– 8-Voice Extended Virtual-Analogue Synthesiser –
Bristol, UK: hot on the heels of its immensely powerful COBALT8 8 VOICE EXTENDED VIRTUAL-ANALOGUE SYNTHESISER, and following in the footsteps (and footprints) of its ARGON8 8 VOICE WAVETABLE SYNTHESISER series siblings, leading British synthesizer manufacturer Modal Electronics is proud to announce the availability of COBALT8X and COBALT8M — completing the COBALT8 synth series with 61-key and module/rack renditions, respectively, both bringing traditional and entirely new analog-style sound textures to modern music creation and production as an innovative, sophisticated synthesis concept comprising two-oscillator groups with selectable algorithms in self-contained elements enabling multiple oscillator modulations, an all-new 4-pole morphable ladder filter with switchable configurations, an unparalleled modulation engine, and much more besides, extending far beyond the limits of their analog forefathers — as of November 23…
By building on the tradition of warm and punchy analog-style synth sounds seeded by bygone legendary synthesizers, the COBALT8X 8 VOICE EXTENDED VIRTUAL-ANALOGUE SYNTHESISER unlocks the full creative potential of analog waveforms with the same sophisticated synthesis concept birthed by its COBALT8 8 VOICE EXTENDED VIRTUAL-ANALOGUE SYNTHESISER sibling, as already announced recently to widespread critical acclaim. As such, the powerful, inspiring instrument in question reinvents the aesthetics of analog sounds and also invites musicians, producers, and sound designers to explore a new era of VA synthesizer textures, thanks to the COBALT8 synth series’ innovative oscillator engine — encompassing up to 64 high-resolution VA oscillators with extended drift and up to eight available for each of its eight true polyphonic voices via two independent and self-contained Osc (oscillator) groups, including sine, pulse, triangle, and sawtooth waveforms alongside 34 unique algorithms allowing for complex analog synthesis techniques, built-in cross-modulation (sync, ring modulation, and more), PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), smooth morphing between VA waves, bit crushing, and filtered noise — bolstered by Modal Electronics’ new morphable 4-Pole Ladder Filter with Cutoff (frequency), Res (resonance), and Morph controls to inject more warmth and bite into the creative proceedings. Put it this way: when combined with the leading British synthesizer manufacturer’s unparalleled modulation implementation, inspiring real-time/step sequencer, animating arpeggiator, MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) support, studio-quality effects, multi-platform MODALapp sound editor integration, and, now, a premium FATAR 61-note keyboard enabling extended playing, COBALT8X is the perfect synth for anyone who wants a versatile electronic music instrument to play vintage synth sounds balanced by an eagerness to enter new sound dimensions.
Duly offering more of the same, albeit in a space-saving desktop module/rack form factor for those who wish to play it from an external — possibly MPE-capable — keyboard, the COBALT8 8 VOICE EXTENDED VIRTUAL-ANALOGUE SYNTHESISER MODULE does what its eye-catching (cobalt-blue-colored) metallic front fascia (literally) states. Saying that, though, all three COBALT8 synth series siblings’ eight true polyphonic voices tempt players to lay out wide string or rich synth pad chords, while a monophonic bass or lead patch played with 64 of those high-resolution VA oscillators can clearly shake the walls of any studio or stadium! And avant-garde sound-forming features ensure every synth enthusiast can refine their performance with whichever of the three inspiring instruments they choose to use, utilizing sounds that no other synthesizer is able to generate. Getting one of them will surely far from disappoint!
COBALT8X and COBALT8M will soon be both shipping and available through selected Modal Electronics dealers worldwide in December 2020 with a respective RRP (Recommended Retail Price) of £649.99/£499.99 GBP (including VAT), MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) of €749.99/€579.99 EUR (including 20% VAT), and a MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) of $819.99/$649.99 USD.
Click here for more about the COBALT Series on MODAL’s website.
Modal Electronics
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Bristol, UK, Modal Electronics is redefining modern synthesizer technology for musicians, producers, and performers. Guided by the philosophy to create Machines for Musicians, Modal Electronics combines sophisticated analog and digital circuitry in its products. Modal Electronics synthesizers have contributed to countless hit records and top movie scores, and are used in recording studios and on live performance stages around the world.