Modal Cobalt8, a versatile, modern VA Synthesizer got a free firmware 1.1 with new oscillator algorithms, a master clock mode, and some improvements.
At the end of October 2020, Modal Electronics showed the Cobalt8, a virtual analog Synthesizer that revealed new corners of VA synthesis. The two oscillator blocks are responsible for this which are each equipped with 34 unique two-knob algorithms. From classic to experimental, there is something for everyone.
The Cobalt8 has been on the market for a little more than six months in three versions including a desktop unit and two keyboards. Today, Modal Electronics has introduced firmware 1.1 with new features that make the Cobalt8 package even more versatile. .
Modal Cobalt8 Firmware 1.1
The Cobalt8 was officially delivered with 34 oscillator algorithms. There are three videos about these on the SYNTH ANATOMY channel where I dive into them in detail. With the introduction of firmware 1.1, the developers have added another 6 new unique algorithms that focused on frequency modulation (FM) and amplitude modulation (FM). Like the first 34 oscillator models, they are only equipped with two controls with which you can shape the oscillator.
That doesn’t sound like much, but the two controllers can be seen as macros. They shape the waveform so intelligently and deeply, on other synthesizers, you do it with 4 or 5 parameters. The update includes:
- FM Saw: Square, FM Square: Square, FM Tri: Square
- Noise AM Saw, Noise AM Square, Noise AM Tri
Then, the new firmware 1.1 adds a master clock mode that always sends out a MIDI clock to compatible studio peripherals. There are also some major improvements for the arpeggiator sync with external sequencers, for the expression pedal, and for LFO1 sync. Further, they removed some modulation assignment options that don’t make sense, that also happens, and fixed many bugs.
I have to admit I’m a fan of the first 34 Cobalt8 algorithms. I’m looking forward to trying out the 6 new oscillator models. The descriptions already suggest that you can design wild sounds with it.
The firmware 1.1 update for the Modal Cobalt8 is available now as a free download. The Cobalt8 is ready to ship and starts at 555€ for the desktop version.
More information here: Modal Electronics
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i m not such a fan of the argon 8 but i guess i have to get a c8 for lovely spacepads.
🙂