Update via Xavier in the comments: "there was a remote programmer planned for the matrix 6/6R. I am not sure whether Oberheim ever released such a piece of hardware but Access (from the later Virus fame) went on business manufacturing such an accessory.
Here is a picture
Btw, there is also a very nice bit of info here: http://matrixsynth.blogspot.com/2006/10/access-matrix-1000-programmer.html
Cheers
Xavier"
I recently read that the Oberheim Matrix-6/6R supported remote control functionality. I did a quick search and came across this page. I back tracked and found the site had sysex pages on a number of synths. Title link takes you to the list. As for remote control of the Matrix-6, check out the Matrix-6 page for the full list, however I noticed this interesting bit:
"Select Quick Patch Edit This operation selects the Quick mode of the Patch Edit function on the M-6. The M-6 must be in Patch Edit mode in order to act upon parameter change commands."
The Matrix-6, and 6R are notorious for not working well with external knob boxes. If you are having trouble getting one to work, you could try it in Edit mode. I think I did once and still didn't get my Matrix-6 to work, but I believe I have an old OS.
The listing is from the author Peter Forrest who states this is likely the last set. These are great books and imo the most comprehensive. Click on the pics to get an idea of what they are like. Peter also has other items listed including The Museum of Synthesizer Technology and Synthesizer von Gestern II.
"Technical productdemo for the #CCTranslator which converts common Midi Control Change (aka 'CC') data into highly specialized #SysEx parameter change commands. This allows to remote or automate vintage Synthesizers like e.g. the #Waldorf #Microwave, #Matrix1000, #TX-81Z in your DAW. In the video these three Synths are automated - each with 4 parameters - from a dashboard in FL Studio. The Matrix1000 is running the tauntek firmware which reflects parameter changes on the LED display. Some little timing issues but mostly it works quite well. Most of the automation data was optimized by drawing steps and preventing redundant data. Depending on your DAW, automation curves can produce a LOT of data which might result in timing problems or missed events."
"The MIDI TOOLS are tiny, cute boxes manipulating Midi Data. They will be plugged in between the sender (MIDI OUT of DAW or Keyboard) and the receiver (MIDI IN of Synthesizer) and will be supplied with power from the connected Midi cable – there is no power supply jack. This is quite practical and works with the vast majority of equipment.
The Midi Tools are coming in 3 flavours:
The PolyChainer will be plugged in between the Synth Programmer and allows playing two Matrix 1000/6/6R (or other Synths) with 12 note polyphony
The CCTranslator translates ordinary Control Change (“CC”) messages into the complex SysEx commands to control and remote your vintage Synthesizer
The ChordTransposeFilter offers 4 features at the same time: Chord Memory, transposition of incoming midi notes, filtering of undesired Midi data and a simple MIDI Thru
The MidiTools are housed in a beautiful stainless steel case, the upper half painted in transparent strawberry red, yum. Like all Stereoping products their firmware can easly be updated over Midi. Please click the tabs for more info about the little helpers."
