Arturia MatrixBrute vs Arturia PolyBrute - Battle of the Big Brutes

Here it is. The definitive comparison between the Arturia MatrixBrute and the Arturia PolyBrute. It's the Battle of the Big Brutes with a detailed deep dive and sound samples.
Thanks for watching. Please share and subscribe. Check out TJontheRoad.com for more
#Arturia
00:00 Intro
00:17 Sound Sample 1
01:53 Disclosure
02:23 Myth Busting
04:15 Sound Sample 2
05:36 Hardware Comparison
08:08 Sound Sample 3
08:56 Morph vs Macro
10:07 Oscillators Comparison
14:30 Sound Sample 4
15:16 Filters Comparison
17:45 Envelopes Comparison
18:28 LFOs Comparison
20:01 Sound Sample 5
20:31 Matrixes Comparison
21:28 Sound Sample 6
22:29 Effects Comparison
23:41 Arpeggiator and Sequencer Comparison
24:27 Companion Software Comparison
25:15 Outro

[@tjontheroad]

Addition: Forgot the mention PloyBrute does have looping envelopes. MatrixBrute does not. Cheers, TJ

[@lucid484]

Can you not add looping envelopes thanks to the Matrxbrutes amazing CV patchbay

[@tjontheroad]

@@lucid484 You certainly can patch in your favorite function generator to the CV inputs. That's a whole other ball game :) Thanks for watching, TJ

[@modulationmusiclibrary]

This is the review we've been waiting for. Great job making comparisons between the two synths, this is really helpful.

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for commenting and watching. Cheers,TJ

[@kinnectar820]

Really great walkthrough! Thanks TJ! A perfect way to get to know both of these amazing beasts.

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for watching and your comments. Cheers, TJ

[@symbiat0]

The MatrixBrute uses an e-ink display which is why it’s always “on” without using power. I do wish my PolyBrute had a tilting control panel 😉

[@tjontheroad]

The latest MatrixBrute firmware does have screensaver functionality that turns off the screen after a set time of non use. Thanks for watching. TJ

[@symbiat0]

@@tjontheroad The MB was on my GAS list for the longest time until the PB came out so I ended up buying that but as you’ve demonstrated perhaps there is a case for owning both (though I already have a Moog Subs 37 ;-)

[@tjontheroad]

@@symbiat0 owning both is the only right thing to do :)

[@otv88]

Fantastic video TJ, many thanks. Super helpful to better understand the two. Play on playa.

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for watching. TJ

[@jackduxbury1632]

Such a great video, learnt a hell of a lot, great playing too! Many thanks 🙏🏻

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for watching and your comments. Please share and subscribe. Cheers, TJ

[@philiparruda8813]

Thanks for the video of explaining the differences. I was one of those ppl choosing between the two. This video definitely helped me make an informed decision:)

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for watching. TJ

[@aramism.5548]

Ah finally a video about this topic. Thanks a bunch!

[@tjontheroad]

Thank you for watching. Cheers, TJ

[@liviou2004]

Very good review !! Thanks.

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for watching. Please share and subscribe. TJ

[@giuliocarmassi]

Thank you for the video! It would be amazing to hear them in their rawest form to see their sonic differences in that context. Like just 1 saw into the ladder, and do a filter sweep. To see how their building block actually can be similar or not! Or just comparing the analog reverb vs the digital one with a simple waveform arpeggio. But thanks for the explaination of the differences!

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for watching. Cheers TJ

[@maydaygoingdown5602]

Enjoyed the video my mate, Subscribed and look forward to watching through your catalogue of videos.👍 Hope your good and well mate.

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for watching and the sub. Cheers, TJ

[@0072gldnfngr]

Thanks for the video! Really helped me out.

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for watching. Please share and subscribe. Cheers TJ

[@andivax]

perfect explanation! thanx TJ!

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for watching. Cheers, TJ

[@MusicandMonsters]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for watching. TJ

[@dxtrs_mnpltr]

I love these two synths! Will definitely get both!

[@tjontheroad]

Both is better no doubt :) Thanks for watching. TJ

[@MikolaiStroinski]

Thank you for this!

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for watching. Please share and subscribe. Cheers, TJ

[@Lincoln6echoLSE]

Thanks great walkthrough, I may invest in the Poly to compliment my Matrix one day.

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for watching. They are the perfect pair. Cheers, TJ

[@specialistsound]

both so different. I didn't actually realise the difference was so huge. This is a great video. Ive got a sub 37 but your video made me want another monosynth and the matrix looks like it wont compete but compliment the sub37 and my need to cover everything regarding low end frequency bass. for poly, i still dont think the polybrute touches the DS stuff sonically, but i could be educated further.

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for watching. Moog and Arturia are very different sound wise. They do compliment each other well. Cheers TJ

[@Jehudi]

Subscribed, I really enjoyed your video. I wonder when I would get the MxB its bigger brother... Only time will tell! A simple trick for recording with a sequencer for a video: You first turn down the Master Volume knob and then you turn off the sequence, less abrupt ending. Cheers and much love from Belgium!

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for the sub and for watching. Cheers, TJ

[@MaybeAnnatar]

This is what I've been looking for. For me the two are about a $300 difference and I've been trying to figure out which of the two to get. I kind of assumed that the PolyBrute was just an updated better MatrixBrute with polyphony. Now I see that's the completely wrong outlook on the synths and that they're realistically very different. I think I prefer some of the features of the MatrixBrute, but I may still go with the PolyBrute just because of the 6 voice polyphony.

[@tjontheroad]

Buy both. They compliment each other very nicely :) Thanks for watching. Cheers TJ

[@djbabyj]

Great vid! I love my MB not ever gonna let her go. 👍

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for watching and the Sub. Cheers, TJ

[@myshelby500gt]

@DJ Baby Me to I have owned mine now for 3 years and still love it and still getting new sounds out of it.

[@teknomanning]

Yup wouldn’t give my MB ever

[@linksoundnetwork23]

I have now the Minibrute2s and think about to get one of these two big boys but not shure witch one. 😅 Very nice video. 👌

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for watching. Cheers TJ

[@alexlouwekooijmans6821]

Nice overview! Looks like two machines with very different purposes. If you could only have one synthesizer, then probably go for the PolyBrute, because it looks like more all-purpose. If you already have one or two good polyphonic synthesizers, then adding the MatrixBrute seems to be giving you a nice sequencer machine for the background and that nice vintage look. I would think a combo of the Iridium and the MatrixBrute would be really cool, if you can afford it.

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for watching. MatrixBrute is a bit more specialized than PolyBrute. They make a good team. Cheers TJ

[@mrd1701d]

I have been looking at buying both, but thinking whether getting both would be wasted investment - this video really clarified that they are in fact quite different in features - so its worth an investment to go 'dual brute'.

[@tjontheroad]

They compliment each other very well. Go Double Brute!!! :) Thanks for watching, TJ

[@DeiNostri]

Oh I thought the polybrute and the matrixbrute had the same amount of voices! Now I see that the Poly is better for me who wants to play chords and big pads :) Gonna get my hands on the a Arturia polybrute and a Sequental take 5 next week. It is waiting for me in the local musicstore to pick up :)

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for watching and enjoy. Please share and subscribe. TJ

[@pseudomass]

great video! what stands are you using? my brutes arrive soon and I need some good stand recs

[@tjontheroad]

Hi, For this video I'm using a table for the PolyBrute and an older On-Stage X stand for the MatrixBrute. This is just a temporary setup for the video. Currently in my studio, the PolyBrute is on a Jasper stand with some other keyboards and the MatrixBrute is on an Ultimate Support V-Stand by itself. Both synths are heavy. Be sure to find something that can take the weight. Thanks for watching. Please share and subscribe. TJ

[@pseudomass]

@@tjontheroad Thanks so much!

[@aimem2777]

Very different brothers. Continuous sync is interesting. I think i'm gonna buy a polybrute: friendly nights !

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for watching. TJ

[@DreamscapesMusicCinema]

Just a qwik question. If you had to pick...these 2 Arturia's or...a Waldorf Quantum? Thx. Mark Bensette Aux Bois 🇨🇦.

[@tjontheroad]

Hi Mark, I think I'd get more fun out of both Brutes than a single Quantum. Although Quantum can go places (samples, granular, wavetable) that the Arturia synths can't.

[@DreamscapesMusicCinema]

@@tjontheroad Thank you. What got me interested in the Waldorf was my purchase of a Studiologic Sledge. It has a Waldorf engine in it. Its so kool and different. I'm on a hunt for more boutique synthesizers like this. Any suggestions?

[@tjontheroad]

@@DreamscapesMusicCinema I have the Iridium and consider that a much better Waldorf offering for the money that it's Quantum sister.

[@martinweissberg2890]

It seems to me the VCOs sound sharper on the polybrute. But im wondering if it's true or not. Are they sharing the same VCOs despite different features? would be nice to hear them alone to compare the sounds.

[@tjontheroad]

The VCOs have different design architecture and therefor don't sound alike at most settings. You can get them to sound close at stagnate settings. But once you modulate them, the differences reveal in how they interact. Thanks for watching, TJ

[@martinweissberg2890]

@@tjontheroad thanks for the answer. I used to have a MatrixBrute which I gave back after a month because I didnt like the sound of the VCOs, but the polybrute ones seem quite different. hence my question.

[@tjontheroad]

@@martinweissberg2890 IMO, both Brutes are more a sum of their parts than any one module. And probably more than most other synths. Arturia VCO sounds are more mid-range focused than older classic Moog, Prophet, or OB like low end weighted sounds. This helps the Brutes to stand out in the mix. Add all the shaping flexibility and you get to where they are unique. If anything, the PB VCOs might be thought of as slightly clearer and thinner than MxB due to the differences in gain levels.

[@RayyMusik]

The PolyBrute Steiner filter also has a notch mode: at 9 o‘clock. A little drawback of the PB compared to other synths, let’s say Sequential: the number of mod destinations is nearly infinite, but the no. of sources is somewhat poor. I‘d like to apply noise to the Steiner filter or use the VCA envelope as a mod source - not possible. :/

[@tjontheroad]

Yes, you're correct about the notch filter on PolyBrute. It is a product of the sweeping variable filter type design as apposed to the selector on the MatrixBrute. There could be more mod sources I agree. IMO, Arturia made some design tradeoffs for the sake of the morph features. Thanks for watching, TJ

[@RayyMusik]

@@tjontheroadAmong us proud owners of both beasts: Have you ever used the MxB as a 3rd oscillator for the PB? I.e., identical plain vanilla patches (except the waveforms), paraphonic mode on the MxB and layer mode on the PB? Using the ladder filters this can yield pretty Moogish results, albeit with just 3 voices.

[@tjontheroad]

@@RayyMusik I can't say I have tried that... yet ;)

[@mpmi7588]

I've been searching for an up to date analog poly synth that sounds more current but what id like to know is can this synth sound like any of the poly synths from the past like a juno, OB6, Prohet or jupiter? Not necessarily exactly like them but close enough to evoke the same vibes/feelings.?

[@tjontheroad]

My first rule of synths is don't buy one hoping that you can make it sound like another. That essentially is what this video is all about. That said, PolyBrute is capable of vintage voice modeling and some other tricks to help replicate sounds of older gear. You can get close, but in the end PolyBrute has it's own sound qualities. Embracing that sound and learning to use it for new experiences will not disappoint. Thanks for watching. Cheers, TJ

[@mpmi7588]

@@tjontheroad Thanks TJ. I really dont expect it to sound like those other synths but I definitely hope it can get supremely close to them. OB6 for the wierd SEM filter and pretty much all of them for the late 70's to mid 80's vibe. All of course while being able to stay up to date for today's music (whatever that is, lol)

[@tjontheroad]

@@mpmi7588 I've gotten brassy OB like sounds and mellow Prophet like pads with PolyBrute. I haven't been able to get Jupiter like sounds.

[@mpmi7588]

@@tjontheroad much appreciated. Ill most likely get this because of your enthusiasm about it. I can't play keys and don't need another synth but I definitely want an analog poly synth and I don't want an old expensive classic. I'd rather a new joint that can sound like an old classic with some tweaking. Thank you sir.

[@ChurroLightyear]

In my opinion, I got the polybrute but I agree to get it because of the sound of the polybrute. It's incredibly powerful, with that price point it better be lmao. But it can really nail down some of those classic brass sounds. The polybrute is so deep but also so adaptive and for an analog synths it's definitely something else. I think what nails it down as my favorite rn is you have an idea of sound and you have so so so much room to get there. I love my other synths but it's either a big ole menu with some unappealing 2 button menu dives or I have to leave some things out. The flexibility in the filters, lfos, oscillators, envelopes, matrix and modulation sources individually are enough to be their own units entirely. And when you realize that everything is per voice the sky is the limit like you can modulate your modulations in the matrix themselves. A couple of downsides imo though 6 voices only No extra variables for mod fx No poly aftertouch (come on flagships looking at the moog one) And of course the $$$

[@kingtrance307]

He comes swinging out of the gate with some Floydian sounds… 👍

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for watching. TJ

[@chrisstaubyn774]

I love my MB. It seems the PB is also a no-brainer purchase.

[@tjontheroad]

Yep, I hesitated for only about 30 seconds before ordering PolyBrute. No brainer. Thanks for watching. TJ

[@williamjordan811]

Nice Button Density....

[@brainwilson4122]

which is better for industriaal and more straight forward, the matrix or the poly? unfortunately i cant afford both

[@tjontheroad]

Generally, the MatrixBrute can get more hard edged sounds than PolyBrute. MatrixBrute has greater drive and filter feedback (Brute Factor). So if you like some nasty in your industrial, MatrixBrute might be the better rig. Thanks for watching. Please share and subscribe. TJ

[@teknomanning]

Scare

[@MrTHounsell]

Thanks for the comparison, both great synths are destined to become future classics. They sound different enough that there is obviously a place for both in sound design. Price may be another factor to consider. The MatrixBrute is a must if you are into euro-rack and it can double as a massive guitar processor via external input. I have a MxB and love it except for the effects section but have easily cured this with external effects, the addition of an Eventide H9 Max.

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for watching and your comments. I do like the effects on MatrixBrute. They are a big part of the character of it. TJ

[@rickmorty4921]

So for making techno matrix is the one?

[@tjontheroad]

Techno leans heavy on mono synths. Less on poly synths. So yeah.

[@shieldyourselfmusic8567]

does the polybrute send sound via USB like access virus does?

[@tjontheroad]

No USB audio on PolyBrute

[@tjontheroad]

Thanks for watching. TJ

[@shieldyourselfmusic8567]

@@tjontheroad damn :( that was the selling point of the virus for me

[@tjontheroad]

@@shieldyourselfmusic8567 The Virus is a digital synth. USB audio is much easier to implement on it because, unlike the the analog PolyBrute, there's no need for a digital converter of the signal before the final USB output.

[@shieldyourselfmusic8567]

@@tjontheroad Looks like if i sell my virus I will need an interface - which would you reccomend with ableton that has low latency - the thing ive found with the virus is its so tight with midi & audio. Ive had oither hardware before where the latency is so bad ive sent it back

[@MFitz12]

Probably gonna get bashed for this but I just have not warmed to the sound of either one. Plenty of others I would choose first.

[@tjontheroad]

I won't bash you. But, I encourage you to hear both in person. That may change your mind. Thanks for watching. Cheers, TJ

[@MFitz12]

@@tjontheroad - I have. I appreciate both on a technical level. There's just something about the sound that just doesn't excite me like say firing up my Minimoog does (when its working).

[@tjontheroad]

@@MFitz12 That's cool. Thing is to me, I can't understand why there are expectations for them to sound like another synth. I'm not saying specifically you. But. I read about this kinda thing often. The Brute sound is own. Love it or not :) Cheers. TJ

[@MFitz12]

@@tjontheroad - Not expecting it to sound like another synth. I just don't get the tingle from the Arturia stuff (that includes their lesser models too) that I do from others. To me its just meh, not something I would put my hard earned down for. Nothing against Arturia or anything like that.

[@ryanpongracz8051]

Man, you're winning, you got the two best synths in the world.

[@tjontheroad]

Winning? Sure, but I don't keep score. I'm just glad to be in the race :) Thanks for watching, TJ

[@Tvaroh]

Is PolyBrute even comparable in a way to Iridium?

[@tjontheroad]

There's not much crossover between PolyBrute and Iridium. Very different synths. Thanks for watching. TJ

[@TheEleventeen]

X🤘🏻X

[@jacobbrown1690]

matrix brute any day. until they come out with true poly after touch i dont need another poly

[@tjontheroad]

PolyBrute does respond to PolyAT via MIDI. I use a K-Board Pro4 or a Hydrasynth with mine. There's also talk of adding MPE support in a future update. Thanks for watching, TJ

[@13anjowizard]

so which one should i buy...

[@tjontheroad]

Both is the only proper answer :) Thanks for watching, TJ

[@teknomanning]

Matrix

[@13anjowizard]

@@teknomanning why? lol, i still havent bought one and its been seven months. help me make this purchase!!

[@teknomanning]

@@13anjowizard matrix alllows you to explore. The poly as nice as it has like a gimmick Laos’s pad. The Matrix is mono Ute you can make it have T splits. You have Steiner Parker and Moog step ladder filters which can be played in sequence. You can move the assembly up To any slant you desire! Besides It’s BADDDDDASSSS. fucker weighs 44 lbs. you have 256 presets. And it weighs 44 lbs. you will scare your band guitar players hate me. Like NIN ? Here ya go.

[@teknomanning]

You have to see on in person. Size matters👍🏿

[@lordundhimself1310]

Polybrute seems marginally better than the Matrixbrute. Definitely not $700 better tho

[@tjontheroad]

It's hard to qualify which is "better". PolyBrute is probably more versatile in terms of uses. MatrixBrute is more focused. Only thing that is better is both :) Thanks for watching. Cheers, TJ

[@lordundhimself1310]

@@tjontheroad lol Fair

[@mr.engizmemo9997]

where was the big sound

[@tjontheroad]

It is in the sauce my friend. No worries. Cheers, TJ

[@taylorst.5131]

LOL Manage your cables! You're asking to be the first man to die in a synthesized avalanche. At least it sounds original eh? Eh? Man it must take a month of preparation to vacuum. Man i wish they would make endless encoders the standard. With the light display like the hydranth.

[@tjontheroad]

I could die a much more tragic death :) Thanks for watching. TJ

[@taylorst.5131]

@@tjontheroad Thanks for posting! i enjoyed it. To be buried in snyths? some would call that a blessing. Me... I would. Bury me in synths.

[@zorancalic65]

Dont you think it would be better if you, indstead to talk about osc, wavs, you jus play one note, move pots that we hear sound? Who cares for theory? And we do not want to hear your music.

[@tjontheroad]

Are you always this cheerful at parties?