GForce Oberheim Matrix-12 Brings the Classic Synth to Software
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GForce Software has released Oberheim Matrix-12 for macOS and Windows, which it calls the only official software instrument based on the Matrix-12 and Xpander. It has 12 voices, a 15-mode filter, deep modulation and more than 570 patches. The main change from the 1985 hardware is a visual interface that puts its large modulation system on screen.
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Table of contents
The GForce Oberheim Matrix-12 models the complete voice structure
The instrument gives each of its 12 voices two modeled VCOs with triangle, saw and pulse waves. The second oscillator also provides noise and hard sync, while the feature list includes FM. These feed a 15-mode filter with one- to four-pole low-pass options, plus high-pass, band-pass, notch, phase and combined modes. Two VCAs sit in series after the filter.
GForce says it modeled the oscillators, filter and envelope shapes against the original hardware. The company worked with Oberheim and Marcus Ryle, one of the original Matrix-12 designers, while developing the software. Its library contains more than 570 patches, including over 380 new sounds and more than 190 patches from the Matrix-12 and Xpander.
The modulation matrix is much easier to see
The new interface shows modulation connections instead of hiding them behind a small display. Each voice has five envelopes, five LFOs, four ramps, three trackers and a lag processor, alongside performance sources such as velocity, pressure and pitch bend. You drag a crosshair from a source onto a control, and each parameter provides six bipolar modulation slots with quantization. A green ring around the control shows the resulting movement.
Flow view draws the current signal path and its modulation connections as you work. The Mod Matrix collects every connection in a grid that you can sort, filter and edit, while the Visualiser shows the sound itself. Individual modules also display useful information such as filter curves, envelope shapes and tracker graphs. Full MPE is included, and our explanation of MIDI Polyphonic Expression covers what per-note control changes when you play.
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Multi mode splits the 12 voices across six zones
Multi mode lets every voice use a different timbre across six overlapping keyboard zones. Each zone has its own voice allocation, MIDI channel and micro arpeggiator, so the instrument can handle layered or split setups. Individual voices can be loaded from another patch, copied, locked or soloed. Relative Edit changes a complete zone together rather than making you adjust its voices one by one.
Single mode uses all 12 voices as one instrument and provides polyphony, unison, detune and spread. Other additions include tempo-synced ramps, LFO smoothing, stepped tracker modes and four global Macros. Stereo delay and matrix reverb are built in, with separate voice sends available in Multi mode. The interface is fully resizable.
Price and Availability
GForce Oberheim Matrix-12 was released on November 5, 2026, for macOS and Windows. The announcement does not state a price or list the available plug-in formats. You can check the current Matrix-12 listing at Plugin Boutique for purchasing details.
GForce has not given further system requirements in the release announcement. The official GForce Oberheim Matrix-12 page has the maker’s full announcement.
Check the GForce Oberheim Matrix-12 Listing
Plugin Boutique provides the current price and purchasing details for the new software instrument. Check the listing before buying to confirm the available formats and system requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is GForce Oberheim Matrix-12 officially approved by Oberheim?
Yes. GForce describes it as the only official Matrix-12 and Xpander software instrument. It was made with Oberheim and original Matrix-12 designer Marcus Ryle.
Does GForce Oberheim Matrix-12 support MPE?
Yes. The instrument supports full MPE alongside velocity, release velocity, pressure, pitch bend and mod-wheel control. This allows supported controllers to change individual notes within a chord.
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