When the Oberheim Matrix-12 debuted in 1985, it stood as a marvel of complex analog design. Boasting twelve voices, each equipped with dual oscillators, a versatile fifteen-mode filter, and an extensive array of modulation sources, it offered sound designers a level of depth that was rare for its era. However, the physical hardware was notoriously difficult to program due to its limited interface. GForce Software is now addressing these historical bottlenecks with the launch of their new Oberheim Matrix-12 plugin, an officially authorized recreation that brings the legendary synth into the modern era.
Developed in close partnership with Oberheim and original designer Marcus Ryle, this software iteration does more than just replicate the classic sound engine. It introduces a modernized interface that simplifies the complex routing of the original hardware. By incorporating features like drag-and-drop modulation, visual signal paths, and full MPE support, GForce has transformed a historically cumbersome instrument into a highly accessible tool for contemporary producers. The plugin retains the twelve-voice polyphony of the original while adding six keyboard zones and micro-arpeggiators to suit modern production environments.
The original Matrix-12 was a successor to the 1984 Xpander, providing a 61-note keyboard and doubling the voice count. Its unique ability to link 27 modulation sources to 47 destinations per voice made it a favorite for artists like Depeche Mode and Vangelis. Maintaining these vintage units today is a costly and technically demanding endeavor, making high-quality software emulation a vital alternative for modern studios.
GForce’s version stays true to the original synthesis engine, utilizing modeled oscillators for triangle, sawtooth, and pulse waves, alongside noise and hard sync. The true power of the instrument lies in its deep modulation, which includes five envelopes, five LFOs, and advanced tracking generators that allow for non-linear control signals. By smoothing transitions via a dedicated lag processor, users can achieve complex, evolving textures that would otherwise require intensive DAW automation.
The Oberheim Matrix-12 plugin is set for release on November 5, 2026, for both Windows and macOS platforms. It will be available for $119.99, though GForce is offering an introductory price of $83.99 until December 5. A fourteen-day trial version will also be provided for those looking to test the synth's capabilities before purchasing.