Oberheim Matrix 1000 - I have never owned one but I have heard nothing but good things for this box and I think there is an editor for it as well....Yep there are a few editors for it....
http://www.mk2software.com/matrix/index.php
http://reviews.harmony-central.com/revi ... +1000/10/1
Here is a review from Harmony Central....
Product: Oberheim Matrix 1000
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 06/13/2007 at 05:38am by David
Ease of Use : 9
This is a tricky one to judge really - on the surface it is a "10" as all you can do from the front panel is select patches, change midi channel, select unison on or off and a couple of other very minor points. Doing that is very simple and easy.
Against that, any editing requires a computer and suitable editing software and this is a reasonably sophisticated synth, so learning its in and outs will take some time. This could be very rewarding, but a bit frustrating if all you wanted to do was open the filter a little or sharpen an envelope.
However, I work on the assumption that you should know research what you are buying and this limitation should be no surprise. If you want front panel editing look for a Matrix 6 or 6R.
The Matrix 1000 has 1000 memory slots - 200 user programmable and 800 factory fixed. Due to the limitations of its physical memory - and remember 20 years ago saving a byte was a big deal - the layout and navigation of the presets in memory is not perhaps as easy as it could be.
So I have to score the Matrix 1000 quite highly as it does what it says on the tin!
Features : 8
It is a 20 year old 6 voice analog synth module. NO effects, No sequencer, No memory expansions, etc. It responds to velocity and release velocity (Big Plus+++). If you need more polyhony you can buy another Matrix 1000, 6 or 6R. They can be linked to form a 12 voice. But hey, the Prophet 5 was a 5 voice, the Memorymoog 6 voice. Live with it!
Single mono audio out, Midi in out and thru.
Expressiveness/Sounds : 10
This is what you buy it for!!! On its own it is quite fat, saying it sounds like an Oberheim seems a bit of a cop out, but it does - warm brass, nice strings, etc. These days we have become so used to hearing synths with built in effects units that judging one without, it can be difficult to remain objective. Put it thru an effects unit - mine has a dedicated Lex MPX 100 and it leaps into life. Synth Brass and warm fat pads that a modern synth - Triton, Motif, etc., can never hope to get. Bass sounds so fat and wide hey could block a motorway. A little reverb, sound 434 "CS-80" and instant Vangelis.
This little module always makes me smile - You know it will always sound great.
It is not a miniMoog, don't expect it to be, though it does get close. There is sufficient here to keep most people happy and for the curent price of a mini, I could have bought at least 10 Matrix 1000s
Reliability : No Opinion
It will never be gigged and so this is not an issue
Customer Support : 5
Do know about Oberheim (Viscount) but there is good support on the 'net.
Overall Rating : 10
If it were lost or stolen it would be replaced immediately.
It is a real pleasure to play and I would be very lost without it now.
For the price you pay for one these days it represents excellent value for money. Mine is in great condition
