Modal Electronics COBALT8 Virtual Analog Synthesizer

Full Description

A whole new beast – firmware version 2 is here!

Building on the success of the powerful Cobalt synthesizer, Modal have refined and enhanced nearly every aspect, with tons of upgrades and exciting new features within firmware version 2. One of the most unique new features is the ‘Vintage’ parameter and Oscillator Free Run which allows you to tap into the tonality and style of classic synths. 27 new filter types are also included, expanding your sound design capabilities, including everything from 2-pole state variable filters to highpass ladder filter and everything in between.

The new filter types utilise ‘Drive’ and ‘Morph’ parameters so you can dial in your filter with precision. The factory preset bank has also been updated to showcase the sonic power of all the new upgrades and new additions.

14 powerful new effects are also included, such as a three-band EQ, compressor, unisoniser, stereo drive, mono drive and new versions of the classic reverb and phaser effects. With two additional effect slots added, you can incorporate more processing power and get in-depth with your sound shaping. The new scaling Cutoff Scaling patch parameter allows you to tap into even more flexible filter cutoff behaviour with three varying modes to choose from.

Sound innovation: rich and flexible tone generation

COBALT8’s dual oscillator groups, each with up to four oscillators, push the boundaries of traditional virtual-analog sound generation. Offering 40 complex algorithms, including Sync, Ring Modulation, and Waveform Morphing, COBALT8 empowers users to build rich harmonic textures and dynamic soundscapes. Each algorithm is paired with dedicated controls, enabling real-time manipulation and creative performance tweaks without diving through complicated menus. This architecture ensures that every sound crafted on COBALT8 can range from classic vintage warmth to aggressive and contemporary sonic experiments.

Powerful and extensive filter options

The COBALT8’s filter section is a playground for shaping sonic character. With over 30 filter types available, users can explore everything from smooth, warm low-pass filters to dynamic high-pass and band-pass configurations. The advanced morphable two-pole state-variable filters and classic four-pole ladder filters offer flexibility that adapts to both subtle sound design and extreme tonal manipulation. Drive and morph parameters add extra dimensions of control, encouraging exploration of vintage-inspired tones as well as brand-new, unique textures that push creative boundaries.

Shaping movement: advanced modulation system

COBALT8 includes a comprehensive modulation setup featuring three flexible audio-rate LFOs and three dedicated envelopes for amp, filter, and modulation duties. Each LFO offers variable waveforms and can sync internally or externally, while the envelopes offer switchable types to suit different performance and sound design needs. The 12-slot modulation matrix makes it easy to assign complex modulation routings, with four preconfigured common paths to speed up workflow. This system allows for deeply animated sounds, intricate rhythmic textures, and expressive performance dynamics that evolve over time.

Sequencing and arpeggiation - unlock endless creativity

With the 512-note real-time and step sequencer, COBALT8 invites musicians to create detailed and evolving musical patterns. Each sequence benefits from four powerful animation lanes, providing control over parameter changes for rich, moving sounds. The onboard arpeggiator, programmable up to 32 steps, includes features like Chord Hold, Inversions, Transpose, and Sustain Latch, offering intricate melodic and harmonic possibilities. Combined, these tools transform COBALT8 into a complete performance machine, equally suited to crafting studio masterpieces or delivering dynamic live sets.

Studio-grade effects for final polish

COBALT8’s onboard three-slot stereo effects engine is packed with 26 high-quality algorithms, delivering everything from expansive reverbs and crystalline delays to lush choruses and rich phasers. Real-time effects modulation allows users to sculpt and evolve their patches during recording or performance. Additionally, processing tools like compression and EQ are included to refine the final output, ensuring that every sound coming from COBALT8 stands out with clarity and depth in any mix or live setting.

Room for creativity with onboard storage and presets

COBALT8 provides extensive memory, with 500 patch slots available to store custom creations. 300 expertly crafted factory presets are included out of the box, covering a wide range of musical styles and sound design approaches. An additional 100 user-configurable effects setups and 100 sequencer presets offer instant access to polished effects chains and complex rhythmic foundations. This combination of flexibility and ready-made inspiration ensures that COBALT8 is a catalyst for creativity, offering the tools needed to explore, experiment, and perform without limits.

Features

• Firmware version 2.0 now available with 27 new filter types, 14 powerful new effects, two new effects slots and unique 'Vintage' parameter and oscillator free run
• Unparalleled manipulation via 9 knobs, 24 buttons, and X/Y joystick
• Compact, portable design allows you to play and produce anywhere
• Power supply provided
• Comes complete with 500 preset spaces
• Infinite routing possibilities allow you to constantly create new, exciting textures
• Ideal for production and performance activities
• Boasts stylish aqua blue finish

Specifications

• Polyphony: True 8 voice polyphonic
• 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
• Filter:
  • Four-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 LFO’s 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:
  • Realtime sequencer with 512 notes with polyphonic mode and four recordable/editable parameter animations (Delay FX, LFO’s, sequencer and arpeggiator can be either clocked internally or externally)
  • 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:
  • Patches: 500, all fully editable and ships with 300 factory programs
  • Sequencer: 100 sequences that can be linked to any patch for quickly loading arrangements
  • FX: 100 presets
  • Eight Quick Recall slots accessible from the panel for quickly loading your favourite patches
• Controls and Performance:
  • Premium FATAR TP/9S 37-note Keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch
  • 29 endless encoders, 24 buttons
  • Four-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
• Enclosure and Display:
  • Road-ready steel and aluminium enclosure
  • 1.54-inch large OLED display for instant visual feedback at all times of playing/editing
• Inputs and Outputs:
  • 2 x unbalanced 6.3 mm (1/4”) TS outputs (L/R)
  • Stereo 6.3 mm (1/4”) stereo headphone output
  • Stereo 3.5 mm (1/8”) input with ability to route incoming audio through the FX
  • 6.3 mm (1/4”) sustain pedal jack
  • 6.3 mm (1/4”) expression pedal jack
  • 3.5 mm (1/8”) Analogue clock sync in and out (configured to the KORG / Teenage Engineering specification)
  • MIDI DIN in and out
  • Class-compliant MIDI over USB connection to host computer or tablet
• Power:
  • Power: DC-9.0V - 1.5A centre-positive
• Editor Software:
  • Free MODALapp software editor for macOS, Windows, iOS and Android
  • MODALplugin to access COBALT8 within your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), with VST3 and AU versions available
• General:
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 55.5 x 30 x 10 cm (21.9 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches)
  • Weight: 5.6kg (12.35 lbs)
  • Product Code: COBALT8