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Modal Electronics Cobalt8 37-key 8-voice Extended Virtual Analog Synthesizer Demo

37-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
17 Write review Item ID: Cobalt8d2

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Modal Electronics Cobalt8 37-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 Cobalt8 37-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, Cobalt8 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 Cobalt8 is the workhorse virtual analog synthesizer you've been waiting for.

Related Videos: Cobalt8 37-key 8-voice Extended Virtual Analog Synthesizer

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 Cobalt8'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, then 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 Cobalt8 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, Cobalt8 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' Cobalt8 offers a seamless workflow thanks to the MODALplugin (VST3/AU). Connect your Cobalt8 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, but 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 Cobalt8 37-key Synthesizer Features:

  • 37-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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What demo means to us is that we've had it out of the box, or maybe it was in a customer's hands for a few days and isn't "factory fresh" as a result. Every demo item we sell has Sweetwater's 2-year Total Confidence Coverage™ warranty, and has been tested and verified up to "new" specs by our factory-authorized technicians to make sure it's in perfect working order before we ship it to you.

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Keyboard Synthesizer with Sequencer
  • Sound Engine: Virtual-analogue Oscillators, 8 per voice
  • Analog/Digital: Digital
  • Number of Keys: 37
  • Type of Keys: Fatar Full-sized Keys
  • Aftertouch: Yes
  • Other Controllers: X/Y Joystick
  • Polyphony: 8-voice
  • Number of Presets: 500 x Patch Memories, 8 x Quick Recall Slots
  • Presets: 300 x Factory Programs, 100 x FX Presets
  • Oscillators: 2 x Oscillator Groups
  • Waveforms: Sine, Triangle, Pulse, Sawtooth, PWM, Built-in Cross Modulation
  • LFO: 3 x LFO, Tempo Sync, 7 x Shapes
  • Filter: 4-pole Morphable Ladder Filter with Resonance
  • Envelope Generator: 3 x ADSRD: Amp, Mod, Filter
  • Effects Types: 3 x Stereo FX Engines ; Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Tremolo, Lo-Fi, Rotary, Stereo Delay, Ping Pong Delay, X-over Delay, Reverb
  • Arpeggiator: Programmable 32-step Arpeggiator, Up to 2048 steps before repeat
  • Sequencer: Real-time 512-note Sequencer, Polyphonic 64-step Sequencer, 8-notes per step, 4 x Parameter Animations
  • Audio Inputs: 1 x 1/8" TRS (stereo)
  • Audio Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TS (L/mono,R)
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
  • USB: 1 x Type B
  • MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB, MIDI Polyphonic Expression
  • Pedal Inputs: 1 x 1/4" TS (sustain), 1 x 1/4" TRS (expression)
  • Other I/O: 2 x 1/8" (sync in/out)
  • Mod Matrix: 8 Assignable Slots, 4 Fixed Slots, 12 Sources, 55 Destinations
  • Features: MPE support, Glide/Portamento, Multiple Keyboard Modes (mono, poly, unison, stack and more)
  • Software: MODAL app
  • Power Source: 9V DC 1.5A power supply (included)
  • Height: 4"
  • Width: 21.9"
  • Depth: 11.8"
  • Weight: 12.4 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: AMS-COBALT8

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Customer Reviews

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The Cobalt 8

This is my first Virtual Analog Synthesizer.
I chose it to be my entry to the Synthesis World.
It Sounds Fantastic and you can Play the Presets forever or get really involved in hardcore synthesis using Modal's Videos on YouTube.
If you're looking for a really sharp looking and super delicious synthesizer sounds look no further.
As always Sweetwater is second to none when it comes to Service and Ease of Purchasing online. My thanks also goes to my really nice Rep Robert Williams.
by Bashar Arafat from Mclean Virginia on
Music background: A Serious Hobbyist and an Aging Rocker

Rock solid build, great Analog sound.

Picked this guy up for a really good price and im very glad i did! The build quality is exceptional and up there with high end synths. It truly sounds authentically Analog and for those on a budget its a no brainer really; except maybe for its little brother the recently introduced Cobalt5. I have true analogs and to be honest i cant tell this one apart from others it sounds that good. I am so glad i didnt over look this one because its "Digital". I think it will be a future classic. Shift menu takes some getting used too. Output can be a bit low unless you turn up the Patch Gain. Other than that you will have loads of fun!
by Starscrm7 from Outside Philly on
Music background: Vintage acid breaks, Early 90s trance.

A masterful synth, built like a tank, at an exceptional price point.

If this was out when I first got into synths, it would likely be the only one I really need. The semi-weighted keys give a perfect feel, the knobs are very tactile and give good feedback. The sound engine overall is very powerful and is equally clear and articulate. The amount of time one needs to spend in the 'menus' is negligible, with most of the menus serving to handle back-end matters like midi control, instrument levels, etc.

Were this offered by Roland, the only thing I might see being really different is the price-tag and color scheme. The case is metal, and were I a touring performer would have no doubt of faith that this instrument could stand the test of time and the road.

The default patches are interesting, touching upon a variety of styles to communicate the flexibility of the synth. Dialing in familiar sounds that you might have developed with other synths is very easy and places you right at home.


The only negative I can present against this synth is that the effects section are indeed underwhelming. Most notably you find it with the reverb section where there is a noticeable drop in volume. Even with the volume boost, it's there and there is a good reason why: The Digital-to-Analog converters (DAC) have a finite amount of range. If you're going to take a signal, and add it to itself, you would double the amplitude of the signal and exceed the range of the DAC. The work around or fix for this is to reduce the signal in half (6dB) and then you can add an effects processed copy back in and keep within the range. For this reason it is best to use external effects to complement the synth.

Beyond that, my only regret is buying the 37 key version instead of the 61 key.
by David Hunter from Grafton, NH on

As an owner of a prophet rev2

I've been looking for a smaller footprint and mobile to a degree to sit in the living room and emphasis more on sound design. The Cobalt answers this exact search, perfect with almost 100% hands on knobs, with minimal menu dive, which was key for me. Highly recommended if you want an instrument to have fun with.
by Doron David from Chicago on
Music background: Recreational

very satisfying feel. silky sounds.

just bought this a month ago. i am now a bit possessive and like to touch it, even when i ain't needing to. solid build. quite heavy in a pleasant way. weirdly, the knobs feel light and airy, but in a good way. responsive and pleasant. you do get the sense that you will like to have a nice case to protect it though, but strangely no brand cases available. i am looking at SKG(?) for a possible solution. the keybed feels great and smooth as silk. nice sleek classic design/build feel to it.
about the sounds? 300 interesting and pleasant sounds on this machine and 200 blanks. good punchy bass leads and all. i programmed two, but have just been roaming around so long i forget to program more. the modalapp is handy to get a feel for it and keep knob/button wear down a bit, but the knows and such are all right there to play with. will be a learning cyrve for multi button press functions, but just do that on the app and use the broad strokes on the board. still easier than menu diving on other rigs.
about menu diving though. there is no way that i know of yet to select sounds (out of 500) with anything but a wheel. there might be a button combo to jump a certain number, but the app has a field menu that makes this easier. i will be getting some sort of tablet to have on stage to facilitate jumping around quicker, but this is only because i am all over the place on stage and quite crazy. an organized player with an organized band will have this all programmed before hand.
so far i am happy AF. this is replacing my micro korg (much better sounding too... onboard effects helps too, but i had effects and it still sounds better) and supplanted the roland and novation versions as a replacement because i am so tired of mini keys right now. i did like how i can do that keystroke octave thingy without hitting all the corners of the keys when done wrong, but this fatar keybed is like i a said... smooth as silk running up the board unlike my korg TR or even my m-audio.
P.S. would be but hurt coming back here a month after purchase to find it a hundred dollars cheaper, but the sales team must've known and hooked me up with a wonderful pedal w/cable. i am now a loyal lapdog of a corporate mega company. ;P mainly because they called me back after i placed $$ on what i thought was my final decision, the mininovation (complete personality choice, not product), which was out of stock. i placed an order with guitar center and sweet water for when they came in (god forbid the same day), but only SW called me. then i made the best decision and bought this device (not with their direction. they just called me and i researched more). i have read many comment threads. usually people have problems with the product maker and hardly(?) with SW. i have heard people comment they returned a faulty product four times before they got a working one. wat?!?!? 2 is my limit. what was that? the centerpoint spacestation stereo speaker thingy or the motion sound speaker? motion sound seem like a hit or miss. like you get awesome or not. the former more not than awesome from the feedback.
about my rating... i would have done 4.5 stars just to tone down my enthusiasm since tomorrow brings it's own sorrow, but i am sure someone rated this poorly and i also feel a lot of love when into this keyboard. if heavy board with light knobs (and joystick) will break your heart... give it a four. i'll stick with my fanboy out of the gate 5.
by justin from TX on
Music background: KEYS /vocals/recording in a band. 35yrs... not the same band, silly.
See also: Key Synths, Modal Electronics, Modal Electronics Synthesizers
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