Up for sale is a lightly-used Modal Electronics Cobalt 8X 61-key virtual analog synthesizer. The Cobalt 8X has true 8-voice polyphony with up to eight oscillators per voice, three separate effects engines and advanced sequencing and arpeggiation. The core of the Cobalt 8X’s rich sound is its unique virtual analog oscillator implementation—it includes standard oscillator functions and shapes like sine, saw, and pulse, but on top of those functions are 34 algorithms that greatly expand Cobalt's sonic potential. It also features cross and ring modulations, wave folding and shaping, sync functions, filtered noise and much more.

The built-in sequencer can sequence up to 512 notes per sequence while a polyphonic mode is available for sequencing chords. You can also record knob movements for up to four different parameters, save up to 100 of your sequences for instant recall as well as link any of them with any patch you create.

Equipped with 29 endless encoders and 24 buttons, as well as a 4-axis joystick and a Fatar TP/9S keybed with aftertouch, the Cobalt8X gives you plenty of opportunities to get hands on with your sounds. And you have plenty of potential to animate your sounds, with 12 modulation sources that you can assign to any of 55 modulation destinations. Housed in a steel and aluminum case, the Cobalt 8X showcases build quality normally seen on much more expensive instruments.

The free MODALapp companion software allows for screen-based editing on your computer or mobile device. It’s available as a standalone app for macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS or Android systems and in VST3 and AU plug-in formats.

Here’s the complete list of features:

• 61-key virtual analog synthesizer with 8-voice polyphony

• Up to 8 oscillators per voice for up to 64 simultaneous oscillators

• Osc wave shapes range from simple saw, pulse, triangle, and sine, to 40 complex algorithms including cross modulation (PWM, Osc sync, ring mod, and more) and wave morphing

• 4-pole resonant ladder filter with 4 switchable configurations

• 3 envelope generators for (Amp, Filter, Mod) can be accessed individually or simultaneously

• 3 audio-rate-capable LFOs, with 7 wave shapes and tempo sync (2 polyphonic, 1 global)

• Real-time 512-note sequencer, with polyphonic mode and 4 recordable parameter animations

• Programmable 32-step arpeggiator with rest function (rest up to 2048 steps)

3 independent stereo effects engines for chorus, phaser, flanger, tremolo, lo-fi, rotary, stereo

delay, ping-pong delay, x-over delay, and reverb

• 500 user preset locations, with 300 editable factory programs

• 100 sequences can be saved and linked to any patch

• 8 quick recall slots allow for instant recall of your favorite sounds

• Multiple keyboard modes include mono, poly, unison 2, unison 4, unison 8, stack 2, and stack 4

• Glide/portamento with legato and staccato modes

• Rugged steel and aluminum construction

• 1/8-inch analog clock sync input and output, configured to Korg/Teenage Engineering spec

• 1/8-inch aux input for routing external audio through effects

• Class-compliant MIDI over USB can be used with tablets and smartphones

MPE Mode supports MPE-capable controllers

I bought this synth used two years ago and it’s only seen use in my home studio and my band’s rehearsal space. I had hoped to incorporate it into my live rig but circumstances have forced me to sell off a number of my synths and controllers. The build quality on this instrument is exceptional for the price point and the sounds are some the deepest and most engaging I’ve heard out of an analog modeling synth. It’s certainly one of the more underrated synths on the market. Really wish I could keep this one!