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Modal Electronics Cobalt8X 61-key 8-voice Extended Virtual Analog Synthesizer

61-key Synthesizer, with 8-voice Polyphony, up to 8 Oscillators per Voice, 4-mode/4-pole Ladder Filter, 3 FX Engines, Step Sequencer, Arpeggiator, and MPE Mode
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Modal Electronics Cobalt8X 61-key 8-voice Extended Virtual Analog Synthesizer
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Explore the Limitless Potential of Virtual Analog

With true 8-voice polyphony, up to eight oscillators per voice, three effects engines, and advanced sequencing and arpeggiation, the Modal Electronics Cobalt8X 61-key virtual analog synthesizer offers endless sound design potential. With its glorious 4-pole ladder filter and classic oscillator waveforms, you'll be able to conjure practically any iconic subtractive synth sound. And with 40 advanced algorithms, including cross modulation and wave morphing, plus 12 modulation sources and 55 modulation destinations, Cobalt8X delivers sound design capabilities far beyond what analog synths can offer. Complete with plug-in support for seamless integration with your DAW, MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) support, and a comprehensive software editor for Mac, PC, iOS, and Android, the Modal Electronics Cobalt8X could is the workhorse virtual analog synthesizer you've been waiting for.

Sequences can be linked to any patch

Synthesists at Sweetwater love built-in sequencers on synths — firing up a sequence is the best way to quickly audition your sounds in action — and we're extremely impressed with the Cobalt8X's sequencing capabilities. You can sequence up to 512 notes, a polyphonic mode is available for sequencing chords, and you can record your knob movements for up to four different parameters. Best of all, you can save up to 100 of your sequences for instant recall, and you can link any of them with any patch you create. That means if you come up with an inspiring sequence, you can easily load it into any new patch you create to experiment with different sounds.

Extensive modulation and hands-on control

Equipped with 29 endless encoders and 24 buttons, as well as a 4-axis joystick and a Fatar TP/9S keybed with aftertouch, the Modal Electronics Cobalt8X synthesizer gives you plenty of opportunities to get hands on with your sounds. And you have plenty of potential to animate your sounds, with 12 modulation sources that you can assign to any of 55 modulation destinations. From bread-and-butter synth leads, plucks, and basses to evocative soundscapes and evolving arpeggiations, Cobalt8X is a versatile sound design tool.

Plug-in control and MODALapp sound editor

When you're ready to bring your sounds and sequences into your DAW, Modal Electronics' Cobalt8X offers a seamless workflow thanks to the MODALplugin (VST3/AU). Connect your Cobalt8X to your computer via USB, and the MODALplugin gives you software control over your synth. Not only will you be able to draw automation in your DAW to control synth parameters, all of your patch settings will be saved along with your DAW session files. And speaking of patch settings, the MODALapp sound editor for Mac, PC, iOS, and Android gives you the freedom to craft sounds and organize your custom patches on your platform of choice.

Modal Electronics Cobalt8X 61-key Synthesizer Features:

  • 61-key virtual analog synthesizer with 8-voice polyphony
  • Up to 8 oscillators per voice for up to 64 simultaneous oscillators
  • Osc wave shapes range from simple saw, pulse, triangle, and sine, to 40 complex algorithms including cross modulation (PWM, Osc sync, ring mod, and more) and wave morphing
  • 4-pole resonant ladder filter with 4 switchable configurations
  • 3 dedicated envelope generators for (Amp, Filter, Mod) can be accessed individually or simultaneously
  • 3 audio-rate-capable LFOs, with 7 wave shapes and tempo sync (2 polyphonic, 1 global)
  • Real-time 512-note sequencer, with polyphonic mode and 4 recordable parameter animations
  • Programmable 32-step arpeggiator with rest function (rest up to 2048 steps)
  • 3 independent stereo effects engines for chorus, phaser, flanger (positive and negative), tremolo, lo-fi, rotary, stereo delay, ping-pong delay, x-over delay, and reverb
  • 500 user preset locations, with 300 editable factory programs
  • 100 sequences can be saved and linked to any patch
  • 8 quick recall slots allow for instant recall of your favorite sounds
  • Multiple keyboard modes include mono, poly, unison 2, unison 4, unison 8, stack 2, and stack 4
  • Glide/portamento with legato and staccato modes
  • Rugged steel and aluminum construction
  • 1/8-inch analog clock sync input and output, configured to Korg/Teenage Engineering spec
  • 1/8-inch aux input for routing external audio through effects
  • Class-compliant MIDI over USB can be used with tablets and smartphones
  • MPE Mode supports MPE-capable controllers

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Keyboard Synthesizer with Sequencer
  • Analog/Digital: Analog
  • Number of Keys: 61
  • Aftertouch: Yes
  • Polyphony: 8 Voices
  • Number of Presets: 300 factory, 500 user
  • Oscillators: 8 x VCO per voice
  • Waveforms: Sine, Triangle, Saw, Pulse
  • LFO: 3 x LFO (polyphonic/global mode)
  • Filter: 4-pole Ladder Filter
  • Envelope Generator: 3 x EG (amp, filter, mod)
  • Effects Types: 100 FX presets (chorus, phaser, flanger, tremolo, lo-fi, rotary, delay, reverb)
  • Arpeggiator: Yes
  • Sequencer: Real-time 512-note
  • Audio Inputs: 1 x 1/8" TRS (stereo)
  • Audio Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TS (Left/Mono, Right)
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/4" TRS
  • USB: 1 x Type B
  • MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB, MIDI Polyphonic Expression
  • Pedal Inputs: 1 x 1/4" (expression), 1 x 1/4" (sustain)
  • Other I/O: 2 x 1/8" TS (clock sync)
  • Mod Matrix: 8 Assignable Slots, 4 Fixed Slots, 12 Sources, 55 Destinations
  • Software: MODALapp
  • OS Requirements - Mac: OS X 10.10 or later, iOS 12 later
  • OS Requirements - PC: Windows 8 or later, Android 6.0 or later
  • Power Source: 9V DC power supply (included)
  • Height: 4"
  • Width: 33.7"
  • Depth: 11.8"
  • Weight: 19.9 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: AMS-COBALT8X

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 4.5/5

Awsome-Sounding Synth

I'm really enjoying the sounds this thing produces, just the presets are amazing. I've not yet had a chance to really get into it in-depth. Love the Fatar keybed and the aftertouch is nice. The aesthetics of the instrument are on-point. USB connectivity worked perfectly without any problems, unlike my Korg Wavestate which I still have to use the old DIN MIDI plug for that.

Good stuff!
Rated 5/5

Great sound!

I've loved analog synths since I got my MiniKorg and CS60 years ago. And, this is a great synth! I've been disappointed with some of the analog synths I've had recently - they've sounded dull and lifeless to my ears. I'm actually replacing a couple analog synths (one much more expensive with many more knobs) with this. The Colbalt sound sparkles with a glassy sheen that I love. It has a great, solid feel, and, while it doesn't have a separate knob for everything, using the helpful display makes programming a breeze. There is the iPad app that's handy for programming - I use it to set up the many modulation options (trickier from the panel). I don't really use presets much preferring to roll my own, but a quick listen will reveal some nice stuff programmed and waiting for you. Being a VA synth there are some very cool programming options you won't find on your typical analog synth. And, the blue looks pretty cool under the lights!
Music background: ...lots
Rated 5/5

Cobalt Xtacy

Just got my Cobalt 8x yesterday and this thing is a beast !!! I already have the Cobalt 5s and it's a little monster as well but I really fell in love with the sound and oscillator algorithms along with the sound designing possibilities and needed a full sized keyboard so I pulled the trigger on the 8x and it was totally worth it. First off the Fatar keyed is wicked sweet and has channel aftertouch (poly aftertouch would've been better but it will recieve it over m.i.d.i.) Modal recently released the 2.1 version firmware update and with that and the fact that Sweetwater knocked $ off the price I'm winning right now !!! The firmware update makes this synth even more powerful than it was initially. I mean 31 filter types, upgraded fx, new filter scaling algorithms, the ability to make the oscillators free running, new arpeggio types, etc. I don't know why this synth doesn't cost more than it does but I ain't mad. The real REAL cool thing about this synth is it's very intuitive and easy to learn especially with the Modal app which I can't say how happy I am that exist. I did the firmware update through the app and was jamming in less than 5 minutes !!! I own a plethora of synths from vintage Oberheims to the latest digital synths like the Hydrasynth and for anyone out there looking for there first poly synth or a seasoned synthesist like myself you'd be hard pressed to find a synth this good for the money with the feature set this one has. I haven't looked at the Mmanuel yet. Another thing I have to mention is the build quality. This freakin thing is built like a tank. It's very solid and heavy. Being mode in the U.K. I can honestly say as those blokes would "It's a really nice piece of kit !!!" I remember back in the day when VA synths first came out I bought a Nord Lead 2. It was nice but the Cobalt 8x is wayyyyy nicer. If you don't have one you might wanna take a closer look, especially with the new firmware update. It's has totally went BEAST MODE now. Shout out to my sales engineer Briam Loney and his team. You guys ROCK as always !!! Cheers
Music background: Multi talented musician, producer, engineer, studio owner and sound designer
Rated 5/5

Awesome!!

Easy to get lost for hours with the vast array of sounds from vintage synth patches to complex synth pads.
Rated 5/5

Weapon of Creation

It's awesome! I love the keys, so smooth and great to play. It sounds fantastic and your options to tweak to your desired ripper are outstanding. The presets are great, and your creation opportunities are fantastic. I very much enjoy shredding in the realm of chaos.

I can't keep my hands off it.
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