GPR045 - MTRX-1K - Matrix-1000 Synthesizer Emulation | VST3 & Standalone

MTRX-1K - Matrix-1000 Synthesizer Emulation | VST3 & Standalone - Description

MTRX-1K by GPR Music Project is a VST3 synthesizer instrument and standalone application for Windows, developed to reproduce the architecture and distinctive sound of the Oberheim Matrix-1000, the six-voice analog rack synthesizer introduced in 1987.

Rather than relying on conventional analog-style synthesis alone, MTRX-1K runs Matrix-1000 firmware version 1.20 on an emulated Motorola 6809 processor board, controlling six modeled Curtis CEM3396 voice chips. This architecture preserves the original instrument's synthesis behaviour while introducing modern editing, expanded polyphony and integrated sound-processing features.

Original Architecture and Firmware-Based Emulation

At the centre of MTRX-1K is a detailed emulation of the Matrix-1000's hardware architecture, including its oscillators, filters, envelopes and modulation system.

The sound engine incorporates band-limited oscillators, the original voice board's three oscillator synchronization modes and 2x oversampling, with firmware-controlled voice calibration performed during the initial setup.

Polyphony can be configured to 6, 12 or 24 voices, using multiple emulated instrument instances to extend the original hardware's capabilities. Stereo spread, voice detuning and polyphonic unison provide additional flexibility for creating rich pads, expressive brass, powerful basses and layered analog synthesizer textures.

Comprehensive Editing and Sound Design

MTRX-1K introduces a dedicated graphical editor that provides direct access to the synthesis parameters traditionally managed through external MIDI editing.

Oscillators, filters, envelopes, LFOs, tracking generators, ramps and the 10 modulation matrix buses can be edited through a unified interface, with graphical representations of envelope and modulation behaviour.

Integrated MIDI Learn supports CC and NRPN assignments, while parameter automation and tempo-synchronized LFOs extend the instrument's control possibilities within compatible VST3 hosts.

The preset browser includes categories, favourites, search tools and user bank management, making sound selection and programming more immediate.

Integrated Effects and Signature Presets

Beyond the original hardware architecture, MTRX-1K includes three configurable effect racks offering modulation effects, tape-style delay and reverb processing.

Chorus, flanger, phaser and ensemble effects complement mono, stereo and ping-pong delays, alongside hall, room, plate, spring and shimmer reverbs.

The installation package also includes the GPR Music Project Signature bank, featuring 41 original presets covering pads, basses, polyphonic synthesizer textures and leads.

Available as both a VST3 instrument and standalone Windows application, MTRX-1K combines the character of a classic analog synthesizer with the editing capabilities, polyphony options and workflow of contemporary music software.

Main Features:

• Firmware-based emulation of the Oberheim Matrix-1000 architecture

• Emulated Motorola 6809 processor and six CEM3396 voice models

• Selectable 6, 12 or 24-voice polyphony

• Band-limited oscillators and 2x oversampling

• Comprehensive synthesizer editor with graphical parameter control

• 10 modulation matrix buses

• Stereo spread, voice detune and polyphonic unison

• Three integrated effect racks

• Preset management with categories, favourites and search

• MIDI Learn with CC and NRPN support

• VST3 automation and tempo-synchronized modulation

• 41 GPR Music Project Signature presets included

• VST3 instrument and standalone application for Windows

Included in the Package:

• MTRX-1K Windows installer

• VST3 synthesizer instrument

• Standalone application

• 41 GPR Music Project Signature presets

• Illustrated PDF user manual

System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit

• Plugin Format: VST3 Instrument

• Standalone Application: Included

• DAW: Compatible VST3 instrument host

• Required Firmware: Matrix-1000 firmware version 1.20, supplied by the user

• Firmware File: 32 KB system EPROM image (.BIN)

• Optional ROM: 64 KB factory patch EPROM image (.BIN)

• Not Supported: macOS, VST2, Audio Units, AAX

Important – Firmware Required:

MTRX-1K requires a user-supplied copy of the Matrix-1000 firmware version 1.20. The firmware is not included in the product package.

The required 32 KB system ROM must be placed in the following folder:

Documents\GPR Music Project\MTRX-1K\ROM

The optional 64 KB patch ROM provides access to the original 800 factory patches.

Without the required firmware, MTRX-1K will open but cannot generate sound.

During the first launch, the software performs its initial voice calibration, which takes approximately 40 seconds. Subsequent launches are immediate.

Technical Specifications:

• Developer: GPR Music Project

• Product: MTRX-1K

• Software Version: 1.0.0

• Category: Virtual Synthesizer / Instrument Plugin

• Emulated Instrument: Oberheim Matrix-1000 (1987)

• Synthesis: Firmware-based analog synthesizer emulation

• Processor Emulation: Motorola 6809

• Voice Architecture: Six modeled CEM3396 chips

• Firmware: Matrix-1000 v1.20 (user-supplied)

• Polyphony: 6 / 12 / 24 voices

• Audio Processing: 2x oversampling

• Effects: 3 integrated effect racks

• Included Sounds: 41 Signature presets

• Plugin Format: VST3

• Standalone: Yes

• Platform: Windows 10/11, 64-bit

• Software License: GNU GPL v3 (open source)

• Delivery: Digital download

Software and Trademark Information:

MTRX-1K is developed by GPR Music Project and is based on Retromulator by discoDSP, incorporating emulation technology from Gearmulator.

The software is independently developed and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Oberheim. The Oberheim and Matrix-1000 names are used solely to identify the instrument being emulated.

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