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Modal Electronics Cobalt8M 8-Voice Extended Virtual Analog Synthesizer Module Demo

Synthesizer Module 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 Cobalt8M 8-Voice Extended Virtual Analog Synthesizer Module
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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 Cobalt8M virtual analog synthesizer module 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, Cobalt8M 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 Cobalt8M 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 Cobalt8M'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, the Modal Electronics Cobalt8M 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, Cobalt8M 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' Cobalt8M offers a seamless workflow thanks to the MODALplugin (VST3/AU). Connect your Cobalt8M 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 Cobalt8M Synthesizer Module Features:

  • Virtual analog synthesizer module 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

What is Demo Gear?

At Sweetwater, we're so picky that what we call a "demo" is actually better than what most music retailers sell as "new" gear! Our gear hasn't endured hundreds of people a week plunking away at all the keyboards, fumbling through Stairway to Heaven on every guitar or playing with every fader and knob on a mixer or control surface.

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: Desktop Synthesizer and Sequencer
  • Analog/Digital: Digital
  • Other Controllers: Assignable Joystick
  • Polyphony: 8 Voices
  • Presets: 500 user, 300 factory
  • Oscillators: 8 x VCO per voice
  • Waveforms: Sine, Triangle, Saw, Pulse
  • Envelope Generator: 3 x EG (attack, decay, sustain, release)
  • LFO: 3 x LFO (polyphonic/global mode)
  • Filter: 4-pole Ladder Filter
  • Effects Types: 100 FX presets (chorus, phaser, flanger, tremolo, lo-fi, rotary, delay, reverb)
  • Arpeggiator: Yes
  • Sequencer: Real-time 512-note
  • Analog Inputs: 1 x 1/8" TRS (audio input)
  • Analog Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TS (L/mono, R)
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/4" TRS
  • MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB, MIDI Polyphonic Expression
  • Other I/O: 2 x 1/8" TS (clock sync)
  • Pedal Inputs: 1 x 1/4" TRS (expression), 1 x 1/4" TS (sustain)
  • USB: 1 x Type B
  • 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 Supply: 9V DC power supply (included)
  • Height: 3.2"
  • Width: 15.1"
  • Depth: 5"
  • Weight: 4.6 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: AMS-COBALT8M

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Powerful Synth

First thing I noticed taking this out of the package was, holy smokes this thing feels like quality - Solid metal body. You get 300 patches right out of the box. The synth has 5 banks each storing 100 patches, which gives you a capacity of 500 patches. With your computer you really have infinite patches since all you have to do is import and swap from a folder containing your patches. For patch creation you can export single patches to your hard drive, or batch export an entire bank via SysEx within the free app/vst. The factory patches are instantly usable and are capable of creating fully fleshed out projects. Additionally you can layer 3 FX and store up to 100 FX patches. It ships with the FX bank fully loaded with cool stuff. Be sure to check out Modal's website for free patches.

I haven't had a chance to use the physical controls so much since I interface with the free VST. Although, it seems straight forward enough and the controls feel smooth. All the buttons push in for additional parameters. DAW integration is instant and painless for me on Reaper. This must be the best VST to control a hardware synth I've ever experienced. One of the marketing points of this for me was the ability to quickly get to creating sounds and the interface is definitely meant for working composers. Easy to get lost in.

My only gripe is this is a rack unit and the power switch is on the top. That means if you have any synth above it you can't access the power! This should've been placed on the front of the unit. Additionally, the audio outputs are also on the top. I had to use right angle audio jacks to avoid the synth above the Cobalt 8m. Otherwise it'd be impossible to plug the cables in. I'll have to make space between the synthesizers so my hand can access the power switch. I am not fond of leaving an opening..
Rated 5/5

Great Analog Sounds

I use this Modal Colbalt 8M with my other keyboards setup. I bring the analog sounds up with a stereo foot pedal into the mix. Adds another dimension to the sound for live performances.
As always Sweetwater gave me a great deal on this synth and rushed it out to me. Said, if it didn't work out for me, I could return it!
Music background: Professional
Rated 4/5

VA Done Right

Wanted a hardware VA desktop to fill in some sonic gaps left by my analog modular systems. The Cobalt8M brings a clean, clear "modern" sound to my sound palette that just sits beautifully in the mix. IMHO, this synth doesn't sound very analog so if you're looking for that old school warm and fat sound this isn't the synth for you. However, if like me you want something that leans more towards the Nord and the 90's this synth is perfect. The build quality is excellent and the UI is a real pleasure to work with as is the software app that allows you to get under the hood on your computer. I'm a happy camper
Music background: Composer Project Studio Owner
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