Gear Hunter

Modal Electronics - COBALT8X

Description

Unlock the full creative potential of analogue waveforms.

COBALT8X features an innovative oscillator engine and new morphable 4-Pole Ladder Filter. Combined with Modal's unparalleled modulation options, an inspiring real-time / step sequencer, the energising arpeggiator, Premium FATAR 61-note keyboard, MPE, studio-quality effects and MODALapp integration, COBALT8X 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.

Highlights
* Play rich analogue-style sounds driven by COBALT8X's Extended Virtual-Analogue Synthesis, combining traditional technology with modern synth features
* Create your own signature sounds by harnessing the power of COBALT8X's unique waveform architecture with 34 complex sophisticated algorithms and Modal's morphable 4-pole Ladder Filter
* Bring performance to a new level with MPE support, the integrated 512-note Realtime/Step Sequencer, 32-step programmable Arpeggiator and powerful Animation Lanes
* Express yourself with the class-leading 61-note key bed with aftertouch, built into a road-ready aluminium enclosure
* Integrate COBALT8 into your production and live performances with the full-size MIDI connections and the 3.5mm Sync Ins and Outs
* Access all synthesiser functions and update COBALT8 via the free MODALapp, available on macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, Android and AU/VST3

Features and Specifications

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, 34 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:
* 4-Pole Morphable Ladder Filter with Resonance and four switchable configurations
* Resonance and Balanced Filter Modes

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 function
* Built-In sophisticated programmable arpeggiator of 32 steps with rest capability with up to 2048 steps before repeating

FX: Three incredibly powerful independent and user-configurable stereo FX engines for Chorus, Phaser, Flanger (Pos), Flanger (Neg), Tremolo, LoFi, Rotary, Stereo Delay, Ping-Pong Delay, X-Over Delay and Reverb that can be arranged in any order

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 61-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

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: 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): 855 x 300 x 100 mm / 33.7" x 11.8" x 4"
* Weight: 9 kg / 19.9 lbs