The Modal Electronics Cobalt8M is Modal's 8-voice extended virtual analog synthesizer in a desktop module, with rack brackets included for a 19-inch rack. It suits players who already have a controller keyboard or an MPE controller and want the Cobalt8 engine at the desk or in a rack. Each voice can run up to eight oscillators, 40 algorithms reach from classic PWM and sync to ring mod, FM and noise AM, and the free MODALapp editor covers every parameter on a computer, mobile device or inside your DAW.

Oscillator Algorithms

Cobalt8M 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.

Desktop or Rack

The tabletop enclosure carries 13 switched encoders, 13 encoders, nine buttons and a four-axis joystick for pitch or modulation. The included brackets fit a 3U rack space and need 1U free above or right-angle connectors. Full-size MIDI, USB MIDI and 3.5 mm clock sync connect it to the rest of a setup, expression and sustain pedal inputs sit on the rear panel, and two Cobalt8 units poly-chain for 16 voices.

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
• Controls: 13 switched encoders, 13 encoders, 9 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
• Mounting: Tabletop enclosure; 19-inch 3U rack brackets included (needs 1U free above, or right-angle connectors)
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 384 x 127 x 81 mm (15.1 x 5 x 3.2 in)
• Weight: 2.1 kg (4.6 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