The Modal Electronics Cobalt8 is an 8-voice extended virtual analog synthesizer with a 37-key FATAR keybed, made for players who want warm analog-style tones and sounds that reach well past them. Each voice can run up to eight oscillators, and 40 algorithms add sync, ring modulation, PWM, wave morphing and FM to the standard sine, triangle, saw and pulse shapes. The keys respond to velocity and channel aftertouch, a 512-note sequencer and 32-step arpeggiator handle patterns, and the free MODALapp editor runs on a computer, mobile device or inside your DAW.

Oscillator Algorithms

Cobalt8 has two independent oscillator groups, and each of the 40 algorithms gets its own pair of A and B controls chosen to suit it. You can sweep through analog shapes with detuned spread, bit-crush a waveform, run hard sync blended with a sub oscillator, or ring modulate two waves at quantized ratios. Firmware version 2 added FM and noise AM algorithms, and an Extended Oscillator Drift control is also on board.

Filters and Modulation

The 31 resonant filter types include morphing 2-pole state variable and 4-pole ladder designs, plus lowpass, highpass, bandpass, notch, phaser and peaking ladder filters with drive. Three envelopes with switchable types, three audio-rate LFOs with seven shapes and a 12-slot modulation matrix keep a patch moving. Two Cobalt8 units can be poly-chained for 16 voices and 128 oscillators.

Features

• 8-voice polyphony with up to 8 virtual analog oscillators per voice (64 in total)
• Two independent oscillator groups with sine, triangle, saw and pulse waveforms
• 40 oscillator algorithms, including VA sweep, spread, PWM, hard sync, fractal sync, ring mod, chaos, wave folding, FM and noise AM
• Extended Oscillator Drift
• 31 resonant filter types, morphing and static, with two cutoff scaling modes
• 3 envelopes with switchable types and 3 audio-rate LFOs (two polyphonic, one global) with 7 shapes
• 12-slot modulation matrix (8 assignable, 4 fixed) with 12 sources and 55 destinations
• 512-note real-time sequencer, 64-step polyphonic step sequencer and 32-step arpeggiator
• 3 stereo effects slots with 26 algorithms, including drive, chorus, phaser, flanger, rotary, delays and reverb
• MPE support for compatible controllers
• Poly-chain two units for 16 voices and 128 oscillators
• Free MODALapp editor and plugin

Specifications

• Polyphony: 8 voices
• Oscillators: 64 virtual analog oscillators, up to 8 per voice, in 2 groups
• Algorithms: 40
• Filter: 31 resonant types, morphing and static
• Modulation: 3 envelopes, 3 LFOs, 8 assignable and 4 fixed routings, 12 sources, 55 destinations
• Sequencer: 512-note real-time sequencer and 64-step polyphonic step sequencer, 8 notes per step, 4 animation lanes
• Arpeggiator: Programmable up to 32 steps with rests
• Effects: 3 stereo slots with 26 algorithms
• Memory: 500 patches (300 factory), 100 sequencer presets, 100 effects presets, 8 Quick Recall slots
• Keyboard: FATAR, 37 full-size keys with velocity and channel aftertouch
• Controls: 29 endless encoders, 24 buttons, 4-axis joystick
• Voice modes: Mono, Poly, Unison 2, 4 and 8, Stack 2 and 4, with legato or staccato glide
• Display: 1.54-inch OLED
• Audio: 1/4-inch TS left and right line outputs, 1/4-inch TRS headphone output, 3.5 mm TRS stereo audio input
• MIDI and sync: 5-pin MIDI In and Out, class-compliant USB MIDI, 3.5 mm analog clock sync in and out
• Pedals: 1/4-inch TRS expression input, 1/4-inch TS sustain input
• Power: 9 V DC, 1.5 A, center positive
• Enclosure: Steel and aluminum
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 555 x 300 x 100 mm (21.9 x 11.8 x 4 in)
• Weight: 5.6 kg (12.4 lb)
• Editor: Free MODALapp for macOS, Windows, iOS and Android, plus VST3 and AU plugin
• Warranty: 3 years from Modal once registered, for units bought after May 8, 2025