Oberheim Matrix-1000 Analog Sound Module

The Oberheim Matrix-1000 is a 1U rack-mount analog synthesizer module released in 1987 as a compact version of the Matrix-6. It was conceived as an affordable expander offering the classic Oberheim analog sound in a preset-oriented format. The unit contains 1,000 patches—800 factory programs and 200 user slots—providing a wide range of pads, basses, leads, and textures that made it popular among both studio musicians and live performers. Due to its lack of front-panel editing capabilities, users must rely on MIDI control or external software editors to modify sounds, which positioned it as a convenient sound source rather than a programming synthesizer. Its tone character, warm filters, and flexible modulation structure have earned it a lasting reputation in vintage analog setups.

Technically, the Matrix-1000 is a six-voice polyphonic synthesizer featuring two digitally controlled oscillators per voice, a resonant 24 dB/octave low-pass filter based on the CEM3396 chip, three ADSR envelopes, two LFOs, and a sophisticated modulation matrix allowing numerous routing combinations between sources and destinations. The instrument includes a single mono output, MIDI In/Out/Thru connections, and basic front-panel controls limited to patch selection, volume, and system functions. Memory storage includes 800 ROM and 200 RAM patches backed by an internal battery. Several firmware revisions exist, with version 1.20 being the most stable. Despite its limitations, the Matrix-1000 remains valued for delivering authentic Oberheim analog timbres in a compact, reliable, and MIDI-friendly format.