The Modal Electronics Cobalt8X is the 61-key version of Modal's 8-voice extended virtual analog synthesizer, with a five-octave FATAR keybed for two-handed parts. Its engine matches the Cobalt8: up to eight oscillators per voice, 40 oscillator algorithms, 31 resonant filter types and a 12-slot modulation matrix. The keys respond to velocity and channel aftertouch, MPE controllers are supported, and the free MODALapp editor opens every parameter on a computer, mobile device or inside your DAW.

Oscillator Algorithms

Cobalt8X 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, 61 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): 885 x 300 x 100 mm (34.8 x 11.8 x 4 in)
• Weight: 9 kg (19.9 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