ARTURIA MATRIXBRUTE Analogue Synthesizer

“Its look and the sheer number of controls on its front panel makes my prized Moog Voyager look a touch vanilla, by comparison”

NEED TO KNOW

PRICE

Expect to pay $2999

CONTACT

CMI Music & Audio: (03) 9315 2244 or info@cmi.com.au

PROS

Versatile modulation matrix Assignable paraphonic VCO

High build quality

Extremely flexible internal routing

Loads of I/O

CONS

Needs computer to setup global MIDI controls

Effects can get a bit grainy

SUMMARY

Arturia’s MiniBrute has become a favourite for growling basses and searing leads. MatrixBrute unleashes more of everything — two more LFOs, a third envelope, paraphonic VCO assignment, and a modulation matrix to boot. The result is an incredibly versatile synth that elevates the Brutish character of its predecessor to another level.

I’ve enjoyed an extended love affair over several years with Arturia’s MiniBrute. It remains a staple in my rig for deep growling basses, searing leads and intricate arpeggiator mayhem. While it’s a substantial synthesizer for the money, this particular fan-boy dreamt of a grander affair — a grown-up iteration of the MiniBrute with more keys, patch memories, external MIDI control of all parameters, a second LFO, extended modulation matrix, and effects. Rolling forth to 2017, it would appear Arturia not only read my mind but expanded my dream ’Brute by including a step sequencer, classier cosmetics, solid build quality, an ergonomic tilting front panel, a third envelope, a third LFO, and paraphonic VCO assignment.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

To say this synth blew me away is an understatement! This is one seriously heavy and beautifully built hardware synth. When