Modal Electronics Cobalt 8

SCREEN: Gives you a clear window
into the Cobalt’s engine. The Page
encoder makes scrolling through each
main engine area a breeze.
KEYS: The Fatar 37-note keyboard
(and knobs in general) feels great for
playing chords and lead lines. Also
features aftertouch and MPE support.
ENVELOPE SECTION: Looks simple
but in additon to the three ADSR
modes (mod, fi lter, amp) there are
response modes for various styles.
I/O: A good range: headphones, full-
size jack outs, expression pedal input,
sync in/out, audio in (mini-jack), MIDI
in/out (DIN) and USB.
fi lter section. Each of the four main
VA fi lter types actually has different
fi lter types/responses contained
within, accessed via the morph
control (found in the centrally-placed
fi lter section). For example, if you
take the fat-sounding resonant
low-pass fi lter and turn or modulate
the fi lter morph parameter, the fi lter
audio-rate capable LFOs, three envs
(mod, fi lter, amp, accessed by a
single set of ADSR controls) and eight
mod-matrix slots with 12 modulation
sources and 55 modulation
destinations (plus four fi xed common
sources). All nicely quick to set up.
Sonically, I thoroughly enjoyed the
Cobalt 8, perhaps even more so than
the Argon 8; its vibe is especially
suited to moody, dark textures –
perfect for sci-fi scores, deep drum
and bass, dark electronica and
pensive, evolving textures. The
onboard effects are modulatable and
versatile, the overall tone is solid. A
lovable and unique machine!
FM VERDICT
9.0
Another brilliantly unique-
sounding Modal machine!
Very fl exible for its price and
a powerful editor plus MPE
give it futuristic appeal
will smoothly evolve from 4-pole to
band-pass to 1-pole. Or, if you choose
the balanced high pass, you morph
from 4-pole high pass, through notch
to 1-pole high pass. These versatile
arrangements are what really
underpin the fl exibility of the Cobalt
8. Modulation-wise, things are also
comprehensive. You have three
SEQUENCER, ARP, EFFECTS
Like its cousin the Argon, the Cobalt 8 features the
same real-time polyphonic sequencer which holds up to
512 notes over 16 steps (four bars) and also four
animation (modulation) lanes into which you record
parameter tweaks. You can record modulation/knob
tweak data into the sequencer and sequences can be
independent or linked to patches. Again, you’ll fi nd
Sequence Loop (where you can highlight a particular
area in a sequence to loop), or Sequence Hold (basically
an instant ‘beat repeat’ effect). The 32-step monophonic
arp is also fully programmable/transposable with several
modes, time divisions and swing too. Finally, there are
three effect slots onboard with 11 modulatable effect
types available including reverb, delays, lofi , et al.
THE ALTERNATIVES
Korg Minilogue
XD £535
The XD continues
building on the
success of the
original Minilogue,
adding a digital
multi-engine (which
can import third
party oscs and
effects), plus a
powerful Prologue-
level effects/fi lter
and joystick.
korg.com
Modal Argon 8
£459
The Cobalt’s cousin
has an entirely
different morphing
wavetable engine
onboard. Features
the same effects and
interface and an
analogue-style
morphable fi lter.
modalelectronics.com
Roland JD-Xi £41 5
It may have mini-
keys but the Xi packs
in two fully-featured
supernatural synth
engines, a real
monophonic
analogue synth and a
powerful drum
machine/sequencer
with effects.
roland.com
Reviews | Modal Electronics Cobalt 8
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FMU367.rev_modal.indd 76 25/01/2021 08:32