Enter the Matrix

Extreme patching met 12 dual-oscillator voices in one of the most prestigious keyboard synths of the ’80s.

With 27 modulation sources, 47 destinations, 15 filter modes, and five envelopes, it combined the flexibility of a modular synth with the polyphony and programmability demanded by artists like Toto, Vangelis, Prince, and Herbie Hancock. How do you improve upon such an instrument? Matrix-12 V balances absolute authenticity with the flexibility modern music makers need - and then some.

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Analog in a digital world

With digital synths like the DX7 and affordable sample-based keyboards just over the horizon, Tom Oberheim and company set out to show the world what a no-holds-barred analog machine could really do.

Echoing Oberheim’s earlier success with the SEM, the project began with a sound expansion module. This was 1984’s Xpander, which had six voices and the same signal path as the Matrix-12, which would arrive just a year later.

MIDI created a market for modules that could augment the capabilities that synth players already owned without adding the bulk of another black-and-white keyboard to their rigs. The Xpander was designed by engineers Marcus Ryle (who would later invent the Alesis® ADAT) and Michael Doidic, and became an instant hit.

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Agent of analog

Matrix-12 V puts your hands on more of the original’s parameters at once.

It’s a playground for quick tweaks during live performance and exacting sound design in the studio.

Because it applied digital control to analog tone generation, the Matrix-12 had three displays and many pages of functions but only six knobs. We thought a sound engine this sensational deserved a lot more.

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Matrix Reloaded

More modulation, built-in FX, and a powerful Multi mode make you the architect of amazing sounds.

We dove deep into what makes the Matrix-12 special, put every parameter of it within easy reach, and then freed its analog mind with some reality-bending upgrades.

Hear it in action

Journey from the neon-lit streets of the 1980s to off-planet colonies and beyond with these audio demos from our community of artists and sound designers, made exclusively using Matrix-12 V sounds.

Artists corner

Included in
V collection

Legendary Keyboards Reinvented

This instrument is also part of the V Collection -your complete dream line-up of the legendary synths, organs, pianos and more that made keyboard history. They’re modeled with the most advanced technologies for authentic realism, and enhanced with new creative options. Whether you use it as DAW plugins in the studio or standalone at gigs, V Collection puts the greatest keys of all time at your fingertips for instant inspiration.

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TAE® Powered

The exclusive analog modeling technology that makes our emulations indistinguishable from the originals.

By accurately mimicking the characteristics of analog oscillators, filters, and soft clipping, we can provide astonishing component-accurate detail and authentic analog charm in equal measure.

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Gallery



All manufacturer and product names mentioned on this page are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Arturia. The trademarks of other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products of those manufacturers whose features and sound were studied during the development. All names of equipment, inventors, and manufacturers have been included for illustrative and educational purposes only, and do not suggest any affiliation or endorsement by any equipment inventor or manufacturer.




Oberheim® is a registered trademark of Tom Oberheim®, which is in no way associated or affiliated with Arturia. All manufacturer and product names mentioned on this page are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Arturia. The trademarks of other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products of those manufacturers whose features and sound were studied during the development. All names of equipment, inventors, and manufacturers have been included for illustrative and educational purposes only, and do not suggest any affiliation or endorsement by any equipment inventor or manufacturer.