Arturia - MatrixBrute NOIR Edition

As the name of this synth suggests, Arturia MatrixBrute NOIR puts the Modulationmatrix in the center.

Imagine a Monome having a child with a Minibrute.. et voilà - a MatrixBrute is born. This child however is no ordinary child. After Arturias deep foray into software and later on, its entry onto the hardware scene in 2012 with the Minibrute it was time to pool all these ideas into a monster of a synth. Enter the MatrixBrute, a freakenstein of a monosynth designed by none other than Alex Hartmann.

The MatrixBrute impresses both visually and functionally with its distinct look and huge array of controls. It stands out as an analog/digital hybrid, mitigating the traditional limitations of analog systems with digital control. This allows for complex modulation without the drawbacks of the complex spaghetti normally associated with these systems.

At the heart of the MatrixBrute's interface is the Matrix, a distinctive and versatile feature that serves three main functions: modulation routing, preset selection, and sequencing. You get 256 preset slots, the ability to assign modulation routings easily, and a 64-step sequencer.

The sound engine of the MatrixBrute is designed from the ground up, featuring three VCOs, a noise oscillator with four types of noise, and comprehensive waveshaping options for each wave type. VCO1 and VCO2 are equipped with a sine sub oscillator whose shape can be varied, in addition to offering sawtooth, square, and triangle waveforms. VCO3 serves as a linear multi-function oscillator, presenting four waveshapes and also doubling as a modulation source, such as an LFO. This allows for a wide range of tones and textures. The mixer and filter sections provide additional layers of sound shaping, with two types of filters offering different sonic characteristics and the ability to drive the signal for added warmth or distortion. The first filter is a diode based 2/4-pole slope Steiner filter with LP/HP/BP and notch modes. The second filter is a famous 24dB/Octave ladder filter, say no more.

In conclusion, the MatrixBrute stands out as a highly capable analogue synthesizer that balances power with user-friendliness. Its immediate Matrix interface and versatile sound engine make it an appealing choice. It comes with a 4-octave semi-weighted keybed with velocity and aftertouch, along with a plethora of connectivity options. As you add the extensive modulation options and all analog effects section, the MatrixBrute offers musicians a wide palette of creative possibilities.

Key Features:

• All-analogue signal path
• 256 preset slots, extensive modulation routing, and a 64-step sequencer via the Matrix
• Three VCOs, a noise oscillator and comprehensive waveshaping options
• Dual filter design with a Steiner filter and a Moog-style ladder filter
• 4-octave semi-weighted keybed with velocity and aftertouch
• Analog effects, including bucket-brigade delay-based effects (mono/stereo delays, chorus, flanger, and reverb)
• Tiltable control panel.