Ah this is one of the reasons I sold my matrix 6r, the lag between moving a parameter and the synth getting the midi message was too clunky. Wish I had known about this lol
I hope you're not suffering from seller's regret. There are plenty of modern instruments that sound wonderful that won't set you back as much. If you stumble across an affordable Oberheim, I'd recommend snagging it. They're really going up in price.
Interesting comparison. The Matrix 1000 also sounds really creamy and nice. However your stereorecording is out of phase, so in order to get the right stereoimage I needed to phase reverse one channel. Which of course makes the voice out of phase instead... :-)
oortone - That's interesting. The Matrix-1000 is a monophonic output instrument. It only has one TS 1/4" output. I wonder if my mixer is phase inverting a channel or something... Thanks for the insight!
What type of MIDI messages are being sent to the Matrix from the Novation? I have a Matrix 6 that I've been trying to control from my Novation SL MK3 (filter cutoff frequency, resonance, and envelope modifications, etc.) but it is not working. I've tried making several templates in Novations Components software but my Matrix 6 is unresponsive to any of the knob changes being made on the Novation SL MK3. Do I need upgrade this firmware to control it, I currently have 2.13...? I'm not sure if Matrix-1000 and Matrix-6 require different eprom's? Thanks so much for any feedback!
You need to send Sysex messages. In fact, I wonder how he controls it, there are specific sysex controllers for the matrix and other vintage synths that don't support CCs, but they are expensive. EDIT: he says that he sends sysex messages in the reply of the comment below. Cool.
And as of 24 jan 2021, the SL MK3 can't send any sysex. I would also love to be able to send sysex from my SL.. Novation are aware of the request. Fingers crossed for next firmware version.
@@laurencevanhelsuwe3052 - Sorry to hear that Novation removed the SysEx functionality from the MK3 line of the SL controllers. I hope they restore that via firmware update. If not, you can snag an older one used. I got my MKI Remote Zero for under $75 with shipping included. Behringer is also re-releasing their BCR-2000 in an updated form factor under the name BCR32. That provides 32 knobs each of which can transmit SysEx data. www.synthtopia.com/content/2021/01/09/behringer-bringing-back-bcr2000-midi-controller-as-the-bcr32-with-built-in-zaquencer-sequencer/
Have you attempted parameter changes while using them in group mode? I recently purchased a second unit and I had the hope that I could run them in group mode chained together as outlined in the manual…and simultaneously edit parameters smoothly. I am running 1.16, not 1.2 and parameter changes are smooth when in normal mode, but everything falls apart in group mode, and it begins to glitch and stutter, I really really wish you would try group mode to see if 1.2 works better.
Thank you for this info. In performance or when recording, I always use midi CCs to do real-time manipulation of filter cutoff, etc. I never use the presets without editing them (either from software, an iPad app, or from the Matrix 6) to respond to those CCs from my controller. Question: Given that that is how I use the Matrix 6 and Matrix 1000, is there any further advantage to me updating the firmware? I don’t hear any difference in the response here in your video.
Thanks for this video. I was already interested in the Matrix 1000, although asking prices on Reverb and eBay are truly disheartening. That Novation controller looks interesting, as does the mkII, but while the latter is USB powered, it loses a screen. And both can only be found second hand these days, albeit for reasonable prices (most of the time).
Hey! I’m curious what the notation is and more specifically how you have it sending sysex to the matrix1000? Thanks for the tip on the firmware, def sold me on it.
crying jordan You won't regret the firmware! It's spectacular! The Novation I'm using in this video is an old Remote Zero mark I. The "Remote" line of Novation controllers usually have keyboards and a collection of potentiometers (8) encoders (8) faders (8) and assorted buttons which can be programmed to send SysEx and MIDI Continuous Controllers. The Zero (called that because it has no keyboard) that I bought had the Matrix-1000 programmers built in. I think that there are similar setups for the Behringer BCR2000 and others. There is also an iPad application called Patch Base that allows you to purchase editors for a number of synths including the Matrix-1000. The iPad editor allows for realtime control and also serves as a patch librarian as well! I hope that helps! Peace.
Ok, recently got a Matrix 1000, and installed CNTRL, is there info how to connect everything? I use a Motu 128 MIDI express, so that is the interface, and CNTRL recognizes the ports. I am new to this, need help routing everything in the preferences. Thanks
RICKOVERZ DREAM - Wow - I'm sorry. I have no experience with MotU interfaces. They're awesome from what I've heard. Back in the day I used an Opcode interface for my Mac and I was running Vision DSP. Once you get your interface configured, my only advice would be to make sure that you know what MIDI channel your Matrix-1000 is set to receive. Once you've verified that, make sure you've configured your system to route data to that channel.
Michael - Wow, I didn't notice that on mine. Is there a particular parameter that causes the cracking? And what do you mean by "cracking?" Are you hearing a stepping that doesn't sound smooth or fluid? Sorry to hear that you're having issues.
Hey there I’m wondering if the novation remote 25 LE will work as a basic real time controller. I’m looking for a low cost controller and seem to find then for dirt cheap local. I have leads on SL MK2 as well but requires a bit more hassle. Thanks
Do I remember correctly that you could set up maybe six or eight real time controllers? I think they kind of get a fast track type treatment and operate more smoothly than real time editing.
I have an old remote 25 SL which is basically the controller you have with a keyboard. 1) would it be possible to use this b) if so what is the connection path?
Richard - Sorry for the delayed response. Absolutely! Your Remote 25 SL is essentially the same thing just with a 2-octave keyboard built-in. All you need to do is connect the MIDI OUT on the Remote 25 SL to the MIDI IN on the Matrix-1000. Other than that, just make sure that you're transmitting and receiving on the same MIDI channel.
How can I use my midi controller (keystation pro 88) to send the sysex messages while I'm also using it as a keyboard. I can send the different cc controls using knobs and can send 1-145 control but how do I u understand how to use sysex with the matrix for which controls/ parameters?
Alexander - I haven't worked with the Keystation line. Can you program it to tranmit SysEx data streams? Because the Matrix-1000 does not respond to MIDI CC messages. I use the Novation Remote Zero (in the video) because I bought it with the Matrix-1000 programs installed. I haven't done any SysEx programming myself. If you're into programming SysEx, I believe a resource like the one below will provide you the data you need to code for your Keystation: www.youngmonkey.ca/nose/audio_tech/synth/Oberheim-Matrix1000.html
Charles, I'm not sure that I fully understand your question. If you are sending note-on/note-off, aftertouch, and velocity information, you can use ANY MIDI controller with the Matrix-1000 whether or not you've run this update. If you wish to edit the patches and modify envelopes, filter cutoff frequency, resonance, oscillator choices, and other elements, you'll need a controller with sliders programmed to send the appropriate MIDI SysEx messages to the Matrix-1000. That is true whether or not you have replaced the flash ROM for this firmware. What the 1.20 Tauntek Custom Firmware does is significantly increase the speed at which the Matrix-1000 responds to those SysEx commands. Controlling the Matrix-1000 with this updated firmware essentially allows you to edit parameters of patches in realtime. Does this make sense? Does that help clarify what I'm demonstrating in the video? Let me know when you get a chance. Peace.
Forlorn Synths of Yore yep thanks a lot that makes sense now. I’ve gone with a VST in Ableton to be able to map midi commands from my non-Sysex controller to ones that the Matrix can understand. Cheers
You can always assign cutoff / freq / res etc. to the pitch / mod / lever controllers through the Obie editor for real time control - no need to install new chips
The Matrix-1000's filter cutoff can only be assigned to aftertouch. You cannot assign it to the mod wheel or anything else. If you have an instrument that allows you to force the mod wheel to transmit aftertouch data instead, then you can use that if you program the patch to respond to aftertouch. However, the advantage of this upgrade is that it handles these data streams much more efficiently without confusing the instrument. You can transmit that data, but only one thing at a time and you still can't do it very quickly. YMMV - For me, it was a very worthwhile upgrade that drastically modernized the instrument.
I paid $29.99 for the 1.20 firmware upgrade via Reverb here: reverb.com/item/22875991-oberheim-matrix-1000-version-1-20-tauntek-custom-firmware-os-eprom-rom I paid $120 for six replacement voice chips here: www.maad.net/ms6/
Great Question @PilferMusic! Here's a link that goes into detail, but the short answer is that both 1.16 and 1.20 provide you a much better real-time control experience over the original 1.11 firmware. However, I believe that the 1.20 provides a smoother control over those most frequently used parameters (including filter cutoff frequency and resonance). Basically, 1.16 throws out many of the in-between steps to optimize communication whereas 1.20 prioritizes communication for specific parameters. One other plus for the 1.20 firmware is the fact that the display shows the changes to the parameter that you're controlling in real-time (which just looks really cool to boot!). For a more comprehensive explanation, follow this link: www.untergeek.de/howto/oberheim-matrix-1000/oberheim-matrix-1000-firmware-v1-20/#GliGli8217s_V116_and_Bob8217s_V120_8211_how_they_differ
Did this to mine as well ... totally worth it
Ah this is one of the reasons I sold my matrix 6r, the lag between moving a parameter and the synth getting the midi message was too clunky. Wish I had known about this lol
I hope you're not suffering from seller's regret. There are plenty of modern instruments that sound wonderful that won't set you back as much. If you stumble across an affordable Oberheim, I'd recommend snagging it. They're really going up in price.
Interesting comparison. The Matrix 1000 also sounds really creamy and nice. However your stereorecording is out of phase, so in order to get the right stereoimage I needed to phase reverse one channel. Which of course makes the voice out of phase instead... :-)
oortone - That's interesting. The Matrix-1000 is a monophonic output instrument. It only has one TS 1/4" output. I wonder if my mixer is phase inverting a channel or something...
Thanks for the insight!
What type of MIDI messages are being sent to the Matrix from the Novation? I have a Matrix 6 that I've been trying to control from my Novation SL MK3 (filter cutoff frequency, resonance, and envelope modifications, etc.) but it is not working. I've tried making several templates in Novations Components software but my Matrix 6 is unresponsive to any of the knob changes being made on the Novation SL MK3. Do I need upgrade this firmware to control it, I currently have 2.13...? I'm not sure if Matrix-1000 and Matrix-6 require different eprom's? Thanks so much for any feedback!
You need to send Sysex messages. In fact, I wonder how he controls it, there are specific sysex controllers for the matrix and other vintage synths that don't support CCs, but they are expensive.
EDIT: he says that he sends sysex messages in the reply of the comment below. Cool.
And as of 24 jan 2021, the SL MK3 can't send any sysex. I would also love to be able to send sysex from my SL.. Novation are aware of the request. Fingers crossed for next firmware version.
@@laurencevanhelsuwe3052 - Sorry to hear that Novation removed the SysEx functionality from the MK3 line of the SL controllers. I hope they restore that via firmware update. If not, you can snag an older one used. I got my MKI Remote Zero for under $75 with shipping included.
Behringer is also re-releasing their BCR-2000 in an updated form factor under the name BCR32. That provides 32 knobs each of which can transmit SysEx data.
www.synthtopia.com/content/2021/01/09/behringer-bringing-back-bcr2000-midi-controller-as-the-bcr32-with-built-in-zaquencer-sequencer/
Have you attempted parameter changes while using them in group mode? I recently purchased a second unit and I had the hope that I could run them in group mode chained together as outlined in the manual…and simultaneously edit parameters smoothly. I am running 1.16, not 1.2 and parameter changes are smooth when in normal mode, but everything falls apart in group mode, and it begins to glitch and stutter, I really really wish you would try group mode to see if 1.2 works better.
Out of curiosity do your pitch and mod wheels work with v 1.2?
Great job, what template do you use for novation please?
Thank you for this info.
In performance or when recording, I always use midi CCs to do real-time manipulation of filter cutoff, etc. I never use the presets without editing them (either from software, an iPad app, or from the Matrix 6) to respond to those CCs from my controller. Question: Given that that is how I use the Matrix 6 and Matrix 1000, is there any further advantage to me updating the firmware? I don’t hear any difference in the response here in your video.
Thanks for this video. I was already interested in the Matrix 1000, although asking prices on Reverb and eBay are truly disheartening. That Novation controller looks interesting, as does the mkII, but while the latter is USB powered, it loses a screen. And both can only be found second hand these days, albeit for reasonable prices (most of the time).
Hey! I’m curious what the notation is and more specifically how you have it sending sysex to the matrix1000? Thanks for the tip on the firmware, def sold me on it.
crying jordan
You won't regret the firmware! It's spectacular!
The Novation I'm using in this video is an old Remote Zero mark I. The "Remote" line of Novation controllers usually have keyboards and a collection of potentiometers (8) encoders (8) faders (8) and assorted buttons which can be programmed to send SysEx and MIDI Continuous Controllers. The Zero (called that because it has no keyboard) that I bought had the Matrix-1000 programmers built in. I think that there are similar setups for the Behringer BCR2000 and others. There is also an iPad application called Patch Base that allows you to purchase editors for a number of synths including the Matrix-1000. The iPad editor allows for realtime control and also serves as a patch librarian as well! I hope that helps!
Peace.
Thanks for your video 👍🏻
Ok, recently got a Matrix 1000, and installed CNTRL, is there info how to connect everything? I use a Motu 128 MIDI express, so that is the interface, and CNTRL recognizes the ports. I am new to this, need help routing everything in the preferences. Thanks
RICKOVERZ DREAM - Wow - I'm sorry. I have no experience with MotU interfaces. They're awesome from what I've heard. Back in the day I used an Opcode interface for my Mac and I was running Vision DSP. Once you get your interface configured, my only advice would be to make sure that you know what MIDI channel your Matrix-1000 is set to receive. Once you've verified that, make sure you've configured your system to route data to that channel.
When I move the sliders it sounds a little cracked digital sound.
I'm use the novation zero mkii with the eprom 1.2.
Is it "normal"?
Michael - Wow, I didn't notice that on mine. Is there a particular parameter that causes the cracking? And what do you mean by "cracking?" Are you hearing a stepping that doesn't sound smooth or fluid?
Sorry to hear that you're having issues.
Hey there I’m wondering if the novation remote 25 LE will work as a basic real time controller. I’m looking for a low cost controller and seem to find then for dirt cheap local. I have leads on SL MK2 as well but requires a bit more hassle. Thanks
Do I remember correctly that you could set up maybe six or eight real time controllers? I think they kind of get a fast track type treatment and operate more smoothly than real time editing.
I have an old remote 25 SL which is basically the controller you have with a keyboard. 1) would it be possible to use this b) if so what is the connection path?
Richard - Sorry for the delayed response.
Absolutely! Your Remote 25 SL is essentially the same thing just with a 2-octave keyboard built-in. All you need to do is connect the MIDI OUT on the Remote 25 SL to the MIDI IN on the Matrix-1000. Other than that, just make sure that you're transmitting and receiving on the same MIDI channel.
How can I use my midi controller (keystation pro 88) to send the sysex messages while I'm also using it as a keyboard. I can send the different cc controls using knobs and can send 1-145 control but how do I u understand how to use sysex with the matrix for which controls/ parameters?
Alexander - I haven't worked with the Keystation line. Can you program it to tranmit SysEx data streams? Because the Matrix-1000 does not respond to MIDI CC messages. I use the Novation Remote Zero (in the video) because I bought it with the Matrix-1000 programs installed. I haven't done any SysEx programming myself.
If you're into programming SysEx, I believe a resource like the one below will provide you the data you need to code for your Keystation:
www.youngmonkey.ca/nose/audio_tech/synth/Oberheim-Matrix1000.html
Do you have an EPROM burner? I’ll have to take a look at mine. Is somebody out there selling this chip?
So am I able to use any old midi controller to control the M1000 via midi (without Sysex) with this update?
Charles, I'm not sure that I fully understand your question.
If you are sending note-on/note-off, aftertouch, and velocity information, you can use ANY MIDI controller with the Matrix-1000 whether or not you've run this update. If you wish to edit the patches and modify envelopes, filter cutoff frequency, resonance, oscillator choices, and other elements, you'll need a controller with sliders programmed to send the appropriate MIDI SysEx messages to the Matrix-1000. That is true whether or not you have replaced the flash ROM for this firmware.
What the 1.20 Tauntek Custom Firmware does is significantly increase the speed at which the Matrix-1000 responds to those SysEx commands. Controlling the Matrix-1000 with this updated firmware essentially allows you to edit parameters of patches in realtime. Does this make sense? Does that help clarify what I'm demonstrating in the video? Let me know when you get a chance.
Peace.
Forlorn Synths of Yore yep thanks a lot that makes sense now. I’ve gone with a VST in Ableton to be able to map midi commands from my non-Sysex controller to ones that the Matrix can understand. Cheers
You can always assign cutoff / freq / res etc. to the pitch / mod / lever controllers through the Obie editor for real time control - no need to install new chips
Yes, but then you dont get all the other great new features
The Matrix-1000's filter cutoff can only be assigned to aftertouch. You cannot assign it to the mod wheel or anything else. If you have an instrument that allows you to force the mod wheel to transmit aftertouch data instead, then you can use that if you program the patch to respond to aftertouch. However, the advantage of this upgrade is that it handles these data streams much more efficiently without confusing the instrument. You can transmit that data, but only one thing at a time and you still can't do it very quickly.
YMMV - For me, it was a very worthwhile upgrade that drastically modernized the instrument.
How much did you paid for the eproms? Thanks for the video
I paid $29.99 for the 1.20 firmware upgrade via Reverb here: reverb.com/item/22875991-oberheim-matrix-1000-version-1-20-tauntek-custom-firmware-os-eprom-rom
I paid $120 for six replacement voice chips here: www.maad.net/ms6/
Forlorn Synths of Yore wonderful Thanks
3:28 - dog gone
Indeed. My pup wasn't interested in what I was doing. He just wanted a drink and then he was outta here! ;)
how does the 1.16 firmware differ?
Great Question @PilferMusic!
Here's a link that goes into detail, but the short answer is that both 1.16 and 1.20 provide you a much better real-time control experience over the original 1.11 firmware. However, I believe that the 1.20 provides a smoother control over those most frequently used parameters (including filter cutoff frequency and resonance). Basically, 1.16 throws out many of the in-between steps to optimize communication whereas 1.20 prioritizes communication for specific parameters. One other plus for the 1.20 firmware is the fact that the display shows the changes to the parameter that you're controlling in real-time (which just looks really cool to boot!). For a more comprehensive explanation, follow this link:
www.untergeek.de/howto/oberheim-matrix-1000/oberheim-matrix-1000-firmware-v1-20/#GliGli8217s_V116_and_Bob8217s_V120_8211_how_they_differ
dear god, mix your voice higher than the oberheim i cna't make out anything you're saying... ahaha
Sorry about that. I'm using better tools these days. I appreciate the feedback!
Peace.