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Description
For those in pursuit of rich, vintage analog sound, the Oberheim Matrix 6R stands as a testament to classic synthesis. This rack-mounted version of the beloved Matrix 6 synthesizer delivers the same distinctive tones and flexibility in a more compact format. The Matrix 6R is renowned for its advanced modulation matrix, which allows unparalleled control over your sound design, making it a favorite among sound designers and musicians alike.
With six voices of polyphony, the Matrix 6R is capable of producing lush, complex harmonies and textures that are perfect for both studio and live performances. Its analog circuitry provides that warm, full-bodied sound that digital synths often strive to emulate. The Matrix 6R offers a wide array of patches, giving you a versatile sonic palette to explore. Despite its age, the Matrix 6R's MIDI implementation is quite robust, allowing seamless integration with modern setups.
Whether you're crafting the perfect lead, pad, or bass sound, the Matrix 6R's 2 DCOs per voice and extensive modulation options make it an incredibly versatile tool in any musician's arsenal. Its programming interface is straightforward yet deep, giving users the freedom to experiment and innovate. As part of the Oberheim legacy, the Matrix 6R embodies a blend of classic and cutting-edge, making it a timeless addition to any collection.
Key Features:
- Rack-mounted version of the Matrix 6 synthesizer
- Six voices of polyphony
- Two Digitally Controlled Oscillators (DCOs) per voice
- Advanced modulation matrix for complex sound design
- Robust MIDI implementation for modern integration
- Extensive patch storage for versatile sound options
Product specs
| Brand | Oberheim |
| Model | Matrix 6R Rackmount 6-Voice Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1986 |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Rackmount Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Polyphony | 6 Voices |
FAQs
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What type of synthesis does the Oberheim Matrix 6R use?
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The Oberheim Matrix 6R utilizes analog synthesis with digitally controlled oscillators, allowing for a wide range of sound design possibilities while maintaining the warmth of analog sound.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Oberheim Matrix 6R offer?
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The Oberheim Matrix 6R provides 6 voices of polyphony, enabling complex chord structures and layered sounds without voice stealing.
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Does the Oberheim Matrix 6R support MIDI connectivity?
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Yes, the Oberheim Matrix 6R supports MIDI connectivity, featuring MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it compatible with modern MIDI setups for seamless integration.
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What is the modulation system used in the Oberheim Matrix 6R?
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The Oberheim Matrix 6R uses a "Matrix Modulation" system, which allows users to dynamically route modulation sources to various parameters, offering extensive sound-shaping capabilities.
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Is the Oberheim Matrix 6R suitable for live performances?
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The Oberheim Matrix 6R is a rackmount synthesizer, making it ideal for studio use, but with proper MIDI control, it can also be effectively used in live performance setups.
Videos
Tiago Mallen
Oberheim Matrix-6R (Test Sounds) by Tiago Mallen
Oberheim Matrix-6R (Test Sounds) by Tiago Mallen
Tiago Mallen
Enjoy the Oberheim Matrix 6r from 1986 in 2020
Chris Mick Studentsmusic
Reviews
PROS
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DCOs offer stability comparable to VCOs
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Unique filters and modulation matrix for complex sounds
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Modular flexibility with programmable performance controls
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Beautiful, lush, and thick sound output
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Offers a special, glassy sound quality
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Ample programming options via MIDI
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Full programmability accessible with external software
CONS
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Limited to only 6 voices
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Only 100 preset/split slots available
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Basic programming interface
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Oberheim Matrix 6R.
Setup and maintenance
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Owners report the Matrix 6R requires periodic repairs, particularly with voice chip failures, emphasizing the need for maintenance.
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A common issue involves a single voice leaking through the filter, which can be resolved by resetting the voice chips.
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Upgrading to the Tauntek OS significantly improves stability, addressing issues like random lock-ups and power-offs experienced with the original firmware.
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Use cases and applications
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The sustain pedal can be creatively used to trigger LFOs or ramps for self-playing patches, enhancing modulation and randomness.
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Mods and upgrades
Features and functionality
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Lever 1 corresponds to pitchbend, Lever 3 to modwheel, and Lever 2 is likely a breath controller, impacting modulation possibilities.
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The Matrix 6R only accepts sysex for programming, and does not support regular MIDI CC, impacting its integration with certain MIDI setups.
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The Oberheim Matrix 6R has a deep modulation matrix but lacks real-time control, making parameter tweaking during performances challenging.
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The Matrix 6R's oscillators allow for Oberheim brass sounds with detuned sawtooths, unlike the DeepMind's pulse-only second oscillator without using unison mode.
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Software and compatibility
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The MidiDesigner app and Lemur offer community-shared templates for programming, but lack access to the modulation matrix.
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Owners recommend using modern PC editors like the one based on CTRLR for programming, as hardware programmers like Stereoping may not provide optimal visualization.
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Comparisons
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The DeepMind's internal effects and base sounds are considered inferior by some users, limiting its versatility outside live performance contexts.
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For those seeking a modern alternative, the Prophet 08 / Prophet Rev 2 offers more hands-on controls and a distinct sound, addressing some of the Matrix 6R's limitations.
Source
User experience
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 10 Ratings
257
Big scary and solid sounds
I acquired my Oberheim Matrix 6r from the then manager of Swan Yard Studios just as they were closing back in 2002, it had been used on countless recordings in the 80's and 90's along with an S900 i bought and an Oberheim DPX-1, none of which i own today. The Oberheim had a great solid modular sound and i shouldn't have let it go.
41010
its no Xpander though
257
yes its a country mile away from an xpander even though they are both 6 voice, in fact the amount of voices is about the only thing the same
Artist usage
Add artist
Sold on Reverb.com in 2019 for charity.
This Oberheim Matrix-6R is from the private collection of Martin Gore, founding member of Depeche Mode.
This is the rack-mounted version of the Oberheim Matrix 6. The 6 and 6R were introduced in the late 1980's following the legendary OB series as a much more affordable and slimmed down solution. The Matrix 6 featured 2 digitally controlled analog oscillators per voice and was one of the first Oberheim synthesizers to implement MIDI.
Following the trend of the time towards presets and portability, it offers a single data slider for controlling all selectable parameters. Given its deep modulation capabilities this can make designing sounds a pain, but dedicated hardware and software editors with more traditional analog-style panels are available to improve that workflow. Editing aside, the sounds of this underrated instrument are warm and versatile.
SN: K630528. Super cool. Signs of use on the button panal. IEC included. Signed by Martin Gore. UK power!
All items in The Official Martin Gore of Depeche Mode Reverb Shop ship fully insured with delivery confirmation and include a signed and embossed Certificate of Authenticity from Martin Gore.
When I joined, the keyboards consisted of 3 Farfisa Mini-Compact organs. That was it.
Over the years of my involvement, the Ensemble went through a series of migrations to new hardware. The first was the replacement of one of the Farfisas by a Yamaha YC45-D dual manual electric organ, a wonderful machine with touch sensitivity and adjustable percussive attack. After that, we added an Arp Explorer synthesizer. Next came a Sequential Circuits Prophet 5, then an Oberheim OBXa, then a Yamaha Dx7 (one of the first in the US, hand-carried back from a tour in Japan), then an Emulator I sampler (serial #002), then a Roland Juno-106 and a Roland JX3P, and an Emulator II sampler, and then, as we adopted MIDI controllers and rack modules, a Roland Super Jupiter, a Yamaha TX-816 rack and a YTX-802, several Oberheim Matrix-6R. and a number of Akai S-900 samplers, later replaced with Digidesign Samplecell I cards running on Mac IIs.
In a photo from the same session as the one used to capture the Mackie 32/8 bus mixer, the Oberheim Matrix 6R can be seen under the computer.
List of equipment used on the album Universal:
SYNTHS • Emu Proteus 1 (x2) • Emu Proteus 2 (x2) • Emu Proteus World • Emu Classic Keys • Korg M1R • Korg O3R/W • Oberheim Matrix 6R • Oberheim Matrix 1000 • Quasimidi Quasar • Roland Alpha Juno 2 • Roland D550 • Roland JD800 • Roland JV1080 (with Orchestral, Vintage Synth, Piano, and World expansion boards) • Roland JX8P • Roland MKS30 • Yamaha DX7S • Yamaha TX81Z (x2)
SAMPLERS • Akai S1100 • Akai S1100EX
RECORDING • Alesis Quadraverb • Digitech Vocalist (hired) • Fairchild compressors • Focusrite EQ • Opcode Studio 4 MIDI interface • Pultec EQP1A EQ • Urei 1176 compressors
COMPUTERS & SOFTWARE • Apple Macintosh Quadra 650 • Digidesign Pro Tools II & 442 interface • Digidesign Sound Tools II • Emagic Logic Audio v2.5.3
On November 30, 2016, DJ ANNA shared a photo on Facebook showing her studio setup, which includes the Oberheim Matrix 6R synthesizer module, as she worked on re-wiring her equipment.
Taken from an article authored by Richard Karsmakers in October of 1995.
Karl: What musical hardware do you use?
Jens: Oberheim Matrix12, matrix1000's, Matrix 6R, DPX-1. Korg PolySix (I have around 10 of those), Yamaha DX7+TX816 rack, Roland D20, DS-330, Hammond + Leslie (I have two actually), Korg CX3 as a "touring hammond", and a bunch of others. I also rent stuff a lot.
I'm not too crazy about the "new breed" of keyboards like the K2000 etc; they sound a bit thin to me. But whatever.
Daniel Miller includes the Oberheim Matrix 6R in his gear list, as detailed in Sound on Sound.
As cited in the gear list of this May '92 feature in Music Tech magazine:
"My favourite? Hmm... It's between the two Oberheims, the Matrix 1000 and the 6R. I have editors for both of them, and I do a lot of tweaking and coming up with weird things."
In the MusicRadar Tech studio tour video, the Freemasons can be seen using the Oberheim Matrix 6R synthesizer.
Moving on, a rack of modules provides a fair range of sounds to back up the Synclavier. One of the newest additions is an Emu Procussion, below which are a Roland MKS70, MIDIMoog ("it still goes out of tune; I was told it wouldn't"), Oberheim Matrix 6R, Korg DVP1, a slot for a Yamaha G10 guitar controller unit ("great with the TX802"), Roland D110, Roland P330, Yamaha TX81Z ("great for little clavs and so on"), and a Roland Planet P ("actually, I don't think I even turn that on any more").
Album Usage
The Oberheim Matrix 6R has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Oberheim Matrix 6R, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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