One of the most ambitious analog synths of the 1980s is back, and this time it speaks MPE. GForce Software has released an official Oberheim Matrix-12 plugin, and according to coverage from Synth Anatomy and Noizefield, it includes full MPE compatibility as one of its new features.
What GForce Has Built
The original Matrix-12 was famous for its flexible modulation routing and its big, layered sound. The plugin keeps that character: 12 voices, 12 multitimbral parts, and both single and multi modes. Each voice has two oscillators with triangle, saw and pulse waveforms, hard sync, noise and onboard FM. The filter section offers 15 modes, from one- to four-pole low-pass through high-pass, band-pass, notch and phase variations. Filter FM is a new addition that the hardware did not have.
The modulation engine is the real star. Reports list five DADSR envelopes, five multiwave LFOs, four ramps, three multi-point keytrackers and a lag processor. Sources include vibrato, keyboard, velocity, release velocity, aftertouch, pitch bend, mod wheel and random. Mapping is drag and drop, and a dedicated matrix view shows which modulators feed which destinations.
GForce has also added modern conveniences: six micro arpeggiators in the zone control, tempo-synced ramps, LFO smoothing, a step tracker mode that turns any LFO into a four-step sequence, four global macros, a stereo delay and a matrix reverb. Synth Anatomy also reports that the Xpander, the six-voice sibling, has been recreated. Preset counts differ between sources, with Synth Anatomy citing more than 570 patches and Noizefield citing around 200, so check the official page for the final number.
What "Full MPE" Means Here
Both outlets confirm MPE support, but neither goes into detail about how each MPE dimension is routed. The Noizefield report mentions playing with controllers such as the Roli Seaboard. That is encouraging, but it leaves open questions that every MPE player should answer before buying any synth:
- Does per-note pitch bend work across the full pitch range your controller sends?
- Can pressure and slide (CC74) be assigned as sources in the modulation matrix?
- How does the plugin handle MPE channels alongside its multitimbral parts?
Because the matrix already lists aftertouch and pitch bend as dedicated sources, there is a natural fit for expressive control, but it is worth confirming how those sources behave per note rather than per channel. The 14-day trial mentioned in the coverage is the ideal way to test this with your own controller.
Price, Formats and Trial
The introductory price is $83.99 / £69 / €83.99, against a regular price of $119.99, according to the coverage. Noizefield states the introductory offer runs until December 5, 2026. Both sources report Windows and macOS support. Synth Anatomy lists VST3, AU and AAX with native Apple Silicon and Intel builds, while Noizefield also lists VST2 and a standalone application. Since the sources differ, confirm formats on the official product page before you buy.
Why It Matters for MPE Players
Classic multi-oscillator polysynths are some of the most rewarding targets for expressive playing, because their deep modulation systems can turn small finger movements into big timbral changes. A 12-voice engine with FM, sync and a flexible filter gives a pressure-sensitive controller a lot to work with. Add the micro arpeggiators and step tracker, and there is room for both gestural and rhythmic ideas in the same patch.
The release also continues a trend we have seen throughout 2026: well-known vintage emulations arriving with MPE built in from the start rather than bolted on later. For players of Expressive E Osmose, LinnStrument and other MPE controllers, that means more classic sounds without giving up per-note control.
Bottom Line
The Matrix-12 plugin is a strong addition for anyone who loves vintage polysynth tone and wants it to respond to expressive playing. Use the free trial, set your controller's pitch bend range to match the plugin, and test pressure and slide routing before you decide.