Oberheim Matrix synthesizers are a historic product line of analog synthesizers from Oberheim featuring a method of synthesis which Oberheim called "Matrix Modulation" as a method of defining preset and user patches. While the Matrix 12 (a 12 voice version of the Oberheim Xpander along with an added keyboard) are based on CEM Oscillators, the two models Matrix 6 and Matrix 1000 are notable for their implementation of DCOs, which maintain a completely analog sound but are controlled by digital circuitry, making them much more stable. The Matrix 6r and Matrix 1000 are both rackmount versions of the Matrix 6. Matrix synthesizers continue to be popular due to their characteristic late-1980s analog sound.
| Matrix-6[1] | Matrix-12[2] | Matrix-1000[3][4] | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyphony | 6 voices | 12 voices | 6 voices |
| Oscillators | 12 DCOs (2 per voice) | 24 (2 per voice) | 12 DCOs (2 per voice) |
| Layers | single, split, 2-part multitimbral | 12 part multitimbral with up to 6 zones | single, monotimbral |
| Filter | 1 low-pass resonant filter | 15 variations of low high band notch | 1 low-pass resonant filter |
| Memory | 100 patches, 50 splits | 100 single 100 multi | 1000 patches (800 preset, 200 user) |
| LFO | 2 (plus 1 for vibrato effect) | 5 | 2 (plus 1 for vibrato effect) |
| Rackmount | yes (as Matrix 6r) | no | yes |
| Keyboard | 61-key (velocity & aftertouch) | none | |
| Control | MIDI In/Out/Thru | ||
| Production | 1984-1988 | 1985-1988 | 1987–1994 |