Yet another excellent instructional video - which doesn't glaze over the basics...this goes waaaaay in depth, and shows what the machine is capable of...well done!
The video didn't exactly gloss over it but I just really want to emphasize for anyone out there shopping for their first *keyboard* synth - $825 for a 61-key FATAR TP/9S keybed is unheard of. Native Instruments sells a midi keyboard with the same keybed for the same-ish price, no synth included. Same keybed in the (wonderful) $1,500 DSI Rev2. People can say what they want about the desktop module but the Modal 61 boards are an insane value for someone who actually plays, and wants their instrument to feel nice.
Compliments of the overal style and the select music (like Baroque) you have chosen. The review places the product in perspetive with VSTs and other synths. Thumbs up and subscribed.
Very nice review - thanks! Cobalt is a great synth and so user-friendly! It's just what many people are looking for: a synth, not a workstation overloaded with functionality and sound libraries, and keyboard versions come with aftertouch (try getting that from the giants of industry at that price level!). Korg, Roland or Yamaha won't give you AT keyboard even for 3x the price.
I love the sounds of the Cobalt8. Yes, I understand the cross over of a VST/Virtual analogue. But, this would only apply to people using a DAW in many regards. There are, however a lot of DAWless setups these days. For some it's a push-back or simply a preference not to use a computer. For myself, I just prefer a DAWless setup as a whole. Even though I started with an Atrari ST and Amiga for music production. One last thing, I would like to add. The build quality of "Modal" synths is outstanding for the price. Thanks for the video.
i have the cobalt 8x. i love it. the only other va synth that it can be compared to (albeit it from 1997) is the V Synth. as far as fatness and options. minus the sampler within the v synth. to me, it's the only other va synth that's impressed me aside from the Virus line of VA. this synth is a killer legend in the making and EVERYONE is sleeping on it. it's okay though, it'll skyrocket in value over time and everyone will kick themselves for not getting it when it was in production. keeping mine for the long haul
Good point about Roland. But Roland messed-up w-the high CPU use on the original plug-ins. But now they are sorting it out. Regardless thanks for this fine video. Makes me want one even more!
Thank you for this video,I am gong to pick it up( the 37 keybed version) ,QUESTION: can you route the audio input from the back to the Filters as well as the Effects??
Mate how would you compare it (Cobalt) with Argon? I mean can it do similar stuff as Argon (i know it doesn't have FM and distortion). But could there be some workarounds? I am buying one these twoo quite soon but i am still torn apart and it will be my only synth in forseabale future. I like fm type of sounds but also more analogish. Let's put it this way which of these two could pull of almost electric guitar sound (let's say distorted sound). A lot of to digest. I have seen a lot of reviews and vs but it doesn't give me that answer (mostly what you need - little bit of both for me). Which one could easier replicate another one sound wise?
Hi - the Cobalt can get quite "distorted" when you play with the waveforms as I did in the Video, so of the two, it can get more "analogish" and gnarly…Argon is a bit more versatile when it comes to a broader palette of sounds. If I had both, I’d probably use Argon for Pads and “odd” or ambient type sounds, with the cobalt for leads and “analog” duties…just my opinion…hope that helps!
@@waveform-synths Of course it does mate :) i have also asked for the oppinion since i thought you own both. I remember you won Argon8 on modal chat & play :) anyhow your answer does help me a lot. Also you have a new subscriber. Cheers
Hah! - Well remembered! - Yes, Modal were good enough to swap it to a Cobalt for me as I felt that it “suited me better” as I have VST’s that cover similar sonic territory that Argon8 does. Pairing cobalt (or most synths really) with a good overdrive pedal or plugin can give hours of fun too...
Thanks for the review. Quick question. Does the app work as a vsti? Meaning, like a sofsynth on as many channels as we want, being the sound source, without connection of the hardware?
I’d give it a B minus. Great unique sound construction but I felt it more of a sound design machine - it didn’t call out to me to play it like an instrument to tweak while running a sequencer. Perhaps this is more about the cheap feel of the knobs but I also think it’s because the oscillators almost do too much to the sound, changing drastically instead of building on the sound you have already. The arp is average. The knobs are very plastic and wobbly - not what you would get on a moog, peak, or even a Minilogue. Reverb is useless for the most part. The fx in general are ok. Filter is ok but compared to the filter on an XD it’s not even in the same class - same could be said of the efx. Could really use a filter boost. Didn’t like that you couldn’t adjust oscillator level independently - I find this a really important function. In conclusion, it makes some really nice accessible sounds, quick sound sculpting, but once that novelty wears off, I Just didn’t feel it was meaty enough or added enough to what I have to think it was worth keeping around.
🙄 What utter Tosh. Try playing on one before making out sweeping dross statements snd all that fake baloney you just spewed out. Its fine if it doesn’t appeal to you but the garbage about the sounds and filters etc etc oh and the knobs hmm wrong again. Lets see what you can build and manufacturer and then mass produce using the highest quality circuits for the price point especially, and not the cheap shots you are suggesting - and you should get your facts right first and properly research Modal because you have absolutely no real knowledge about what they use etc this I know for sure 🙄
Yet another excellent instructional video - which doesn't glaze over the basics...this goes waaaaay in depth, and shows what the machine is capable of...well done!
Thank you! Cheers!
The video didn't exactly gloss over it but I just really want to emphasize for anyone out there shopping for their first *keyboard* synth - $825 for a 61-key FATAR TP/9S keybed is unheard of. Native Instruments sells a midi keyboard with the same keybed for the same-ish price, no synth included. Same keybed in the (wonderful) $1,500 DSI Rev2. People can say what they want about the desktop module but the Modal 61 boards are an insane value for someone who actually plays, and wants their instrument to feel nice.
What do u mean with a Fatar keybed in a REV2? As far i know there is no Fatar keybed in mine. However the REV2 keybed does suit me really well.
@@jandoedel1012 The Rev2 has a Fatar TP/9S keybed.
Got my 8x for 525 used!
The keybed is great on the C8 for sure. I also grabbed an MKI NI S49 board to run my mono modules (pro-1, Mod D and MS-20).
The Cobalt8 and Argon8 to me represent all a synth should be: Affordable, nice design and top sound. Thank you Modal !!
Couldn't agree more!
@@waveform-synths BTW, thank you for the nice review 🙂
Thanks for going through the oscillators.
Love the harshness of the triangle square...
Compliments of the overal style and the select music (like Baroque) you have chosen. The review places the product in perspetive with VSTs and other synths. Thumbs up and subscribed.
Cool, thanks for the Subscription...
Very nice review - thanks! Cobalt is a great synth and so user-friendly! It's just what many people are looking for: a synth, not a workstation overloaded with functionality and sound libraries, and keyboard versions come with aftertouch (try getting that from the giants of industry at that price level!). Korg, Roland or Yamaha won't give you AT keyboard even for 3x the price.
wow - what a different but superb view and style of review. you got an abo!
Thanks!
I love the sounds of the Cobalt8. Yes, I understand the cross over of a VST/Virtual analogue. But, this would only apply to people using a DAW in many regards. There are, however a lot of DAWless setups these days. For some it's a push-back or simply a preference not to use a computer. For myself, I just prefer a DAWless setup as a whole. Even though I started with an Atrari ST and Amiga for music production. One last thing, I would like to add. The build quality of "Modal" synths is outstanding for the price. Thanks for the video.
All good points...thanks!
This engine in the cobalt is dreamy! And editing like this makes me smile. Peace Christo👽
i have the cobalt 8x. i love it. the only other va synth that it can be compared to (albeit it from 1997) is the V Synth. as far as fatness and options. minus the sampler within the v synth. to me, it's the only other va synth that's impressed me aside from the Virus line of VA. this synth is a killer legend in the making and EVERYONE is sleeping on it. it's okay though, it'll skyrocket in value over time and everyone will kick themselves for not getting it when it was in production. keeping mine for the long haul
Really nice overview. Love my COBALT8. Sub'd!
Awesome, thank you!
Well done! Thank you so much! Peace
Great overview, thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Good point about Roland. But Roland messed-up w-the high CPU use on the original plug-ins. But now they are sorting it out. Regardless thanks for this fine video. Makes me want one even more!
1:12 what track / background music is this? It's beautiful.
Thanks! - It's me noodling on the Cobalt 8 - recorded specifically for the video....
Can we talk about what a great job he did with the music? - would be great in a dungeon crawler
Thank you for this video,I am gong to pick it up( the 37 keybed version) ,QUESTION: can you route the audio input from the back to the Filters as well as the Effects??
No, FX only...unless this can be changed in a firmware update
Lately I've been sticking my monotron delay in the chain as an external filter for situations like this. No resonance knob though.
Mate how would you compare it (Cobalt) with Argon? I mean can it do similar stuff as Argon (i know it doesn't have FM and distortion). But could there be some workarounds? I am buying one these twoo quite soon but i am still torn apart and it will be my only synth in forseabale future. I like fm type of sounds but also more analogish. Let's put it this way which of these two could pull of almost electric guitar sound (let's say distorted sound). A lot of to digest. I have seen a lot of reviews and vs but it doesn't give me that answer (mostly what you need - little bit of both for me). Which one could easier replicate another one sound wise?
Hi - the Cobalt can get quite "distorted" when you play with the waveforms as I did in the Video, so of the two, it can get more "analogish" and gnarly…Argon is a bit more versatile when it comes to a broader palette of sounds. If I had both, I’d probably use Argon for Pads and “odd” or ambient type sounds, with the cobalt for leads and “analog” duties…just my opinion…hope that helps!
@@waveform-synths Of course it does mate :) i have also asked for the oppinion since i thought you own both. I remember you won Argon8 on modal chat & play :) anyhow your answer does help me a lot. Also you have a new subscriber. Cheers
Hah! - Well remembered! - Yes, Modal were good enough to swap it to a Cobalt for me as I felt that it “suited me better” as I have VST’s that cover similar sonic territory that Argon8 does. Pairing cobalt (or most synths really) with a good overdrive pedal or plugin can give hours of fun too...
Thanks for the review. Quick question. Does the app work as a vsti? Meaning, like a sofsynth on as many channels as we want, being the sound source, without connection of the hardware?
No, it loads as a VST - but is purely for editing the connected Cobalt8 - not a sound source....
@@waveform-synths Good to know this. Thanks!
12:33 sounds like candyman is gonna come get me
how do the filters sound?
Neutral - not aggressive - "polite"!
Great points?
👍I LOVE ! 💙⚪❤
Thanks!
I would fkn hope so.
is the cobalt 8 poy aftertouch
No - you'd need something like a Hydrasynth to venture into poly aftertouch on a module...
on ipad the app?
Yes, IOS & Android
@@waveform-synths cool
What's wrong with a vst in a box?
Because you can just get the vst... Save space/cost/resellability/crackable etc
@@deejay7339 except tons of people find computers to be anathema to enjoying music production.
I'm just tired of sitting at a computer to play synths -.-
I’d give it a B minus. Great unique sound construction but I felt it more of a sound design machine - it didn’t call out to me to play it like an instrument to tweak while running a sequencer. Perhaps this is more about the cheap feel of the knobs but I also think it’s because the oscillators almost do too much to the sound, changing drastically instead of building on the sound you have already. The arp is average. The knobs are very plastic and wobbly - not what you would get on a moog, peak, or even a Minilogue. Reverb is useless for the most part. The fx in general are ok. Filter is ok but compared to the filter on an XD it’s not even in the same class - same could be said of the efx. Could really use a filter boost. Didn’t like that you couldn’t adjust oscillator level independently - I find this a really important function. In conclusion, it makes some really nice accessible sounds, quick sound sculpting, but once that novelty wears off, I Just didn’t feel it was meaty enough or added enough to what I have to think it was worth keeping around.
🙄 What utter Tosh. Try playing on one before making out sweeping dross statements snd all that fake baloney you just spewed out. Its fine if it doesn’t appeal to you but the garbage about the sounds and filters etc etc oh and the knobs hmm wrong again. Lets see what you can build and manufacturer and then mass produce using the highest quality circuits for the price point especially, and not the cheap shots you are suggesting - and you should get your facts right first and properly research Modal because you have absolutely no real knowledge about what they use etc this I know for sure 🙄
Such a shame that Modal went bankrupt. Just so sad...
So true... :(