Modal Cobalt8

The Modal Cobalt8 is an 8-voice extended virtual-analogue synthesizer from Bristol-based Modal Electronics, built around an oscillator architecture that pushes well beyond the limits of traditional VA synthesis. Rather than simply modelling classic analogue circuits, the Cobalt8 uses 64 high-resolution virtual-analogue oscillators — up to 8 per voice — organised into two independent groups, with 40 complex algorithms covering traditional sync and ring modulation through to waveform morphing, bit crushing, and filtered noise. It produces deeply analogue-sounding results while offering creative range no hardware analogue could match.

The filter section is equally expansive: 31 resonant types including morphable 2-pole state variable filters, 4-pole ladder filters, and combinations of lowpass, bandpass, highpass, and notch characteristics. Paired with three dedicated envelope generators (filter, amp, mod), three audio-rate LFOs, and a 12-slot modulation matrix with 55 destinations, the Cobalt8 offers serious programming depth without needing a modular setup.

Sequencing and performance tools are comprehensive. The integrated sequencer handles up to 512 notes in real-time mode or 64 polyphonic steps in step mode, with four recordable animation lanes for evolving parameter movements. A programmable 32-step arpeggiator, chord hold, inversions, transpose, and MPE support round out the performance toolkit. Two Cobalt8 units can be poly-chained to double the voice count to 16.

The three-slot stereo effects engine covers 26 algorithms — reverb, chorus, phaser, flanger, delay, drive, compressor, EQ, and more — with 100 storable FX presets. 500 patch slots (300 factory) provide plenty of storage for sounds and sequences. The free MODALapp runs on macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, and Android and is also available as VST3 and AU plugins for in-DAW editing.

The Cobalt8 sits in a road-ready steel and aluminium chassis with bamboo end cheeks, a premium FATAR 37-key keyboard with velocity and aftertouch, 29 endless encoders, 24 buttons, and a 4-axis joystick assignable to modulation destinations.

Who Is This For?

The Cobalt8 suits synthesizer players and producers who want rich analogue-style polyphony with modern creative range — particularly those drawn to pads, strings, evolving textures, and complex leads. MPE support and the deep modulation matrix appeal to expressive performers and sound designers alike. Its 8-voice polyphony and 64 oscillators give it scale, while the 40 oscillator algorithms and 31 filter types ensure it goes far beyond straightforward vintage recreation. Players wanting the same engine without a keyboard should look at the Cobalt8M desktop module.