The Birth of a Rackmount Classic
By the late 1980s, Oberheim was a synth legend, with the OB-X, OB-Xa, and Matrix-6 beloved by acts like Prince and Depeche Mode. But as digital synths like the Yamaha DX7 dominated and Oberheim faced financial woes (bankruptcy loomed in 1988), the company needed a budget-friendly hit. The Matrix-1000, priced at around $600 in 1987 (about $1,600 in 2025 dollars), was their answer: a slimmed-down take on the Matrix-6’s hybrid design, sacrificing editability for affordability and patch density. Built as a 1U rackmount unit, it was aimed at gigging musicians and studio pros who wanted Oberheim’s iconic sound without the Matrix-6’s complex programming.
The Matrix-1000 streamlined the Matrix Modulation system—Oberheim’s groundbreaking feature for routing modulation sources to parameters—by pre-programming 1,000 patches (800 factory, 200 user-editable via external MIDI controllers). With its analog heart and digital brain, it competed with Roland’s Juno-106 and Korg’s M1, offering a warmer, richer alternative to digital FM tones.
The Sound: Analog Soul in a Digital Shell
The Matrix-1000 is a 6-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer with a sound that’s rich, warm, and unmistakably 80s. Its architecture mirrors the Matrix-6, but its focus on presets makes it a patch powerhouse:
- Dual DCOs per Voice: Two digitally controlled oscillators (sawtooth, pulse, triangle) with pulse-width modulation, delivering stable yet characterful tones. DCOs balance analog vibe with tuning reliability.
- CEM3396 Chips: Powered by Curtis CEM3396 chips (also in the Prophet-600), it features a 24dB/octave low-pass filter with resonance for creamy sweeps and a VCA for dynamic control.
- Three Envelopes: Filter, amp, and auxiliary envelopes shape sounds, from snappy basses to evolving pads.
- Matrix Modulation: Pre-programmed modulation routings (e.g., LFO to filter, velocity to resonance) create complex, animated sounds without user tweaking.
- 1,000 Patches: 800 factory presets cover pads, basses, leads, brass, strings, and FX, with 200 user slots for MIDI-edited patches. The presets are so well-crafted that many users never edit them.
The Matrix-1000 excels at lush pads (think Tears for Fears’ ethereal layers), fat basses (like New Order’s driving lines), brassy stabs (evoking 80s pop hits), and cinematic textures (perfect for film scores). Compared to the DX7’s crystalline FM tones or the Juno’s smooth analogs, the Matrix-1000’s sound is bold, warm, and slightly gritty, with a punchy filter that cuts through mixes. Its analog filter and DCOs give it a distinct edge, making it a favorite for synth-pop, new wave, and early house music.
Features and Quirks
The Matrix-1000 is a no-frills rack unit, prioritizing sound over hands-on control:
- 1,000 Patch Memory: A massive library for 1987, with presets organized for easy recall (0–999).
- MIDI Integration: Robust MIDI support for triggering from keyboards, DAWs, or sequencers, though editing requires external software (e.g., Ctrlr, MIDI Quest) or hardware controllers.
- Unison Mode: Stacks voices for thick monophonic leads, great for solos.
- Compact Design: A 1U rack fits studios or live rigs, with simple front-panel controls (patch select, volume).
However, the Matrix-1000 has quirks:
- Limited Editing: No front-panel editing; patches are tweaked via MIDI CC or SysEx, requiring software or a Matrix-6/6R as a controller. This deterred casual users but didn’t faze pros with MIDI setups.
- MIDI Bottlenecks: Early firmware had sluggish MIDI response, causing note delays in dense sequences (fixable with updates or modern MIDI interfaces; Web ID: 15).
- Build Quality: Solid but utilitarian, with occasional battery backup issues for patch storage (replaceable by techs).
These quirks made the Matrix-1000 less approachable than knob-heavy analogs, but its killer presets and analog tone more than compensated.
Cultural Impact: The 80s and Beyond
The Matrix-1000 was a studio staple, shaping 80s and early 90s music across genres:
- Synth-Pop: Pet Shop Boys and Erasure used its pads and brass for hits like “West End Girls”.
- House Music: Early house producers tapped its basses and stabs, blending with 909 drums in Chicago and Detroit scenes.
- Film Scores: Its textures graced scores like Beverly Hills Cop and RoboCop, adding 80s cinematic flair.
- Rock: Bands like The Cure layered its pads with guitars.
Its affordability and patch library made it a go-to for budget studios, outshining pricier Oberheims in accessibility. Unlike the Matrix-6, which required programming patience, the Matrix-1000’s plug-and-play appeal won over busy producers.
Why It Matters in 2025
In 2025, the Matrix-1000 is a vintage gem, with used units selling for $600–$1,200 on Reverb, reflecting demand for 80s analog tones amid the synth-pop revival (e.g., The Weeknd, Dua Lipa). Its appeal includes:
- Timeless Presets: The 800 factory patches are so versatile that many producers use them stock, from lo-fi house to modern pop.
- Modern Integration: MIDI editors and software (Ctrlr, MIDI Quest) make editing easier, while DAW integration (e.g., Ableton) keeps it relevant.
- Restoration: Techs offer battery replacements and recapping to maintain reliability, with forums like Gearspace sharing DIY tips.
- Alternatives: Plugins like Arturia’s OB-Xa V emulate Oberheim tones, but the Matrix-1000’s analog filter remains unmatched for warmth.
For guitarists the Matrix-1000 adds synth layers to live rigs via MIDI pedals, enhancing rock textures akin to 80s bands like U2. Its rack format fits studios, making it a practical choice for home producers chasing retro vibes.
EPILOGUE: A Synth Worth Rediscovering
The Oberheim Matrix-1000 is the 80s synth you didn’t know you needed. Its 1,000 presets, analog warmth, and compact design make it a studio MVP, delivering everything from cinematic pads to gritty basses with zero fuss. Sure, it’s not a hands-on tweaker’s dream, but its plug-and-play power and iconic tone are hard to beat. Whether you’re scoring a retro-inspired track, layering guitars with synths, or hunting vintage gear, the Matrix-1000 is a bargain ticket to 80s magic. Plug it in, pick a patch, and let the neon vibes flow.
Thanks for reading High on Technology, Good Music To You!
©June 2025 by Mark King, it's not ok to copy or quote without written permission from the author.
Now, get out there and create something beautiful. . . . . . . .
