Modal Electronics COBALT8 - 8 Voice Extended Virtual Analog Synthesizer
PRODUCT CODE: MDE-COBALT8
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Building on the tradition of warm and punchy analogue-style synth sounds, conceived by legendary synthesisers from the past, COBALT8 unlocks the full creative potential of analogue waveforms. This powerful, inspiring instrument reinvents the aesthetics of analogue sounds and invites musicians, producers and sound designers to explore a new era of virtual-analogue synthesiser textures, far beyond the limits of its analogue forefathers.
On top of the innovative oscillator engine of COBALT8, we added a massive arsenal of inspiring morphable and static filters. Combined with Modal’s unparalleled modulation options, an inspiring real-time / step sequencer, the energising arpeggiator, the Premium FATAR 37-note keyboard, MPE, studio-quality effects and MODALapp integration, COBALT8 is the perfect synth for everyone who wants a versatile electronic music instrument to play vintage synth sounds and is eager to enter new sound dimensions.
Eight true polyphonic voices tempt players to lay out wide string or rich synth pad chords, while a monophonic bass or lead patch, played with 64 oscillators can shake the walls of every stadium. And with the avant-garde sound forming features, every synth enthusiast can refine his performance with sounds that no other synthesiser is able to generate.
Analogue Goodness and so much more
Two independent oscillator groups with up to 4 oscillators each generate not only powerful virtual-analogue goodness, but like no other synthesiser before, 40 unique complex algorithms like Sync, Ring Modulation, Waveform Morphing, and many more are available to increase the creative options for new-generation synth sounds. Each Algorithm has a simple-to-use pair of controls selected to suit the particular algorithm or character, providing musicians the power of traditionally complex oscillator modulations or processes spontaneously.
Filter Extravaganza
COBALT8’s filter section contains a wide selection of over 30 different filter types to tastefully tailor the sonic content of the algorithms mix. Our advanced morphable 2-Pole-State Variable Filters and 4-Pole Ladder Filters provide incredible flexibility for unconventional as well as classic synth sounds. Various Lowpass, Bandpass and Highpass Ladder Filters with drive, combinations of traditional filter types with Notch characteristics, and much more unlock even more classic tones and expand COBALT8’s experimental capabilities with the more complex filter outputs to create sounds that no one could imagine before.
Shape your Sound
Three flexible audio-rate (2 x polyphonic) LFOs can be routed to a massive amount of destinations using the modulation matrix and sync to internal or external tempo. Three dedicated envelopes for the filter, amp and modulation allow excessive control over dynamics and expression. Switchable envelope types provide greater options to tailor the envelopes for specific sound purposes. COBALT8’s sophisticated 12-slot modulation matrix supports easy assignments of complex modulation routes to keep the sound evolving. Four common modulation routings are pre-set here to free up space for more exciting ideas.
Next-generation Sequencer and Arp
The integrated 512-note Realtime / Step Sequencer with four powerful Animation Lanes invites to compose massive and complex melodic patterns. The polyphonic 64-note step sequencer mode enables easy step input for note and animation values. Multiple sequencer trigger modes coupled with the powerful onboard arpeggiator (programmable up to 32 steps) and performance features such as Chord Hold, Inversions, Transpose, Sustain Latch.
It’s about Playing
Professional keyboard players will love COBALT8’s rugged steel and aluminium chassis and the premium FATAR 37-note full-size key bed. The keys support channel aftertouch and deliver smooth action to express powerful playing performances. For direct access of the parameters, COBALT8 features 29 endless knobs, 24 buttons and an X/Y joystick for pitch or modulation, and MPE support offers new ways of creative expression for sophisticated performers.
Studio-grade FX included
Polish your sounds with the onboard stereo effects engine. COBALT8 comes with a 3-slot FX engine with in-depth FX programming. To round up your synth tone, 26 studio-grade FX algorithms add character and depth, including rich Reverbs, warm Chorus effects, swirling Phasers and Flangers, Tremolo, LoFi, Rotary, wide Delays, Equaliser, Compressor and more.
Looking to connect
Set to be played in any synth environment, COBALT8 comes with all physical connections required. Control the synth using USB, monitor with headphones or using the dedicated line outputs, sync with external gear using the full-size MIDI in and out or the 3.5 mm Sync in or outputs and take control of your sound using the built-in Sustain and Expression inputs. By poly-chaining any two COBALT8 devices, the amount of voices is easily doubled to 16 voices and 128 oscillators.
Access all Areas
There is plenty of room to store patches, effects and sequence creations. Out of the box, 300 of the total 500 patches are filled with factory patch banks, carefully programmed by some of the most accomplished sound designers in the world. One hundred customised effects configurations and sequences can be stored as well to be applied to any sound while performing.
Enjoy Peace of Mind with Our Extended 3-Year Warranty
Specification
Polyphony
True 8 voice polyphonic
MPE
Supports MPE-compatible MIDI controllers, allowing you to apply polyphonic control and expression to individual notes
Oscillators
64 high-resolution virtual-analogue oscillators, up to 8 per voice
Two independent and self-contained oscillator groups with sine, pulse, triangle, sawtooth waveforms, 40 different algorithms including: complex analogue synthesis techniques, built-in crossmodulation (SYNC, RM, and many more), PWM, smooth morphing between VA waves, bit crushing, filtered noise.
Extended Oscillator Drift
+ Algorithms
Filter
31 resonant Filter types including morphable and static filters
Cutoff Scaling with two distinctive modes
+ Filter Types
Modulation
Three dedicated envelope generators for AMP, MOD and FILTER that can be accessed independently or all three simultaneously, including negative (reverse) versions for MOD and FILTER ENVs
Three audio-rate LFOs with tempo sync (two poly, one global) with seven different shapes
Eight assignable modulation slots and four additional fixed modulation routings for common assignments with 12 modulation sources and 55 modulation destinations
Sequencer and Arpeggiator
Polyphonic Real-time sequencer with 512 notes and four recordable/editable parameter animations (Delay FX, LFOs, sequencer and arpeggiator can be either clocked internally or externally)
Polyphonic Step Sequencer with 64 steps, 8 notes per step, 4 lanes of Parameter-Lock style animation, Step Input mode, multiple playback modes including gate modes and rest functionality
Built-In sophisticated programmable arpeggiator of 32 steps with rest capability with up to 2048 steps before repeating
FX
Three independent and user-configurable stereo FX engines for 26 Effects algorithms, incl. Drive, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Tremolo, LoFi, Rotary, Stereo Delay, Ping-Pong Delay, X-Over Delay and Reverb.
User Memory
500 patch memories, all fully editable and ships with 300 factory programs
100 sequencer presets that can be linked to any patch for quickly loading arrangements
100 FX presets
8 Quick Recall slots accessible from the panel for quickly loading your favourite patches
Controls and Performance
Premium FATAR 37-key Keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch
29 endless encoders, 24 buttons
4-axis joystick that can be assigned to a huge range of modulation destinations and virtually ‘locked’ when desired
Multiple keyboard modes, Mono, Poly, Unison 2, unison 4, unison 8,
Stack 2 and Stack 4
Glide/Portamento with both legato and staccato modes
Chord Invert control to easily create chord inversions and variations
Supports MPE-compatible MIDI controllers, allowing you to apply polyphonic control and expression to individual notes
Inputs and Outputs
6.35 mm / 1/4″ TS dual-mono line outputs
6.35 mm / 1/4″ TRS headphone output
3.5 mm / 1/8″ TRS stereo audio input
MIDI DIN In and Out
3.5 mm / 1/8″ TS Analogue clock sync In and Out
Class-compliant MIDI over USB connection
6.35 mm / 1/4″ TRS expression pedal input
6.35 mm / 1/4″ TS sustain pedal input
Enclosure and Display
Road-ready steel and aluminium enclosure with economical stained bamboo end cheeks
1.54-inch large OLED display for instant visual feedback at all times of playing/editing
Power
Power: DC-9.0V – 1.5A centre-positive
Editor Software
Free MODALapp software editor available for macOS, Windows, iOS and Android
MODALapp can also be run within your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), with VST3 and AU versions available
General
Dimensions (L x W x H): 555 x 300 x 100 mm / 21.9″ x 11.8″ x 4″
Weight: 5.60 kg / 12.4 lbs
Free MODALapp for immersive sound programming sessions
The free MODALapp brings the comfort of screen-based editing on your computer or mobile device. Available as a standalone app for macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS or Android systems and in VST3 and AU plug-in formats, it is the perfect companion for synth enthusiasts looking to deep dive into all sound forming and performance parameters to create their own signature sounds and to backup and manage patches and sequences.
