Modal Electronics COBALT8X 8-Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer

Full Description

Unparalleled oscillator power and flexibility

The dual oscillator groups at the core of COBALT8X offer a level of creative potential rarely found in a hardware synthesizer. Each group can select from 40 different algorithms, ranging from classic virtual-analog forms to rich phase modulation, waveform morphing, and beyond. The result is an instrument capable of delivering anything from thunderous bass and pristine leads to strange, evolving soundscapes. Each algorithm provides intuitive real-time controls, letting you shape, modulate, and animate sounds with organic precision and endless variation, making COBALT8X a true sound designer's dream.

Advanced filter section with limitless sonic shaping

COBALT8X features a versatile filter architecture that offers a total of over 30 distinct filter types. Musicians can harness classic 4-pole Ladder Filters, advanced morphable State Variable Filters, and more exotic filter combinations that blend traditional lowpass, bandpass, and highpass behaviors with notch characteristics. These tools allow for smooth frequency transitions, aggressive resonance boosts, or delicate sculpting of the sound's harmonic content.

Deep modulation for evolving soundscapes

Modulation is where the COBALT8X truly comes alive. It offers three LFOs, each capable of audio-rate performance, plus three fully independent envelope generators designed for filter, amp, and modulation duties. The powerful 12-slot modulation matrix gives users full freedom to route modulation sources to countless destinations, opening up endless dynamic movement and intricate sound evolution. From subtle vibrato to extreme, chaotic transformations, COBALT8X allows you to craft lively patches that feel truly alive with motion and expression.

Sequencing, arpeggiation, and expressive control

COBALT8X’s 512-note real-time and step sequencer, combined with four Animation Lanes, lets users program melodic and textural compositions of impressive complexity. Its 64-note step sequencer mode allows for easy input of evolving patterns, while the programmable 32-step arpeggiator offers advanced performance features like Chord Hold and Sustain Latch. The inclusion of a premium FATAR keybed with aftertouch, a dynamic X/Y joystick, and extensive MPE support enables nuanced and responsive performances that breathe life into every note played.

Studio-quality FX and connectivity for every workflow

The onboard three-slot stereo FX engine elevates every sound crafted on the COBALT8X. Musicians can choose from 26 professional-grade effects, including wide ambient reverbs, lush choruses, rich delays, dynamic phasers, and intricate modulation effects. The FX engines are fully tweakable, offering deep control for detailed sound polishing. Connecting the COBALT8X into a broader setup is effortless thanks to its full-size MIDI I/O, USB-MIDI, headphone and line outputs, sustain and expression pedal inputs, and sync capabilities. Poly-chain support allows linking two units for a staggering 16 voices, opening up even broader creative horizons.

Expansive memory and deep software integration

With 500 memory slots for patches, 100 customizable FX configurations, and 100 sequencer presets, COBALT8X ensures that musicians will never run out of creative space. Out of the box, 300 expertly designed patches showcase the synth's vast sonic capabilities, while the free MODALapp provides intuitive visual editing, patch management, and firmware updating on macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, and Android. Seamless integration into any studio or live setup, paired with road-ready hardware durability, ensures that the COBALT8X is ready for whatever musical journey you embark on.

Features

• Dual oscillator groups with 40 unique algorithms including virtual-analog, phase modulation, and waveform morphing
• Over 30 filter types including 4-pole Ladder Filters and morphable State Variable Filters
• Three audio-rate LFOs and three independent envelope generators for deep modulation
• 12-slot modulation matrix for flexible routing and dynamic sound shaping
• 512-note real-time and step sequencer with four Animation Lanes for complex compositions
• 64-note step sequencer and 32-step programmable arpeggiator with advanced features
• Premium FATAR keybed with aftertouch, X/Y joystick, and full MPE support for expressive play
• Three-slot stereo FX engine with 26 studio-quality effects including reverb, chorus, delay, and phaser
• Full MIDI I/O, USB-MIDI, sustain and expression pedal inputs, headphone and line outputs, and poly-chain capability
• 500 patch memory slots, 100 FX presets, and 100 sequencer presets for expansive creative storage
• Preloaded with 300 expert patches showcasing diverse sonic capabilities
• MODALapp software for visual editing, patch management, and firmware updates across all major platforms

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
• Oscillator Groups: 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: Included
• Algorithms: Various Algorithms Available
• Filter: 31 Resonant Filter Types Including Morphable And Static Filters
• Cutoff Scaling: Two Distinctive Modes
• Filter Types: Multiple Filter Types Available
• Modulation:
  • Envelope Generators: Three Dedicated Envelope Generators For AMP, MOD And FILTER, Including Negative (Reverse) Versions
  • LFOs: Three Audio-Rate LFOs With Tempo Sync (Two Poly, One Global) With Seven Different Shapes
  • Modulation Slots: Eight Assignable Modulation Slots And Four Additional Fixed Modulation Routings
  • Modulation Sources/Destinations: 12 Modulation Sources And 55 Modulation Destinations
• Sequencer And Arpeggiator:
  • Real-Time Sequencer: Polyphonic, 512 Notes, Four Recordable/Edit Parameter Animations, Internal Or External Clock
  • Step Sequencer: 64 Steps, 8 Notes Per Step, 4 Lanes Of Parameter-Lock Style Animation, Multiple Playback Modes
  • Arpeggiator: Programmable, 32 Steps With Rest Capability, Up To 2048 Steps Before Repeating
• FX: Three Independent And User-Configurable Stereo FX Engines With 26 Effects Algorithms Including Drive, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Tremolo, LoFi, Rotary, Stereo Delay, Ping-Pong Delay, X-Over Delay And Reverb
• User Memory:
  • Patch Memories: 500 Total, 300 Factory Programs
  • Sequencer Presets: 100, Linkable To Patches
  • FX Presets: 100
  • Quick Recall Slots: 8 Slots Accessible From The Panel
• Controls And Performance:
  • Keyboard: Premium FATAR 61-Key Keyboard With Velocity And Channel Aftertouch
  • Encoders/Buttons: 29 Endless Encoders, 24 Buttons
  • Joystick: 4-Axis Joystick For Modulation Control With Locking Option
  • Keyboard Modes: Mono, Poly, Unison 2, Unison 4, Unison 8, Stack 2, Stack 4
  • Glide/Portamento: Both Legato And Staccato Modes
  • Chord Invert Control: For Creating Chord Inversions And Variations
  • MPE Support: Available
• Inputs And Outputs:
  • Line Outputs: 6.35 mm / 1/4″ TS Dual-Mono
  • Headphone Output: 6.35 mm / 1/4″ TRS
  • Stereo Audio Input: 3.5 mm / 1/8″ TRS
  • MIDI: DIN In And Out
  • Clock Sync: 3.5 mm / 1/8″ TS Analogue Clock Sync In And Out
  • USB MIDI: Class-Compliant MIDI Over USB
  • Expression Pedal Input: 6.35 mm / 1/4″ TRS
  • Sustain Pedal Input: 6.35 mm / 1/4″ TS
• Enclosure And Display:
  • Enclosure: Steel And Aluminium With Stained Bamboo End Cheeks
  • Display: 1.54-Inch Large OLED Display
• Power: DC-9.0V – 1.5A Centre-Positive
• Editor Software: Free MODALapp Software Editor Available For macOS, Windows, iOS And Android, With VST3 And AU Versions
• General:
  • Dimensions (L × W × H): 885 × 300 × 100 mm / 34.8″ × 11.8″ × 4″
  • Weight: 9 kg / 19.9 lbs
  • Product Code: COBALT8X