Modal Electronics Cobalt8X 8-Voice Analog Synthesizer 61 Keys

Modal Electronics Cobalt8x 8-voice Analog Synthesizer 61 Keys

Product Code: eq98102
Availability: In Stock

$2,607.00 $3,258.75

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Go beyond analog synth technology with the Modal Electronics COBALT8X, a powerful 8-voice hardware synth with 61 full-sized keys. This synth gives you access to vintage-style analog-inspired tone, combined with a host of flexible options. Use it for sound design and tone generation in the studio, and bring it with you to gigs for an awesome sound onstage.

With two banks of oscillators, the synth offers 34 algorithms built right in, so you can construct intricate tones without the need of a computer. A comprehensive and fully routable modulation matrix with LFOs and multiple envelope controls let you shape sound in esoteric ways. Mangle things further with the step sequencer and built-in arpeggiator. Route sound however you wish with a bevy of I/O options. Want to engage aftertouch or utilize an MPE controller? The Cobalt8X has you covered. The COBALT8X ships with an included power supply.

V2.0 Firmware with New FX, Filter & More 8-Voice Polyphonic Synth Virtual Analog Engine Hardware Synth 61 Full-Sized Keys 34 Oscillators, 4-Pole Ladder Filter 300 Factory Presets, 200 User Presets Arpeggiator, 512 Step Sequencer, and FX LFOs, Envelopes, and Modulation Matrix Comprehensive Audio, Sync, and MIDI I/O MPE and Aftertouch

Parameters
Keyboard	61 Full-Sized Keys
Inputs and Outputs	1 x 1/4" TS Dual-Mono Line Outputs 1 x 1/4" TRS Headphone Output 1 x 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Audio Input 1 x MIDI DIN In 1 x MIDI DIN Out 1 x 3.5 mm TS Analogue Clock Sync In 1 x 3.5 mm TS Analogue Clock Sync Out Class-Compliant MIDI over USB Type-B Connection 1/4" TRS Expression Pedal Input 1/4" TS Sustain Pedal Input
Controls	29 Endless Encoders 24 Buttons 4-Axis Joystick
Keyboard Modes	Mono, Poly, Unison 2, Unison 4, Unison 8, Stack 2, Stack 4, Glide/Portamento, and Chord Invert Control
Polyphony	8-Voice Poly-Chaining Capable with Multiple Cobalt8 Series Units
Compatibility	MPE Controller Support
Oscillators	2 x Independent Oscillator Group 34 Oscillator Algorithms
Filter	4-Pole Morphable Ladder Filter with Switchable Configurations
Modulation	3 Envelope Generators for AMP, MOD, and FILTER 3 Assignable LFOs: 2 Polyphonic, 1 Global 8 Assignable Modulation Slots 4 Fixed Modulation Routings for Common Assignments: 12 Modulation Sources, 55 Modulation Destinations
Sequencer / Arpeggiator	512 Notes, 4 Recordable Parameter Animations 64 Steps, 8 Notes per Step, 4 Lanes of Parameter-Lock Animation 32-Step Arpeggiator
FX	3 FX Engines
User Memory	500 Patch Memories, 300 Preset 100 Sequencer Presets 100 FX Presets 8 Quick Recall Slots
Display	1.5" / 3.9 cm OLED
Enclosure	Steel and Aluminium Enclosure, Bamboo End Cheeks
Power	9 VDC, 1.5 A (Center Positive)
Dimensions	33.7 x 11.8 x 3.9" / 85.5 x 30 x 10 cm
Weight	19.8 lb / 9 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight	23.25 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)	37.5 x 14.13 x 5.63"

Added 14 new FX including a new reverb algorithm:

Reverb V2
Phaser V2
Unisoniser
Compressor
Three Band EQ
Mono Drive (Hard Clip)
Mono Drive (Soft Clip)
Mono Drive (Rectify)
Mono Drive (Fold)
Stereo Drive (Hard Clip)
Stereo Drive (Soft Clip)
Stereo Drive (Rectify)
Stereo Drive (Fold)
Utility

27 New Filter Types: 2 morphable, 25 nonmorphable where the Morph parameter instead becomes Drive:

State Variable Filter with BP
State Variable Filter with Notch
4-Pole Low-Pass Ladder (with drive)
3-Pole Low-Pass Ladder (with drive)
2-Pole Low-Pass Ladder (with drive)
1-Pole Low-Pass Ladder (with drive)
4-Pole High-Pass Ladder (with drive)
3-Pole High-Pass Ladder (with drive)
2-Pole High-Pass Ladder (with drive)
1-Pole High-Pass Ladder (with drive)
4-Pole Band-Pass Ladder (12 dB Lp /12 dB Hp) (with drive)
2-Pole Band-Pass Ladder (6 dB Lp / 6 dB Hp) (with drive)
3-Pole Band-Pass Ladder (6 dB Lp / 12 dB Hp) (with drive)
3-Pole Band-Pass Ladder (12 dB Lp / 6 dB Hp) (with drive)
4-Pole Band-Pass Ladder (6 dB Lp / 18 dB Hp) (with drive)
4-Pole Band-Pass Ladder (18 dB Lp / 6 dB Hp) (with drive)
Notch Ladder (with drive)
Notch Ladder Alt (with drive)
Low-Pass Ladder with Notch (with drive)
Low-Pass Ladder with Notch Alt (with drive) – notch closes with resonance
Low-Pass Ladder with Notch and Resonance (with drive)
Band-Pass Ladder with Notch (with drive) – notch closes with resonance
Band-Pass Ladder with Notch and Resonance (with drive)
Phaser Ladder (with drive)
High-Pass Ladder with Notch (with drive) – notch closes with resonance
High-Pass Ladder with Notch and Resonance (with drive)
Resonant Filter (with drive)

Vintage Parameter

Emulating the behavior of vintage synths by introducing variation between the voices

Osc Free Run

Emulating the behavior of analogue oscillators by allowing them to run freely

7 new arpeggiator directions:

Chord
Pendulum 2 – Repeats the last note when reversing direction
N-Pendulum 2 – Pendulum 2 in note number order
Reverse Pendulum – A reverse version of Pendulum
N-Reverse Pendulum – A reverse version of N-Pendulum
Reverse Pendulum 2 – A reverse version of Pendulum 2
N-Reverse Pendulum 2 – A reverse version of N-Pendulum 2
Added Cutoff Scaling patch parameter for improved filter cutoff behavior with the following modes:
Legacy – The existing cutoff control scaling curve and note-to-cutoff tracking behaviour
Relative – A new cutoff control scaling curve that is more balanced and changes the note-to-cutoff tracking to behave more closely to analogue synths. In this mode note-to-cutoff tracks best when the cutoff control is at 0.
Bipolar – The same cutoff control scaling curve as the Relative mode, except in this mode note-to-cutoff tracks best when the cutoff control is at 64.

Improvements:

Improved internal gain staging for increased output volume in most cases
Improved the screen’s filter graph / parameter pages in the following ways:
Improved the graph to be a more accurate representation of the filter
The Type parameter page now displays both the graph and text value
Improved Audio In sound quality

Two independent oscillator groups with up to four oscillators each generate powerful virtual-analog tones and 34 complex algorithms such as Sync, Ring Modulation, Waveform Morphing, and many more.

Each algorithm has a pair of controls selected to suit the particular algorithm or character, providing you with the power of complex oscillator modulations in a spontaneous and immediately accessible way.

COBALT8X's newly designed self-oscillating 4-pole morphable ladder filter with resonance adds warmth and bite to the signal. Switch between four different filter modes, get creative with the notch filter, and form unusual synth textures with the phaser. Two different filter characteristics allow you to go from subtle to raw.

There are 3 flexible audio-rate LFOs (2 x polyphonic) can be routed to a massive amount of destinations using the modulation matrix. They can also sync to internal or external tempi. Three dedicated envelopes for the filter, amplitude, and modulation allow excessive control over dynamics and expression. Switchable envelope types provide greater options, so you can tailor each of the 3 envelopes for specific purposes.

COBALT8X's sophisticated 12-slot modulation matrix supports easy assignments of complex modulation routing to keep the sound evolving. Four common modulation routings are preset to free up space for your original ideas.

The integrated 512-note real-time step sequencer invite you to generate complex melodic patterns. The polyphonic 64-note step-sequencer mode enables easy step input for note and animation values. You'll find multiple sequencer trigger modes, an onboard arpeggiator (programmable up to 32 steps), and performance features such as Chord Hold, Inversions, Transpose, and Sustain Latch.

Professional keyboard players will love COBALT8X's rugged steel and aluminium chassis as well as the premium FATAR 61-note full-size keybed. The keys deliver smooth action, allowing you to express powerful performances, and the keys support channel aftertouch.

For direct access of the parameters, COBALT8X features 29 endless knobs, 24 buttons, and an X/Y joystick for pitch changes or modulation, and MPE support, which offers new ways to express yourself creatively—for sophisticated performances.

Reshape your sounds completely with the onboard stereo effects engine. COBALT8X comes with a 3-slot FX engine with in-depth FX programming. To polish the sound, a total of 11 FX algorithms add character and depth, including chorus, phaser, flanger (positive), flanger (negative), tremolo, lo-fi, rotary, stereo delay, ping-pong delay, X-over delay, and reverb.

Set to be played in any synth environment, COBALT8X comes with all physical connections required. Control the synth using USB, and monitor with headphones or the dedicated line outputs. Sync with external gear using the full-size MIDI I/O or 3.5mm Sync I/O, and take control of your sound using the built-in Sustain and Expression inputs. By poly-chaining any two COBALT8X devices, the amount of voices is easily doubled to 16 voices and 128 oscillators.

There is plenty of room to store patches, effects, and sequence creations. Out of the box, 300 of the total 500 patches are filled with factory patch banks, carefully programmed by some of the most accomplished sound designers of the world. One-hundred customized effects configurations and sequences can be stored and applied to any sound while performing.

Bring performance to a new level with MPE support

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Hello, i have purchased this item and accepted now. What i want to ask is the ten year limited warranty, how to clain this warranty and where to? It didn't come with warranty card inside?

A: Link Electronics does offer a 10 year warranty on this unit, which is a great thing to have. To use the warranty you will need to go through Link Electronic's Support Page. Here is a link, just in case you need it in the future.http://bit.ly/1Pne905

Q: 2. will this set up be good for zoom?

A: We recommend using the X-Keys XK-24. The X-keys Wirecast Control Surface is better suited for Wirecast.

Q: 3. Can the key lights be controlled via MIDI like another voice? What is the address?

A: No, the key lights on the Casio LK-S450 61-Key Touch-Sensitive Portable Keyboard will light up to show the correct notes when playing a MIDI song file, but are not able to be controlled like another voice via MIDI. You can select a song from the factory presets or user presets, or use the free Chordana app for iOS or Android to play MIDI files.

Q: 4. is it supporting win 11?

A: We're WIN 10 compatible which is the current version, there is no WIn 11.

Q: 5. What is the difference between this, mfr no. 5051, and the "non-shoulder" version, mfr no. 5001?

A: The "Shoulder Version" is extremely slip resistant through the implementation of an innovative material combination of Finnish elk leather on the outside and Mongolian yak leather on the inside. The "Non Shoulder Version" does not have the Mongolian yak leather on the inside.

Q: 6. Is the leather part of the strap longer, or is it just the nylon tapes that are longer?

A: The nylon portion would be longer.

Q: 7. Is the software compatible with Mac OS Big Sur?

A: This is designed for Windows.

Q: 8. Can this be an alternative remote with a Wacom Cintiq 16?

A: The Xencelabs Quick Keys Remote can work alongside a Wacom product.

Q: 9. Can the Xencelabs Quick Keys be used on a computer when a Wacom tablet is also used on the same system? I read the Xencelabs tablet cannot be used if the Wacom drivers are installed, wondered if this affects the Quick Keys as well.

A: There would be a conflict with the drivers and this would also affect the Xencelabs Quick Keys.

Q: 10. Can I use this for vMix Software?

A: I have the 24 key model and it works just fine with vMix. My only thing is I have run out of buttons - there is just so much you can do with it. I'm about to order the larger version. Alex

Karen	26/09/2024
[3 FX Engines] Got this as a gift for my girlfriend who had not played a keyboard since high school. She is interested in electronic music, and she absolutely loves the wide range of presets that come with this. As well as how compact and lightweight it is for portability, and that you can run it off of a USB powerbank. 5

Thomas	18/09/2024
[23.25 lb] Excellent quick service from B&H! Very pleased with the overall construction of the Argon8X- especially the high quality 61 note keyboard which will now also serve as my primary MIDI keyboard. Great exciting sounds which are quite easy to edit, if desired. In the short time I have had with it, I would agree that the Argon8 is very well suited for pads and leads. The MODAL app is excellent and makes it easy to manage the presets and load some of the many great patches Modal has available. I already have my iPad stationed on the right side to access patches and edit control parameters. I like the fact that Modal shows commitment to the customer by making system updates and producing tutorial videos on a very regular basis. That makes me comfortable that I will be able to depend on the Argon8X for many years. 5

Thomas	01/09/2024
[3 FX Engines] The Korg Volca Keys is a fantastic sounding analog poly synth even if it were more expensive. This can really get pretty fat too. I love the Volca Keys so much that I made a sample library with it using motion recording and doing two passes of each sound to give me stereo imagining of the LFO phase. If there's one thing that's greatest about it, it's the filter. Korg filters are the best and this filter, based on the miniKORG 700S, is no exception. The different oscillator modes give it a wide range of sounds and one of my favorite features of this is the pitch envelope. The pitch envelope just really sets it apart from synths lacking such control. I've used this with its sequencer and that's totally fun for DAWless jams. I'm now also enjoying using it in sampled form. Every parameter is motion recordable except oscillator mode & resonance and you can motion record all other parameters without limit. I hope to always have a Volca Keys and I just know I'll only ever get rid of it if Korg comes out with a Volca Keys 2. 5

Lynne	13/08/2024
[23.25 lb] Top notch synth at any price. The factory sounds are amazing, easy to edit, best free software editor I have ever used. Extremely well built, perfect size for a desktop controller keyboard. Highly recommended! 5

Ray	01/08/2024
[23.25 lb] I previously reviewed the Moog Mavis negatively due to the lack of VCF out but I feel that this is an unfair reflection of the product (every synth is not the same and this is not the Werkstatt). The Moog sound of this synth is very satisfying and fulfilling to experiment with (though I would like to figure out how to drive the added wave folding more aggressively), whether you're looking for a musical or more experimental sound. It's interesting that Moog decided to add some west coast sound with the wave folding (perhaps they may play with more in the future). The utility features of this synth make it pretty useful for playing with other synths (like the Werkstatt). For more inspiration check out the Patching with Intention patch book for the Mavis, and the Mavis Exploration Patch Book by Lisa Bella Donna. 5

Kevin	14/07/2024
[19.8 lb / 9 kg] What a great little synth and it's priced right.Very versatile and with the wealth of tutorials available even a synth noob like me can jump in and start making interesting noise.I love it.B H had the best price around. 5

Scott	03/07/2024
[23.25 lb] You basically get a three voice analog synth with easily accessible modulation features that syncs with the other Volcas and runs on batteries. It does tend to tear through batteries in my experience but that goes for all the Volcas and you can always plug it in. 5

Floyd	26/05/2024
[19.8 lb / 9 kg] I’ve owned Synthesizers since 1972. I currently own quite a few from several manufacturers, Behringer, Roland, ASM, Elektron, Modal, Teenage Engineering and Korg (Volca FM 2 and Sample 2) to name a few. 10 years in the marketplace this Volca Keys has really held up to the test of time. Marketed as an “Analogue” Synthesizer in reality the control signals are generated digitally with the CPU using a 10-bit DAC giving it near-analogue resolution. So this is a Subtractive Hybrid unit; an analogue sound engine with digital control so dial tweaks and note info can be recorded into the sequencer/accessed over MIDI. By the way, this is a good thing not a negative at all. It’s a pretty easy to use, straightforward, with no menu screen, pretty much a dial per function arrangement. Great for beginners but powerful enough for experienced users. I did notice notice that some dials are translucent and some solid. As a rule I found the solid dials' movements can't be sequenced, but the translucent dials can be sequenced and are backlit red plus flash to denote which parameters are active or recorded in a 'motion sequence' (motion sequencing captures dial movements into the sequencer). The tempo dials flash in time with the internal/MIDI-clocked tempo and each key/sequence step has its own LED too, convenient for letting you know what's happening at a glance within complex sequences . It has 3 sawtooth wave oscillators & produces great upfront three-note chords, dirty lead/bass lines, ring modulated sounds and detuned unisons. It also features octave/fifth mono modes, a versatile tempo-syncable analogue-style delay that does reverbs/bit-crushing (from the Monotron Delay) freeform unquantised flux recording and 1/1, 1⁄2 and 1⁄4 tempo modes. It uses the great MiniKORG700s filter. The LFO has 3 waveforms: sawtooth, square & triangle which make for some great modulation variety. The Volca Keys really packs a lot in, it's very versatile and a true value at such a low cost. 5

Curt	18/05/2024
[19.8 lb / 9 kg] Great sound and functionality. This is one of the oldest models so it doesn't get a lot of love but it can do a lot more than you think if you take the time to learn it. All the volcas jam well together and I definitely recommend this, but get the FM first if you have a tight budget. 5

Rick	07/04/2024
[3 FX Engines] After a very long time away from analog synths, this was a great step back that brought many flashbacks. Includes easy to follow documentation to assemble, set up and start playing in no time. 5