Review: Arturia MatrixBRUTE

[@fredericbrun7907]

Thank you for this very cool review. I find it great you focus mainly on the musical benefit and not too much on the technical aspects beyond. Thank you also for saying you had not had so much fun programming a synthesizer in years. It is rewarding for us who have put a lot of passion and hours into the making. At the same time I want to add that Arturia support is now good. I agree we were lagging behind a few years ago, there are marks of that on forums still. But we have put a lot of efforts and ressources into this domain. Now any question is answered in a timely manner, often within 12 hours; any unit is serviced or replaced quickly. In addition our instruments are solid. I don't have data with me but I can say that MatrixBrute was made picking only high quality components, each unit is going through extensive testing and we did not have to service many units since the start. Not trying to turn this into a commercial forum, but as the founder and CEO of Arturia I want to say that MatrixBrute is a high-end instrument musicians can rely on and Arturia is a company they can trust over time.

[@indiefilmcomposer]

Frederic Brun can you say if there will be another step sequencer update this year, mainly a latch record mode so I can record 16th or 32nd steps as I play a note in record mode for example AND real time step record where the length you play is what is recorded quantized on the top of the beat......this way the step sequencer would be superb for performance. As it is now, it is a little tedious and when I am doing commercial work I don't have the luxury of time.

[@fredericbrun7907]

Hi JVMC, There is no planned update at the moment. I am going to ask Thierry or Bruno who are leading the project to answer your post themselves.

[@thierrychatelain5998]

Hi JVMC (aka Indiescore, am I right ? ;) I would have to confirm that there isn't a planned update at the moment - which definitely doesn't mean it won't happen, we're not done with the MatrixBrute! The real time recording you describe looks to me like the one that has been implemented in the latest update (in real time recording, a note that is held during several steps will be recorded as steps tied together; we can't record gate length per step, however). Then you can fake the latch mode by untying each long note into individual steps: press and hold the first step of the note then press the last one. Actually, having latch mode as a real recording mode doesn't seem impossible, but would require a proper way of being set on/off. Also, I must admit we don't get this request very often. Feel free to seek backup from other users for that one!

[@indiefilmcomposer]

Thierry Chatelain yes, got it I will update and try the new feature that will help speed up creating patterns. The latch record mode is something that can be done in native instruments maschine by pressing a pad and holding note repeat, so especially when working at a fast tempo laying down 16ths or 32nds is quickly done, huge time save. Anyhow one request I do see a lot in the forum is ability to copy and paste pattern rows, that would be huge plus ........Well thanks to both of you for responding appreciate it.

[@indiefilmcomposer]

guys can we get an update on the next update planned, it’s been over a year since the OS has been updated and the forum response has not been consistent there are a lot of questions about what new features and fixes are coming and when

[@martinbdker1542]

Finally a musical review of the MatrixBrute... 👍🏻 All major synth reviewers has used all the time in going through the osc one by one, filters one by one... And we, the listeners, never got to hear how it sounded in a musical context...!!! Great review... 👍🏻😄 Well done Sir 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MrNimmy77]

Man, you're one of the few who don't make this thing sound like electronic farts. This is how a review of a musical instrument should be. Thanks for that!!

[@Ratchet4427]

its sad to say that you have never heard real music

[@richardpatrick32123]

You're back! :-) We're all eagerly waiting for your Part 2 video on FM synthesis :-)

[@EdoLS_]

Totally!

[@音姫soundprincess]

ooh yesss

[@tobiasandreasson7103]

Damn right!

[@rzeka]

Waitwait you're alive! Wonderful! You explain synths better than anyone else I've seen, and I'm really happy that you're making new videos.

[@macronencer]

With the caveat (which you gave at the start) that this isn't an in-depth review, I can say that this is far and away the most helpful and honest review of MatrixBrute I've ever seen. I own one of these beasts, and I'm rather tired of seeing people complaining about its sound. You're totally right that it's easy to make a horrible noise on it, and that it's also possible to make a beautiful one. The oscillators are so feature-rich that it's tempting to mix everything in - and as you point out, this usually leads to disastrous overkill. Treat the audio pathway with sensitivity and respect, and she will sing to you like a bird :)

[@FretchGaming]

This is genuinely the best synth review if ever seen!

[@XconsigliereX]

Ah A Warm Place! 5:11 Very nice!

[@indiefilmcomposer]

best review on this synth yet....you understand how to use and apply features, to demonstrate what's possible, and you know synth history, welcome back

[@hellodavidryan]

A quick note that Arturia support has gotten great over the last few years. I was a little cautious having had some uncomfortable interactions when I reviewed the original Arturia Origin that shipped to Australia a very long time ago for a magazine at the time, and feedback about bugs wasn't entirely well received. But recently I bought a bunch of Arturia products after coming out of production retirement and was blown away how engaging their team is. Especially as this is all to replace the Novation gear I used to tour a large live electronic music act with, all of which suffered from infamous pot/eoncoder failure and I'm just tired of grabbing a soldering iron when this stuff should just simply be made better. Overall the company seems to have levelled up across every department, and (with bias having previously lived in France) I put the national obsession with perfection of craft as one potential reason they're doing so well. And they are either way better at taking and handling feedback, or I've gotten better at delivering it as the grey hairs creep in and the band's exhausting festival tours are long gone. Arturia have matured amazingly.

[@SwedenVIrre]

OMG DUDE! YES! I've been waiting for so many years!

[@Matthewsavant]

Excellent choice of songs to play during the demo

[@pietkonijn5522]

I've learned more from this vid than from any other vid conserning the Matrix of Polybrute ! Thanks

[@tomphillpotts]

This is a fantastic demo of the synth. This is what we need, not technical break downs

[@TomLJWhite]

He's back! This guy single handedly got me through one of my first year synthesis modules :)

[@albertpsaros3435]

just got mine today and I love it...every bit as good as what people say!

[@Mobiluks]

I remembered this video. Glad to find it again. Combination of a good review, good sounds in a good location. Like an aged wine.

[@dwightddddd]

Best review so far! Thank you for the upload:)

[@rixcom7621]

Great video!! Great Sounds!! Looking forward to getting mine next one out of the plastic and fired up now (my 3rd attempt at it)!! This a major addition to my collection. You got this monster sounding awesome! Killer, adding to the Moogs and Oberheims. Thanks for the all the info. You are right about the price drop. I've had 3 of these already with issues and now I think they finally got the Software Rev's bug-free. It's a great machine for what it is. It does blow away the Sub 37 in many ways which is what this replaced. The Voyager on the other hand, my come out the winner. Still a fantastic and beautiful piece of hardware adding the empire of synths I own.

[@BLACKSYNTH]

already set on buying one... then you played A Warm Place and then I said I'm buying it twice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@drake1011]

Most Honest review I've think I've ever heard. Salute! (It can sound cheap, man that's honesty).

[@mathmush]

Can't believe you've made a new video. Awesome.

[@eighthsinspot]

I'm in love with this thing

[@esoteric6178]

As soon I sell one of my polyphonic synths Im getting this. Sounds great and it looks so damn cool. It's like a modular synth that isn't a pain to use.

[@edrosa3485]

I recently purchased a MicroBrute and doing a firmware update I lost the Arpeggiator function. Like many I had heard horror stories about Arturia's support but I messaged them anyways.. honestly not expecting a response. I got a response (within a day or 2) with the help I needed to get my Brute back in fighting shape. After I thanked them and told them how much I loved my Brute they thanked me for my comment. So perhaps bad support is in the past...

[@AdamSchneiderMusic]

I've been keeping an eye on the MatrixBrute vids since it was announced, and this is hands down the best sounding demo I've seen. Plus you get bonus points for playing one of my favorite NIN tracks. Nice work! Unfortunately for me, I now really really want one :P

[@Foodhat]

Hey guys, let's help this dude out and share this around. The only way this channel can get the recognition that it really deserves is by word of mouth ultimately. I know it goes without saying, but with youtube where it's at right now anything helps. THUMBS UP AND SHARE AROUND!

[@BrokenBeats94]

Love the Born Slippy cover on the Minilogue at the end 😍

[@sparkster7744]

I need part 2 of FM Synthesis, please :'C

[@crazygamingswede]

Great review! I'm so glad you are using known melodies to present the sounds. Some synths get a bad rep because their demo vids on youtube are really mediocre in terms of melody. Great job!

[@poneill65]

Man I friggin adore the sound of these analog/modular synths! I don't think I could ever bore exploring the soundscapes possible. I'd give my right arm to be able to play keyboards,.. and this thing would probably let me play decently with the one remaining arm

[@StarfieldBound]

I've seen several demos/reviews of the Matrixbrute... this one demonstrates the filters in a way I've not heard. Sound better than my first impressions. I fully understand what its like to have a synth with a 'narrow sweet spot' and require lots of work to get it to sound good; which mean it mostly sounds bad until you tweak it right. P.S. Where's this guy been? He should do more synth videos.

[@largelysubatomic]

With the 2.0 update there are 4 pages of 4 user routings so 12 + 16

[@cyberspaceturbobass]

About time you made a new video! This was so good, really looking forward to the next one

[@bobcatt2294]

Excellent work here. The bubbles popups, style of music all lends to the good presentation.

[@TorBruheim]

Best review so far. Why? This review is musical and less technical.

[@lavamod]

Thank you for taking the time off to make this great review, wish you all the best and please keep it coming ! You R aWesome ! Take care

[@tktheprogrammer1241]

In my opinion one of the best reviews for this great synth. Really good work! Thank you!

[@michaelbourque2599]

Awesome review, thank you! Love the way you explain the subtleties of the instrument, as well as teach the technology in a very understandable way.

[@BrunoChiovoloni]

So glad you are OK, man! We are all here expecting the part II of your supperb tutorial!

[@ultrasyd]

Excellent review : you are not just turning knobs and pressing random keys. The sounds you play sound really good. Most of time, videos on KZbin don't really make the Matrixbrute shine. Thanks a lot !

[@flaquitoyork]

Great review, love the city background, nice touch

[@CaptainNeonSUN]

The sounds and music were amazing, cannot ask for more!

[@delscoville]

It was on my list of synths I was comparing, and while it looks impressive with that grid, and it's a great way to do modulation routing without menu doving. But when I found the Sequential Pro 3, that's what I had to get. It has a mod matrix too, and doesn't require menu diving, but it's almost invisible, just two buttons and knob, pross and hold Source and teak or press a button in the module you want as a source, then press an hold destination and select the destination the same way, turn the kbob ti control how powerful you want the nodulation to be. Very intuitive. The only drawback of the Pro 3, is when you find a preset you like and want to figure out how it works, it's not plain to see like it is on the MatricBrute, then when manu diving has to be done on the Pro 3, is just figuring out how presets are menu, I also suggest taking notes when doing it, because something there's a half dozen or more patches than would need remembering. Also with the Pro 3, a really good point, is patching the matrix can be done on the fly while playing live, don't need to read the labels of an X/Y grid. Since I know where all the sections are on the control panel, it's a simeple proccis of pressing a couple button and turning a couple knobs, can do it almost blind.

[@VacancyOfDisco]

yay you're back! great, honest review! I love this synth, I've been waiting for something like this for quite some time.

[@darshonaut]

Nice to see you are back on youtube. Great review, the best I have seen so far of the Matrixbrute.

[@GeorgeSundancermusic]

Excellent demo and review, one that I actually enjoyed watching while deciding between the Roland JD-XA or this Matrixbrute. 👍

[@pthomas36]

First view of first video on your channel, and I love the format, the language and the playing. Super insightful and educational, and FUN!! Thanks. New subscriber.

[@MinimalWave1982]

fantastic review! Thanks.

[@donaldpriola1807]

Good to see you back in the game. It's a great time for synths.

[@trevorlahey4345]

Hello again. The first person camera is a nice touch.

[@pressplay3243]

Arturia's facebook brought me here. This was a great review. Funny, informative, and thank god, no external FXs! Other reviewers, take note!

[@doogfx7877]

Thank you! This demo made me wanna keep my Matrixbrute, it actually can sound very good!

[@lanechange1063]

Sarabande in D minor by Handel near the end.

[@CharlesFerraro]

Didn't know inside synthesis was making videos again. Cool review!

[@jameshitt3263]

Great review/demo, and great to see you're back. I learned synthesis from your videos! For what it's worth, if you so wished, I believe you could certainly make some kind of a living doing these reviews and educational videos. (At the very least some side income. Here's hoping the videos keep coming!)

[@jameshitt3263]

Also just listening to your SoundCloud profile. There is some excellent music that you've created! Be sure and check it out everyone! With synth music having such a resurgence, I'm also certain you could do well releasing your own material. Based on your SoundCloud, I know it would be killer. There is a bit of a glut of artists out releasing (mostly decent) stuff, but your sound is definitely a cut above. (One of the most consistently great ones--and my personal favorite--is Lazerhawk.)

[@TheKiriru]

VERY special thank you for the last chords on Miniolgue : )

[@marksteiner3493]

Excellent demo. You do a great job ! ! ! So excited mine is on the way.

[@mallery7]

Glad to see you back making videos!

[@Digiphex]

Welcome back. I remember you from 5 years ago.

[@macronencer]

I just read your comment about user routings in the video description. I do agree with you - 8+8 would have been superior to 12+4. I also think the e-paper display is an unfortunate gimmicky choice. It retains the text when you turn the thing off... well, big deal! Who needs that? The drawback is the refresh time of around a second, which is frustrating sometimes. I would have preferred a small medium-res LED panel, which would have been easily doable in these days of smart phone tech.

[@ArtFluids]

Yay new video! It's been a while.

[@GuitarAnime]

Just the intro convinced me to subscribe

[@LesterH25]

Entertaining and honest review. Thanks but I still can't decide between this and the Sub 37. There were times on the demo where I was sold on it, thanks to your skills but I think I would get instant satisfaction from the Moog. Having said that I could sell my System 8 and midi my Integra 7 through the MB and have the 49 keys. Best of both worlds?

[@Tecladistico]

Wow! Welcome back!

[@kidgloves2]

Welcome back! I hope you review the DSI Rev2

[@CrowsBrother]

Welcome back. ;-) Thank you !

[@JanPBtest]

A very thoughtful, very competent review.

[@markcox5385]

Great video! Great tunes! Great to see you back! 😀

[@3alexander3]

great review bro, keep it coming!

[@SuperMegaWoofer3000]

plz start a patreon so we can give you money so you can make MORE OF THESE FREAKING SWEET VIDEOS, the ms2000 drum patch one blew my mind!

[@travelwithcamera]

I guess we'll get that minilogue review five years from now

[@erikmartin3786]

I love this review! I especially like that you are using a camera angle that records from your own view point… may I ask what camera that you are using?

[@jasynbyrum5495]

Great video, as always! Keep 'em coming!

[@MsGyroscope]

Awesome synth and awesome patches.

[@MsGyroscope]

Love it

[@1.2.3.4..5]

The legend has returned

[@Trottelheimer]

Good musical review! No word on the build quality though, thinking of the comments on risks(?) FWIW, I have one and the build is very good, with nice materials and solid construction throughout. My skepticism level in this regard is at zero :)

[@insidesynthesis]

I agree, the build is really good. I'm slightly worried about the internals. There are many user reports on the mini and microbrute failings, but (at least from the outside) the Matrix is far better. Hopefully the inside is good too!

[@Trottelheimer]

The inside actually looks very good. They really went to town with it. There's even twin power supplies. Here's a teardown done by the principal DSI design engineer: www.gearslutz.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-electronic-music-production/1139893-matrixbrute-inside-photos.html

[@AndresViolencia]

Wonderful review! glad to see you again :)

[@EwaldK]

Very good review! I own one since dec 2017. It is an extremely versatile synth, but exactly what you say, it takes a lot of precise dialing to get interesting sounds. My Moog Voyager is still king when it comes to dial sounds I have in my head.

[@Archon69]

Mmmmmm. Mmmmmmmmm. Mmmm........? Ship ap rtyioperyuosrtuopsetipttttggggg

[@Archon69]

Mmmmm.. .??.? M jnnnbbbhhbhhhhjbhhhhjjhhhhphhhhnhbhbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbhhbbhhhhhhbnbnbbbbbbbhhhhhhbbbbbbbnbbhhuohhhhhbhnnbnnbbbhbhbbjlswkipoiiiiiiiiiiiiijjiuiiiiiiiijiiiiuıuiúiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiikk

[@gunayorbay]

props for the NiN melody

[@FunsterFriends]

Very nice demo. I think I will get this as my midlife crisis gear, cause I am not into Harleys...

[@ultrasyd]

Oh shit ... am i actually into a mid life crisis ? Because i innocently bought a Matrixbrute and a Mazda Mx5. Now i feel bad :/

[@deondewit3175]

lovely! sounds so moogy I really enjoyed that thank -you.

[@TVLarsTube]

Fantastic review, thanks! Will your custom sounds be available on the Arturia resource pages?

[@thecasualreviewer2148]

The clock is the main fear factor for me. Real time recording/sequencing would be nice. A beast of a synth though.

[@torbentitze1096]

I very recently got one and firmware update 1.1 brought realtime recording

[@LayneNguyen]

NIN track you played was great!!!!

[@fuzzupuzzu]

WOW WOW WOW a NEW INSIDE SYNTHESIS VIDEO...... FUCK YEAH FUCK YEAH HELL YEAH!!!!!!!!

[@JustinUrban1]

Thank you for throwing in some NIN in there!

[@wolfpackpresets]

Excellent, thank you!

[@djmichaelm3301]

I’m watching this about a year and half later, but were you surprised that it actually went up by a few hundred $? I was. Finally thinking about getting one this holiday season with all the sales only to find out the price increased $300

[@insidesynthesis]

I made a bad prediction. All the other Arturia synths dropped at least 25% in price after just one year, likely due to reduced costs in manufacturing and increased scale. That didn't happen with the Matrixbrute -- possibly because not enough sold to get the benefit of scale, possibly due to manufacturing costs increasing. I frequently see B-Stock for around $1799 or less, and occasionally used from $1400-1500.

[@michaelrichardjnr9600]

A warm place

[@anonymoushuman8344]

There's a firmware upgrade that gives the matrix more user routings. If I'm remembering correctly it has sixteen.

[@ModernDevotion]

Yes! Welcome back!

[@ultox]

Best MB demo ever, thanks

[@indigoskywalker]

haha, the camera drop had me in stitches

[@adventureshop]

fantastic review! Thank you

[@jakelandon7170]

How the keybed feels? I'm probably buying the Artutua keylab Mkii coming soon. And it has the same keybed as matrixbrute

[@ОБЗОРТВ-з4с]

*Arturia MatrixBRUTE-dope*

[@dynatwenty]

Great! I wanna have it!

[@ThisIsMajorTom913]

I'm always on the fence with Arturia's synths. I have the Keystep and Beatstep Pro and they have "quirks," to be judicious, but they're overall great, cheap additions. I'd be so afraid to commit to a $2200 Arturia product, but this thing is awesome. How does it stack up against the DSI Pro 2?

[@insidesynthesis]

The Pro 2 is great. It has a more powerful modulation matrix and more modulation options and it's easier to get great sounds out of it. However, it's a bit more fiddly to program, particularly the modulation matrix.

[@psynamite]

lol best intro ever "this is a fancy hotel room"