AudioPilz Unleashes ‘The Monster’ – A Synth Odyssey

The stage is set on AudioPilz’s latest escapade into electronic mayhem with the introduction of the Arturia MatrixBrute. Florian Pilz doesn’t mince words, kicking off with a cheeky nod to its oversized, less universally lauded appeal compared to its illustrious sibling, the PolyBrute. Dubbed “The Monster,” this piece of 2017 hardware is his subject of critique as he dives into what makes this analog flagship tick—or perhaps fail to tick. The MatrixBrute boasts a synth architecture reminiscent of the beloved Minimoog but with a twist that’s as unique as a punk gig in a classical concert hall.

Florian takes us through the guts of the so-called monster, highlighting its three paraphonically playable analog oscillators. These aren’t just any oscillators—the first two bring in features from the synth’s smaller siblings, like Ultrasaw, Metalizer, and suboscillators that could inject so much tone; even an industrial sound system might blush. He cheekily describes the configuration as a concoction hot enough to burn even the bravest synth enthusiast.

He then shifts focus to the dual filter section, a hallmark of the MatrixBrute’s design, marrying Steiner-Parker circuits famed in lesser Arturia models with Moog-like innovation. Florian doesn’t sugarcoat the truth; he points out the notorious oscillator bleed of VCF1, a blemish on what could otherwise be a pristine audio pathway. Yet, for those with an experimental heart, cranking up the Brute Factor is more akin to adding a bit of livewire chaos to your sonic arsenal.

In an irresistibly sarcastic nod, he details how these elements, while nostalgic, might leave the synth community a bit cold in today’s world, which is overflowing with modern digital options. The MatrixBrute’s self-oscillating filters, with their precision tracking, still offer a distinctly raw, anarchic edge not easily replicated by software alone. As “Bad Gear” showcases, the MatrixBrute is not just an instrument—it’s a challenge to be embraced or perhaps a relic to be left in the past.

Florian’s exploration of the MatrixBrute doesn’t stop there. The modulation matrix takes centre stage, an area where the synth desperately tries to marry the traditional with the innovative. With a nod to modular synth magic, the matrix brings more than enough tweakability to satisfy even the most die-hard synth nerds. Each control point and knob is laid bare for what Florian beautifully describes as a Kindle-like display experience that’s both archaic and charmingly retro.

The synth’s complex envelope and LFO sections are dissected with a mix of respect and irreverence. Although the two LFOs are slow, Florian mentions that tuning VCO3 into a much faster LFO injects that necessary pace some sound designers crave. Coupled with an analog FX section featuring bucket brigade-based delays and modulation effects, the MatrixBrute still holds charm despite its age. Yet, Florian capably suggests these effects might not replace more polished pedal counterparts often found in modern setups.

What strikes audiences, however, is not the polished ethos of modern equipment but the approachable yet ‘Brutey’ character the MatrixBrute retains. It’s less about the quality of sound and more about its character—the bold, almost vintage arrogance that demands more from its user than just pressing a preset button. Florian’s review, as always, is a blend of incisive observation and tongue-in-cheek satire, making even the downsides entertaining.

As Florian wraps up, he acknowledges the MatrixBrute’s place in the synth history books. Despite its flaws, the MatrixBrute has an undeniable presence—like a punk legend that refuses to age gracefully, proud of its boisterous charm and unapologetic sound. The video closes with a heartfelt thank you to the people and supporters who helped bring this exploration to life, showcasing Florian’s appreciation for community and collaboration.

In this closing scene, the blend of humour, insight, and raw criticism that Florian wields offers not just a review but a celebration of what synth culture embraces—the odd, the challenging, and the beautifully chaotic. AudioPilz manages to carve out a narrative that celebrates the wonky spirit of hardware from another era, made entertaining through his inimitable style.

With references to his Patreon support and the community at large, Florian establishes a personal connection that feels both warm and genuine. Whether you’re a synth veteran or a newbie, AudioPilz’s take on the MatrixBrute calls for a chinwag over a noisy bar, dissecting the past, and anticipating what delights and dilemmas the next synth incarnation will bring.