I was into bigger synths (as in number of octaves, cost, polyphony) already by the time it came out, but as a complete package it’s a great synth. Not really for me, but I’ve never had any hate for one.
I might judge someone a tiny bit if they get a tattoo of one, though.
yeah some people like the matrix, some don’t. it’ not perfect but it keeps the price and form factor in check. it’s not the only synth to ever do the matrix idea for parameter editing. the Waldorf Q and the Dave Smith Evolver are two that I think of immediately, but I’m sure there’s others.
I love the OG microKorg. it’s a never sell synth for me. mainly because it’s so cheap and easy and fun. but I haven’t used it in several years.
I had a waldorf blofeld, that uses the matrix thing.
Works because it has a lovley big screen that shows you everything, and the matrix buttons are nicely laid out, clearly labelled, easy to read.
The Evolver… I remember drolling over it, especially finding the matric stuff smart. I bought one. It was cool.
Then I tried a Little Phatty, whose announcement few years before made me think “c’mon guys… 4 knobs?! Really?..”. But it was big fun. I could make sound just lke I wanted really quick, sounded good etc.
Got a LP few months later and sold the Evolver.
BTW, I heard at this time (late 2000ies) that the MicroKorg was the main competitor to the Little Phatty by then.
I’ve got mine out on the synth rack this month. Love the sounds but I’m finding using it as a midi clock source to be less than reliable but that might just be the age of mine. I get odd sequence alignment when using it to clock the Digitakt (on drum duty) and touching the tempo control can sometimes/often make the tempo drop significantly before picking up again…maybe the pot needs a clean.
Love it anyway…
