The Oberheim Matrix-6R is the rackmount heart of one of the 1980s great analog polysynths, and this one comes paired with the Access Matrix Programmer, the dedicated hardware controller that turns its menu-driven brain into a hands-on, knob-per-function instrument. Under the hood sit two DCOs per voice running into a genuine analog filter, wrapped in Oberheim's celebrated Matrix Modulation: a deep routing system that lets almost anything modulate almost anything, for the rich, evolving, unmistakably fat Oberheim character that the digital synths of the era simply could not touch. Six voices, full MIDI and that warm, organic low end made the Matrix-6 a studio staple. Add the Access Programmer and every parameter is right under your fingers, no page scrolling, just twist and listen. Together they make a rare and seriously powerful package.

FEATURES

• Genuine analog voice, two DCOs per voice into an analog filter and VCA
• Oberheim Matrix Modulation with a huge list of sources and destinations
• Six-voice polyphony with full MIDI
• Fat, warm Oberheim tone, rich evolving pads and punchy bass
• Included Access Matrix Programmer for hands-on, knob-per-function editing
• Rackmount format that drops straight into any studio

PROS

• The Programmer turns a menu-driven rack into a fully tweakable synth
• Classic 1980s Oberheim character, prized for warmth and movement
• Rare to find the rack and a dedicated programmer together
• Compact, MIDI-friendly and studio-ready

GENRE / USE

• Lush analog pads, strings and evolving textures
• Fat basses and leads for synthwave, pop and electronic production
• Sound design through deep matrix modulation
• Hands-on performance and editing with the Access Programmer

THE WORD: Vintage Synth Explorer calls both the Matrix-6 and its rackmount sibling excellent, versatile synths and a great source of bright, punchy sounds, vintage analog pads and ambient textures, with Matrix Modulation opening up an almost unlimited range of patches. Read more at Vintage Synth Explorer.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Era: mid 1980s (Matrix-6R, 1986)
• Type: rackmount analog polysynth (DCO based)
• Voices: 6
• Oscillators: two DCOs per voice
• Filter: analog lowpass VCF
• Modulation: Oberheim Matrix Modulation, many sources and destinations
• Connectivity: MIDI in, out and thru
• Included: Access Matrix Programmer hardware controller
• Format: rackmount
• Condition: used