Modal ARGON8: Review and full workflow tutorial // wavetable synthesis explained

Want to explore wavetable synthesis and other sound design ideas? Check out my book on Patreon:
► Patreon: / loopop
Check out Argon 8 prices here (affiliate links help the channel):
► On Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/74LBO
► On Thomann: www.thomann.de/gb/modal_argon...
► On Amazon: amzn.to/2ynVciJ
Other gear I use in this video:
► Adam A8X Monitors: reverb.grsm.io/Adam-A8X
► Scopes by Melda: www.meldaproduction.com/
Other places I hang out:
► Instagram: / loopopmusic
► Facebook: / loopopmusic
► Twitter: / loopopmusic
► Web: loopopmusic.com
My music:
► Bandcamp: loopop.bandcamp.com
► Spotify: bit.ly/LoopopOnSpotify
► Apple Music:bit.ly/LoopopOnAppleMusic
TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
0:55 Overview
2:45 Screen
4:05 Knobs
5:30 Joystick
7:10 Connectivity
7:30 Oscillators
8:55 Wave banks
12:50 Spread
14:00 Wave mods
16:50 Osc mods
21:00 Filter
23:40 Envelopes
26:00 LFOs
29:10 Expression
29:55 Mod matrix
31:00 Effects
34:30 Arpeggiator
36:30 Sequencer
39:15 Software
39:50 Misc
41:30 vs Hydra
43:20 Pros, cons
45:30 Outro jam
Want to email me personally?
► Ziv (at) loopopmusic.com
NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.

[@bunwi]

I watched this video before buying an Argon 8M. And I watched it again just now after owning the Argon 8M for a couple of months...and I still learned things! Thank you loopop you do a great job.

[@trevor4835]

*fingers in ears* master the synths that I own first master the synths that I own first...

[@st0rmchild]

You're not alone.

[@smoothoscillator1]

Resistance will be fruitless.

[@argiopeMusic]

I feel ya. And the more digital synths I hear, the less I mind my analogue synths taking up space

[@dare2win215]

🤣🤣🤣🤣the struggle is so real!!!

[@SyncdAlien]

Many have given up on a synthesizer they bought with the claim it wasn't for them, but having never really spent enough time with it to explore its hidden joys.

[@spastikman]

Is it just me or does everything on this synth sound exceptionally smooth on the ears? Even the harshest saw and FM mod sounds so gentle. I love it

[@TheBruteOne]

You're fully right, it appears to be one of the best sounding digital synths

[@MakingMadBeats]

Same here! This is why I' m about to pick this over the Minilogue xD 😍

[@ewanstefani]

sounds nicer than Hydra to me

[@11000038]

@@MakingMadBeats I did the same but got the Cobalt 8x. Absolutely no regrets. Argon looks fantastic too.

[@robdogmorgan]

Me, 17rh Dec: Really need loopop to do a review of the Argon8, cos other reviews are mostly just playing patches. 18th Dec: Here we are! What perfect service! Thanks heaps.

[@tybowesformerlygoat-x7760]

So good that your reviews often appear at the top of KZbin searches for devices. Such valuable reviews.

[@gemini0x4d]

Your reviews are simply exceptionally good and an absolute pleasure to watch! Thank you very much for all the work you put in here. When I'm interested in new hardware I always look first to see if there is a review from you. :)

[@Antoniofbsa]

your reviews are unbelievably good! but as a potential buyer, i crave for longer outro jams where i could perceive the variety and range of sounds (pads, leads, basses, fxs, with and without effects, etc, etc). Apart from that, everything else is perfect..

[@loopop]

Thanks! And yeah while I try to throw in a jam or two, ultimately these video are less about that and more about what a synth can do and how. Modal published quite a few preset demos

[@theFilch]

Perhaps a separate video for "sounds only" so to keep the review focused on features and capabilities

[@jeremjerem]

+1 for the sound only videos !

[@DFunct905]

I also really like these demos, but I’m not sure if sound demos are too useful for synthesizers. Unlike a piano or guitar with a defined sound (or comparing static wave forms and filters) there’s simply no way to know if the desired sound is possible without personally demoing the device.

[@SparklesofGold]

I suggest subscribing to his patreon. You get extras . He's worth it!

[@maquettemusic1623]

Finally. Been waiting ages for this, as I've had it on my list for a New Year purchase.

[@OttosTheName]

You missed the most important feature. The Logo can hit the corner in the screensaver ( 43:38 ). Love your reviews, so detailed and easy to follow. I even watch reviews of gear I'm not that in to, because there's always something to learn or a patch idea that might work on a different piece of gear.

[@Dudderlyful]

Logo hits the corner, instant purchase

[@renrizmusic]

Looks solid. Love how comprehensive your reviews are!

[@georgemccartney1]

I'd love to see you reviewing the Cobalt 8!!

[@Paul-uy1ru]

Let me second that.

[@wwlittlejOfficial]

Third that!

[@motoboy420ify]

Please do the Cobalt8.

[@11000038]

I'll review it for you. It's great! I'm wondering about getting another because I can't think of anything better. Maybe the Argon?

[@wilsonjaksetic6009]

Love your work, Loopop!

[@AndresWS]

Fair to say Loopop is the standard for gear reviews, love this channel so much.

[@adrianroethlisberger4626]

He really is the gold standard, he understood one thing better than all the others, that is standardization.

[@hoagy_ytfc]

Totally. The main thing behind my hesitation to get a Colbolt 8X is that there isn’t a loopop review to fill in the gaps in my knowledge of it.

[@thedrumunkey8582]

So many 'Tubers have such over-blown intros and formats to create their "brand". Not you... Loopop's into? "Hi..." Perfect. Your clinical style is still entertaining while being the most informative 'tuber out there for gear reviews. Not like you need more things to do, but I'd love to see a sub-series where you demo various workflows, techniques, etc. with various pieces of kit. Kinda like a Loopop's Lab series. You've played with so much stuff, you must have valuable insights on how to string various bits of kit together to actually do stuff. I doubt I'm alone in wanting to see something like that... Love ya man!

[@loopop]

Thanks very much and indeed I want to get that at some point! Just gotta clear through the stuff in the pipeline...

[@steveturner1815]

The Drümünkey totally agree. Straight into the action. Nothing to skip.

[@Heathcliff_hensel]

You mean like Andrew Huang sticking his face like 4 inches way from the camera.

[@SoundmanCH]

The Drümünkey loopop labs would be dope! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@jonaswinge]

The Drümünkey Hi... Agree. 🙂

[@ksqmusic]

Great video! Arpeggiation over the Animator (Sequencer) is one of the most powerful things about the Modal 008 and 002. Really amazing they were able to bring that into the Argon.

[@christophervincent3520]

Thanks. Just got my Argon8 and thanks to your vid I'm sailing away into the distance with it. I've had no need to go to the manual or work with the App yet. A great channel and will keep learning more!

[@Cafeston]

The layout is outstanding.

[@crystalfun8441]

Thank you very much for your videos, which are always well done. You explain very well how the synthesizers that you offer us work. You are a reliable reference and the technique of your approaches is very explicit. I bought several machines based on your comments. For me you are the best advisor in this area. I listen to you regularly and think that everyone should see your work before deciding often lightly before buying a synth. Thx !!! Thx !!! Thx !!!

[@Raku777]

Thanks for sharing. I always appreciate how you really go over the functions of a synth so that I can know what to expect from it. This makes it easier to compare one synth with another. It seems that the Argon 8 has potentials that compare favorably with some higher cost synths.

[@StolTechInc]

Got this baby yesterday second hand for €400 incl shipping. I absolutely love it. This will probably be a keeper!

[@dreamkeyz516]

To say your videos are "good" would be an understatement. As a professional musician (keyboardist) I am always looking for informative videos that go over workflow, in depth features, limitations etc. You truly knock it out the park. Kudos to you. I think it is time for me to show up on your Patreon page and show my support.

[@loopop]

Thanks so much - truly appreciate both the comment and support

[@JustinUrban1]

Starting my workday with some coffee and another wonderful demonstration of a great piece of gear! Just got my Hydrasynth and this is next.

[@JustinUrban1]

Got one in Friday. I’m really surprised by how well the key bed feels. And the unit itself feels like It was built with extreme care. It sure isn’t light. And man let’s talk about this units Argon piano patch. What a deep dreamy sound.

[@ConenRuam]

Hey Looppop, just a big thanks from me, love your reviews! Keep them coming, cheers :)

[@LarsBjerregaard]

Seems like a lovely instrument. Good demo Loop, thanks!

[@digitaldiezel5870]

Wow! They did it! It sounds great! 👍🏾

[@internet3481]

This will definitely be a part of my setup next year!

[@tablameister]

Thanks for your (usual) excellent review. I don't know how you are able to dive deeply into a new product, provide a clear and concise explanation, and then repeat it again with the next product. I would like to request a review of the Modal Skulpt. Very low priced but sounds quite good based on what I have seen in other reviews.

[@suge59700]

Looks and sounds great ! Seems very versatile

[@Grauskegg]

Always love these indepth reviews of new hardware.. but Im going to be honest :P I always (at first) skip to the very end just to hear your epic noodling! Before watching it all. Cheers

[@bandfromtheband9445]

It sounds incredible! I could spend hours on messing up it's presets! It looks beautiful, and strong, TOO!

[@NextroneOfficial]

Argon just received an update! Firmware version 1.2, and it includes Arp/Sustain latch mode! As well as aftertouch curves and improved patch randomisation. Hopefully in next they fix the volume drop from the reverb (fx's) and generally low output.

[@pointsurrender]

God damn that's a fine looking synth. So often synth aesthetics are hit and miss. Modal absolutely nailed this. Now to listen the review...

[@marcdebroey2276]

Thank you, really helpfull and clear overview for this lovely synth

[@synriser6742]

Have a merry and creative Christmas 🎄and thank you for all the hard work you put in your reviews

[@loopop]

Thanks and same to you!

[@mougabo]

the sound is beautiful. thank you

[@MrVleker]

I don't know why I keep watching your videos 😂 it's not like I can afford any of these for the next 3 years lol

[@TsavosAlliance]

Thanks for making this video! 😎

[@MosheB87]

great review.! I like the way you fix your cable at the table with that hair clip :)

[@Pulse2AM]

You have a certain power over me, I watch your videos knowing full well I'll never buy what your reviewing but I'm still mesmerized - maybe it's your voice or the hand gestures because my cat likes those! LOL

[@WingHouseCup]

The oscillators sound really nice. If I didnt already have two wave table synths I would be getting this right away...I might go for it anyway just because I really like the lay out and it looks cool a hell. lol

[@darkpolution468]

Love for loopop

[@cymonalex]

Great review.. thanks for going through it.. i’ve ordered my argon 8, and it will be here tomorrow. To be honest I don’t actually need it, but for the money I think it’s a great little synth just to have around and do some programming with. Certainly there is nothing else out there for the money that compares ....

[@EzyoMusic]

I'm so #hyped for this synth!

[@licenciadolagarcheta2981]

Superb review

[@minisynthcollective7822]

Got mine ordered. Sounds amazing. Great review.

[@aretwodeetoo1181]

Quality content indeed. Thanks!

[@DoctorJRx]

amazing videos ..i'm always shocked as to how you get these synths and learn the inns and outs/deep dive !! seems like a quick turn around..

[@rockhead11]

Steven J I know. Wouldn’t it be nice to master a new synth as quickly as Loopop?

[@ralfemmerling1540]

Thank you a lot for these great Review🙏🏾

[@krsTBedfordStudios]

And the winner of this years Comedy Award goes to whoever placed the CASIO advert in the middle of this video.... 😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@Tavarahissi]

krs-T Bedford Studios And since ads are based on your interests that award goes to YOU! Congratulations!

[@krsTBedfordStudios]

@@Tavarahissi I have never in my life viewed Casio online lol Talk about embarrassing internet histories haha

[@timbeaton5045]

All I usually get are those f***ing Grammarly ads. As if alreddy didn't I know how to speaking or writing Inglish?

[@krsTBedfordStudios]

@@timbeaton5045 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@timbeaton5045]

@@krsTBedfordStudios 😎

[@sunnyschramm9650]

Re-Review wiith Firmware-Version 3.0 please - its such an big improvement🙂

[@VsSrg]

bought it yesterday, i like it a lot!!needs a bigger verb definitely

[@neuromancer9k]

Great thoughts and review, here. Would love to hear Loopop reviewing the latest V3 Argon OS and sounds. Cheers!

[@Tvaroh]

Superb! This is the only video I've found describing the argon8 features and how to use them. The official doc is far from being for beginners.

[@modularreview1150]

Your channel is by far the Industry Standard for thorough gear reviews, you are always my 1st source when I'm researching gear! If I may be bold, I'm detecting a vocal tone that suggest you're not thrilled or impressed with this synthesizer...🙊

[@loopop]

Thanks! I usually try not to say my opinion about the sound of a synth because you and I are hearing the same thing, and different people may have different tastes. But, it's true that this isn't my favorite sounding synth (not because it's digital BTW - for example Hydrasynth sounds great IMHO)

[@odinmp5]

Demo Master has Made it again... Now i want one. ..... Like most of the stuff You show us.

[@disectormusic]

The button click sound is golden!

[@KulantTV]

Hi - thanks for your tutorial --- much enjoyed here as it's easier to understand how to use the synth instead of getting through the downloaded virtual manual...

[@johnadams5489]

I like the sound of this, considering that its a Digital Wavetable synth, it doesn't sound "digital". At the end of this video, loopop said that the Hydra Synth has better FX,in particular reverb, So what? Adding a different reverb or other FX is inexpensive. I know its a matter of personal taste but the Hydra Synth sounds much too Digital to my ears. It could be that it is more harsh than this synth, and harsh is not musical. If I had to choice between this and the Hydra Synth the Argon8 would be my choice.

[@jarkokoo]

Yeah, about the FX part: in general I recommend every hardware nut to also invest in a physical effect chain (eventually). In that sense I usually tend to brush off the possible internal effects critique in reviews. Of course, IF the unit has some great sounding effects built in - great, it can be a huge plus! But, if it doesn't, it really doesn't matter to me as I run everything thru my physical effects and signal chain anyway. Also a good trick to add some warmth into digital sounds is to process them thru a physical signal chain and not record them directly into the box.

[@MichaelinLosAngeles]

@@jarkokoo What are some of your favorite physical effects for synths ? drum machines ?

[@fndrkFanClub]

Had both of them, kept the Argon. Hydra has fantastic layout, can be warm and expressive, but can sound cheap a lot more often that I care for. Argon cuts through the mix with a polished modern flair.

[@bobz1736]

Superb review as always and seems good value at £579 😁

[@cymonalex]

So, my one turned up this morning and I’ve been playing around with it for about an hour. Your video really helped and I have to say I agree with pretty much all the points you say. For the money, the build quality is solid and generally very well-made. I initially bought this as a synth that I could tinker about with it in my office, without going out to my main studio, but this little guy has some killer sounds inside, so it may have to join the big boys outside.. For £579 here in the U.K, it’s ridiculous for what you get and well worth a try

[@edmundtallack9347]

What would you recommend for a first synth, this or the minilogue XD?

[@eaglechildkeys]

The sounds are superb. I like also the design :) However I would love to see this synth with 4 or 5 octave

[@morten1]

You could get the Argon8M version, and use whatever keyboard you like

[@brianreilly6545]

Nice review thx! It seems like its the minilogue xd digital oscillator section on steroids, as a complete synth. Any thoughts?

[@ruudvincent6078]

Fullsize keys. Yes!. This is it!

[@ExpeditionCirkus]

Thanks for another great review! I watch a lot of product reviews and yours are excellent :) Btw, how is the sound register in the bass, is it any good for bass sounds?

[@loopop]

Thanks very much! It's good for bass sounds though as you transition to waveforms with richer harmonics they tend to lose bass

[@geoffsmith8172]

Great performance to close on

[@markkilley2683]

They have made some great gear.

[@markquavertune2003]

Would not the software companion be good for saving user patches and presets ? Thank you .A good video .

[@Slowlyburnedelectronics]

Hi! Great video as always! One question- when the sequencer and arp play together, is over the same patch or different patches can be used at the same time?

[@loopop]

Thanks. I wish two patches! Same one unfortunately

[@deauvillevrienden]

There is a Hold function for the arpeggiator because page 50 of the manual says: Hold: if this option is off, you need to hold the keys down to include notes into the arpeggiated sequence (i.e. if you are playing a chord and you leave just one key, the arpeggiator removes that from the sequence, but will keep playing the remaining notes). Alternatively, if this option is on, you can insert new notes in the sequence without holding the keys down and then remove them by pressing the same keys again. This is a unique feature of the 008, and allows you to easily access other parameters of the synth while the arpeggiator is running, as well as have more control over the pattern of notes, similar to a full sequencer. On page 52 of the manual: Pressing the Left and Right buttons down at the same time will turn the Arpeggiator status on and off. It is also a quick way to get to the Arpeggiator screen

[@loopop]

The arp behavior was changed in a firmware update after this video was published

[@fcf8269]

Great review as usual; I just wish you would do follow ups impressions about products you review, and actual tutorials about how to use those synths efficiently; because most manuals for syntsh are horrible and just dump a ton of info on you, without actually go in details about how you use the synth for sound design.

[@bisamkiez]

I think it sounds superb, I actually never heard digital synth before that sounds better to me than most analogs. Only thing that I don't like, is that you don't have option of disabling that locking of LFO to harmonic frequencies when it goes into audio rate. I prefer using my ears to determine audio rate modulation ratios...

[@AndrewTSq]

I love modals craft synth 2, and the spread-function is really cool, and makes the mono-synth sound polyphonic :-) This one or Hydra? I would probably get this one, and a few other synths for the same price as 1 Hydra.. If I had money for 2 Hydras, I would probably get a hydra, a Argon8 and a few other synths. Really want either one :)

[@richardsmithson4453]

@* AnimalHeadSpirit * same! I keep looking at the Iridium but it's so spensy.

[@paulpsilas294]

Con 1: 'Not multitimbral' = Agreed! Con 2: 'I would have preferred mini keys' = I'll get my coat...

[@marike1100]

Don't know a single keyboard player who would choose mini keys over a full sized Fatar keybed. Until now 😂.

[@sonicultura]

@@marike1100 very true that's a pro not a con... :D

[@marike1100]

@@sonicultura Exactly. A full-sized genuine Fatar keyboard at this price point is a huge pro. I've been enjoying the heck out of the Behringer MS-1 in part because the full sized keys make it extremely playable and lots of fun.

[@sonicultura]

@@marike1100 I would try it before from looking into the Behringer synths they say the MS-1 is the one they made the worst of all their new clones. ARGON8 is so much more fun also since it does poly. No reason going for the MS-1.

[@petersirca223]

Hello, thanks for another great review. One question - I think I heard you say in the Spread part that one can pick a different wave form for each of the 4 oscillators, is this true ? Looking at the docs it seems you can only pick two waveforms - one for Osc1 pair and one for Osc2 pair ?

[@loopop]

To my knowledge everything I said is true - but I'd need to rewatch the exact point so give me a timeline spot and I'll take a look. That said, I returned the synth after the review, so I can't help beyond watching the video just like you... perhaps someone else can chime in. You should certainly check with the company if this is a deal breaker

[@tommartello7690]

Hi. A fantastic - concise and informative review. Thanks. Very interested to know what tools you used to create the spectrum and waveform display in the review.

[@loopop]

Thanks! I use scopes by Melda

[@cockur]

It's a nice synth for sure. But I'm mystified as to why manufacturers aren't including "modern" takes on LFOs Envelopes and other mod sources. Example: some Log/Exponential modifiers for Envelope curves. Or some slew/jitter for the LFO shapes. I've grown used to using these things from plugins and daws. Tremendously useful. In what is essentially a purely digital synth , it would be nice to have that extra depth of control. Edit: and Euro. We're seeing a lot of nice Mod sources in Euro. Would be nice to see some of the more complex mod types in hardware synths

[@matthewspring2496]

Just my opinion , but I prefer the sound of this to the Hydra, not as harsh to my ears

[@OttosTheName]

My wallet is very happy with how amazing the Argon8 sounds too.

[@gts1067]

@@OttosTheName its just about the money, if the argon cost more than the hydra you'd be on hydrasynth videos saying IT sounded better to your ears

[@OttosTheName]

@@gts1067 I actually had my mind set on the Hydra, it has everything I want from a synth when it comes to specs, I'm okay with the price, I'd be happy to save up for my dream synth, I was trying to find a video where it sounded good (with little luck) when KZbin recommended an Argon8 video and I was sold instantly. It's still bright, but also warm instead of tinny, harsh and unpleasant. Then I saw that it was less than half the price. Edit: I did find a video called something like More sounds from the Hydrasynth by Stimming that had some pretty nice sounds.

[@jumpingman8160]

@@OttosTheName interesting. I don't find the hydra tiny at all.

[@OttosTheName]

@@jumpingman8160 Yeah it's subjective of course, if you like it go for it, it's a loooot of synth with a fantastic UI. Edit: I did like some of the sounds I just remembered, the shorter video by Stimming was nice.

[@giblet1618]

How does this compare to the , Polyend Medusa Black Analog and Wavetable Synthesizer? I'm stuck between these two. Thanks !

[@effebidi9677]

I got confused . A part of the wave scanning/morph synthesis, what is the difference between the analog modelling synthesis on Argon8 and the analog modelling on Cobalt8 ?

[@sanakassara]

So the sequencer is basically just a looper, but is it possible to put on and off the individual sequence tracks as you please - run four of them at the same time and suddenly just switch the third off while the rest are rolling?

[@eddiezzz100]

I'm having trouble copying your demo around 28 minutes to get the arp to do the drifting effect. Can anyone help?

[@ginoco]

Great review! I see a lot of potential in that osc section. The 2 layers of modifiers offer a huge set of combinations to explore. Can you use the wav and osc mods with the special PWM wave (on wave 2)?

[@loopop]

Thanks! I'm not sure about wav mods - I think not, but I'm away from the synth now. Osc mods only work on osc 1

[@ginoco]

Thanks. I see in the manual that wav mods do not work on the PWM setting for wave 2, but osc mods may work. For example using phase modulation with PWM as input.

[@gregkrukemeier2003]

Best reviewer on this rock. My preorder is now pushed back to Jan 3rd. Love watching your Vids. Watch a couple times and learn your synth without even opening the manual before it arrives. Would really love to See Modal add a few more reverb and filter type options are most welcome like a State Variable Diode 2 pole emulation or grittier as mentioned. I am a knob per function guy so I really like they kept it this way. Menu diving takes away playing time..... The Modifiers being Static is kinda a downer but not a killer. Having control of a wavefolder for example would make it better. and being able to modulate that wavefolder make it more Eurorack like.

[@m1nnefr3d]

Just watched this honest and -- as usual -- revealing video once again last evening after getting myself a 2nd-hand Argon 8. With software version 3.0 (!) released a couple of days ago, I wonder if this wouldn't be a good time to demonstrate what MODAL have managed to improve and add during the past two years, just like you did for the KORG wavestate. Ah, and while we're at it: Will there be one of your fabulous walktrhoughs for the Cobalt 8/X/M? I'm checking both your web site and ever-expanding book of electronic music regularly, but I didn't find anything regarding this post-analogue machine (as I would call it). I'm sure I won't be the only one to highly appreciate a video about this synth. Last but not least: Thank you very much for your high-quality content 🤝

[@loopop]

Thanks very much for the kind words and your support on Patreon! Unfortunately they took back Argon8 and it doesn't make sense for me to buy it just to check out the update, but it's great that they're supporting it with firmware updates! Noted re Cobalt but not likely in the near future just because I have so much going on :/ Thanks again though!

[@m1nnefr3d]

@@loopop Very many thanks for your immediate and typically nice reply! All the best for your upcoming undertakings. I'm sure you'll deliver some highly exciting material again as a (side) effect 😁👍

[@danielm5838]

Is there a quantize function for the sequencer, for those of us who are terrible at recording live?

[@joefalchetto94]

Just a little thing: Probably the most important reason for using the Modal App is the presence of Tap Tempo, especially for live using :)

[@LAURITSlykke]

got anymore tips for live use?

[@sonicultura]

Do you know if the sequencer always will run when sending clock to the synth or is it possible to turn off the sequencer even when sending midi clock to it? Would be nice to see a second video when you use it in conjunction with some more gear. Cheers!

[@bunwi]

I control Argon 8M (has no keyboard) from my Roland synth. I am able to send MIDI clock to Argon to control tempo of arp and sequences. By default the Argon sequencer will launch when I start the Roland sequencer, but fortunately there is a setting (Sequencer -> Transport -> On/Off) on the Argon to stop that happening as it is quite undesirable IMHO.

[@LimGiong]

Thanks.

[@danielmulholland5869]

Really hope they come out with a desktop version of this!

[@loopop]

They just did

[@goodnoyz]

@@loopop Regarding the desktop version, what are the differences and updates that you know of? Thanks

[@zhacko512]

Excellent review! Will be review for cobalt 8 ?

[@loopop]

Thanks! Not likely

[@johnnyraphaell]

Yes please add more filter. A roland ota style filter would be great!!!

[@johnnyraphaell]

And an korg ms 20 filter, or a polivoks. A dirty broken filter would be great for experimental sounds and cut trough the mix.

[@tilopahogan1720]

thanks kindly

[@hamburgerjonez5667]

Noob question, maybe, but one that's been bugging me for a while during synth shopping: Can the keyboard's velocity sensitivity be assigned to affect the volume and/or timbre of notes, like when playing a piano? Sometimes when I'm playing my synths (which are all pretty old) I find myself pining for more dynamics, and the Argon8 sounds great to me so I'm hoping to have that option.

[@loopop]

Hamburger Jonez here - yes for sure. Elsewhere, most synths with a velocity sensitive keyboard have a menu or knob somewhere linking velocity to level, at the very least

[@randytrader3026]

I may have missed it but was the a glide - portamento feature ??

[@jugglerjoe]

Thanks for the Great review! Just wondering how this synth (61 key version) compares to the Sledge 2.0? I'm not sure which to get and I am unable to try them out near me.

[@loopop]

Thanks! I’ve not tried the sledge unfortunately

[@jugglerjoe]

Thanks for letting me know

[@user-iz8pg8zz1b]

Love your reviews. Can you do one of the Modal Cobalt too?

[@loopop]

Thanks! Not likely sorry…

[@Popart-xh2fd]

How does it compares with the Blofeld?

[@robertf3668]

Thank you so much for your videos....you are truly an amazing resource for learning about these amazing instruments and electronic devices; very much like have a personal teacher. I am a bass player but always have had an interest in synthesis and sound design(we are good with theory but not so much with the technical side of sound production----((Granular synthesis, FM Modulation...What !?!?)). I have a K-2 mono synth controlled with a Keystep -37 and interested in adding rich tonal chords, textures and ambient sounds. I am looking for a poly synth and a fairly simplistic one at that for now. The Cobalt and Argon come to mind as being the least esoteric (the Iridium is way over my head!)....however I noticed the Cobalt has a more softer, rich harmonic sound (which I prefer for my desired use) than the Argon which to me has more of a "bite" to it. The control panels of the two instruments seem identical.....so is it my imagination or are the two actually different in subtle ways (filters, Osc's)? Also.....is the Cobalt a good "starter" poly synth?

[@loopop]

Thanks for the kind words. Take a look at Hydrasynth too but ultimately what's important is what will inspire you to create

[@architectofechoes4]

I have read some comments that the output gains are quite low on the A8, have you experienced any issues?

[@jonfromtheuk467]

OS 2 sorted this.