COBALT8 Overview

[@indyslide8641]

I can't remember the last time I listened to a synth review with my eyes closed. It sounds incredibly rich and full, can't even find the right words to describe it. Modal...like a boss! :)

[@ModalElectronics]

Glad you like it!

[@therealfaintinggoat]

I wanted the Argon8 soooo bad last year for all of its features, workflow and ingenuity, but I never pulled the trigger because the sounds just weren't for me. I think you nailed it with the Cobalt8 Modal. Kudos!

[@sergiosensation6]

Argon 8 sounds unique to me and the cobalt8 sounds like the sounds that have been done before. Am I wrong ?

[@dashobradors]

@@sergiosensation6 you are not wrong but I think the Cobalt8 has many interesting features that allow it to escape from the “known territory” you commented. Also, Argon8 being that special is what makes people doubt about the sound. Because we are more likely to resonate with something we have seen or heard before than with something new. I think both synths are good machines and love how they release the 3 formats. I want to have both one day! Next one would be an FM synth? 😍🙏🏻

[@TheMockSun]

Exactly. I like wavetable synthesis and am excited by the Argon8 on paper, but none of the demos or presets I’ve seen have blown me away sonically. Cobalt8 just seemed to sing to me from the first time I heard it.

[@TranceElevation]

This will sell well, and Modal deserve it. This will be my first Modal synth, It has a unique and innovative sound. I can see and appreciate the effort that has been put into this synth. Modal have really shined for me this year.

[@2112jonr]

One of the best manufacturer product demos I've ever seen, really focused on the functionality whilst not forgetting that it's the sounds that potential owners are listening for. Very well done, thank you. Mine's on its way :-)

[@ModalElectronics]

Wow, thanks!

[@GoneComposer]

I listened accidentally to a demo of COBALT8 a few hours ago and I felt in love. The sound of this synth is incredible. It's a pure jewel. I want it to be my next synth

[@SuperBond113]

i can not get the manufacture preset voices

[@dalemoore387]

This is a gorgeous little synth. I want one!

[@Reyescult]

Sold. I didn't think I'd be impressed with a new VA, but this bad boy is impressive. Very interesting 'extended' features and it sounds great!

[@digitaldiezel5870]

Again! Another great sounding board! I love it!

[@ModalElectronics]

Glad you like it!

[@KorhanErel]

So Argon is the 18th element. Cobalt is the 27th. Both multiples of 9. Assuming that this is intentional, how about building a nice sampler called called Krypton8 (the 36th element), and put your filter models in it too.

[@InVacuo]

Or perhaps an FM (emulator) Synth? :D

[@KorhanErel]

@@InVacuo that'd be Rhodium8

[@InVacuo]

@@KorhanErel Ha ha, fair enough.

[@walrtbstudios5430]

You’d have to go back and rename something Fluorine to be really consistent. And who wants fluorine about the place?

[@TomAndreen]

I'd be really excited to see that! I'm stuck with my Procrastin8, though.

[@aiken000]

Pretty awesome stuff Modal! Love my 001

[@Lethoscorpia]

Sounds excellent, I'm so torn on which synth to buy next. Then I see this and now I'm even more undecided :-)

[@MajorOSC]

Buy both. One 61. One M. You'd be set. ;)

[@tr1co0]

This is on another level 🙌

[@PrimitiveInTheExtreme]

Great sounds.

[@tomfabinski]

I wonder how well Cobalt would play with Korg’s Wavestate in either Cobalt’s lead, pad or arpeggio/sequencer presets? I’m guessing it would be a sweet combination.

[@Gainn]

Is it possible to add rests and ties with the instant arpeggiator programming?

[@albedo0point39]

Please improve preset management on these synths. As an Argon 8 owner, there's just a mess of presets with no searchable tags (Elektron has spoiled me, but Roland and others all categorise too). Even just a favourite tag would be very useful. A text search on the OSX app would also help a lot.

[@aka_juan]

Categories like the blofeld would be a very welcome addition

[@bff6434]

Very true...this is annoying

[@nathanlewismusic]

I would love this too. Maybe a good idea for them to create a market place or place to share for patches. Something I have been missing by every vendor. I would love to create it myself, but haven’t got the time for it.

[@Asmuk]

I really hope you survive and comeback with more wonderful products.

[@NebulaSkins]

Great synth. Very different from A8, in terms of sound design approach and overall tone, despite the layout similarity and that's really good. I can see a lot of UI improvements at Cobalt8 menu/operation, like real-time modulated waveform visualization, smarter and more ergonomic values\visuals combinations etc. Hope Argon8 OS will get similar UI update soon !

[@wildfeuer]

Wow!!! Sensational!!!! This synth does it!!!!!!!

[@Sintetizadores]

¡Excelente sintetizador! Suena increíble

[@bff6434]

Please fix the preset menu mess

[@GrootsieTheDog]

I just received my cobalt 8 modual and the back plate sounds loose. Is that normal? The plate I'm referring to is the plate that is over the on/off switch and jacks. When I tap it there seems to be space between it and the surface behind it so that it makes noise when I tap it with my finger. Thx

[@ModalElectronics]

Sorry to hear that and no, this is not normal. Please contact our support expert via [e-mail]

[@GrootsieTheDog]

@@ModalElectronics thanks so much for getting back to me. Yes, I sent a short video clip demonstrating the issue. Perhaps I should just return to place I purchased from and order a new unit?

[@striderhiryu4643]

Hey I have an argon8m and cobalt8m, both back plates are a little loose, I know exactly what you mean. Don't return them, love modal synths but have found the build quality varies on each synth. They are definitely well made, just don't feel like it sometimes! :)

[@ModalElectronics]

@@striderhiryu4643 Sorry to hear, Please talk to [e-mail]. Our product expert will help you immediately.

[@TechM3X]

Will there be a 61-key version similar to the Argon 8?

[@berniem.6965]

Cobalt 8X, 61 keys keybed from Fatar.

[@WARDISWARD]

The big question is , can the two independent osc's modulate each other ?

[@krzysztofniesyn61]

I am wonder how it performs as a EDM/trance synth. Can it do what JP80x0 in terms of supersaw and it competes with others synths like virus, nord, waldorf.

[@paultp12cora]

Love This One Modal Well Done Spot On

[@holotape]

9:47 sounds so nice (edit) okay there are lots of nice parts

[@RezaMatix]

I'm just looking for a 008 to buy. can't find one anywhere.

[@danielmulholland5869]

Cobalt8m! Cobalt8m!!

[@jacobjallen2620]

Exactly that

[@yobooboy5591]

More like 8x please.

[@arcanics1971]

Planning to buy a new synth later this year. Narrowed it down to the Argon and this, favouring this (well, the Tx8 to be precise.) Unless something in the same class and price blows it away in the next couple of months. Unfortunately got to buy a new PC first.

[@VincentsVideoVisions]

I can't decide if I want this, the Argon, or both. :| They both sound so darn good.

[@davegoldthorpe8122]

Both have their own unique character. I've had the Argon8x for a few months and feel like I'm only just scratching the surface of what they can do. I've just bought the Cobalt and can say they complement each other, much like the ARP odyssey and Minimoog do.

[@nigelcassidy9880]

On this video and the Andertons review I have not often heard sounds reaching the full width of the stereo field. Is this intentional? Are the sounds mono before the effects engine?

[@ajapa7658]

Can I record parameter changes into the Bastl midi looper in the same way as with the Basstation AFX?

[@stevenwheeler7999]

I’ve had GAS 4 Korg Minilogue for the longest. I’m torn now. The 8 voices might trump it. What do you think guys? Which is the most versatile?

[@aka_juan]

Please Modal add the ladder filter and programmable sequencer to the next argon firmware update.

[@smokymountainblogger5509]

I personally prefer the sound of this to that of the Hydra. I may buy it.

[@dharmadove]

Can one be linked to a Argon 8m for 16 voices split between two timbrals (=

[@jonfromtheuk467]

You could MIDI one to another but no the sound engines under the bonnet between them are very different .so only polychaining within the same product.

[@fromfilmtocode]

I have a Hydrasynth but I appreciate this too. Close enough but still different. Many choices for the users.

[@minioclass2891]

Will there be a 61 key version, or is that yet to be determined?

[@ModalElectronics]

Hi Minio, we are getting overwhelming feedback to expand the COBALT family. We will certainly look into it. ;)

[@Arperture]

@@ModalElectronics Please do. I would strongly consider buying this in a module format like the Argon8M.

[@davidkittmusic]

hope some of these features are added to argon 8, a bit confused as to why they are different synths, feels the argon 8 is a few steps away from being truly amazing and with these added features would be

[@Jamesbrander]

David Kitt same

[@maquettemusic1623]

Especially the filter stuff. I feel Argon is about to be left in the past very quickly in the way of updates and firmware.

[@jonfromtheuk467]

@@maquettemusic1623 Nope , that wont happen. Re the filter - "There are very good reasons why the filter in Argon8 is a 2 pole state variable - the 'steppiness' of wavetables don't always compliment a ladder filter and the harmonic nature of Argon8's oscillators fits the state variable architecture really well. The behaviour of the Cobalt8 oscillators is better suited to the 4 pole ladder and doesn't suit the state variable so well - there are very good reasons why we chose each architecture for each product"

[@davidkittmusic]

@@jonfromtheuk467 good to hear

[@riccardogalatolo4877]

Bellissimo! Suona fantasticamente bene! È previsto in futuro un aggiornamento sulle waveforms disponibili con delle ulteriori waveforms stile Korg DWGS? Grazie... 😍❤️🔊🎶

[@smalltown4855]

Hello at Modal. Loving this synth. Can you record a sequence and then shorten/lengthen it as it runs? Say from sixteen steps, then to 8 then to 11 etc all whilst being played back. Thank you.

[@ModalElectronics]

Hi Small Town, please contact our product experts via [e-mail]. They have certainly the correct answer. Many thanks - stay safe and creative - Modal Electronics

[@inventanew]

7:03 changed it all right there

[@paulsarodh5460]

Suprb🎹🎼🎶🤗💞

[@jacobjallen2620]

Cobalt8m pleaseeeee

[@dtrelzmusic]

Is this the same guy that be doing voice over for uvi falcon?

[@ModalElectronics]

No.

[@hugofarinha8330]

you should bring that sequencer functionality to modal 001 and 002 would be gods gift :P

[@QuarkSoupLab]

Wow, the sound is super defined ! I hope I can buy one some day soon. What about an FM synth? There are some around but manufacturers add their touch for ease of use (simplified operators, low operator numbers) or sound aesthetics. And in my case I don't like this approach. I wish we could have a fully fledged FM synth with direct controls, and from what I see with Argon8 and Cobalt8, I have no doubt Modal could do great !

[@MajorOSC]

9:10 - Sounds Familiar! :D

[@TechM3X]

Yes, it does. ;-)

[@encoderaudio]

Is this internally different, or, well, a Cobalt firmware running on an Argon hardware?

[@jonfromtheuk467]

Different - you cant swap sounds between them.

[@Peter_Cetera]

Such a shame that Modal went bankrupt. Just so sad... Yesterday I bought the Cobalt 8 and after that I found out, that there is no access to any software, because the Modal page is down...

[@Mhj-76]

Cool but why not 32 voices, wouldn’t that make the sound even richer and more full? I have a Yamaha rm1x that I bought around 1999 and it has 32 voices 🙂

[@berniem.6965]

Why, in the age of MIDI 2.0 (up to 32bit controller resolution) did you limit the sound engine to 128 steps per parameter? Even free VST plug ins offer a much higher range of values for critical parameters like attack or filter cutoff. The Cobalt 8 glides from value to value so it must be capable of processing the values in between the 128 steps. With the limitation to only 128 values, your not only limited in terms of fine tuning certain sound parameters, it also makes things like extended, very slow manual filter sweeps impossible as you can hear the filter glide from value to value in steps. Using thousands of values and high resolution knobs at least for vital parameters like attack, cutoff and resonance (but preferably for all parameters) would have offered so much more potential. I really love the sound of the Cobalt 8. Some of the classic 'bread and butter' sound, especially the pads give me shivers. But the limitation to 128 values is a real drawback to me compared to VSTs and other VA synths.

[@ModalElectronics]

Hi Bernie, Thanks for you message and you thoughts. I would like to ask you to get more technical info from opur product experts via [e-mail]

[@Jamesbrander]

really disappointed that it wasn’t an argon update and some of these features (4pole ect) weren’t just added to the argon. Hope it’s not a forgotten synth. I love the argon but feel it’s a few tweeks away from being the beast it could be. The idea of being digital and proud was great, VA just doesn’t seem exciting when you can get real analog. Will any of these new VA oscillators be available for the argon in future? Or any other updates

[@nathanlewismusic]

Think they will add features in the future, they have been adding a couple of updates since it was released and are now on version 2.2; don’t get disappointed, I am gonna buy this one to compliment rest of my synths.

[@ModalElectronics]

These are totally different products. It's not possible to carry over the voice engine from a VA to a Wavetable synthesiser. Otherwise, everything else in Cobalt8 is in Argon8 and has been for some time...."

[@nathanlewismusic]

@@ModalElectronics I think he hopes you add a 4-pole filter.

[@ModalElectronics]

There are very good reasons why the filter in Argon8 is a 2 pole stae variable - the 'steppiness' of wavetables don't always compliment a ladder filter and the harmonic nature of Argon8's oscillators fits the state variable architecture really well. The behaviour of the Cobalt8 oscillators is better suited to the 4 pole ladder and doesn't suit the state variable so well - there are very good reasons why we chose each architecture for each product.

[@Jamesbrander]

Modal Electronics shame about the filter. Was really hoping for that one. Personally think it’s a fantastic synth otherwise and still Worth double its price either way! Couldn’t you stick in a 4pole as an additional option should there be room for it? It’s an update I personally feel would be worth paying extra £ for. It’s a personal taste thing obviously, but I’ve just never been a fan of 2 pole.

[@ac-of3cs]

Is the aftertouch polyphonic or is it monophonic like in the Argon? I edited this question, I asked something terribly stupid the first time, I guess that's what happens if you try to ask something in the middle of the night. Waiting for an answer Modal. Thank you.

[@jonfromtheuk467]

its the same fatar TP9/s keybed but the ARGON8 and Cobalt8 support MPE which is more advanced than poly aftertouch.

[@marktaylor7162]

100% would get this if I wasn't saving all out for a Kurzweil PC4 right now. Ah well, maybe a bit further down the line!

[@maquettemusic1623]

Is this synth actually got some volume unlike the Argon8? It sucks to have to jump into the volume menu every patch just to make it the same level as anything else. Also, has the reverb been changed? the reverb on Argon8 is frankly awful and I feel it could really do with a large improvement as it's such a crucial soundscaping tool.

[@Trk-El-Son]

Yup, the Argon reverb is ridiculously bad. Like, what people want in 2020: Long, lush and stereo. What Argon8 has: Short, metallic and mono. 😂

[@jonfromtheuk467]

the volume issue was given a serious boost at version 2.0 - It has 3 presets and defaults to normal which is higher than the original default. There is also "saturate" if you want to really push it.

[@Tvaroh]

It should be possible to install Cobalt's software engine into Argon and vice versa. :)

[@ModalElectronics]

No, this is unfortunately not possible - some of the crucial internals are different.

[@Tvaroh]

@@ModalElectronics yeah, that's fine, semi-kidding there. :) Great stuff anyway!

[@MajorOSC]

@@Tvaroh Look at the brightside though. Two M models will look quite sexy in a rack atop one another. :) Maybe Modal can make a special Argon and Cobalt M-Rack :)

[@Dolores5000]

Dang I’m getting it

[@dafonk7091]

Modal, please add the ladder filter to the Argon 8.

[@game_overture8188]

So i need to get rid of my XD now and pick this up.

[@nathanlewismusic]

Love the name hahah

[@BoomJitsu]

No no no, ya just need to have both silly

[@adamoliver82]

Haha, I thought the very same

[@lookingforamuse]

My ADAM A7X's approve.

[@robjacksonmusic]

Sold! (very likely...)

[@robjacksonmusic]

Update: Arriving from Andertons tomorrow :-)

[@woodswalker88]

So it has the capacity to record a loop (sequence) and play it back? NICE.

[@ModalElectronics]

Yes. Please check our Modal Minutes to see more videos about the COBALT8 sequencer.

[@AppAxis]

Virtual analog it is. #Modal

[@SchubertDipDab]

Trying to justify a Cobalt 8X seeing as I'd love it to double up as a decent controller keyboard. I'd find 3 octaves annoying. I don't think you can do any sort of keyboard splitting for MIDI out channels though and I'm trying to figure out if I'd miss it...

[@ModalElectronics]

Hi Mark, COBALT8 synths are all monotimbral, so there is no key split functionality. TYhats why many players are fione with 37 keys. If you want to control other sound modules or softsynth, a 61-key keyboard might come handy, though. Hope this helps,

[@zerocrossing]

You keep saying “ladder filter” but you mean “modeled ladder filter,” right? Or is it actually analog?

[@ModalElectronics]

It is a digital synth throughout the entire signal path.

[@walrtbstudios5430]

If I had the money this would be an instabuy. So when I DO have the money...

[@jonfromtheuk467]

sell a leg?

[@walrtbstudios5430]

@@jonfromtheuk467 Tbh Jon I do have the money now. But I also have a son at uni... Priorities priorities...

[@jonfromtheuk467]

@@walrtbstudios5430 me too :-(

[@walrtbstudios5430]

@@jonfromtheuk467 I’m also married to someone who believes that one of anything is enough. One guitar, one synth; infinite shoes though, apparently...

[@agniabarto8896]

Ясно и Здорово

[@dicefall9]

Shut up and take my money!!💵

[@9odyssey]

ok it s nice but please do a video NOT SPEAKING when the synth is played!

[@harrykoyou]

Hellooo! I am always surprised that when you introduce yourself to absolute super instruments, there is an endless amount of talk! extremely much "blah"! This does not do justice to either the instrument or the inventor! It takes a few thoughts, but an excellent instrument sells because of its unique sound and its accessibility and handling!

[@teddym2808]

This video certainly does not do the product any favours. If this is all there was I wouldn't even look twice at it, it sounds so weak here, sorry.

[@manuriga5856]

still no match for ASM hydra, not even close to what this synth can do . and what are those sounds another synth can't do?

[@sonofshade4401]

Yeah, I feel you mate... my Fiat Panda doesn’t come close to my Porsche either, it’s so sad....

[@eddievanheinous666]

I would buy this over the Hydra any day of the week and twice on Sunday. It sounds great.

[@frankschneider7190]

this is not VA

[@jonfromtheuk467]

how so?

[@2112jonr]

It's VA Frank.....but not as we know it ;-)