Oberheim Matrix-12 User manual

0 WN ER'S MANUAL
Oberheim.
A Division of ECC Development Corporation

ObtTheim
12-Voice Polyphonic MIDI Synthesizer
OWNER'S MANUAL
First Edition - September, 1986
MMatrix-12 Owner's Manual"
First Edition Text by David M. Bertovic
Part No. 950039
CAUTION:
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or
moisture. Do not remove cover. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to qualified service personnel.
WARNING:
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed
and used properly, i.e., in strict accordance with the instruction manual, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference in
which case the user at his own expense will be required to take what ever
measures may be required to correct the interference.
©1986 OBERHEIM - A Division of ECC Development Corporation
11650 Olympic Boulevard-Los Angeles, California 90064 USA
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in Whole or in Part is Prohibited Without
Express Written Permissbn.
"Oberheim", The Oberheim Logo, MATRIX-12, XPANDER, MATRIX-6, MATRIX-6R,
OB-8, DSX, DMX, DX, STRETCH and PROMMER are trademarks of ECC
Development Corporation.
-Yamaha" and "DX-7" are trademanks of Yamaha International Corporation
"Radio Shack" and "CCR-82" are trademarks of Tandy Corporation
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

INTRODUCTION
Welcome To The MATRIX-12
9
9
UNPACKING
SPECIFICATIONS
Matrix-12 Owner's Manual

4 Matrix-12 Owner's Manual

Matrix-12 Owner's Manual

6 Matrix-12 Owner's Manual

WELCOME TO THE MATRIX-12
The staff at ECC/Oberheim would like to extend our congratulations to you on
your purchase of the Oberheim MATRIX-1212-Voice Polyphonic MIDI
Synthesizer. Based on the same revolutionary technology as its predecessor,
the Oberheim XPANDER, the MATRIX-12 features twelve powerful,
independently programmable Voices and an elaborate control system for playing
them.
The MATRIX-12 is actually more than two XPANDERs, and the addition of a five
octave, Velocity and Pressure sensitive keyboard plus two on-board modulation
levers allow for the addition of even more programmable functions. The MATRIX-
12 features one of the most comprehensive MIDI systems available and its
interfacing capabilities give you more control than is presently available from other
synthesizers in any class.
Like the sound-producing capability of the XPANDER, the MATRIX-12 Voice
utilizes a 15-Mode Voltage Controlled Filter, five Envelopes and five Low
Frequency Oscillators as well as a Lag Processor, three Tracking Generators and
four Ramp Generators to provide you with all the ingredients for sound creation.
All of this is interlaced by the Matrix Modulation™ System for the greatest of
flexibility in modulation control. And the MATRIX-12#s twenty-four Voltage
Controlled Oscillators (two per Voice) - with waveforms that can be selected
individually or combined - are the secret to its warm, rich sound.
Each of the MATRIX-12's Voices is completely independent and each can be
programmed to play a different sound. They can be grouped polyphonically into
Zones or operated independently, from the Keyboard and MIDI simultaneously.
All of the functions at your command are easily viewed on the MATRIX-12's three
40-character fluorescent displays, even under poor lighting conditions.
The MATRIX-12 is a very serious instrument. And you no doubt paid serious
money when you purchased it. This manual will provide you with some serious
information and we recommend that you read this document in its entirety. It
was written to provide you with all the information you will need to operate and
interface your MATRIX-12. We encourage you to experiment, or you'll never
know what you might discover.
Thank you for your investment in the State of the Art.
Oberheim
A Division of ECC Development Corporation
Los Angeles, California U.S.A.
Matrix-12 Owner's Manual

8 Matrix-12 Owner's Manual

UNPACKING
It is obvious that by now you have opened your MATRIX-12's shipping carton.
After you get it out of the box, place it on any level surface or keyboard stand
capable of supporting about 150 to 200 lbs. or so. The MATRIX-12 doesn't weigh
anywhere near this weight but this suggestion takes into consideration that you
may be playing with some amount of force since the MATRIX-12 is Velocity and
Pressure sensitive. You will need a strong stand to support both the MATRIX-12
and any additional punishment that you dish out.
After you have found a place to put your MATRIX-12, refer to the next section on
HOOKUP for information on proper connections, interfacing and other tips.
Accessories
The MATRIX-12 is shipped from the factory with a number of accessories. The
following checklist identifies the items that should be in the box when you open
it. If any of these items are not in carton, contact the ECC/Oberheim Dealer
where it was purchased and they will assist you in obtaining the missing
items.
The MATRIX-12 Synthesizer
This Owner's Manual
Warranty Card
6-foot A.C. Cord
Cassette Tape of the MATRIX-12 Factory Stock Patches
MATRIX-12 Owner's Manual Supplement
ECC/Oberheim Authorized Service Centers Directory
SPECIFICATIONS
Most Owner's Manuals print the specs of the instrument buried somewhere in the
back of the manual. We're going to print them right here:
Audio Sources
12 Independent Velocity, Release Velocity and Pressure (After-Touch)
respsonsive analog Voices.
Voice Control Assignment can be per MIDI Input Channel (12 maximum)
or per polyphonic grouping in up to six Zones.
Matrix-12 Owner's Manual

On-Board ("Local") Controllers
61-Note (C°to C5) five-Octave Velocity, Release Velocity and Pressure
(After-Touch) sensitive Keyboard, non-weighted.
2 Non-dedicated Modulation Levers.
2 Non-dedicated Pedal Inputs.
Voice Architecture
2 Voltage Controlled Oscillators ("VCOs")
1 15-Mode Voltage Controlled Filter ("VCF")
15 Voltage Controlled Amplifiers ("VCAs")
1 FM Modulation Generator
1 Lag Processor
3 Tracking Generators
5 Digital Envelopes
5 Digital Low Frequency Oscillators ("LFOs")
4 Ramp Generators
1 Noise Generator
Modulation
Matrix Modulation™ System utilizing 27 possible Sources routed to 47
possible Destinations in up to 20 "Modulation Pages" per Voice.
12 Permanent ("hardwired") modulations per Voice.
MIDI Implementation
MIDI IN, MIDI OUT and MIDI THRU Ports
Transmit and Receive Channel select independent per Voice (MIDI
MONO Mode) or per polyphonic Zone.
Modes - Mode 1: OMNI On, Poly
Mode 3: OMNI Off, Poly
Mode 4: OMNI Off, Mono
Controllers - Independent Controller Number select
Controllers ON/OFF select
Patch Change Commands ON/OFF select
Miscellaneous MIDI Features
System Exclusive ON/OFF select
MIDI Echo ON/OFF select
10 Matrix-12 Owner's Manual

Miscellaneous
Three 40-Character Fluorescent Displays
100 SINGLE Patch Memory Locations
100 MULTI Patch Memory Locations
"Chain" Programming Mode
Cassette Interface - FROM (input) and TO (output) ports
Trigger Input Requirements:
+5V DC signal minimum, 1 ms Pulse Width
Power Requirements (selectable):
North America and Japan: 95 -120 V A.C., 50 - 60 Hz
Europe: 200 - 230 V A.C., 50 - 60 Hz
Dimensions
Length
Width
Height (maximum, including feet)
Net Weight
Shipping Weight
Optional Accessories
FS-7 Sustain Footswitch
POB-X Volume Pedal
Individual Voice Outputs Update Kit
38 7/16 in. (97.63 cm.)
20 5/16 in. (51.59 cm.)
515/16 in. (15.08 cm.)
33 lbs. (14.97 kg.)
41 lbs. (18.60 kg.)
Matrix-12 Owner's Manual
11

12 Matrix-12 Owner's Manual

n
HOOKUP
AC Power
The MATRIX-12 can operate on AC power between 95-130 volts or 200-240
volts, depending upon the setting of the recessed power selector switch, located
on the rear panel near the AC receptacle.The MATRIX-12 is shipped from the
factory set for local AC.
The small, rectangular AC receptacle on the back panel will be protected by a
metal-foil cover. Remove this cover, plug the female end of the AC cord into the
MATRIX-12 and the male end into your wall outlet.
Turn on the MATRIX-12 with the power switch next to the power socket on the
back panel. Does the power switch light up? Do the front panel displays light up?
If not, check your connections.
Mixer/Amp
1
MIDI Out
AC Power
Left Mono Right Wtm
Audio Outputs :?::::::::::::::::•>:
Peda] 3/Trigger
In Out Thru:-:
:;:•:•:; MIDI mt
iiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiniH
Matrix-12 Owner's Manual
13

Audio Connections and Sound System
Connect the MATRIX-12 to a mixing board, hi-fi system, instrument amplifier, or a
sound system using the stereo or mono mixed outputs. The MATR1X-12's
Outputs can be plugged into a Line Input, or an attenuated Microphone Input.
Each of the twelve Voices can be panned in the stereo mix.
Connect the instrument to your sound system before powering on the MATRIX-
12. The Hook-Up diagram on the previous page will assist you in setting up the
MATRIX-12, showing the different connections that are possible with the back
panel jacks as described in the next section titled BACK PANEL FUNCTIONS.
MIDI Connections
Also before powering on the MATRIX-12, connect the synthesizer to the other
MIDI instruments that you plan to use in the system. These can be other MIDI
synthesizers, a MIDI guitar synthesizer or MIDI guitar interface, a MIDI-equipped
sequencer, drum machine or computer, or a MIDI keyboard controller.
The order in which you power on your instruments is important. First, turn on the
MATRIX-12 with its volume control set to its minimum (knob fully counter-
clockwize). Next, turn on the synthesizer or MIDI Controller that will drive the
MATRIX-12 (if applicable). Then turn the sound system on -the mixer should be
turned on first then the power amplifier. Powering on in this order will prevent a
possible malfunction in the MIDI connections or a possible audio "thump" from
harming your speaker(s). When shutting down your system, reverse the order -
turn off the power amplifier, then the mixer, then the MATRIX-12 and the rest of
your keyboards.
Care & Maintenance
For proper care and handling, do not expose your MATRIX-12 to direct sunlight or
to temperatures above 120° F (48.9° C).
Should your MATRIX-12 require cleaning, use a soft cloth with mild soap (such as
dishwashing liquid) and luke-warm water. Spray-type window cleaners are
acceptable but do not spray the synthesizer directly - spray the cloth first then
clean the MATRIX-12. Do not use harsh or abrasive detergents or solvents. We
do not recommend vinyl-treatment products that leave a residue.
Servicing
Should your MATRIX-12 need servicing, do not attempt repairs yourself. Refer to
the section in the back of this manual titled IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM and
contact your nearest ECC/Oberheim Authorized Service Center. A current roster
of Service Centers is included in the Owner's Packet along with this manual.
Be sure to save your patches to Cassette before you take your MATRIX-12 in and
repairs are started. This will be your "back-up" should the synthesizer's memory
be lost during the repair. It is a good idea to make a habit of saving your data
routinely. Refer to the section "MATRIX-12 CONTROL: MASTER PAGE" later in
the manual. The procedure for saving your programs to tape is described in the
CASS section beginning on Page 72.
We also encourage you to familiarize yourself with the Warranty Policy in the back
of the manual as it outlines your rights and responsibilities under the
ECC/Oberheim Limited Warranty and lists several important exclusions.
14 Matrix-12 Owner's Manual

REAR PANEL FUNCTIONS
The back panel of the MATRIX-12 is where all of the synthesizer's connecting
jacks and special-purpose switches are located.
Cassette Interface
Input/Output for
data storage
MIDI Interface
In /Out /Thru
Memory Protect
Prevents changing
stored patches
Advance Chain
Advances to the next
program in the CHAW.
(Rising Edge Trigger)
Pedal Inputs
2 Inputs for Footpedals or Footswitches
Trigger Input
Triggers Envelopes, LFOs, Ramps from
Drum Machines, etc. (Switchable Polarity)
•Mixed Outputs
X Stereo and Mono
^Voltage Select
115 or 230 for local power
Power Input (Grounded)
Power Switch
A.C. Power Switch
The AC switch on the back panel applies power to the MATRIX-12 when
turned ON - flipped downward - and will light up. It is recommended that the
MATRIX-12 be turned OFF when not in use.
A.C. Power Receptacle
The recessed 3-prong receptacle is used to connect the MATRIX-12 with the
AC power cord supplied with the MATRIX-12 as a standard accessory.
Voltage Select Switch
The MATRIX-12 is shipped from the factory set for either local A.C. power in
the United States or Canada (the"115" setting which operates within the
range of 95 to 130 volts, 50-60 cycles) or is set for European local power (the
"230" setting wich has a range of 200 to 240 volts, 50-60 cycles). The
recessed Voltage Selector switch adjacent to the AC Receptacle is used to
select either 115V or 230V line level voltage.
Matrix-12 Owner's Manual
15

MEMORY PROTECT
When enabled (switched ON), the MEMORY PROTECT prohibits storing
anything into memory. This prevents the accidental changing or erasure of
your patches for the entire synthesizer. In order to use the STORE button to
program patches or use the Cassette Interface to load patch information into
the MATRIX-12, MEMORY PROTECT must be disabled (switched OFF).
MIDI Memory Protect
The MEMORY PROTECT feature of the MATRIX-12 also includes incoming
data transfers via MIDI. If incoming MIDI data is received when the unit's
Memory Protect switch is ON, the Upper PAGE MODIFIER display will show
the message...
MEMORY PROTECTED
...briefly and the MATRIX-12 will ignore the rest of the incoming data.
MIDI Ports
The MATRIX-12 utilizes the universally accepted MIDI interface system and
employs the three MIDI jacks- IN, OUT and THRU -that permits the synthesizer to
be interfaced with other devices (another synth, drum machine, sequencer
computer, etc.) equipped with MIDI.
MIDI OUT is used when the MATRIX-12 is intended to be used as the
Master, controlling another synthesizer or MIDI instrument.
MIDI IN is used when the MATRIX-12 is being controlled as a Slave by
another MIDI instrument or controller.
MIDI THRU makes it possible to connect up to fivet MIDI instruments in a
"chain" by passing MIDI data information along from one instrument to another
that originates from the Master.
CASSETTE Interface
Once you begin to program your own original patches, you will find that you can
very easily create more patches than the MATRIX-12 has room for in its own
internal memory. The CASSETTE Interface feature allows you to "offload", or
record these patches in their digital form (called "data"), on standard cassette
tape. You can then begin to program a second set of patches, offload them onto
cassette, do a third set and so on until you have built up a library of sounds.
TO - This jack is used to connect the MATRIX-12 to your cassette recorder's
input jack which can be either its AUX or MIC. This permits patch data from the
synthesizer to be outputted and recorded onto the tape.
T The recommended limit of five instruments is assuming that you are not using
very long MIDI cables (maximum total length for the entire rig is about 50'), all of
the instruments have been designed to conform to the MIDI Specification and the
components of the MIDI circuitry of each instrument - especially the opto-
isolators - are not malfunctioning.
16 Matrix-12 Owner's Manual

FROM - This jack is used to connect the M ATRIX-12 to your cassette
recorder's output jack which can be either its EARPHONE, HEADPHONE, or
EXTERNAL SPEAKER jack. This permits the patch data information on the
tape to be loaded back into the synthesizer. The recorder's LINE OUT jack is
not recommended forthis purpose.
The procedure for using the CASSETTE Interface feature to save and load
patches, as well as how you can also use MIDI to do this, is covered in the
MASTER PAGE section later in the manual. See Page 72.
TRIGGER IN Jack
This is the input used when the MATRIX-12fs Envelopes, LFOs or Ramps are
programmed to respond from External Trigger (EXTRIG). The polarity is
switchable from the MATRIX-12's front panel. The ideal trigger pulse to use
is 1 ms (millisecond) in duration and between +5 and +10 Volts DC.
PEDAL 1 and PEDAL 2
The MATRIX-12 is capable of being controlled by two footpedals for common
functions such as volume control and sustain as well as many other unusual
functions that we will cover later. These pedals are connected to the
synthesizer by the PEDAL 1 & PEDAL 2 input jacks on the back panel. Their
polarities can be switched from the front panel.
PEDAL 1 & 2 may be used with a "continuous" pedal - a rocker-type pedal
usually used for volume or filter control. As we talk about the MATRIX-12s
modulation capability in a later section, you will discover how you can also
route the pedal's control to the VCO's, for example, to get pitch bend, to the
LFOfs for vibrato amount, and to many other "destinations" as they are called
to achieve enormous flexibility in footpedal control.
PEDAL 1 & 2 may also be used with a "switch" pedal - an on/off type pedal
usually used for sustain. As with PEDAL 1, this pedal's control can also be
used to perform other functions as well.
ADVANCE CHAIN Jack
This port is used to connect a footswitch to the MATRIX-12 that will be used to
advance Patches or the Patch List programmed in the CHAIN Page. If you
are using a trigger to advance through the Patch programs, the MATRIX-12 is
programmed to respond to a rising edge (positive) trigger. This polarity is not
changeable.
AUDIO OUT Jacks
These ports are the MATRIX-12's main outputs that you connect to an mixing
console, amplifier and speaker system. The LEFT and RIGHT jacks are true
stereo outputs and Voice Panning is controlled from the front panel displays.
When MONO is used, all Voices will be output from this jack regardless of its
panning assignment. However, any Voice panned OFF will be removed from
these mixed outputs altogether.
Matrix-12 Owner's Manual 17

The M ATRIX-12 may also be updated with an optional update kit that adds 12
individual Voice outputs that provides a separate audio out jack for each
Voice. Contact your nearest ECC/Oberheim Authorized Service Center for
prices and availability.
WHAT KIND OF CONNECTING CABLES SHOULD I USE?
The "AUDIO OUT" LEFT, MONO and RIGHT jacks, the PEDAL 1 and PEDAL 2
jacks all require a standard "guitar cord" when using them. A guitar cord is
simply a 2-conductor shielded cable with a 1/4" plug on the end that plugs into
theMATRIX-12.
The CASSETTE IN and OUT jacks require a 2-conductor shielded cable with
an 1/8" plug on the M ATRIX-12 end.
The MIDI IN, OUT and THRU jacks require a standard MIDI cable to be used
properly.
18 Matrix-12 Owner's Manual

FRONT PANEL FUNCTIONS
In this section of the manual, we will cover the fundamental layout of the MATRIX-
12's front panel and the basic operation of the front panel controls. Getting the
most out of your MATRIX-12 rests in your ability to understand the concept
behind the front panel's design. We will therefore discuss these operations in
detail.
The MATRIX-12's front panel has been designed for maximum efficiency in
permitting the user to get from one section of controls to another easily. At first,
the MATRIX-12 looks deceptively simple having few switches ("buttons") and
even fewer rotary controls ("knobs"). Take for example the center section called
PAGE MODIFIER. Its two displays, six knobs and twelve buttons are shared by
over 1200 individual functions that you can control within the synthesizer, the
majority of them being programmable.
With over 1200 separate functions under your command, it becomes immediately
obvious that providing a button or a knob for each function would be impractical
and outrageously expensive. Imagine what your MATRIX-12 would look like, let
alone what it would cost if this were so.
In order to simplify matters, we have scaled down an otherwise monstrous
instrument by grouping related functions within the MATRIX-12 into specific
sections called "Pages'1. Each Page within the MATRIX-12 contains all of the
functions, called "Parameters", that have to do with the operation of the
selected Page. When any Page is selected, its parameters are displayed in the
two windows of the PAGE MODIFIER Section in the center area of the front panel.
At this point, the selected Page can be examined to see what its parameter
Values are or can be edited as necessary.
If the particular Page you have selected contains more parameters than can be
displayed at once, a "Sub-Page" is provided to display the remaining parameters.
Selecting the Sub-Page is accomplished by pressing the PAGE 2 button
whenever appropriate.
For example, let's select one of the MATRIX-12's Pages and examine its
parameters.
1. For our purposes, we want to be in SINGLE PATCH Mode. Look at the
left-hand area of the panel and locate the section marked PROGRAMMER.
Just above the display and to its extreme left end is the word PATCH.
Beneath PATCH in the display is a letter and the two-digit Patch Number. If
the letter is "Slf, you are already in SINGLE PATCH Mode.
If this letter is "AT, you are in MULTI PATCH Mode. If so, press the button
labeled SINGLE PATCH and we are ready to move on.
Matrix-12 Owner's Manual 19

2. Look at the right-hand area of the panel under the heading SINGLE/MULTI
PATCH PAGE SELECT. Press the button labeled VCO1. The two
displays in the PAGE MODIFIER section will now reveal the available
parameters for VC01 (Voltage Controlled Oscillator #1). This display is
identical for VCO2.
VCO 1 / VCO 2
Page 1
FREO DETUNE
PW VOL
I
□
k. J
+12
31
63
These parameters are the ones most frequently used in operating a VCO.
They are also the parameters that have: 1) "more or less" amounts (VALUE X)
and 2) parameters that can be modulated. Thus, these parameters are
displayed first when the Page is selected. This is referred to as "Page 1" or the
section's "Primary Page".
There are, however, many more parameters involved in operating a VCO than just
its Frequency (tuning), its Detune amount, the Pulse Width and Volume level as
this Page shows. What about waveform selection, keyboard control and pitch
bend/vibrato routing?
3. Press the PAGE 2 button. The displays will switch to read the available
parameters in the VCO1 Sub-Page. The Page 2 displays show the available
ON/OFF parameters for this group of functions. An underlined display
message = ON. Not underlined = OFF.
WAVE=TRi SAW PULSE
VAVE=TRI SAW PULSE
20 Matrix-12 Owner's Manual