GForce Releases Oberheim Matrix-12 Software Synth
The 12-voice virtual instrument recreates the Oberheim Matrix-12 and Xpander with 570 patches and an introductory price through December 2026.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Software
GForce Software has released Oberheim Matrix-12, a software instrument designed in collaboration with Oberheim and Marcus Ryle, one of the original Matrix-12's designers. The release also coincides with a new and improved GForce website.
Why it matters
The product is positioned as the only official software version of the Matrix-12 and Xpander, giving musicians a licensed digital option for these hardware synthesizers. Its introductory pricing gives buyers a window to purchase before the price rises.
Each of the instrument's 12 voices features two modelled VCOs, two VCAs in series, five envelopes, five LFOs, four ramps, three trackers and a lag processor, plus a 15-mode filter. The instrument also includes six micro arpeggiators, one per keyboard zone, and four global macro controls.
The players
GForce Software
GForce Software is a developer of software instruments and audio plug-ins known for virtual recreations of classic synthesizers.
Oberheim
Oberheim is a historic American synthesizer manufacturer whose Matrix-12 and Xpander hardware instruments are recreated in this release.
Marcus Ryle
Marcus Ryle is a synthesizer designer who was one of the original designers of the Matrix-12.
The details
The modulation system uses a drag-and-drop matrix, with each voice's modulation features accessed through a visual interface rather than a small screen and menu system. The library combines more than 190 original Matrix-12 and Xpander patches with over 380 newly created sounds.
Timeline
Released 6 November 2026 with introductory pricing beginning that day.
Introductory pricing ends and full price takes effect on 5 December 2026.
The Tech Race
The Oberheim Matrix-12 hardware synthesizer has long been a reference point for analog-style sound design, and this software release carries that lineage into digital production. By offering the only official software version of both the Matrix-12 and Xpander, GForce positions itself as the licensed route for musicians who want those sounds inside a computer.
Musicians can buy the instrument at the introductory price of $83.99 USD, £69 GBP, or €83.99 EUR until 5 December 2026, after which it rises to $119.99, £99, or the full euro price. The software runs on Windows 7 or later and macOS 10.15 and above.
The takeaway
Musicians weighing a purchase should note the 5 December 2026 deadline if they want the introductory price on this licensed Matrix-12 software.
What happens next
The introductory price of $83.99 USD, £69 GBP, and €83.99 EUR ends and full pricing takes effect on 5 December 2026.
Further reading
Explore more software news to see how virtual instruments are reshaping music production.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sound On Sound.
