Modal Electronics Argon 8 vs Cobalt 8 // The Best First Synth for Beginners?

[@hvegel]

it's important to note for those who could get dissuaded from Argon, even if the filter isn't all the way to taste, having owned and so many digital synths (namely VAs) in the last 15 yrs, i have never heard such a smooth digital filter (the Cobalt only builds upon this apparently), with absolutely no aliasing or that weird high stepping sound you almost always get from most digi filters. in Classic mode, it's one of my favourite filters. rivaling OB6, Matriarch etc. it is quite reminiscent of my old 002, maybe not quite as characterful, but for a fraction of the cost, loads of reliability, and the extended wave manipulation i prefer it over 002.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Great comment! I need to do a more close test, I remember liking the newer filter modes they added after this video a lot more, but you made me want to test it out again :)

[@hvegel]

@@MilesAwayOfficial oddly enough I made this comment before updating to the latest firmware. Now I have those other filters unlocked, free running oscillators, vintage knob, I don't know how they've managed to make a 700 dollar synth (the desktop at any rate) sound this massive and good, but really it's such an uncovered gem. Curious to hear what your thoughts are once with the new firmware! Cheers!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@hvegel I love it! I unfortunately don't use my Argon as much anymore since I splurged and got a 3rd Wave as the centrepiece of my studio, but I can't believe how the Argon firmware fixed literally all my cons I had with it. It's really such a great synth, and the new filter models make it IMHO a better sell than the Cobalt.

[@UndercoverWanderer]

Your instrumental jams for your videos are always killer!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you! Big compliment :)

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Happy Friday Castaways!

[@eligioelini9194]

Congratulations on the precision and clarity with which you express yourself. I own the Cobalt8 and agree with your analysis. I will still watch your videos.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you so much for watching Eligio! Enjoy your Cobalt :) have you seen the video on the ZOIA with synths I posted yesterday, think youd like that one!

[@eligioelini9194]

@@MilesAwayOfficial I will look at it with interest. I have been learning everything in a short time, for about a year. I also have a Behringer model D, the Take5 and the Pro3. I struggle a lot but I work hard. Greetings from Italy.

[@danhermele]

Fabulous video. Really explained the potential and differences of these models. Thanks!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@meh9045]

I just bought the Argon8 as my first synth, it sounds absolutely huge and it's probably going to take me a while to make full use of it

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Well done! Amazing choice! Since I made this video, they updated the filter models which was my only complaint, so make sure you have the latest firmware and you are set !

[@nickkarach76]

Great video. With my studio full of more expensive synths (Summit, Polybrute, Rev 2, Pro 3 and Subsequent 37), I look back on my purchases and know I could have been completely happy with just a few budget-friendly synths like these. My first real synth was a minilogue and I was quick to sell it to upgrade to the Prophet 6 (which I also sold too quickly). I miss the minilogue and it's sound/simplicity all the time. No regrets on my current synths though, I love them all.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks for watching! Yea it’s really incredible how far the synth market has come with stuff like this and the minilogue xd. We are living in a golden age! Your collection is really similar to mine! I want a Pro 3 to compare to my Pro 2 though :D

[@nickkarach76]

@@MilesAwayOfficial Yes, similar taste! I had an OB-6 but swapped it for the Polybrute. Thinking about a matriarch in the future since I love the duophonic mode on the Sub37. Having 2 more voices of paraphony with the stereo delay is quite tempting.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@nickkarach76 Matriarch is AMAZING. I have a (outdated) video on it, but will probably feature it again. It's a bit finnicky for some things but sounds great otherwise. how do you like the Polybrute?

[@ConzDimension]

@@MilesAwayOfficial i got a dark grandmother on sale recently and love the tone so much, saw your matriarch video and would love to hear more! really want a matriarch one day now..

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@ConzDimension thank you! I love the mother series. I will definitely be doing another matriarch video now that my filming is better. Cheers for subscribing and stay tuned Nick :)

[@atomicasounds]

I have both! I actually prefer the filter on the Argon8 as I find it has more character. The balanced phase filter is interesting on the Cobalt8 though. I do wish they had more useable effects too but I've really enjoyed sound designing on them both, and it's great that once you've mastered the interface on one it's pretty much transferable to the other.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Interesting choice! I can definitely see that, the Cobalt filter is nice but really safe. Balanced phase was pretty cool but yea I am old school I usually need a good low pass. Thanks for watching :)

[@zoned7609]

@atomic have you updated to 2.1?

[@atomicasounds]

@@zoned7609 Yep, update made a huge difference to the effects and filter types, especially on the Cobalt8. I even released a sound bank.

[@DJMikeron]

I really enjoyed your video. very well done . Im a beginner but I love my cobalts much fun and built like a tank. Highly recommend it.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Glad you enjoyed it! Welcome to my channel for more synth videos, and beginner tips for you to learn :)

[@paulussantosociwidjaja4781]

Thank you for a very interesting demo. Cheers!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Glad you liked it!

[@thebreathalyzer]

Really excellent video! Ive been a CRAFTsynth user for a while and was just demoing Argon8 at Knobcon with breath control. The Modal synths do pretty well with wind controllers and definitely get some unique sounds.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks for the kind words! Argon just got an incredible new firmware update, so I actually rate it above the Cobalt now, since it has a great sounding 24db filter

[@mr.zeitmaschine6878]

I’d say it’s the best synth regardless. I own one large collection of synths, and the cobalt 8 has a very special place for me. It’s amazing

[@StratsRUs]

I was initially underwhelmed by the Argon 8 and it just sat there. Recently I did all the updates and it is beautiful now.I'm glad I didn't sell it !

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Amazing to hear! Yea the updates especially the filter models were a game changer!

[@bangmateo7481]

Awesome as always brother and thank you.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching, new videos every Friday so stick around friend!

[@donmakowski71]

Great review! Got the Argon 8M! Love it!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Great choice! If I revised this video after the huge firmware update I'd put the Argon above the Cobalt. They added new filters which was the one area it fell short, its a beast for sure now!

[@tomroche923]

Always love your hardware videos ❤️

[@Jason_Drums_]

Love the Intro 🤣 The Demo 2.29 - 4.29 👌 💥💥💥💥💥 Hard to split these awesome synths 🤔 Fantastic Video as always 👌 💯 🤩 🙌

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks so much dude, appreciate it!

[@sungmin556]

Nice playing! Modal cobalt 8 has been my dream synth....

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks for watching! Check out my channel for weekly synth videos

[@sadblyte8404]

Thanks for the video, I bought cobalt 8, a month ago, before that I had MonoPoly from Behringer, MonoPoly of course, it's also a cool synth, authentic, in the style of the eighties, heavy and designed like a tank)) build quality is my respect :) but I sold it anyway, because there are some restrictions in it that slowed me down in making music, and I bought cobalt 8)

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

great choice to swap it in my humble opinion! the Cobalt is so inspiring with the sequencer/arp, and as I show here can get surprisingly warm and analog! how are you liking it?

[@sadblyte8404]

@@MilesAwayOfficial yes, great synth)

[@Treaiser]

Good man, Miles. A brave and honest review. I'm personally keeping a Yamaha Montage and shedding a Korg Z1, a Roland xp 50 and a Yamaha CS2X. I want an affordable deep sounding partner for the Yamaha and the Argon 8 seems to fit. I appreciate your positive review and will use my Strymon Big Sky, or get another similar. Cheers bud. Mark Treais

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Good choices! Thanks for the nice comment :) happy you enjoyed and stay tuned! if you haven't pulled the trigger yet I just posted a review on the Dreadbox Nymphes which is another cool option, take a look!

[@Jimmer3035]

The effects are not stellar, neither are the filters but for how much they cost they are truly excellent value and very flexible. Amazingly well made. Latest firmware brought some nice features, better reverb and more filter models.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Couldn't agree more!

[@ESMagicalChannel]

Good Video My Friend! I appreciated Your Explanation! Thanks! 💎💯

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Much love thanks for watching :)

[@sK3LeTvM1]

As an ex- Argon user I can say this: It's a little black beast. And I know this the same for the Cobalt, except that it is blue... ;-) I sold the Argon because 8-voice is just not enough. 16-voice with layering capability would have been made the difference between yes and OH YES !

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Agreed completely! I do miss the voice count and the full keyboard (I know they make a version) but I think that its still a beast :) thanks for watching!

[@HRSoundFactory]

It's Really A Cool Synth Instrument. Thank You For Introduce This Instrument To Me🥰

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Of course!

[@Raku777]

Thanks for sharing. I made a similar assessment, though you went into the reasons why in far greater detail. I agree that adding a good effects pedal does something wonderful to the Argon8 (I am choosing a looper and the Zoom 70CDR). I liked your walk through and how you demoed everything you were saying about them.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Late reply but thanks for the comment! Glad it was helpful! Stick around my channel for tons more musical walkthroughs of synths and pedals like this :)

[@germanshepherdlover2613]

I have a Nord Lead A1. I love the sounds especially the Virtual analogue sounds. I am looking for something a bit more compact with a smaller form factor than the Nord Lead A1 but with similar VA sound. Which of these two would sound closer to the Nord Lead A1?

[@caspermakesbops]

looking sick buddy

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

thanks hombre!

[@neilloughran4437]

Both of these synths have a great character. While I ended up springing for an Iridium keyboard I would have gladly taken the Argon given the choice of these two.... would have been great if it supported user wavetable import.. not sure if it does these days. But definitely a nice synth with a great interface. The sequencer/parameter recording facility would be a godsend in live performances for me...

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Totally agreed! The Sequencers on these both are super underrated. Jealous of your iridium, I'd love to get one. Do you like it?

[@neilloughran4437]

@@MilesAwayOfficial I am not joking I literally come away from it with a huge smile and high after making my own sounds... it's like candy for the ears. Now to be honest, I haven't quite worked out how to make music yet with them as I come from more of a Fender Rhodes/piano/Prophet 5 kind of background... I've not yet figured out how to incorporate digital synths in my music! But I'm getting there after 30 years :D

[@Nightingale1887]

Revisiting this vid because today I got myself a Cobalt 8 to accompany my Argon 8X. The Cobalt has an easier layout imo if you are experienced with analog synths. To me it just feels more logic. Plus the Cobalt/Argon in the 37 Fatar keybed version is great and portable, which was a problem for me with the X model. I ride a motorcycle or use public transport. Can't be lugging a full size 8X synth around as easily as the smaller 8 version. Happy with both. Can't go wrong with both. The Argon overlaps the Cobalt, but they both have unique sounds and possibilities.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Totally agreed with your thoughts there - thanks for watching!

[@imaflymydroneatit]

Jesus christ that intro song was a banger.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you so much! I try to make each synth I have include a really good demo song, check some of my recent ones :)

[@kezstone1]

Great review thank you.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks for watching Kez! More coming soon.

[@Jason75913]

great stuff, and I, too, would have preferred fewer, higher quality insert FX

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you for watching Licinius! Do you have one of these synths?

[@Jason75913]

@@MilesAwayOfficial Argon8, I have mixed feelings about it, honestly. I would probably love it with the Cobalt's filter, but I have use for it nevertheless. I will probably give the Cobalt a whirl, the Modal synths have a sound to them very different from my Novation and Behringer synths, and my Roland and Korg keyboards. Best part of the vid are your arrangements, I wanted to gather a few more opinions on the Cobalt before giving it a shot, but I seem to have hit a limit and I am not seeing anything new.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@Jason75913 thanks man! Yea I try to do different arrangements/demos than your typical synth review as I come from a different genre. Glad you enjoyed! And i agree, argon with cobalt’s filter would be best of both worlds!

[@audiolego]

Because of the Modal news, I'm gassing for both.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I just saw that - what a genuine shame, so sad!

[@ezrashanti]

Whats the news?

[@JamesWilliam70]

Your thoughts on the Deepmind 12 as a beginners synth instead of the Cobalt 8 would be greatly appreciated as I'm kind of stuck between the two as a choice... The kind of music style I like is Neo soul/future bass/Uk garage/grime/Dub/breakbeat/DnB flavours/downtempo/hip hop... So pretty much all of the spectrum from dirty bass to rythmic melodies to ambience and fresh leads and some tight licks. I just need something to compliment my Akai Force which takes care of the beats. Thanks bro!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

hey JW! Thanks for the comment. So I've used the Deepmind at stores a few times but never owned one, so take this with a grain of salt. To me the deepmind is probably still a great choice, but the one thing I do remember from using it is the oscillators are a bit thin + the workflow had a few more menus than I would have liked. if that doesn't bother you it's got more voices and better effects than the modal! But the modal will probably be less menus and bit easier to just get stuff that sounds fat and full right away. Hope that helps!

[@Jason75913]

@@MilesAwayOfficial several Deepmind users have told me that it tends to sit well in a mix, which is definitely going to be the case for a synth that is a bit "thin" I've tried the Deepmind6 in local stores a few years ago and was extremely impressed with the sound quality and presets. I still haven't gotten around to buying a Deepmind 12D, but definitely want to spend time with one.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@Jason75913 that’s a super valuable comment! Sitting well in the mix is key. It’s one of the reasons I still turn to my trusty Serum pretty often. Lemme know which direction you end up going with the purchase and thanks for watching!

[@Jason75913]

@@MilesAwayOfficial I'm not going to change my mind, but I am not going to purchase it soon, either. Cobalt8m as well, also on my want list. That's it for synths for some time.

[@nekomatic]

I guess my choice will be the Argon, it has quite unique character and doesn't pretend to sound analog ;) for a subtractive poly I'm more in favour of Juno-like sound - I don't think Cobalt can do that... Or can it? I'll be happy to change my mind :)

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

fair! Argon is 100% more unique sounding. Cobalt is kind of like a chameleon of many of the most famous analog classics, moog, prophet, roland etc, but no it doesn't sound that much like a Juno. Check out my latest video on the Dreadbox Nymphes. that sounds a LOT like a Juno for a budget small synth :)

[@kierenmoore3236]

Argon8: fly your digital freak flag, high!

[@aymen2918]

I’m gonna have to get broke buying all this hardware dawg. Dope video as usual

[@Jason75913]

take your time, these synths aren't going anywhere

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks man!

[@sebastiengagnon2579]

I still hesitate between Argon /Cobalt / Deepmind / Modwav... for my first synth ... great video!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

all good choices! i think Cobalt8 is best from those for first synth, but also Minilogue XD is worth looking at too.

[@xisotopex]

great videos! love comparisons. which of these synths for evolving boards of canada style sounds?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Either one will do well but my vote is Argon for those evolving wavetable sounds.

[@MrNot4saken]

I have both of these synths in desktop would love to add the Carbon 8 in desktop form hopefully modal will do that.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I gotta check out the Carbon 8, it looks super cool!

[@RobaQ87]

Can I achieve as reach supersaw sound on cobalt8 as on argon8? I'm wondering which one to choose, I had a Hydrasynth but I didn't like the supersaw sound I could get there.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I believe both can do this but not 100% sure. I like the Supersaw on the Novation Peak a lot if you haven't tried that.

[@neuzethmusic131]

Love this video and your sound demos, thanks for sharing!! Maybe you can help me, I'm having a really hard time deciding on either a Cobalt or Argon... I already own a nice 7U Eurorack, a MS20 and some old Casios. Now I want a nostalgic yet complex sounding poly synth for mellow, moody pads sounds (think Boards of Canada or S.U.R.V.I.V.E/Stranger Things OST) to implement into the sound palette of my ambient music. Money is tight so I can't get both, unfortunately and I can't test them out where I live. Tough...

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks for the kind words! If you already have a nice analog synth like the MS20/Eurorack I’d get the Argon 8 over the Cobalt. The Argon is just incredible for evolving pad sounds, and they added better filters in firmware which was my main complaint when I made this video. It’s a monster now!

[@Iamirxclej]

WOW THAT'S REALLY AWESOME DUDE SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT PLEASE 💖💖💖

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

New video every Friday all year stay tuned!

[@ttocserp0210]

I was about to pull the trigger and purchase a Cobalt 8, but then saw the announcement for the Arturia MiniFreak. What’s your opinion on how these measure up to each other?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Hmm good question! I haven’t played the mini freak but it looks sick. If you like the sound of both then I would say the Cobalt has a way nicer keybed if that matters. Fatar full size vs Arturia mini keys

[@fabricedusonchet7277]

Very interesting thanks! Do you have preset we could upload to recreate the sound you show for the argon8 please

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I never did a patch set for the Argon, sorry!

[@Justus8]

I’m looking to buy my first (and probably only) synth. Can you make a good rhodes and/or wurlitzer sound with the cobalt? And is it posible to have it sound like a grand piano?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Hey! You are better off going for something that plays samples as well as has synthesis capabilities for grand piano. Cobalt emulates analog synth sounds, which can do OK emulations of acoustic instruments, but they are really their own thing. The argon is gonna do better e-piano/Wurlitzer sounds than the cobalt, as wavetables can get you closer, but if you want a synth that can also do acoustic sounds as well you want something like a Yamaha ModX6, or a Nord keyboard

[@landshut181]

You want a Juno DS.

[@Justus8]

@@landshut181 lol, I guess you’re right. I bought the juno-ds61 a couple of weeks ago!

[@maysbutterflytv2853]

Hi,im here now my friend,wow.!,nice video,nice music👍😍😉

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks and welcome!

[@AiuPal]

Is it possible to load wav files into the Cobalt?? By the way which files does it support?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

You are thinking of a sampler! Cobalt and Argon are digital synthesizers , not samplers, they don’t support loading samples!

[@AiuPal]

@@MilesAwayOfficial Thx, and good comparison 👍

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@AiuPal Thanks! Stick around, I post synth videos every week!

[@lordbachus]

Whats the budget limit for a fist synth?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

really depends on you, but i'd say $800-$1000 USD can get you a really amazing professional poly synth, $400-$500 USD for a mono synth! The Argon 8 and Cobalt 8 are two of the best value in my humble opinion.

[@gctechs]

How do you synthesize a fist?

[@lordbachus]

@@gctechs with lots of harmonics and a fast attack and some decay

[@gctechs]

@@lordbachus yep, the fastest attack is the key :)

[@celestialgroove3334]

Not sure if your still looking but I always recommend the Novation bass station2 as a first synth. There are plenty of videos as to why. I’ll never sell mine. It will go to the grave with me 😝

[@liveanadventure429]

Does this have sound fx and drums patches?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Sound FX - yes! Lots like delay, reverb, chorus, etc. Drum patches - not really. You could program some really basic ones but it’s not a drum machine.

[@liveanadventure429]

@@MilesAwayOfficialthanks I thought I’d ask as sum synths have preset drums

[@KinoHaitsma]

Great demo! What did you use for the drum sounds?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks! Mix of my own samples and Kontakt libraries! Big fan of the Kontakt drum kits into heavy Distressor compression.

[@KinoHaitsma]

@@MilesAwayOfficial especially that kick drum floored me

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@KinoHaitsma this demo with the drums and everything is my stem construction kit included with my Patreon for the month of April btw!

[@benedictjohnson2176]

Is the Colbalt 8 discontinued now?

[@BappinProductions]

No. Modal just had some financial troubles but AFAIK they are back in business and should start shipping out new units to resellers soon

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

nope!

[@vishalkaranam]

wow

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

thanks for watching!

[@robertopistolesi2735]

Is it just me or the Argon basic waves sound more analog than the cobalt?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I'm not sure about more analog but I love their sounds as well! Wavetables have a great buzz to them

[@robertopistolesi2735]

@@MilesAwayOfficial in comparison with the cobalt, and I mean from you tube, the cobalt sounds a bit like fake analog, and the argon has some grit to it, but also warmth I would say.

[@rodd1000]

These sound so good, how would you compare these to the Minilogue Xd for a first synth. So spoilt for choice it’s insane. I’m leaning towards the XD but man the Cobalt sounds so cool…aaggghhr….decisions. Help 😂

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Super tough choice! Thanks for watching. I'd say Cobalt has better keyboard, more versatile, and more polyphony is huge. But I have the Prologue (the bigger Minilogue XD) and I prefer its raw tone to the Cobalt. It sounds more wiry and electric and alive, and the effects are much better. If you can play them side by side, they are really both great choices (not helpful i know!)

[@booyobambooyo2563]

THE DRUM KIT IS FROM THE SYNTH??

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Nope, my drums are always my own samples unless otherwise noted. Every other sound is from Modal synths

[@booyobambooyo2563]

@@MilesAwayOfficial BUT I THINK I CAN BUILD A PERCUSSION SOUND WITH THIS SYNTH?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@booyobambooyo2563 yep you can! Just not exactly like the percussion I have here, you can build synth percussion, these samples I used are real drums

[@MichaelTmusic]

Cool place...

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks!

[@user-zd4qy5zl7i]

Is argon still good for you in 2024?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Absolutely! It's a great first synth!

[@kierenmoore3236]

‘I’d rather the synth had less effects, of better quality’ - applies to every synth, ever made … 😑😏 (that Summit revrb, tho’ 😎)

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

True that!

[@calebneff5777]

GASing my brains out for a Cobalt8X.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

It’s a great one! You should also check out the new firmware features added for both synths since I made this video!

[@user-zd4qy5zl7i]

I'm using argon and I think the sound is better than the software vst synth !

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

agreed its super good!

[@Melodic623]

So basically buy both 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

haha they are both great! But with the new firmware updates I give the slight edge to the argon since they fixed the filter!

[@coskuarsiray]

For me, cobalt is way better than argon on any kinds of analog sounds. I have both synths.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Fair comment! I loved it too.

[@PeterPrism]

Ultranova Novation x ever

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Need to try that one! It sounds sick

[@dirkkeersmaekers4343]

Modal👈

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

so good!

[@cephlopodic]

the modal crew responsible 4 cobalt8exviranth should recieve a nobel prize 4 peace. coby healed the scars of the analog vs. fm wars.

[@passivehouseaustralia4406]

Best First Synth..... REV2 or Polybrute..... let the arguments begin!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Wow! Epic choices. I haven't owned either, but the Rev 2 looks pretty fantastic as a jack of all trades.

[@11000038]

Horrible compression

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

not a fan of our lord and saviour "sidechain compression"?

[@cephlopodic]

🩺milesaway, somewhere else .nowhere is somewhere, nothing is something.🐙🔫🪖🌻....

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

:)