OBERHEIM MATRIX-6 - “AUDIOPHILE VERSION”

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"Ever wonder what would happen if one applied the same upgrade principles we commonly use in high-end audio applications and apply it to ONE of our favorite vintage synths?

The result is what I am listing here as the Matrix 6 –“Audiophile Version” and the sonic results are amazing!!

I repair vintage synths on the side and acquired this Matrix 6 last year in non-working condition. We all know how awesome the classic Oberheim synth circuits are, there’s no questioning that! But many of us engineers know that a circuit is only as good as the quality of parts it is comprised of. Furthermore, many synth manufacturers cannot afford to use the very finest components in manufacturing due to cost constraints in efforts to try and keep the sales MSRP’s down as low as possible. But we don’t have to be limited to that thinking any longer in the 2nd hand market! Therefore, I decided to apply the “audiophile concept” to this Matrix 6 and see what we’d end up with. Below is an outline of the improvements:

* Power Supply Rebuild – pcb cleaned and all critical solder joints re-soldered with special audiophile-grade lead-free solder. Yes, the solder does make a difference folks in the timbre of the circuit! Next, High-end Nichicon Muse Gold series capacitors were used throughout the power supply. (See photo). This greatly enhances the resolution and clarity of the synth and also enhances the “smoothness” and reserve power of the Bass response of the synth since the power supply is responsible for powering all the circuits in the entire synth. Amazing smooth, Fat, rich, Bass now! Power supplies are a very critical component in any synth, just as they are in a tube preamp or any other electronic audio device. This really is no amazing breakthrough knowledge, just smart application of known wisdom.

* The main processor board had a dead battery. This was partly the cause of the original malfunctioning synth. Not only was a fresh battery installed, but a high-quality battery socket was soldered to the pcb so that future battery replacement is very easy if necessary.

* All chips on the processor board were removed and cleaned. Special, non oil-based socket enhancement fluid was used when replacing the IC’s.

* The Processor pcb was then re-loaded with a fresh data dump from the 1100 patch disc included.

* Audio processor pcb was removed and cleaned. All CEM VCO chips were removed and cleaned and replaced with socket enhancement fluid.

* The output pcb on these Matrix synths are very important to the overall sound quality output. The slider potentiometer was rebuilt with Alpha pot parts and re-assembled. Very nice, smooth, action and feel now. Much better than original. The output IC amp is tied to two 10uf caps, which were upgraded to Nichicon Muse Gold caps since this effects the timbre (tone) of the overall output. Small parts, Yes … but very important in the circuit! Again all Solder joints were improved on this pcb as well.

* Keyboard was removed from chassis and disassembled. Rubber boot pcb contact covers were removed and cleaned. This is where we commonly find dried Coke spilled on the keyboard from “who knows what gigs”. This has a tendancy to mess with the contact integrity of the keyboard action, causing misfires of keys etc. The fix is to clean and carefully re-assemble. Keys tops were then polished with plastic polish.

* Entire chassis was cleaned and repainted where possible. The Chassis end pieces were painted with high-quality metallic paint to put a spin on the fact that this synth is “Special Audiophile Edition” now.

* Modulation pots were cleaned and lubed and solder joints re-worked since the headphone output circuit is integrated into this assembly. Headphone output now has increased resolution and clarity.

That about sums it up in the upgrade department for this synth. There are more improvements one could make such as gold-plated female chassis IEC socket and Cryogenically-treated 12 guage power cord etc, but I’ll save that for a future listing or another upgrade project. Warning folks, while all these improvements are awesome and rewarding, they are very time-consuming, as any competent synth tech will tell you. I have about 25 to 30 hours in this one! Will this start a trend? Perhaps...depending upon demand, but your ears will "Hear the Difference"!" Note the side panels on this Matrix-6 are non-standard gray. inside a Matrix-6