Arturia Matrixbrute: Initial Thoughts...The Best Synth I've Used?

The Arturia Matrixbrute has been out for a while but I've finally had a chance to play with it in my own setup. Everything I thought about it when I first saw it has been proven true, this thing is seriously a best in every sense of the term. I just wanted to share my initial thoughts on it after a few weeks as well as let you hear some of the sounds.
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[@schragemusik]

I wish you'd kept your thoughts to yourself! I had worked for months to convince myself that I did NOT need another synth. Three minutes of your 'initial thoughts' made me realise that I DO. Thanks ;-) Seriously, interesting stuff. It's good to hear such obvious enthusiasm.

[@SoundsAndGear]

+Chris Marsh hahahahaha lol. Thanks for watching! I honestly expected it to be cool but didn't expect it to be as inviting and fun to use as it is. Sure sound is subjective and it may not be the "best sounding" depending on a taste or what sound we are looking for. But it still sounds great and more importantly it really is fun to use.

[@AveMcree]

good to see you back on the KZbin realm

[@SoundsAndGear]

Aye! I'm still around, just been changing up some things, last post was a few weeks ago (probably close to a month now lol). Thanks for checking in fam!

[@mattlogue2657]

I've had mine since February and its depth is staggering . well done and I agree with what you're saying here.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching! It's a great synth indeed.

[@rixcom7621]

This unit is a beast as I'm sure you know. There is so much gain in the signal paths you can generate some interesting sounds. It is far different than anything I've ever used or repaired. Most of the issues I addressed to the engineering staff was the thumping of the pads when any were selected. Also, because of the huge amount of gain, there was constant bleed-through onto different patches. 3rd most was the freezing up of notes, patches and effects. It looks like they've addressed all these issues. However, some of the issues due to the high gain actually makes this unit unique like the early 70's Moogs, Rolands and Oberheims. It has that raw oscillator drift and generated harmonic feedback loops that get out of control sometimes, making it a Blast from the Past. The filters are crazy in this unit too, self oscillating and also generating harmonics you can feedback into other paths. It's a never ending work of art. It feels like it will last just as long as my OB-8 and has much more kick. It makes my Voyager sound thin, something I though I would never say. It is well built just like the old timers. I should know a bit about this stuff I hope, I've been around synths for over 40 years. This is a superb addition to my collection.

[@SoundsAndGear]

+rix com yeah, I didn't send time with earlier firmware so I've only experienced the current state. Really a cool inatrument for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@jesuschristiscallingyou953]

Your enthusiasm for it is warming me up to it. I'm like you in terms of prefering aesthetic cleanliness in my setups, and I do like its iconic look, but I never felt in love with its sound signature. Reminds me of my old Clavia Nord Rack 2 for some reason. I certainly appreciate it more now. I like that it has the vintage analog vibe to it with the ladder filter, which to my ears sounds warm while never getting the dirty or blurry vintage old synth sound. God bless you!

[@SoundsAndGear]

I hear ya! It definitely depends on what you're looking for, I think I really just dig the interface and how easy it is to tweak/use. The sound is subjective, I may not think it is the best sounding synth overall, but the overall experience with the synth is the best I've had on any synth up to this point personally. Thanks for watching!

[@progressiverox]

Thank you! I have this synth, bought it 6 months ago, was super-excited about it, then let it sit for a while while I worked with my ancient (Moog Sonic V and ARP Pro-Soloist) and “vintage” (ARP Solus)... this inspired me tremendously and also (damn you) rekindled my interest in modular synths. Excellent video.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Hahaha, nice man, sounds like you have plenty of goodies to play with! Thanks for watching.

[@Petsublak]

I've spent a lot of time going through reviews and articles on synths. Bro, you've helped me decide. Seriously it looks the business.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching! If you dig the sound of this joint, it is definitely one of the most powerful and flexible synths I've messed with.

[@zipnone1996]

love this video.... might have to scoop this one up, it's just so "immediate" and it sounds incredible

[@SoundsAndGear]

+zip none yeah, def a cool synth

[@Wainster]

Never too late to release a vid like this, cheers

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching!

[@rixcom7621]

Great vid!! I've owned about 5 of these through the R&D. It went to production a bit too soon. I think they've got it right now. I have the 5th one now problem free for about 5 months now. Keep the vids coming! great work!

[@SoundsAndGear]

Nice! What are some of your favorite things about it? I'm sure you know much more than me on this beast lol. Any hidden gems?

[@sonicheavyvideo7489]

Great run through, sounds great.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching!

[@tonyhill8963]

Great review...exactly what i wanted to know about!

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching!

[@CaidicusProductions]

Thanks for the wicked video, brother.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching!

[@AdamBorseti]

I've had mine for 3 days now, and I still can't believe the flexibility of the sound! Between the matrix and the sequencer/arpeggiator, this is the type of synth that you can create entire songs with exclusively.... drums and all! It's simply Bruteiful!

[@SoundsAndGear]

Nice! It is indeed a monster synth!

[@TheSynchronon]

Great vid!

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching!

[@indiefilmcomposer]

thanks for the heartfelt review here excellent .....I have the brute also and wanted to try it as I needed a serious sequencer so something better than the roland stuff out there TB3 style and it crushes that and then some , the synth engine can go from super clean to grit ....I have moog but this is different it's really unique I hope arturia updates the sequencer it can be better, we need a latch record , ratchet as you mentioned and a better real time recording what you play is what you get, also copy and paste.....all I want for xmas...keep up the great work like your style a lot.

[@SoundsAndGear]

+JVMC thanks for watching! Yeah if they keep updating it, it can get even better!

[@alaindion2326]

Thanks for your thoughts on that famous beast! I owned one for less than a year and still be surprised by sounds we can get out of it! :)

[@SoundsAndGear]

Cool! Thanks for watching.

[@pcprobot]

Just picked up one of these. Your video is the best one out of all the other KZbin Matrixbrute reviews. I remember thinking to myself the same thing that you did that this was the best keyboard that I ever had. And I own and really love The Prophet 600.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Nice, be interested to see how you end up enjoying it after a while. I really dig the concept and layout, I found personally I wasn't a fan of the overall sound when it came to making music. But....it's a monster for sound design stuff!

[@pcprobot]

@@SoundsAndGear Yeah man. Hopefully dive into it pretty soon.Please subscribe to my youtube and someday i will do a review of the Matrixbrute. You know having a matrix on a keyboard is pretty cool thing. It made me more aware of sequencing and using the other matrix that I have on Reason 5.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Cool, have fun!

[@Heathcliff_hensel]

I think Arturia have improved their build quality. Like the Drumbrute for instance is pretty damn robust, and this Matrixbrute seems to be well built also.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yeah, I had some build issues with the minibrute and keylab keys, these feel much better so far and the overall build quality is really good from what I can tell.

[@Microphunktv-jb3kj]

minibrute 2S is def a cv gateway drug to modular synthesis :)))

[@agniabarto8896]

It is be, also upon, between A vs rusSith-rs, but 😎послушай Поливокс

[@bond4177]

Awesome video. Yeah I completely agree, this is basically modular, but without the mess. Plus it's good to use as a modular hub if you wish. It stands by itself, I will be getting one early 2018 as soon as I can afford it, can't wait to see more videos on it!

[@SoundsAndGear]

+Villan Bond totally agree! A super fun instrument! Keep me posted when you get one!

[@OPTIONALWATCH]

And, you can also use the MatrixBrute as a MIDI controller if you don't have a MIDI controller. I've been experimenting with V Collection 7 where I send the signal generated by the virtual instrument and use the Ladder and Steiner filters with it. I believe I have an analog sound now from those virtual instruments.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Really nice combination for sure!

[@ultranadax6852]

July 2022 and just pulled the trigger now that MatrixBrute prices are under $1300 new- still a beast and completely unique.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Very good price!

[@stephenbishop8671]

Thanks for this. Your demo convinced me that the Matrixbrute is right for. Been debating this or the new Subsequent 37 for a while.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching, can't go wrong with either honestly, just depends on what you want from a synth overall.

[@hollybrabra]

Looks awesome. I was holding out on this one because I'm not really looking to add any really intense mono synths to my set up. But I didn't realize that you can in fact that play chords (I'm relatively new to synths.) Because I feel the same, I don't care that it's paraphonic and polyphonic. Not a huge deal to me.

[@SoundsAndGear]

+Jeremy Lee Faulkner yeah, it's super flexible. I love it.

[@TheJonHolstein]

3 note chords max. And the 3rd osc isn't fully featured. But it will work for basic chords.

[@MARTINORMANCV]

Great vid man. I’ve been busy sending the sequences out from the MB into my Moog and TB3 to make a very dirty trilogy of kit. Problem is trying to stay focused. Touch one knob and you find something else awesome with this kit.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Ahahaha indeed man! Thanks for watching.

[@zooblestyx]

If only Keith Emerson could have had one of these babies in like 1971.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Haha indeed

[@bobcatt2294]

And may I add, Wendy Carlos.

[@dennism7659]

Great vid. I'm completely with you on the mod matrix, that's the main reason I just bought one! For me, modular with wires sounded like more fun than it actually was after I got one. The thing I like best about the matrix is I can look and instantly know what my mod situation is...just like an old VCS3.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Nice! Yeah, the wires got old for me too with modular lol. This is definitely a powerful synth, glad to have had a chance to spend some time with it. I didn't end up keeping it in the end, but it is still a very fun and powerful synth.

[@dennism7659]

Cool. I have a Korg MS-20 and will try patching those CV I/O's from the back bay of the MatrixBrute to the Korg to see what happens...should be fun ;-)

[@SoundsAndGear]

Nice, enjoy!

[@TheFragile79]

Tried it at the music store. Even if it's one of the most intimidating synth at first sight it's impressive how simple and fun it is to get into and how its workflow is so natural. I think Arturia has really become the king of delivering the best user interface. Or, better, the user interfaces that people actually want. The sound is incredible, it seems like a vintage synth but from another futuristic planet (if that makes sense). I've always seen myself spending the range of 2k for Moog/DSI only and this is the first exception for me. If I had the money I'd go buy it in a minute, it really got me more excited than the matriarch and the prophet 6. And god, I crave those synths. Only con: it's built like a tank (20kg!) but the keybed didn't feel on par with the rest, way worse than the one on the sub37/grandmother

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yeah I agree!

[@zipnone1996]

the more i listen to this one the more think it's one of the best, very tempting

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yeah, depending on what you're looking for it's a great one. Glad I had a chance to test it out for myself for a while.

[@Digiphex]

Those are some really sick patches you played. I am not a big fan of Arturia but I think they got it right here copying Moog and copying a Novation Launchpad and putting it all together. I agree, the modular is for someone who has a "workbench tech" somewhere in their mind. I really liked your style of how you showed this.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yeah man it's awesome, there were older vintage synths that had a matrix style setup, they used little pins and such, so it's definitely a boiling pot of various types of features and workflow brought into one system. But there's nothing like it, this thing is beastly. Thanks for watching!

[@thom-alphaxiii-5106]

Everybody thinks it looks like a « moog » but in fact it s much more close to the schmidt synthetizer , as for the sound it goes way beyond a moog sub37 (wich i like anyway) for example

[@Digiphex]

But with the Sub37 you don't need to hire a moving truck.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Definitely goes way behond the Sub37, had and sold one myself lol.

[@thom-alphaxiii-5106]

Digiphex Electronics yeah that s à big and heavy baby for sure but basically you got two sub37 in one , try to carry 2 moogs ta The same Time lol obviously it s more à studio Synth Like The voyager XL

[@playboxadministrator9229]

I love your honesty about why you moved away from the modular to the MatrixBrute. Based on your previous videos, I can see it makes sense. Looking forward to see what you do with it. I've been to modular events here in the UK and suddenly the MatrixBrute was everywhere! Couldn't get away from the thing! Got some demo's from the guys and seen what it can do. I'll wear out my MicroBrute and Moog Model D reissue.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yeah, gotta be real with yourself lol. I actually didn't even move away from modular directly to the Matrix, I got rid of the eurorack and was just using my Multitrak for my synth needs. Then ended up getting a chance to try the Matrix out in my lab and remembered why I said I wanted it in the first place lol. Very dope system. I never felt like the other brutes could be my main synth because I couldn't get the smoothness I wanted, with this, I can get that smooth sound and the brute sound and much more. Very dope synth indeed.

[@MARTINORMANCV]

When it comes to “dope”, the way you use your modular Harry is super cool. It so reflects your taste in music. I’m adding modular to my Matrixbrute at the moment. I don’t see hardly any videos of eurorack with the MB. I need to do some myself I reckon.

[@SoundsAndGear]

It definitely would be a great pairing with a eurorack if you're rocking one, definitely do some videos on that combo when you get it going!

[@playboxadministrator9229]

Hey Martin, thanks. You should do it. I haven't seen the MatrixBrute and Eurorack used together in anger though. Check out Flux 302 and BBoyTechReport. They have used the Matrix Brute in various combinations.

[@ajohnston3457]

Real nice video. Subbed.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching!

[@urbannpa]

Nice video, My Daughter took a picture of me playing one a the Guitar Center (as close as I'm ever going get to one). I found out from an Arturia Rep. the price went up ($2300.00) because of the Trump tariff.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Ahhh man, I didn't even realize that lol, maybe I should a kept it hahahaha!

[@robertalexander2478]

Thank-you brother, love the video, I been peeping this for a while, I think it's worth the money!

[@SoundsAndGear]

No problem fam, thanks for watching! It's a dope synth for sure.

[@marvinkmooneyoz]

WEnt with the PRO 2 myself. not as immediate with routing interface, but more assignable. Both great, and the CV 37 and the Dominion 1, we have lots of CV super mono options

[@SoundsAndGear]

Nice!

[@thom-alphaxiii-5106]

I own a matrixbrute and it’s a everyday joy and creativity. 99 % of the jnobs respond to midi so what’s not accessible from this beautiful mod matrix is sequenced from my digitakt or my DAW, its DOPE.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Man! Yes, it's so good! It is way better than I even anticipated, I expected to like it but not this much. Way more flexible than I knew, the chords you can get out it sound so dope!

[@-l5905]

Do you wish it was poly? If it had 6 voices it would be the only synth you need...

[@thom-alphaxiii-5106]

L A it’s already a 3 voices polyphonic synth and the brute is good for pads , but yeah it shines as a mono /para .i guess for the price maybe a rev2 is a better choice for poly or a dreadbox abyss .But i agree a maxi matrix brute would be great.

[@TheJonHolstein]

I hope Artura does a Rack expander module, for people to polychain, or people that want to take it on stage. Or those that use a VST editor and just want something to rack. It would be expensive to buil a proper poly that way. But damn it would be powerfull, and with a keyboard version to program it, what a wonderful interface it would have compared to others synths with any sort of Mod matrix.

[@anonymousbrowser4448]

I have a few questions about that, can you sequence as many parameters as you want at the same time in your DAW ? I'm asking because the sequencer only has 1 mod track and doing it in the daw would enable more

[@swatrick_payze]

hey man, nice video. i'm still pretty new to all of this... i like the fact that every filter is right in front of you and easy to access. Can you compare the matrixbrute to a deepmind 12? it's half the price and also has a lot of modulation possibilites but a bit more hidden i guess...

[@SoundsAndGear]

+ekual86 I don't have a dm12, but it is not as immediate, very different synths. Depends on your taste.

[@japolloproductions1]

Welcome back. Do you think it's better than the Poly Evolver? I own the Poly Evolver and still one of my favorite synths of all time. I've played with Matrixbrute and think it's a beast as well, and plan on getting one soon. Wish they would've added a ribbon controller on that beast.

[@SoundsAndGear]

I didn't leave :) Been a few weeks though for sure, just changing up some things. I do not have extensive experience with the Poly Evolver, but in general I'm not a big fan of the DS synth engine/layout. PE sounds great for sure, but it's not one I would spend any money on personally.

[@TheJonHolstein]

There is the Eowave ribbon and the Doepfer ribbon, so there is a solution for that =) The poly evolver can do things that this can't And this can to things the poly evolver can't. It depends on what one is looking for. The MB can do more extreme things, but it isn't polyphonic. It can do two fairly different tones at the same time, by routing oscs through different filters. But it only has one Amp (and Amp envelope).

[@willb3698]

Lovely - thanks for being a bit more personal about the unit - it really does help. I'm also looking seriously at the Bheringer Model D. I know a lot of people are down on it - because "bheringer" but some of us don't have the money for the bigger more prestigious units. I think they are making an Oberheim clone soon too. The Worlds gone Crazy! Thanks again - I know what you mean about modular. Love AND hate at the same time...

[@SoundsAndGear]

Man thanks for watching! Just try to share my own thoughts. The Behringer Model D sounds great from what I can tell, I have no problem with it personally, Behringer is doing some cool stuff!

[@LANolan]

I played one in Sam Ash and it's sweeet! This vid makes me want one even more! If only I had more space in the apartment. The microbrute will have to suffice for now. Good video!

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yeah man, this thing is incredible smh lol, they really outdid themselves on this one.

[@LANolan]

The one things that threw me off is having saved presets that obviously won't match up to the knobs/sliders as you switch to different patches. I like the Microbrute because I can look at it and see where the knob is and how that effects the sound. But on Matrixbrute if you load up a patch preset it wont match what you see on the knobs. What do you think about that?

[@SoundsAndGear]

It doesn't bother me at all as you can quickly change the knobs anyway. I suppose it would be cool if there were led rings around it or something but for me it's not an issue as I don't generally need to know where a knob is. I'll just change it if I want to change it and if not...then I can just play :)

[@TheJonHolstein]

Well it has a panel mode, activate that, and it behaves like the Microbrute in the way that " what you see is what you get", but of course, if you do that on a saved patch, the saved sound will be replaced by whatever the front panel setting is. LED rings and LEDs by the sliders would have been even better... I havent seen any synth with LED by the sliders, though some controllers have that. And the ones with LED rings around the rotary controls I think all have used endless encoders, that have been known to not behave perfectly.

[@dukeofpearl]

More time on this than my Moog model d. Amazing synth! 🕶🎶✌🏻

[@SoundsAndGear]

+dukeofpearl hahaha I hear ya, such an inviting instrument!

[@albertpsaros3435]

just got mine and I absolutely love it!

[@blackraven283]

Good job.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching

[@thelifeproductions1]

Nice demonstration

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching!

[@AnthonyCodringtonTopCat]

I am thinking about getting one of these over a Moog Voyager. What's your opinion on the comparison?

[@SoundsAndGear]

I haven't used a Voyager for any extended period of time, they are very different though in my opinion. Really depends on what you want to do. I'd suggest asking @bboytechreport he has a Voyager and has used the MB extensively as well.

[@paulverkempinck6411]

I suggest we all send a "Thank you card" to Arturia. For having built the best synth ever!!! ARTURIA, 11 CHEMIN DE LA DHUY 38240 MEYLAN, FRANCE.

[@markchristopher2signal2]

I did email them that it is the best synth I owned and 3 ppl from Aturia thaked me back

[@SoundsAndGear]

Indeed! lol

[@SoundsAndGear]

That's cool!

[@RabbiSteve]

The closest thing to a Putney/VCS3 that anyone's made in years. Yeah, not quite as flexible, but I doubt anyone's ever gonna do that again. I love my little semi-modular setup (just Mom-32, Werkstatt, Bastl Kastle & 0-Coast controlled by EOWave Ribbon, SQ-1, Keystep), because I'm really into experimental and generative music, but I'd add this. And if I sell some stuff, I just might. Glad you found your muse here. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings. And yes, I'd love to see you delve into the sequencer and the matrix a bit.

[@SoundsAndGear]

+Rabbi Steve yeah I hear ya! It's really cool, just feels really inviting to play.

[@MisAnnThorpe]

What exactly is generative music?

[@Themozartthug]

This is a perfectly delivered video mate. Im a creator and i try to be organic like this. Straight to the point. Showing you what needs to be shown and nothing more. If you want in depth stuff, like u say, u can go search it. Most, if not all, just want someone to show u how it ruffly works....which u did perfect...earned a sub pal

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching!

[@187onasimp]

There's no synth like this sounds you can make with this thing is crazy.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Totally agree!

[@99MUZIK]

I was at guitar center playing with the matrix brute and Moog Subsequent 37 I like them both. How do you save a custom preset in the matrix? Can you post a video no one hasn’t post one up yet.

[@SoundsAndGear]

I no longer have it, but if I remember it had something to do with holding one of the matrix buttons when in preset mode. Check @flux302 I'm sure he's done a video on it. I may have mentioned it in my follow up video but that's been a while lol. Both of the synths you named are pretty dope though, just depends on which workflow and features you want.

[@Phil-1]

14:39 I could tweak that patch all weekend. Nice video, thanks!

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching!

[@gaurd3]

How does this compare to the matriarch? Thanks I'm thinking hard about the Moog. Just doing my final looks at other options.

[@SoundsAndGear]

I honestly haven't used the Matriarch but I have the Grandmother, I would probably lean towards Matriarch when it comes to tone personally, but I think if you want more functionality, the Matrixbrute is the one. It's a super powerful synth for sure.

[@HectorCalleja]

I'm having issues syncing the MB with my MPC 2500, I'm getting a MIDI loop I can't get rid off... Did you go through the same issue? If so, how can I solve it? Thanks!

[@SoundsAndGear]

I didn't use it via MIDI just recorded the audio into whatever platform I was using so not sure in terms of the midi loop you're experiencing.

[@HarryFisherIII]

I have a Yamaha MODX8, Roli Seaboard Rise 49, Maschine Studio & all of Arturia & Native Instruments virtual instruments. Would you recommend adding this to my setup?

[@SoundsAndGear]

Depends on what type of sound you're looking for. It will definitely give you something different than what you have.

[@HarryFisherIII]

SoundsAndGear I’m definitely looking for unique sounds. Also I found one at my local Guitar Center for $1499 brand new so I’m gonna jump on this today!!! I really enjoy and learn so much from your videos. Please keep them coming!!! Peace!!!

[@SoundsAndGear]

Cool fam, let me know what you think of it when you dig into it! And Thanks for watching, much appreciated!

[@TheJonHolstein]

I really hope Arturia makes a rack expander to this, and enable poly chaining. And they could even sell expander units without the actual keyboard version, if they make a good VST editor, for those that just want something to sit in a studio rack. Paraphonic playing migt be enogh for some, however, this only comes with two OSC that are equal, the third is simpler. And 3 parahonic voices does not allow playing complex chords or chord plus lead or bass. The most complex patches will probably be over the top for polyphonic playing. But that interface is so nice, even when the Mod Matrix isn't fully lit up.

[@SoundsAndGear]

+Jon Holstein yeah that would be cool! True poly would be nice, for more complex chords I have a polysynth. But the interface of this plus the fact that it can do simple chords makes it so much more powerful and enjoyable than any other synth I've used over the years.

[@JonathanTreadwayAudiodoneright]

Any Ideas on how this can work with modular ? P.S. I bought your old Braids from Reverb and loved the cool looks. I am huge on looks too.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Oh snap! Enjoy that Braids man! LOL. It works well with modular with all of the cv out and inputs on the back, I just wish it was on the front or easier to see where you're routing from than on the back of it.

[@SarahCoponat]

Hey ! Is it still your go to after those 2 years ? Loved your vibe, subbed.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Ahhh it was never my go to, but I did a follow up on my final thoughts :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnnKpZt7rq6XnJI

[@SarahCoponat]

@@SoundsAndGear thanks :)

[@SoundsAndGear]

@@SarahCoponat no problem!

[@SarahCoponat]

@@SoundsAndGear Do you have recommandation on synths to look at for ambient that go for under 2k like that one ?

[@SoundsAndGear]

@@SarahCoponat I'm sure you can make ambient with anything, but I'd say look into things like Hydrasynth, Novation Peak, Argon8, Wavestation, etc

[@fawkkyutuu8851]

Woah this Is Impressive and looks worth the money. Can you do a video of a hip hop beat or song you made using It? The Intricate complex sound you can make the flexibility looks amazing and that save grid Is special , It looks all laid out to help you no stress.

[@SoundsAndGear]

It's a really cool synth especially for sound design but I found myself not really using it musically for my own taste. Here's a video I did explaining my overall thoughts on it kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnnKpZt7rq6XnJI

[@gabrield.cstoica1832]

Very cool men and yes arturia Matrix is very good synth....good video tutorial.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching!

[@zebastian21]

run it through an Eventide H9 :) . I love this synth. I have a Voyager and even though they are both mono synths, its apples and oranges. the Moog sound is great on the Voyager, but the Matrixbrute is unique

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching! I agree, it's a very unique sounding synth, really flexible.

[@Microphunktv-jb3kj]

ye just saw a video using H9 , sounds produced with minibrute 2s were so good that i decided to buy it.. my first synth :D gateway to modular lol :P so far ive managed to get by being digital only and still get things done and have multiple house records on reputable labels kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpvamKpoaq-Dn9E 3oo / 6oo sounds with eventide .. just bliss :P

[@lostboy5861]

lol hearing you talk about changing gear reminds me of myself constantly switching, buying, and trading synths. I guess its something all synth heads do

[@SoundsAndGear]

+Edgar Moreno lol, gotta go with what you like lol.

[@robertsyrett1992]

Did you sell the your modular case? That was some nice carpentry.

[@SoundsAndGear]

+Robert Syrett yeah it's on to a new home, was a great case though!

[@anonymousbrowser4448]

If I may add a suggestion it would be maybe try to film the matrixbrute so we can see what you're doing in real time. Anyways great video and I'm super jealous. Maybe do a video on its size and how to integrate it on your desk hahahhaa. The DSI Pro 2 may be the monosynth that can compete with it

[@SoundsAndGear]

+Eden Puder Thanks, this video wasn't really about showing any details of the synth or tutorials, just wanted to share my thoughts on it and play a few sounds. As for dsi I've had a few and am just not a fan of the synths overall.

[@Lainer1]

I am just getting into Modular. I am reading about it, and checking out You tube videos. I was on track for a Moog 37, but then the Modular expert at Sweetwater told me about this, which has more features and can expand with external Modular gear. I would like to know what you think of this as my first unit to do a lot of things modular VS a Moog 37 , Korg Arp Odyssey or Korg MS 20, or a David Smith Prophet 5 remake. I have been checking out so much gear. I was going to just use a Korg Kronos or Nord Stage 3 but what you get is limited in that all in one workstation. I like AIO workstations, but I would rather experiment with sounds which is why I am learning about modular. My goal is to do ambient and funk sounds, make music like industrial, ambient, techno, etc. My first rig must be able to do a lot of things because it will be all I can afford for now. LOL! Eventually I may add stuff like a Mother 32?

[@SoundsAndGear]

Well a synth like this or any other will not give you the natural sounds a workstation will, but in terms of a centerpiece for a new modular setup I do not think there is anything out there that can compete with this thing lol.

[@Lainer1]

Yeah, that's the dilemma. I want to do modular and do ambient sounds with it too, but don't know enough about this to know if it does that sort of thing. I like experimenting with sounds though and find this to be an open-end rig. I could delve into everything this has to offer, but also hook up modular to it when I figure out what applications I'd use and maybe add modular units that could expand this. It's all new to me and it's all very exciting. Thanks for your input. Your video really helped me out.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yeah, basically it's all about the experimentation lol, if you know what you're going for I'm a believer that you can pretty much bend most instruments to your will hahaha.

[@haydnr1631]

Yes! Still best synth ever and this is probably the best review. My sentiments echo yours completely. Worth also mentioning how nice the keyboard is.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching!

[@bairahrecordings]

The new synth is looking as nice as it sound Joe.😎

[@SoundsAndGear]

Indeed fam! Thanks for watching.

[@evildead2002]

Dude can you check out a bass line on a track and may I have you opinion on whether this thing could generate it or not? I’m looking for something that can generate deep sub bass and sequence it on a pattern. Thanks!

[@SoundsAndGear]

You can definitely generate deep sub bass with this thing :)

[@evildead2002]

SoundsAndGear cheers!

[@markchristopher2signal2]

Bought one today. Thanks. 1661.00 ebay free shipping. I am getting rid of two gears for it. But this can do a lot. yrs from now its still my main instrument

[@SoundsAndGear]

Wow, great price!! Congrats!

[@drebach4251]

I have one question say I create my own sound on that. Can I save the sounds?

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yep, you can save sounds on here, super easy too! That's another dope part about it lol.

[@fUP420babe]

you should get a small modular rack for some mutable instruments stuff, or get the 0-coast to use with the matrix brute, would be dope!

[@SoundsAndGear]

Had a modular setup, ended up getting rid of it, not sure I'd go down that route again but who knows lol.

[@Matthewsavant]

I was torn between this and the DSI Pro-2, I think the matrixbrute sounds great but having both the prophet and oberheim filters plus the ability to go from super warm Analog to harsh and distinct digital the deep modulation matrix and extremely versatile sequencer I had to go with the Pro2. I could see having both I think they’d complement each other well.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yeah, it's all about what you're looking for. I prefer hands on everything over menus, plus I've had a few DSI synths and didn't quite find them to be what I wanted ultimately. But they definitely make some good stuff!

[@saucey99]

pro 2 is so fat my eyes water

[@domiloik]

Nice review. Im on my way to buy a new synth and my options are Matrixbrute or Prophet 12... Wich one do you prefer?

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching. Hmmm...I haven't used the Prophet 12, but I'm more of a fan of hands on control over menus and the P12 has some things hidden in menus. I've had multiple DSI synths and got rid of them but also depends on the sound you want. P12 can do a lot of interesting things and is full poly, Matrix has a specific sound and can do "poly" so to speak but is more mono with a crazy modulation section. If you can, try them both and see which is more inspiring. I think either would be great synths if you like how they are laid out and sound.

[@domiloik]

Hi and thank you for the reply. Today i tested the Matrixbrute and the Pro Rev2. (i requested a Prophet 12 to test for next week). I tested it for sound design and complex sound creations. I think the Matrixbrute is not for me, i love the idea of the matrix but i found a lack of precision on OSC when you go on really low frequencies. With the matrixbrute when you slowly turn down the cutoff on LPF or the pitch the sound disappear, with the Pro Rev2 it simply go lower and lower... Correct me if im wrong but i understood you found the same sensation on your review. In final DSI analog filters > Arturia (analog?) filters.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Cool I hear ya, yeah I found the low end to be not as controlled and focused as I'd like.

[@MSXIISound]

GAME OVER!!!!

[@SoundsAndGear]

+MSXII Sound Design yep!

[@doddicci]

this synth is actually amazing, just got a week ago

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yes it is! Thanks for watching.

[@doddicci]

love your channel!!

[@SoundsAndGear]

I appreciate your support!

[@TeleporterM11]

When do you think version 2 will come out.

[@SoundsAndGear]

I don't know if there will be one, if so, I don't expect it any time soon.

[@stefan3112]

+SebastianM would be interesting to hear from you a valuation of the sound of the MB. Isn't it not poor in relation to the voyager??

[@SoundsAndGear]

I spoke on the sound, it sounds great in my opinion, definitely not poor in relation to anything I've used.

[@stefan3112]

Thanks! For me your opinion is very important.

[@SoundsAndGear]

No problem, it's a great synth.

[@MwtcultureisSHE]

First off, I want to say I’m jealous. Second, I want to say that I literally have been drooling over this synth and you post this. Third, I’m still jealous lol nice vid! 😩 thanks for posting

[@SoundsAndGear]

Ahahahahaha lol, word, I feel ya, it is very drool worthy! Great synth for sure!

[@djpioneer937]

Saint Joe, did you keep the yamaha montage?

[@SoundsAndGear]

still holding on to it for now, gonna checkout the new OS updates here shortly.

[@rollitkvah4238]

Hello, great and honest review! I would like to know if this synth can be used as MIDI controller to tweak VST on abelton? thank you

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching, I never tried it as a MIDI controller when I had it but you should have no problem doing so. You can connect via USB or traditional MIDI.

[@rollitkvah4238]

Where you paid by arturia to make this? ;) why did you not have it anymore? I’m still undecided if I go full midi with VSTi or hardware synths

[@SoundsAndGear]

Nope, I wish! lol, it was a review unit. I've had all the Brutes up to this one, and ended up getting rid of them all. This one was definitely and awesome synth, but in the end it just didn't fit the sound I was going for so I found that I didn't use it much when I was making music. I did a follow up to this video with my final thoughts. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnnKpZt7rq6XnJI

[@rollitkvah4238]

I will check it, thankx.You have some of your music that I could hear somewhere?

[@SoundsAndGear]

Cool, nah I don't post music online anywhere

[@victorarruda5408]

Hello friend, Firstival, thanks for the video.. i get so enthusiastic with it! my heart is pumping.. i really would like to have it! i like to produce Minimal House and Minimal Techno. For producing it i do not make to much expressive chords (melodic) .. I like to play with grooves and cutting edge samples. I was imagining how nice would be if i could make nice grooves with Matrixbrute. Do you think that this would be good for my case? I have Ableton Push, do you think that would be a good combination for producing nice things and playing live? My idea would be: Use Matrixbrute to create nice loops Roland TB 03 for bass lines Aira TR8 for Drums (this is so typical, if u have alternative thing to suggest would be nice) Ableton Push to control the loops in Ableton This setup i just told you make sense for you? If not could you give me suggestions? Im kind of new on it.. this gonna be my first setup thinking to produce music at homestudio and doing live shows Best regards!

[@SoundsAndGear]

I'd say if you like the sound and layout of it, you can definitely use it. It's a synth so you can get all types ouf sounds out of it.

[@empointzero]

Great vid! Hope you didn’t completely get rid of your modular. Connecting the MB to a modular rig will change you life forever. I promise!😈

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching. Yep, I did, just didn't end up being my cup of tea. I'm literally satisfied with this thing right here. My initial plan when I first saw it was to pair it with a small rack, then I dove all the way in hahaha. I actually started selling off the modular before I even got this thing in the lab so it wasn't even sold for this, I just wasn't using it like I thought and could get most of all the sounds I wanted out of my multitrak. I still wanted to have a nice mono style synth though, and had a chance to check this out for a while....I'm hooked. Should have just stuck to my original plan of getting this first LOL.

[@empointzero]

SoundsAndGear I feel ya. My journey was in the reverse. I got the MB first and that sucked me into modular. Agreed though, it’s pretty much the sickest synth I ever played and owned also. Good times:)

[@SoundsAndGear]

Aye that makes sense, I originally intended to get a small rack to go with it, but it wasn't out yet so I just dove all the way into modular. After a while I realized that how I work and what I like to do, modular didn't really fit it like I thought. The idea of so much flexibility was enticing though lol. However, this joint right here....man lol crazy.

[@Onelychild]

I played it today. It's a wonderful synth. Can you make a video using it with Ableton Live Lite?

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching! I no longer have this in the setup.

[@Onelychild]

@@SoundsAndGear Its my pleasure!

[@peterkadarmusic9728]

This person basically expressed all of my feelings and thoughts about this synth and then made a video of it.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Ahahaha, thanks for watching, it's a pretty cool synth!

[@peterkadarmusic9728]

SoundsAndGear you know what is dope about the routing? Not only is the matrix like a giant rack of multiples, but you also get a bi-polar attenuator at each destination. Can you imagine what that would look like if you had to buy that in Eurorack format? And it STILL wouldn't be programmable. Users should know that they might not have the latest firmware installed even on new units, so make sure to hook it to your computer and install it. Makes patch changes faster and dramatically improves the auto tune routine. Finally, hook it to the editor to adjust velocity and aftertouch curves. I set mine to the heaviest setting and I feel it gives me more nuance over the control of the sound.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yep, I definitely updated mine and I agree on the flexibility, I think it's even more appreciated from someone who has spent any amount of time with a modular lol.

[@DDaniels3000]

U still rocking with this SJ? Wondering ur thoughts on 2021 or has something surpass it? Price range

[@SoundsAndGear]

Nope, I didn't end up keeping it, did a video on why, still a dope synth, just wasn't the sound I was looking for at the time.

[@DDaniels3000]

@@SoundsAndGear for that sound ur looking (I think we both convey that same sound lol) what would u suggest now in 2021?

[@SoundsAndGear]

@@DDaniels3000 Model D, Moog Grandmother, BassStation II, etc.

[@moralrevulsionLive]

This or dominion 1? Im so confused. But this sounds so beasty and so easy to blend into a mix

[@SoundsAndGear]

Haven't used the Dominion before, but, really just depends on what you're looking for. I'm sure both are powerful synths.

[@lordjacksonmusic]

1:43 little module case...... oh the slippery slope begins haha :)

[@SoundsAndGear]

+James Jackson lol! I Definitely dove in head first lol

[@jesuschristiscallingyou953]

+James Jackson That's hilarious. I avoid modulars like the plague. I witness all over the web how people get sucked into that world and can't even fight against its pull. Like drugs, it starts with just a little bit!

[@mededmoon6265]

I'd like to hear if there is less grainy/bassy sounds from this synth.

[@SoundsAndGear]

You can get a some smoother sounds, but it definitely has that aggressive "Brute" nature.

[@mededmoon6265]

@@SoundsAndGear is there an polyphonic synth youd recommend that focus on softer more high pitched sounds? IE: the high pitched whine dr dre used on records back when.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Nah, no specific sound, I no longer have this unit so I can't think of any specific presets.

[@johnladner7219]

The very first growling bass was great (real good), all other's terrible. Never knew matrixbrute to be scrap n washy. Can you share some good sounding patches?

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching, sound tastes are definitely personal, I no longer have the MatrixBrute.

[@mattsynth]

Does the sequencer have glide?

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yeah, when in sequence mode the matrix is laid out in 4 sections of 4 rows. Modulation at the top, slide, accent, then the actual step/note at the bottom.

[@theedxqboi]

mattsynth it turns glide into slide.

[@JonathanTreadwayAudiodoneright]

can you use seq. on external eurorack gear?

[@SoundsAndGear]

I think you can but I didn't try it when I had it so I can't say for sure.

[@Bboytechreport]

Dope vid bruh. im tryna controll my synth lust. prolly wont work lol

[@SoundsAndGear]

Ahahahahaha LOL!

[@djpioneer937]

How is The keybed on this thing? Is this similar to your Yamaha montage?

[@SoundsAndGear]

I no longer have this in the setup but the keyboard was nice, didn't feel exactly like the Montage but it was a nice keybed.

[@maydaygoingdown5602]

@@SoundsAndGear why did you get rid of it??...Considering your claims about how good it was.

[@SoundsAndGear]

@@maydaygoingdown5602 I did a video explaining my final thoughts after using it a while. Definitely a great synth, but just wasn't what I was looking for at the time musically kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnnKpZt7rq6XnJI

[@bigdaddy4302]

Can i use the sequencer to sequence other gear?

[@SoundsAndGear]

Pretty sure you can send it out via cv but I don't remember for sure

[@ME-ru4hv]

In my opinion it may not be the sexiest but the Deep Mind 12 is very clean (looks wise and sound wise if you want) and VERY powerful. I think it might be a great fit for you, have you checked it out?

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yeah, I checked it out, I wasn't a fan of some of the workflow with the menu systems. But it's a cool synth and definitely powerful. Maybe I need to spend some more time with it, but my initial reaction to it was that I wasn't a fan of the menus and some of the workflow, like preset navigation, wasn't my favorite.

[@ME-ru4hv]

on the topic of looks tho.. I am hoping to death that novation put keys (preferably 37) to the PEAK! That would have all the power and looks that compete with the access polar, maybe. I don't love novation these days but the peak is basically a must.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Keys on the Peak would be nice!

[@Lainer1]

Or a fan of the internal fan. LOL!

[@SoundsAndGear]

Is the fan loud?

[@ByrowNeius]

Made in France or made in Germany? Assembled in France or Germany? I was Leary of the build quality till this review. Might have to cop one up too. Like the wireless patching that happens internally like on Reason.

[@SoundsAndGear]

I don't know where it's made but the build quality seems much better to me. I had issues with keys on my Minibrute and Keylab, these just feel more solid, even the action feels better. The synth itself, man the build is crazy.

[@thom-alphaxiii-5106]

actually i think it's made in china but the overall quality is so good.

[@prettdboy]

Have you played with the Access Virus TI2 (Polar)? If so, would you still take the arturia matrixbrute over the virus?

[@SoundsAndGear]

I used to own a Virus TI (module) and a Virus KB, very different devices. I wouldn't use them for the same types of sounds. You can do a lot more in terms of pads and such with a Virus, but there is a raweness in the MB that's really different and the matrix is cool. All comes down to taste, and for me it would depend on what I was looking for at the time.

[@prettdboy]

SoundsAndGear Thanks bro! Do you know if you can make mellotron strings in the virus ti? I’m going for that vintage sound (like the production of the Soul Surplus soundpacks)

[@prettdboy]

SoundsAndGear actually I found what I was looking for - Mellotron M4000D! I may get the arturia MB as well.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yeah that mini mellotron is dope!

[@RodneyD]

Are you still using the matrixbrute??

[@SoundsAndGear]

No I'm not, did a video on my final thoughts. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnnKpZt7rq6XnJI

[@soso-zz9qf]

I TOTALLY agree with you with all of this "paraphonic not being poly" bullshit. As you said if I can play my fucking chords them im sold

[@SoundsAndGear]

Ahahaha lol. I mean, I get it, I can't play multiple channels separately, but for me, that's not an issue. Can I play chords? Yes? Good, it's poly to me lol.

[@johnchase8510]

I knew I shouldn't have looked at this... Great sounds, playin, and it looks like it is build like a brick house! GAS

[@SoundsAndGear]

Ahahahaha lol, the build quality is definitely insane!

[@BLACKSYNTH]

its so versitile. and at £1,750 shit man. why would you buy a Moog voyager or similar. this kicks my butt everyday I learn somthing new about it. feels like I'm playing a modular. yet its kind of simple yet complex, you can focus on thinking about signal paths with ease. its intuative. and you can save the patches to the brute and to your PC. great for Bass and leads. but you can get crazy. think Aphex Twin and Nine inch nails. the drive is complex and sounds lush. its like having multiple gain stages. well it is really. sounds wayy better than a minimoog model D. you can really push the gain in multiple ways. or dial back in the VCO's/mixer/filters and get really clean smooth tones. or stack them up and they push each other. you can drive this to madness. analog effects sound better than a lot of pro effects I have. not to mension its boosted my creativity and killed my procrasination by 100% im excited again about making music. software synths are crap. I bigged them up saying you dont need analog synths anymore as they sound so good. fuck man. I was wrong. this sounds massive. cuts in the mix like its been super produced. soft synths sound small and compressed compared to this. I'm used to the Arturia minimoog V swore by it. now everything has changed!

[@SoundsAndGear]

Ahahaha I hear ya man, they really created a monster with this thing, everything you said man, super versatile, intuitive, powerful, etc. Definitely a fun synth.

[@TeleporterM11]

I want this Arturia MatrixBrute Analog Matrix Synthesizer or the new Yamaha ModX.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Nice! Both are pretty dope synths.

[@TeleporterM11]

SoundsAndGear Thanks Joe. I am going to get the Yamaha MODX it comes out on the 27th of this month.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Nice! I'm trying to get one in to test and compare to the Montage. I think it will be a winner.

[@TeleporterM11]

SoundsAndGear I researched it a lot right here on KZbin. I have never seen a synth so popular. It’s well rounded and popular especially the way it interfaces with Cubase.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yeah, it's pretty cool. I have the Montage right now so I am pretty familiar with the capabilities, but I've gotten questions on how they compare. Looking forward to testing one out myself. I'm sure you'll enjoy it!