are recognizable, especially for fans of Aphex Twin's "SAW II," but it's less suitable for setups requiring extensive Sysex modulation.
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User experience

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A slight click sound from inside the unit when it crashes may indicate hardware issues, although it's less common than firmware-related problems.
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Mods and upgrades

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A 27C256 EPROM chip is necessary for firmware upgrades, but availability is affected by stock shortages, making sourcing challenging.
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The Matrix-6 OS can be upgraded to version 2.15, available from Bob Grieb for $35, which significantly improves MIDI command response and overall stability.
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Exploring patches from the Matrix-1000 can diversify the Matrix 6's sound palette beyond typical 80’s tones.
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Software and compatibility

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Edisyn is recommended as a potentially more stable editor for the Matrix-6, compared to other options that may cause the synth to crash.
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Users report that PatchBase and other editors can crash the Matrix-6 when sending even small Sysex commands, highlighting the importance of updated firmware for stability.
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Modern PC editors, such as those based on CTRLR, are recommended for programming, offering a comprehensive visualization of patches.
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Setup and maintenance

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The right cursor button (+ increment) on the Matrix-6 may become unresponsive, a known issue likely related to the tact switches that may require replacement.
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Firmware updates, such as Tauntek's 1.20 version, improve the Matrix 6r's stability, addressing issues like random lockups and power-offs.
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Features and functionality

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The Oberheim Matrix 6r's menu-diving interface is a significant challenge, with no knobs for real-time parameter adjustments, making it less ideal for live tweaking.
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Comparisons

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Prologue 8 is noted for its modern analog sound, especially when using user oscillators, contrasting with the more vintage sound of the Matrix 6.
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The Waldorf Blofeld offers space for gear placement and a modern sound, though it lacks analog characteristics compared to the Matrix 6.
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The Prophet 08/Rev 2 is considered a modern counterpart with more hands-on controls and a slightly different sound, appealing to those seeking ease of use.
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Value and pricing

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The Matrix 6r's price has doubled in recent years, and while it's cheaper than other Oberheims, there are modern alternatives with warranties for the same price.
Source

Critic Reviews

Oberheim Matrix-6 (SOS Jan 86)

muzines.co.uk

The Oberheim Matrix-6 offers a compelling blend of traditional analog sounds and versatile digital features at a competitive price. While its sound possibilities are vast, programming can be daunting due to the complex interface and reliance on membrane switches, which may frustrate beginners. The lack of intuitive parameter labeling and a steep learning curve might deter casual users, but those willing to dive deep will find it a rewarding tool for creative synthesis. However, its position in the market is challenged by the rising popularity of sampling keyboards, which could overshadow its analog charm for those less inclined to explore synthesis intricacies.

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Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings

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bwilson23

almost 9 years ago

The most underrated polysynth

This 2 DCO analog polyphonic synth is probably the best one in its category. If we ignore the somewhat unintuitive interface, this beast is capable of some extremely organic sounds that honestly sound more like VCOs. Works great for bass, pads, strings (string machine-like), brass, ambient and psychedelic sounds, crazy effects and everything in between. The modulation options are crazy. There are literally an infinite amount of variations. Highly recommended, especially for its price which should be at least double of what it is right now.