Modal’s Cobalt in 61-Key and Rack

Hot on the heels of Cobalt8 VA and Argon8 Wavetable Synths, Modal Electronics announces the Cobalt8X and 8M, completing the Cobalt8 synth series with 61-key and module/rack renditions, respectively, both bringing traditional and entirely new analogue-style sound textures to modern music creation and production. Cobalt employs an innovative, sophisticated synthesis concept comprising two oscillator groups with selectable algorithms in self-contained elements enabling multiple oscillator modulations, an all-new 4-pole morphable ladder filter with switchable configurations and a huge modulation engine.

The Cobalt8X 8 Voice Extended Virtual-Analogue Synthesiser unlocks the full creative potential of analogue waveforms with the same sophisticated synthesis concept birthed by its Cobalt8  sibling. As such, this powerful instrument reinvents the aesthetics of analogue sounds and also invites musicians, producers, and sound designers to explore a new era of VA synthesiser textures, thanks to the Cobalt8 synth series’ innovative oscillator engine. Encompassing up to 64 high-resolution VA oscillators with extended drift and up to eight available for each of its eight true polyphonic voices via two independent and self- contained Osc (oscillator) groups, including sine, pulse, triangle, and sawtooth waveforms alongside 34 unique algorithms allowing for complex analogue synthesis techniques, built-in cross-modulation (sync, ring modulation, and more), PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), smooth morphing between VA waves, bit crushing, and filtered noise — bolstered by Modal Electronics’ new morphable 4-Pole Ladder Filter with Cutoff (frequency), Res (resonance), and Morph controls to inject more warmth and bite into the creative proceedings. 

Put it this way: when combined with the leading British synthesiser manufacturer’s unparalleled modulation implementation, inspiring real-time/step sequencer, animating arpeggiator, MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) support, studio-quality effects, multi-platform MODALapp sound editor integration, and, now, a premium FATAR 61-note keyboard enabling extended playing, Cobalt8X is the perfect synth for anyone who wants a versatile electronic music instrument to play vintage synth sounds balanced by an eagerness to enter new sound dimensions.

Duly offering more of the same, albeit in a space-saving desktop module/rack form factor for those who wish to play it from an external — possibly MPE-capable — keyboard, the Cobalt8M does what its eye-catching metallic front fascia states. Saying that, though, all three Cobalt8 synth series siblings’ 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 of those high-resolution VA oscillators can clearly shake the walls of any studio or stadium! And avant-garde sound-forming features ensure every synth enthusiast can refine their performance with whichever of the three inspiring instruments they choose to use, utilising sounds that no other synthesiser is able to generate. Getting one of them will surely far from disappoint! 

Cobalt8X and Cobalt8M will soon be both shipping and available through selected Modal Electronics dealers worldwide in December 2020.