Hello all! I have a minty Matrix-6R on the way. Been fascinated by this era of Oberheim forever, but this is my first actual synth from them…
Any other Elektronauts using this series? I know that front panel editing is possible but tedious, any apps/software recommended? Tips and/or tricks? Much appreciated 
5 Likes
VST editor:
More:
iPad:
ctrl:
4 Likes
I’ve got a Matrix1000 somewhere. I thought it was at a mates house but alas not. I do remember it sounding great but as you’ll know the 6/1000 are CEM based so no classic OB filter action. In terms of control I’ve read that they’re problematic in that the way it handles sysex isn’t great. Nothing was ever done to improve it but from memory there were folks working on CPU replacements. I don’t recall if anything ever came of it… it was a good few years ago now.
I had a 1000 for a while and it sounded nice, though it was mono and needed some fx
I’m pretty sure the black dog have made a nice ableton pack of m1000 presets… on their patreon site.
2 Likes
Wait til you see the mod routings on that thing and then remind yourself how rare that was upon its release.
3 Likes
Nice! I think I’ll give the Synthmania.de one a go first.
1 Like
There are actually two different firmware updates out there: Tauntek 1.20 and a Gligli firmware (can’t seem to find the link–but it’s all over Reverb and Ebay).
Nice little comparison video here:
3 Likes
The Matrix 6R was my first „real“ synth after a Poly 800 and I programmed everything on the HW. I still know which number to select to change the filter cutoff 
Still love it and will never sell it.
I would update to the firmware mentioned above, I have used the CTRL VST but I don‘t like programming a HW synth on a computer.
Still planning on getting on of these:
https://www.stereoping.com/synth-controller/?lang=en
They also have a big controller but that is quite expensive - probably worth the money but still a lot.
Enjoy the Matrix!
1 Like
had a Matrix 1000 back then…sounded really nice but editing was somewhat slow; an editor will definitely speed things up for you. ended up coding an editor for it at some point, turned out handling of messages was at times slow but still better than doing things from the front panel. i would probably get one again if i could find/need one
1 Like
There’s a Matrix 1000 and a 6R up for sale at GearTrader:
Synthesizers - GearTrader.net - Buy & sell used music tech.
This a new ‘Reverb’ like site from the creator of the S2400 (Isla Instruments).
2 Likes
Thanks for the suggestions everyone!
Something I’ve noticed over the years is that whenever I program a polysynth I tend to make pads that sound like what the Matrix does effortlessly, that cold but fizzy John Carpenter soundtrack sound. Plus being a big fan of modulation matrices in general I’m excited for all the other sounds to explore.
2 Likes
I’ve known about their controllers for some time and would LOVE the bigger one and it’s dedicated knobs, maybe if I find one used someday. With the smaller more generic one, I imagine you could just program another controller like Faderfox that allows sysex strings to do the same thing?
You can but as @guga has alluded to the Matrix is slow at handling sysex messages, hence the updated third party firmware that’s now available. I’ve never tried sysex control of my Matrix but from accounts I’ve read it’s not great (the OG firmware not the upgrades). Maybe using a Faderfox or something similar (my plan was to use my Kenton Control Freak) for general tweaking is okay or at least doable?
1 Like
I would get the Tauntek 2.15 EPROM as well. Seems like a no-brainer.
1 Like
I really need to find mine. Those new OS chips will breathe new life into it.
1 Like
I got two 1000s, and panned hard left and right on the exact same patch gives an incredible stereo synth. Run it further through a Dimension D and a reverb and you’re in Pad heaven.
3 Likes
I’ll be double-tracking the 6R when recording to simulate exactly that
1 Like
My brother’s using a Kiwi controller for his 6R - works great (although he’s selling them both now together with a JX8P 
).
1 Like