Beginner Guide MatrixBrute 101

With its vast array of knobs and faders, and its complex-looking matrix panel, Arturia’s MatrixBrute is not your typical synthesizer. But how do you start learning such a beast? Watch this 25-tutorial course by synth expert Marc Doty… that’s how!

If you like huge analog synth sounds, look no further. Featuring an all-analogue signal path, an impressive 16 x 16 Matrix, a Steiner-Parker filter, an aptly named Brute Factor control, and more, Arturia’s MatrixBrute will please the most discerning synth connoisseur. And speaking of synth connoisseurs, we couldn’t have found a more knowledgeable teacher to demystify this monstrous synth than Marc Doty. Marc is a walking encyclopedia of electronic music history, a gifted composer and synthesist, and most importantly, he is a phenomenal and inspiring teacher.

This course starts with an in-depth look at the sound sources of the MatrixBrute. You discover how to create complex waveforms by mixing and matching the 3 VCOs with the noise generator, and how the special controls (Ultrasaw, Pulse Width and Metalizer) gives you access to an unlimited sonic palette. You then learn everything about the flexible Steiner Parker and Ladder filters. Marc gives a clear demonstration of MatrixBrute's huge sound-sculpting capabilities, and explains in very simple terms the series and parallel patching configurations.

From there, Marc dives into the modulators, revealing everything about the envelopes, LFOs and the infamous Audio Mod (which brings the MatrixBrute into FM territory). Next, Marc shows how easy it is to understand the heart of the synth: the intricate sea of buttons called the Matrix which lets you do everything from loading presets to programming complex sequences and arps. Continuing with the course, you also learn the analog effects, the macro knobs, the voice settings and a lot more.

So whether you’ve got the Arturia MatrixBrute or you’re thinking of buying one (or even if you want to get general synthesis knowledge from a synth expert), this course is a must watch!

MatrixBrute 101

Absolute Beginner's Guide

25 videos | 106 minutes | by Marc Doty