The COBALT8M from MODAL Electronics is an 8-voice polyphonic virtual analogue synthesiser with 64 oscillators (8 per voice), a morphable multi-mode filter with a staggering 31 different filter types and a sound palette that ranges from classic analogue sounds to previously unheard soundscapes. If desired, the waveforms known and loved from legendary analogue synthesisers can be modulated by 40 different algorithms such as cross modulation, PWM, morphing, bit crushing, etc. and thus deformed into completely new sounds. The compact synth can be used either as a space-saving desktop module or, with the enclosed rack adapters, within a 19"-rack. using an optional controller, the COBALT8M also supports MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) for particularly expressive performances. The resonant multimode filter offers a choice of 31 different filter models and can be continuously morphed between different modes in the proven MODAL tradition. On the modulation side, the COBALT8M offers three envelopes (amp, mod and filter) as well as 3 LFOs (2 x polyphonic, 1 x global), which can be managed together with all other modulation sources in 8 freely assignable slots and a further 4 preset slots. If desired, the sounds created in this way can be animated via the programmable arpeggiator or the polyphonic sequencer with 64 steps or 512 notes. To round off the sounds perfectly, there is also an extensive effects section in which up to 3 effects can be used simultaneously. The free MODALapp, which is available for PC, Mac, iOS and Android, as well as in the VST3 and AU plug-in formats, makes it easy to edit and manage the sounds on the screen.
- 8-voice polyphonic virtual analogue synthesiser with 64 high-resolution oscillators (up to 8 per voice).
- ARGON8 desktop/rack module (without keys)
- 2 independent oscillator groups with sine, pulse, triangle and square waveforms
- 40 different algorithms, including complex analogue synthesis techniques, cross modulation (SYNC, RM and many more), PWM, smooth crossfading between virtual-analogue waveforms, bit crushing and filtered noise
- MPE-compatible (MIDI Polyphonic Expression, corresponding external controller required)
- Morphable multi-mode filter with 31 different filter types
- 3 envelopes (amp, mod and filter)
- 3 LFOs that extend into the audio range (2 x polyphonic, 1 x global)
- 8 freely assignable + 4 permanently assigned modulation slots
- 12 modulation sources and 55 modulation destinations
- Freely assignable 4-way joystick for pitch bend & modulations
- 26 endless knobs (13 with switch function) and 9 buttons
- Different keyboard modes: mono, poly, unison 2, unison 4, unison 8, stack 2 and stack 4
- Glide / portamento with legato and staccato modes
- Polyphonic Real Time Sequencer for up to 512 notes
- Polyphonic step sequencer with 64 steps (up to 8 notes per step) and 4 animation tracks
- Programmable arpeggiator with 32 steps
- 3 simultaneous effect slots with studio-quality stereo effects (chorus, chorus v2, phaser, flanger (positive / negative), tremolo, lo-fi, rotary, delay (stereo, ping-pong, x-over), reverb)
- 500 memory locations for patches (300 factory preset, can be overwritten)
- 100 memory locations for sequences
- 100 memory locations for effect presets
- Desktop module with additional rack brackets for 19-rack mounting
- Connections: Line Out (L/Mono, R), Headphone Out, Stereo In (mini jack), MIDI IN / OUT, Analog Sync In / Out (mini jack), USB, Expression Pedal In, Sustain Pedal In
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 384 x 127 x 81 mm
- Weight: 2.1 kg
- Free MODALapp software (editor / librarian / updater) for Mac, PC, iOS and Android as well as plug-in version in AU and VST3 formats
