Modal Electronics COBALT8 - 8 Voice Synthesizer - SonicLAB Review

[@z3r0slugfm]

I just want to take the time and say thank you for the written as well as the video review. Over the years you and the other contributors for SonicState have been an invaluable resource. I’ve purchased many synths based off your insight, but this one really takes me back to how I felt about synths 20 years ago when I first stumbled upon the SonicState forums. Thank you sir.

[@jefferymyles5323]

you all prolly dont care at all but does anyone know a tool to get back into an Instagram account? I somehow lost the password. I appreciate any tips you can offer me.

[@jonathanharlan8237]

@Jeffery Myles instablaster :)

[@jefferymyles5323]

@Jonathan Harlan thanks so much for your reply. I found the site thru google and Im in the hacking process now. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

[@jefferymyles5323]

@Jonathan Harlan It did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thank you so much, you saved my ass!

[@jonathanharlan8237]

@Jeffery Myles no problem xD

[@davidbanner9001]

After each an every review of this synth, I want it more. It really would fit into my setup so well.

[@chauncybrukshut9279]

Just bought one, it's dope. The keys are 10/10

[@danrkelly]

I love your style of presentation and review, Nick, super accessible in what can seem an impenatrable world.

[@Naotaku]

I love the sounds coming out of this thing. Super tempted.

[@rolandkramernaturefilms]

i will say indeed that opening patch is one for an original song. Awesome Job Nick.

[@omniphoriusvcf907]

Great to hear that the filter is different than the Argon and uses more DSP...that was the deal-breaker for me on that synth. I had it for 6 months, then traded it and never missed it. It was a shame, because the build quality is so nice, and the company is inspiring.

[@pinkieblu4320]

I got rid of my Argon, too. Really did nothing for me. I much prefer the Cobalt.

[@Wagoo]

Hurrah for 8M and 8X versions becoming official, too :)

[@AndyVonal]

Glad they are going to do this... I love the sound of this synth but really need 5 octaves (especially if my SuperNova dies...).

[@gregorythomasmusic]

yes i rather love the my Argon8M, love the form factor..

[@fiddlestickzmuzik]

I'm really starting to come around to this synth, seems like a wonderful allrounder and could be a master/controller synth in a studio easily.

[@frankschneider7190]

Great presentation of a cool synth. Thanks Nick!

[@Superlover]

that sequence at the end alone is reason enough for me to get this beauty. thx sonicstate!

[@G6304]

YES it's fabulous sounding !

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

One of the best synthesizers I have ever seen. I really connect to the design philosophy. It goes for the strength of digital. To go beyond the best of analog. That is absolutely fabulous. It makes you design your sound generators. With a GUI/taktile surface that makes it intuitive.

[@cybernaumemusic]

It is fantastic!

[@thecrackedsky]

Own this. Out of the box, great sounds. Unbeatable keybed, the knobs are fun to play with. So many sounds to spark creativity. Pros: sounds are creative, rich, oscillators are amazing, real time tweaks bring interesting and fun results Cons: would have been nice to have organized presets into categories, I have to write down the ones I use otherwise I kid em

[@odmusicman]

They fixed this in Firmware2

[@frankstetka7206]

Oh damn, need to hurry up and get that now that new firmware while it’s available. I understand support will only be after market now that Model has tanked. Real bummer.

[@TheDazlermac]

Sounds really nice. Thanks for the review.

[@BecomingProductions]

Wow if the digital/software filter is taking up a significant amount of a hardware's available DSP it sounds like they may have cut the hardware specs to the bone to keep it at such a reasonable price. That may also explain why they've been reluctant to introduce user wavetable import in Argon8. I'm not complaining as they've offered these at a very fair price. Just a pity there's not more resource headroom.

[@martybyrnemusic]

I think this is the (very reasonably priced) poly synth for me! Sounds bloody great!

[@80iesDude45]

same here, my perfect Xmas gift this year ;-)

[@bembeleee]

I can't decide . This miniloque XD or opsix or wavestate

[@martybyrnemusic]

@@bembeleee I've changed my mind, I have to be completely honest. I've been playing in my studio and realised: There's not really much point in me having a synth that does exactly what loads of plugins do, other than the knobs and buttons. I'll maybe change my mind in 2021, if my setup is really crying out for it, but I'm still working where: my DAW setup lets me do everything I want, in terms of composing / producing tracks, while my hardware setup continues to just be for fooling around, making silly stuff jams... I'm not inspired by my hardware setup, yet.... So no point adding more things when I haven't fully explored what I have. This is very longwinded, apologies, just wanted to be honest about my take on this.

[@Decoy303]

@@bembeleee opsix has no after touch. That and it's price is a deal breaker amongst a plastic build and other issues. Save your money.

[@dorsia6938]

@@martybyrnemusic I bought the summit because I felt like it was something that I couldn't get with plugins. Its just the sound of the filters and analog fx which is so nice, and in terms of workflow its very fast to make cool/nice sounds. Besides modular and the analog 4, I'm not sure there's another synth on the market that really grabs my interest.

[@tomgriffiths1043]

The desktop module will be out soon apparently. It's on the Anderton's website in the UK for pre-order. Haven't seen it elsewhere yet, but it is definitely an attractive option without the keyboard - and it's a bit cheaper.

[@yobooboy5591]

9/10 Times module is a poor cousin of a normal/keyboard version.

[@fcf8269]

@@yobooboy5591 That is OK; as long as it does all the keyboard model does and as long as the module can be controlled from a computer/software/ipad

[@ToyKeeper]

Desktop modules FTW. It's nice having the option to pay less, and waste less space on yet another set of keys.

[@yobooboy5591]

@@ToyKeeper The other way around. Modules are for those who can't afford more space.

[@ToyKeeper]

@@yobooboy5591 Instead of asserting that an entire category of products is only for plebians, could we just agree that different people are different and it's nice to have options? One size does not fit all, regardless of price. Like, I'm one of those weirdos who actually prefers mini keys. If a synth comes with keys sized for giant man hands, as far as I'm concerned, that's more of a bug than a feature. I'd be playing it with something smaller anyway, and I'd prefer to have the synth's knobs closer to my midi controller. Having full-sized keys attached, for my purposes, is a downside... not a benefit. It just gets in the way. But I recognize other people have different needs and wants than me, so I like when synths can also be purchased with a keybed attached... even though it's not appealing to me personally.

[@YTbeber]

Nick Batt is... unbattable for synths demos... Thx once more.

[@AlekseiDroganov]

You are right! 😊👍

[@Mark_Ocain]

I'm impressed...a nice bit of kit to get the creative juices flowing. Thanks Nick,for sharing and taking this interesting box through its paces.

[@janpieternieman5295]

Unbelievable, what a beautiful sequence outro/ song! Richard D. James would be jealous.

[@sebastian78503]

The Arpeggio in the end Just Sold another Cobalt... Lovely Sound. And great Work, as Always, Nick.

[@Decoy303]

So glad he saved that patch because it sounded amazing! ☺️

[@buschovski1]

OMG, he really made a great patch there. Fine patch. Synth sounds damn good

[@Hesohi]

You may have sold me yet another synth. Nice One.

[@TomAndreen]

The bigger keyboard versions seem to have a bit of free space on the right side of the synth. Does anyone know if a desktop model of an Argon/Cobalt will fit on there? Could make for a cool setup 😊

[@Gainn]

Not quite.. the space is about 13", the desktop ones are just over 15" and they're quite tall. As an example a TR-606 is 12" and fits on there just right.

[@KaeRZed]

@@Gainn , so it could be ok to put a Waldorf Blofeld.... :)

[@Gainn]

@@KaeRZed yeah, a blofeld would fit nicely.

[@LarsBjerregaard]

Nice one Nick, and a lovely playout patch!

[@thomasekman4548]

Thanks Nick for another great review👍🏻

[@youtubeii434]

I don't know what makes it sound so good, but it does ! Maybe it's the color

[@Jason75913]

filter quality and bass

[@xfghffhfg]

As years go by Nick's voice have more low end harmonics

[@Jason75913]

like everyone else?

[@mbilca]

...and if you listen very closely, he controls his pulse width better with each passing year. :)

[@annother3350]

I like what Modal is doing

[@paulwangmacbookprowidjaja7640]

Now, I could see clearly how close or how far difference this Cobalt model is from the Argon's sibling. Thanks, Nick!

[@CO5MA]

12:05 That Cobalt8 sounds good! Thanks for the demo, Nick :)

[@B0K1T0]

yeah that sound was so good :)

[@LesSondiers]

Nice intro shots 😉

[@sonicstate]

Phone.....

[@KordTaylor]

Thank you for another great video. Looks like a wonderful synth, especially for the money.

[@christianlighter3177]

I think I've fell in love with the Cobalt8

[@MurrayDagostino]

I love the Modals .. I got the Argon8, didnt think I needed this one, but man its interesting.

[@Goettel]

Nick insta-like, not meant to distract from the review actually being excellent ; - )

[@zedfield7736]

Just bought the 61 key Modal Cobalt 8x, hasn't arrived yet but so bloody excited...it's going to be epic,thanks Nick for the inspiration,you're a legend and one of my main go to's when buying new kit,cheers buddy,kind regards Zed Field 🎼😊

[@genenery9315]

Just got my Cobalt8 yesterday... FUN!!

[@erlendmagnussen8922]

Lovely synth. Great that it comes with 5 octavs fatar. And as a desktop

[@simonfenn3791]

Think this one will be difficult for Nick to send back.

[@ianchattam9368]

This thing is ridiculously good especially for the price!

[@ebull666]

Great review as usual, I like how you play the synth as you show the functions, very frustrating when reviewers just talk with no sound examples.

[@Claidheambmor]

It's a beautiful synth, love what Modal are doing. Whenever a new VA synth enters the market I as myself 'am I going to replace my Access Virus B with this?' and the answer so far has always been 'no'. But that said, the display on this box is so much clearer and more informative. I am quite tempted by the Argon8M as a replacement. But it's tough because the sound of the Virus B is just so nice.

[@ToyKeeper]

Even after two decades, there still isn't a Virus killer. It was the best of its class then, and it still is now. Would be nice to have a more modern version though.

[@chrisdigiuseppe7717]

I've always been interested in a Virus, but have never owned one. I also think 'could this kill my Virus GAS?' with every new VA that comes out. This is nice, but I'll still be keeping an eye out for a nice price on a TI Polar.

[@Jason75913]

no, no virus killer yet, unless perhaps Synapse Audio port Dune3 to hardware, another gent tells me Dune3's oscillators nail the "creamy" Virus sound

[@MichaelMoore-bx6st]

I had the same thought, but as mentioned no filter drive, or distortion of any kind and I need that for the music I make. The unison, stereo width and detuning sound awesome though!

[@soarornor]

Keep it! Just add the Modal. They all add interesting, unique things to the mix.

[@Oddmongers38]

Wow Nick, is this very first patch in your video home-made or factory preset? It sounds absolutely fantastic... If home-made, would you care to share it? A million thanks for your review which has led me to trade my Minilogue XD for the Cobalt8...so much warmth and such a pleasant keybed, I'm in love...

[@sonicstate]

Thanks, glad you like it. It's available with the other patches on our patron

[@raskinlex]

i bought this one second hand. and i think is so underrated . the core sound very pleasant, crispy, most algorithms very usable. very good keybed, i have a hydrasynth desktop and i think cobalt sound is more better. i understand that hydra has much more posibileties and modulations, and i think to use hydra is more easy then cobalt, but core sound of cobalt much more better. you cant stop playing this thing. its just need a better deep reverb like novation peak or at least like argon 8 in last firmvare . he other FX very good.

[@rjadamz9117]

Which do you like more the Cobalt 8 or the Argon 8? Seems like you really liked the Argon in your video. I’m trying to decide which one to purchase and I respect your opinion more than most. Thank you for all the informative videos. Good day to ya.

[@gherat]

20:44 THIS! This modulation ‘delay’ or the modulation of modulation is the key to making interesting dynamic sounds! That’s one of the reasons the poly61 sounds so warm and “broken” fragile in a Boards of Canada kind of way. Great to see this built into this thing.

[@Jason75913]

it's common in virtual analogue synths and modern Korg and Roland romplers

[@hoagy_ytfc]

I know I'm nitpicking too much on an instrument that's actually great value, but I'd love a higher-resolution display. It's not as jaggy in person as it looks in the extreme close-up in this video, but it could still benefit from "retina" resolution (to nick Apple's terminology).

[@sunnyschramm9650]

NO PAN MOD as I can see in the manual right? a NO GO on a stereo-synth :-( Maybe step-pan in the arpeggiator?

[@brunoromiti7708]

Is the patch on 11:44 an inbuilt preset or was it crafted by sonic? i was absolutely drawn to it! thanks!

[@sonicstate]

I think it was one we made

[@Griuofficial]

Thanks for the video, good synth

[@raskinlex]

COBALT8 delivers a complete electronic music instrument that shifts the boundaries for traditional sound synthesis. With the new Firmware V2, COBALT8 is set to unleash even more creativity for musicians, producers and sound designers indulging in classic and contemporary synth sounds in their creative process. Various new forward-thinking features and enhancements boost COBALT8’s sound capabilities even further Beyond Analogue. COBALT YOU ARE THE BEST

[@arexpressionsphoto]

Great review as always, thanks! Question: If I record a pattern with its sequencer, and Cobalt is in slave midi mode, will it playback the sequence when I press play on the midi master?

[@mmhcreates]

I think that should work.

[@arexpressionsphoto]

@@mmhcreates thank you!

[@G6304]

So this is the synth people (some tonally blind) is calling an VST n an expensive blue box which happens to sound and behave like an expensive modular synth approaching MOOG modular levels of awesomeness ?

[@Jason75913]

Don't listen to those intellectually challenged people, every hardware digital synth ever can be called a "VST in a box", and this supposed to devalue it or something. They're probably jealous.

[@jeewanharshanath5057]

hi what about the knob feeling..any wobbles..i heard some rumors on knobs feeling..?

[@jonfromtheuk467]

it uses frictionless digital encoders which have longer life than potentiometers but by their nature less resistance and more play so some people incorrectly think there is a problem, but there really isnt.

[@jeewanharshanath5057]

@@jonfromtheuk467 ok noted

[@Elazarko]

Hey, I'm a piano player getting my first synth. Can you suggest me how to choose between the ASM Hydrasynth Explorer and Cobalt 8/5s ? Thank you so much!!

[@leftmono1016]

Listen to all the KZbin videos and pick the one you like best 👍

[@davegoldthorpe8122]

It was Nick's reviews and one by Modal on Andertons KZbin channel that persuaded me to get this. I love that the Cobalt 8 takes VA into the future. Let's hope Modal Electronics are around for the foreseeable.

[@frankstetka7206]

As of today I feel haunted by this comment. Other manufacturers are digging into this further but not with this build quality and price point. This is why Model failed as a business along with world economic timing being a major player in their demise.

[@eurotium]

great video! *mo' drive* again modal has *mo' drive* got it right! can't wait to see *mo' drive* it come out ! *mo' drive* =) well, I guess you can always get drive from the oscillator section with all the tweaking you can do there. in any case, amazing video, again. thank you.

[@Death_By_Media]

Nice review ! Was that Pucifer in the intro ?

[@CARLTONMOXLEYUnknownpianist]

Have not been able to SSD expression pedal get the expression 2 work

[@authorityfile3071]

could you drive it by feeding the headphone out to the audio in tho?

[@Jason75913]

probably

[@daseinoseven4514]

I feel like I’ve read through most of these comments and I have one question… On multiple occasions in the review, you mentioned the lack of a dedicated Distortion Control. Does the available distortion algorithm on the oscillator not serve a very similar purpose, but with even more control? I am pretty new to synths, so I could be way off on this…. Love the review. I actually just picked one of these up yesterday. Your review was a big part of my decision. Cheers.

[@Jason75913]

Modal distortion isn't all that great anyway, in my opinion. There's a knob dedicated to distortion on the Argon8 for easier access.

[@chrismartin6690]

Help...I recently got an argon8x..after saving for for a while...did I buy the wrong one ?....I am new to synths..what are the big differences..etc

[@Gainn]

Not sure you can 'go wrong' with either unless you have a very specific purpose for it, but they are very different machines. The Argon (on the surface) is more set up for ambient/evolving/sound design types of use than the Cobalt, but can do more basic sounds with it if you want. The Cobalt seems aimed more at people that want an analogue (sounding) synth with tons of direct control over modulation, but don't want the cost or quirks that can come with owning one. I've got an Argon8 and I'll be getting a Cobalt8M. They're both impressive machines in their own right.

[@chrismartin6690]

@@Gainn thanks..I intend to use with my for MPE with my seaboard instead of a software ..so far it works well..and I love it..it’s at a reasonable price as well

[@Fairlight2cx]

Congratulations... Only 11min in, and you've just sold one for when the 8M is available at Sweetwater. I have looked at so many videos of this thing, and this is the first one where I've heard it sound -good- outside of Modal's own little trailer on their site. Everyone else but you seems to program it horribly. I've experienced the same with the Argon videos. Not sure why people don't seem to do these justice, but you just changed my mind on this one. If the Argon 8M I have coming tomorrow pans out as something I enjoy, I'm almost certainly getting this now before I get a Virus Ti2. As always, I enjoy your reviews, Nick!

[@Jason75913]

These aren't "instant gratification" and take work. I'm struggling with my own Argon8m, I don't think it is for me, though I'm strongly interested in the Cobalt8.

[@Fairlight2cx]

@@Jason75913 - The Cobalt 8 is incredible. I find both pretty easy to program, although I'm still getting used to them (around other gear, so it's slower going). They're awesome, though! I'd hang onto the Argon, man. It's far better than a Blofeld, in my opinion. I literally sold my Blofeld to offset getting the Argon, I felt that strongly about it. The Blofeld is aged and limited. :(

[@Jason75913]

@@Fairlight2cx I like some of the Cobalt's presets, and the Baltica soundset by Soundsauca has a few patches in its demo that impressed me, showing me a little more of what I can potentially get out of the Cobalt. I was iffy on the Argon8 from the start, but it seemed interesting enough at first. Now I am just unhappy with it, but it did take time for me to discover that it's simply not for me. That said, I'm procrastinating on selling it at the moment after several other folks told me to hold off on that, like you, hahaha. I'm in no hurry.

[@SuperBond113]

i can not get the manufacture preset voices

[@corrosiveabuser]

Definitely worth it for the price, but there's so much competition in the current digital synthesizer market. I'd probably go for the desktop version, if I had the money spare, - but having so much real analogue gear already, new and old, I can't justify the purchase. - Nothing against Modal, or all the other VA, clone synthesizer manufacturers, but just speaking personally, I'm getting a little tired of new instruments pretending to be old instruments, and it just doesn't seem necessary anymore, especially with so much real analogue currently available, along with the superb sounding Roland ACB tech. - That said, the OPSix is on my list, but only because I miss my old DX21, and it will be great to finally experience DX-style FM without all the additional background noise. love to ALL, feel no hate

[@57m_beats16]

Is this a good recommendation for a beginner synth? I’m thinking about getting started in synthesisers and looking for a good first synth Any suggestions?

[@aquaticborealis4877]

Yes, it’s very good. But also the Uno Synth Pro, and the Korg Minilogue. The Cobalt8 and Argon8 have the Modal App and the plug-in, which are cross platform and very handy.

[@SWATTECHNOLOGIES]

11:25 Loverboy "You Take Me to the Top" intro, just need a few small mods to the patch. very nice and FAT

[@vedabou]

Nick, you are a sympathetic dude.

[@brianvhaaren1204]

hmm, I love my Argon8, so I am probably getting a Cobalt8M when it's available. 💎💎💎

[@jonfromtheuk467]

not long now....

[@PedalScience]

Nice to see the gear rack in the background!

[@joebrewer4529]

It would be awesome if you guys from Sonic state would do a this day in synthesizer history acting thing. It could be engineer related or band related or whatever.

[@michaelkonomos]

This sounds as good as analogue on some, though not all, of these patches, at least to my ears. Very interesting.

[@wgaule]

Would this pair well with the Hydrasynth?

[@DaraM73]

Should I get two, for polychaining?

[@InkyDaCaT]

Thanks Nick!🙌

[@InkyDaCaT]

@Trololo Inc ® 😂🙌

[@EnochDark]

For the $ it seems to provide more sonic capability than something like the Opsix. Yeah I get they are different types of synths but to my ears this has more going on...

[@Jason75913]

you know not FM

[@EnochDark]

@@Jason75913 one of my first synths was a brown DX-7... i currently have volca and cycles but yes, plz tell me what i know.

[@Gainn]

The OPSIX seems like more of a learning timesink but with loads more possibilities if you have the time to invest or want that particular sound. The immediacy of the Modal stuff is really nice and that's what got me to order an 8M. I still bought an OPSIX (I have a serious FM habit), but I think people would be more warm to it if they did a module. I'm not sure I've heard anyone say a nice thing about the KB on it.

[@EnochDark]

@@Gainn Yeah, I used to program a DX-7 20+ years ago but it sure was time consuming... And yeah, these days I just want to jam out because chances are someone else already made whatever patches I could come up with in FM anyway

[@EnochDark]

@@Gainn I think if OP6 was $500 it might sway me... Maybe if we wait a year it will be though right?

[@Pulse2AM]

I don't really think it has much character, kind of sterile sounding to me. Certain synths like a Virus for example you can hear right away what it is. I guess that's something I like, you buy a synth for it's character. The pads sound nice along with the more atmospheric patches.

[@Jason75913]

if you think this is lacking character, Argon8 is worse =\

[@mickeythompson9537]

Cobalt blue? Should be Bristol blue :-)

[@ulysmusic]

I don't know that Synth have a seqencer ?

[@rezganger]

how long do they let you play with it?

[@BB69175]

Sounds great

[@nik_elektrik]

Another great in-depth review with some really nice patch ideas (MEG and sequencer as a modulation source). I won (!) this in December 2021, but wasn‘t sure if I really needed it to stay for long among a Summit, P10, 2600, Pro3, Juno60, Voyager and loads of software. (Sorry for bragging, just trying to make a point) …Well, what should I say? Totally fell in love with this beauty, kept it, use it and have been recommending it ever since. IMHO price, specs, form factor, usability (the app is absolutely brilliant) and sound make the Cobalt8 a no-brainer not only for beginners.

[@TheAtomicTom]

26:00 tapping into some Aphex Twin-ish vibes there

[@diglet553]

3:44 ... So you've committed to owning it now 😅

[@Jason75913]

lol

[@metamyther]

loved the sound at 13:00

[@teamglbfortnite7274]

thinking of selling my yamaha An1x for one of these.. for workflow it'd definitely be better. But i'm not sure

[@shapeshifta3431]

6:48 - the "seagull" wave shape

[@Michael_Smith-Red_No.5]

Or perhaps like an inverted 'M'. I noticed that.

[@ZethKeeper]

16:06 that progression sounded almost like Ghuleh/Zombie Queen intro.

[@sinephase]

aw man I was just getting into that! LOL

[@Diamond_Eyes_24]

Modal's presentation is classy and a great value package inc their app. Looking forward to the range being further extended, perhaps with a down n dirty yet musical FM synth?

[@maquettemusic1623]

As an Argon8 owner, I am kinda sad. This just seems so much better especially the shapers and filter, plus a third lfo... So I bought a hardware VST, then got told I can't have the other VST to put into my hardware box. What? Just disappointing to not have firmware compatibility when thats the way we are going with software instruments (which this is, lets be honest).

[@Jason75913]

There's the System8 for those with your mentality. 😉

[@mojodrum3215]

So why did you buy the Argon8 hopefully you knew what you were purchasing at the time. Companies always come out with new products what's different here ?

[@Jason75913]

@@mojodrum3215 nothing, nothing at all, that dude is just coming from who knows where

[@bigmoneysteppa]

Thank you.

[@sodiumlights]

same price as the op-z. wonder which one costs more to produce?

[@Dudderlyful]

OPZ looks like it was made in a lego factory, can't believe people buy it

[@sodiumlights]

@@Dudderlyful yes, but lego is well built Dudley.

[@pcuimac]

I hate distortion. Seems like my kind of VA synth! :)

[@leftmono1016]

I usually do too but the distortion on the Skulpt is really nice when used sparingly.

[@shookstylez]

it sound good..!

[@thepauloapo]

3:45 so satisfying

[@michaels5166]

seems worth every penny..versatile..

[@modernslave]

do you need pc to use this synthesizer?

[@sonicstate]

No not at all. Only for the extra editor and patch manager

[@sajp8859]

I need this in a rack-mount.

[@jonfromtheuk467]

www.modalelectronics.com/cobalt8m/