As the sound designer responsible for most of theose patches you played, I have to say, you absolutely NAILED Oberheist for what it was intended for. Loved it! Great video.
I almost fell off my chair at work laughing when you did the 90s industrial bassline! I also thought it sounded great because I unironically really dig that kind of music.
Fantastic review. I don't have the money, I can't play, I am old enough to start having arthritis, I can't design sounds and I don't have a studio...but now I want one. Liked and subbed. Greetz from France.
I would say that 'Digital' was never really gone, as Nord, Novation, Waldorf, and Access (Virus) were always big-iron weapons that weathered the current 'Analog renaissance'.
I've come to accept that I actually prefer digital. Yes, there are audible differences, but I wouldn't say it sounds worse than analog. Just different. Plus it's generally more versatile, cheaper, smaller, requires less maintenance, etc. I've been fiddling with Plaits for two years and I still use it in everything.
def dco and analog filter of some variety...very pop just now. but they will have to pry my hydrasynth from my dead fingers... so i agree w you, in short. a lot of it has to do with the increasingly limitless potential of digital synthesis. people push everything to 11 on a digital synth and wonder why it sounds so brittle even if it has a VA engine... makes me laugh. fully dig synths can anyway sound verrry creamy when patched with care and with some kind of idea how the modelled filters should behave
There have been great digital synths, historically, but they got a bad name because of cheap subtractive synthesis that sounded awful though you had synths like the MS2000 that were great, and also the way digital often uses absolute values with MIDI, rather than additive, and because many variables were limited to 128-steps that were aliased due to bad implementation. Lots of new digital synths use really great Digital-to-Analog converters, improved the sound of the filters and oscillators, and removed or mitigated the limitations of the 128-steps of MIDI controled. Digital synthesis is *fine* when done right, and it is much, much better in the last... 5 years? I have the System 1m, and despite lots of poor with the user interface implementation, I can't tell that it is digital at all by ear.
I could say I have a good chunk of my life connected to novation digital synth engine. I have probably 400 patches on xiosynth and xstation combined. And I cannot get any of those sounds on any other machine (other than another novation I suppose). They definitely have their unique flavor
Thanks for making this video, Benn! I have been excited to watch this one. Looks like this is a great value synth, and a great synth w/o the nice price point too. The industrial bit cracked me up, btw.
Picked this up after watching this video. Really cool unique synth. I feel calling it virtual analog is criminally underrating it’s digital palette, Modal should have called it something else like mutant subtractive synthesizer. Some really interesting timbres when you ignore the traditional waveform algorithm
i got the Craft Synth 2.0 for xmas (cheers lil bro) & though it is a much, much smaller synth with smaller feature set, it has the same crazy 'feel' to it. for the price, it's an absolute weapon.
Bought a Cobalt8 a few weeks ago. It's knocked my aging Supernova 2 to the side with its sheer easiness to program. Done more in the first 20 mins than I can in an hour with the supernova. Its brilliant. I certainly can't tell the difference.
@@glennmckenzie1096 I had no idea it could do that! had to watch some of that Gaz stream, not only did I not know that it sends MIDI but all the range and key controls plus step length, wow.
Good review. Had my Cobalt8m for a couple of weeks and really love it. There is a learning curve as with flexibility comes complexity, but the things you create are really useful, fun and inspiring.
The Akai Force appearance and comments gave me a good giggle. The topic of how unfinished that product was at launch deserves its own video. At least it has a happy ending thats its starting to reach the promised launch functionality.
Well, based on this video, I bought the 61 key Cobalt. It truly does not sound like any other synth. It has a hydrasynth kind of individuality. I promised I’d sell one of my other synths to make room for it, IF it filled gaps in my sonic panorama. I’m damn sure keeping it. My “from my dead hands” synth is my Prologue 16. combined with the cobalt and I’ve got a damn good sonic toolset! Layering them is heaven! I’ve owned a ton of synths. It’s a 12-step program knocking on my door! I must say that the Cobalt really is compelling. There’s some clunkers in the factory presets, I don’t like the preset selection UI, There’s a lot of shift function, but so what....it sounds fresh and there’s some excellent fidelity across the spectrum. And a great price to say the least. Now all I need is an akai firce and I will be complete After I buy a sequential pro 3 which will fulfill my needs till I realize I need a jd-xa......and a counselor!
The industrial bit was fantastic, thank you for that gift to mankind. So I've seen a few Cobalt reviews and I didn't even know about the app, or the way the arpeggiator works! That sounds so fun. The only thing I can compare it to is how the endless sequencer works on the OP-1, but this way is more flexible.
Wow~! Fantastic little synth! These are incredible times for synth enthusiasts. Don't care if it's analog or digital as long as it can make a ton of useful sounds ~ and it DOES! Just Wow! Great Review~!
I feel the same way. I went with the Argon8 instead though because I’m a sucker for wavetable synths. Would get a Cobalt8 as well, but I already have a hybrid digital/analogue eurorack system.
I'm never gonna recover from that NIN impression, it'll stay with me the rest of my days. Unlike my knee high black patent boots. You sir, are a treasure.
I’m a bass player primarily,but have gotten into Synth Bass. I’ve got a Monologue that I will likely sell soon, and the Cobalt8 and IK Multimedia Uno Synth Pro (keyboard models of both) are on my shortlist for a main gigging synth instrument!
Recently I understood that I'm more interested in digital synths, TBH. And I'm not ashamed of it in any way. I own Craft synth 2.0 from modal and it's amazing. Microfreak is amazing. God, my Volca Drum is amazing and better than my Drumbrute impact
Nothing to be ashamed of. The likes of wavetable and granular synths are only possible with advances in digital synths. Admittedly the early years of digital were a bit hit and miss but these days they're easily comparable in quality, but with digital having the extra flexibility too.
Ahhh still living the industrial dream/nightmare over here. Like how 90s industrial is 9 minutes in 😂 Modal are such a good synth company, I have one of their original craft synths and it’s insane! Their analogue stuff is next level as well.
Stumbled upon your channel after watching the Behringer vids, ended with this one, going upstairs now to play with my X, time to give it some love. Keep up the good work dude!
Days after the Prolybrute arrived that your video pushed me to buy, it almost seems dangerous to watch another of your gear videos so soon. :P Awesome video, Benn.
I’ve always loved digital synths. Been playing since the late 80s, and have always had the most fun with purely digital and hybrid stuff. The Modal stuff is amazing. Love the Argon8.
I have never heard anyone say in the club, I'm leaving because this isnt analog'...The Cobalt sounds great and as someone who has an analog synth, a lot of those older ones have upkeep issues..
True, they don't _say_ it - but they've somehow done it anyways. Please forgive the apparent 'back in my day..." observations, as The club scene really was far more lively when vinyl was being mixed directly on a good system = little ear fatigue for many hours, we danced all night - sober or not. Compared to to these days, when turned up a lot of all-digital gear can be come fatiguing on the ear pretty fast = hellooo, drugs! It's not night and day, it's subtle. And "digital done right' is nothing to sneeze at when used effectively! But there's generally a real-enough difference for it to matter over time, that much I am sure of.
@@shaft9000 Well all digital still has to be converted back to analog so we can hear it,so it's a matter of the converters and the rest of the system.Drugs were quite prevalent and was actually part of the demise of many a DJ,producer,artists,club owners,dancers,etc,etc.In fact,artists were falling off stages,found drugged out in the street,and a certain famous DJ would sell of his records to get high,and then clubbers would have to buy them back or replace them.My point was,people go out to party,and they can care less about who made the synths and if they have digital or analog signal paths.Plus,much of the time,if you really dig into synths,you can mimic the same sounds of 20 other synths,especially if you have samplers like I do.
The roland jp-8000/jp-8080, Access Virus, Nord Lead, roland system-1/8, Waldorf blofeld etc are all fantastic sounding digital synths. I'm sure there's more that I haven't heard.
I'd recommend you check out some of Modal's portable synths. I own a Skulpt and it's amazing for its price. The Craft 2.0 also looks really great for sound designing on the go. Great video by the way!
No issues with VA synths (Still really like my old Virus C or Akai Miniak, not to mention boatloads of softsynths), but I have to say I haven't run across a video of the Cobalt8 where the sound really grabbed me in a "VA way" so to say. So, seems like a cool synth (great feature set), but maybe not what I would look (or listen for) in virtual analog synth.
No reflection on Modal, but you have nailed the Analog Vs Digital debate. Buy what makes the sounds you like instead of being a wide eyed religious nut. You've got it right and like what sounds good to you. Which is what anyone with a milligram of intelligence would do instead of ranting from their armchair.......
I,,, I don't want to go outside,,,, hahahahaha. That was the best. It sounded digital to me through RUclips, but I am not a digital hater. I like both. I thought it sounded great. Perfect for the hybrid studio. Hard & daw.
Great review and really like the jam, but regarding the filter: Nick Batt's review dives into the filter section and he demonstrates different filter types: ruclips.net/video/2j_4kBfVMOw/видео.html - so it does seem to have more than the 4 ladder filter?! EDIT: OK, so I managed to read the actual description on Modal's website - and yes Benn is absolutely right about there only being one (modeled) filter type. It was the morphing that Nick Batt uses that gave me the impression that there are actually different filter types available... Still very nice sounding synth, and I guess the DSP nature of it could(!) make it possible to add other filter types via a software update
You should release that Industrial song. I must be weird, but I don't have a problem with digital, other than how to tweek them, I don't know how really. But the sound itself, if it produces the sound you are after or like, then I don't see an issue.
I don't wanna go outside : ya got me by surprise !!! exellent video !!! Great channel it seems (just discovered it ..) Something i wanna know , when you use the VST , is the VST generating sound like a regular didgital itb synth or the sound and engine comes from Cobalt and cobalt audio out is recorded ?
I bought my Argon8 when it was launched and have barely scratched the surface of its capabilities but your excitement about the playful sounds you generate has really got me wanting to go deeper.
Nice. I can here the tunes riffin off some of those sequence patterns. Sounds good, because it sounds different. That’s how Cobalt (Symbol: Co | Electron configuration: [Ar] 3d74s2) must sound. Co-incidental that there’s an Ar in the config, given the Argon8. Hehe. The software interface is a very strong point. p.s I owned a mono evolver once and deeply regret selling it. The poly evolver was, and is, still amazing to this day.
I have my eye on the Cobalt and Argon for a while now. I'll get my feet wet with hardware this year with an Arturia Microfreak and a Dreadbox Typhon for sure. The two Modal options are within the price range of a Korg Minilogue XD and when the time comes I will be drawn to the Modals I think. From what I heard they sound nice, you can adjust the drift and have some features that will go a long way. Your take on the cobalt was really refreshing and different from what i've seen so far. Thanks for that! On a side note, that industrial bit gave me as much nostalgia as laughs. :D Cheers!
I just bought a cobalt8x to replace my AN1x. I also have a Force which I purchased 2 years ago collecting dust and barely used which I was thinking about selling. I’m having second thoughts now after seeing how you use it with the Cobalt. Would love to see more in depth videos of the Force controlling external synths if possible! Cheers!
Modal are really putting Bristol on the map - no wonder the city has a bigger synth scene than London. The Cobalt and Argon in particular are out there by themselves for the sounds they can make. Thanks for a great demo' Benn ! :-)
Might be a good option to buy this one. I've been interested in Modal synthesizers for a while. Synths like these are very versatile. You can make them sound just the way you like.
I gave up on the Akai force even after the updates. lots of things I liked about it but overall a cumbersome and clunky to use machine. Cobalt sounds great though :)
Analogue vs. digital in the synthesizer market will be just like the film vs. digital camera argument and I think we all know which one came out on top.
I love your comment about poly limits. Listen to what somebody like JS Bach or Beethoven can do with only 4 (or 3 or even 2!) voices of polyphony and the idea of “more voices is better” kinda goes out the window. Yes, there are times when you’ll need many voices for a big swirling reverb-drenched pad playing a chord with 5 or 6 notes spread across several octaves to achieve the effect you’re after, but just 2 voices of polyphony can a looooooong way if the composer can write well-structured lines with interesting counterpoint between them.
The other beats and song bits sound great (as usual). I especially liked the extended dance track. But Benn, if you have any mercy at all, will you please never do a hip hop beat ever again? I can hear the cries of a million bedroom producers as they bash their heads against 808 clones trying to make the sounds go away.
Hats off for the apropos comparison of the Akai Force as the No Mans Sky of the audio world. Dare I say, Akai was coming off like CD Projekt Red with their Cyberpunk 2077 marketing campaign.
I have the 37-key version and I love it. It also have a couple of other synths I find I use so much less because of the arrival of the Cobalt8 - the Novation Ultranova, which shares many capabilities with the Cobalt8, and a Moog Grandmother. Yes, I am selling the Grandmother! A big call that no doubt some will argue with, but for what I create, the Cobalt8 can do it all. As for your review, I enjoyed it, except for your repeated use of “very unique” where the correct phrase might very “very rare” or “very unusual”.
I'm generally into analogue synths and digital drums. I often forget that digital synths have really moved forward. I have two tetra's and a mopho in one of my setups, I have to tweak hard to get a pleasing and unique sound. The cobolt spits out pleasing and unique sounds without a sweat. I used to have the Evolver and you are completely right, the cobolt captures traditional sounds and modern sounds. Do you think it can be updated to be multitimbral?
Nice to see someone else appreciating the Force! Let's hope that 3.0.7 and 0.8 come soon, and that 3.1.0 will arrive in our lifetime (the 3 denotes the Force, so it is only in beta atm!). Seriously, if they keep improving it the Force will seriously live up to it's name. It is already the best "standalone" on the market, though competition is undoubtedly getting stronger (good for us consumers anyway!)
So if it's a digital synth and you want to use it in your DAW through the VST remote control, what exactly is the difference from just using a VST? Genuine question.
You can ask the same question about analog synths. You can mostly get close enough with VSTs. But...different machines sound different, different architectures make you approach things differently, and knobs can be much nicer than pointing and clicking and they aren't hidden behind a screen of mixer controls. When the VST dies due to licensing or upgrades or simple loss, the hardware is there, providing extra ins and outs of various kinds, and ideally a sound you're happy with and an architecture that gets you up and running again quickly.
Hands on control if/when you want it, relief on your CPU, if it's a bit on the potato side and a unique sound character, just like soft synths have a different sonic identity between one another.
I might need one of these...I came back to check it out again..Benn reviewing gear works for me because he actually delves into gear,instead of typical jabs and stabs...
I'm really liking both the Argon8 and Cobalt8. Well, liking videos about them... I've got my fingers crossed for that SoundOnSound giveaway. Compared to similarly situated offerings from Korg, the mid-line Modal devices seem much broader in terms of modulation, and don't rely on forcing most everything into 16-step sequence lanes. Pairing digital with a wide range of modulation options is a sweet spot to me, and a big part of my love for the Blofeld and Ultranova, as well as the amazing open-source Surge. I've also contemplated the Hydrasynth, but prefer the aesthetic and balance of the Modal devices, plus the excellent software interface. BTW, thanks for mentioning that Euclidian sequencer app - definitely going to check that out!
I would say it would have to be in the range of $500-$600 for the module. It sounds pretty good, but the bar is very high and the market is crowded. I would like to hear more about build quality and customer support from the manufacturer. Remember they are competing with a slew of previous digital offerings in their tier from the likes of Korg, ASM, Waldorf, Modor, and Novation (remember the Circuit has not one but two Nova-like synths that are entirely programmable via an app and the Ultra and Mini novas also have app-based programming). If I didn’t have so many things already it would be a contender.
Ok well since you threw down the gauntlet, now you have to do an Evolver vs Cobalt video, comparing similar sounds+sequences, and showing territory each of them can go that the other can’t. I was actually excited when you compared them, because I’ve been thinking of selling my PolyEvolver, but when I heard the Cobalt, it just seems lifeless next to the Evolver. I’d love to be proven wrong, because like you I need to free up some space as I’m having to downsize to a smaller living situation. I’m also curious how it compares to a Virus, since it seems to take a similar approach and Access has abandoned development for years.
As the sound designer responsible for most of theose patches you played, I have to say, you absolutely NAILED Oberheist for what it was intended for. Loved it! Great video.
Ayyy! Great work!
@@woulg are you....thee woulg? man wild collection of oldschool idm dudes in these comments lmao
@@fohdeesha ah crap am I old school idm? Hahah damn. But yeah I agree, Ben brings us all out I think.
Did you by any chance make the 80s squares patch? It is gorgeous
Major OSC, can you please explain in a few words tye difference between Cobalt & Argon sound ? Thanks in advance!
Knee high boots song needs to get fleshed out into a full track.
I have bad hearing and a mind to match. I didn’t hear “boots” but yes, flesh was involved.
Fact
@@StepDub I can't even imagine knee-high boobs but I'm trying
shades of pretty hate machine
I almost fell off my chair at work laughing when you did the 90s industrial bassline! I also thought it sounded great because I unironically really dig that kind of music.
Me too! I found my self LOL!! Great impression of the genre.
Straight FIYAAAAH! Lol
HAHAHA ME TOO!!! My Boots is what it should be called, like Reznor meets 242 in a too clean room.
Fantastic review. I don't have the money, I can't play, I am old enough to start having arthritis, I can't design sounds and I don't have a studio...but now I want one. Liked and subbed. Greetz from France.
Getting thumbs up for the Trent Reznor impression alone. LOL
🤣💀🖤
Yes, I almost fell outta my chair. Plus the images he had floating in. This is the high-quality content we don't deserve.
For sure
I know he was joking but I kind of want a full cover now. It'd be good I suspect lol.
@@MajorOSCLOL! I mean, we already have This Is A Trent Reznor Song. So, it might be a minor waste of his time.
I would say that 'Digital' was never really gone, as Nord, Novation, Waldorf, and Access (Virus) were always big-iron weapons that weathered the current 'Analog renaissance'.
to be fair, those synth companies never emphasized the digitalness, and why would you, when you make VAs?
obviously many people seek after a community rather than large following, but your channel is criminally underrated
Dude is on another level!
Methinks it's too cerebral to be the most popular...screw that..Let's just say it goes over some people's heads..
I'm starting to think that the phrase 'criminally underrated', is criminally underrated
I've come to accept that I actually prefer digital. Yes, there are audible differences, but I wouldn't say it sounds worse than analog. Just different. Plus it's generally more versatile, cheaper, smaller, requires less maintenance, etc.
I've been fiddling with Plaits for two years and I still use it in everything.
def dco and analog filter of some variety...very pop just now. but they will have to pry my hydrasynth from my dead fingers... so i agree w you, in short. a lot of it has to do with the increasingly limitless potential of digital synthesis. people push everything to 11 on a digital synth and wonder why it sounds so brittle even if it has a VA engine... makes me laugh. fully dig synths can anyway sound verrry creamy when patched with care and with some kind of idea how the modelled filters should behave
Same, but mainly because the Virus TI2 was my first synth and other than Massive, I can't imagine needing anything else.
There have been great digital synths, historically, but they got a bad name because of cheap subtractive synthesis that sounded awful though you had synths like the MS2000 that were great, and also the way digital often uses absolute values with MIDI, rather than additive, and because many variables were limited to 128-steps that were aliased due to bad implementation. Lots of new digital synths use really great Digital-to-Analog converters, improved the sound of the filters and oscillators, and removed or mitigated the limitations of the 128-steps of MIDI controled.
Digital synthesis is *fine* when done right, and it is much, much better in the last... 5 years? I have the System 1m, and despite lots of poor with the user interface implementation, I can't tell that it is digital at all by ear.
i think the point is more about software x hardware x)
I could say I have a good chunk of my life connected to novation digital synth engine. I have probably 400 patches on xiosynth and xstation combined. And I cannot get any of those sounds on any other machine (other than another novation I suppose). They definitely have their unique flavor
haha, thanks for bringing back my depressed teenage years for 18 seconds - I hope my therapist is still alive
fuuuck with every year passing by I wish they would come back more and more!
Yeah currently watching this video from my nursing home communal television
I’m your therapist and I’m alive
Wait, wait, wait, hold up. You're the Flashbulb?! Dude, I love your stuff!
That Trent Reznor impression was pretty spot on lmao
9:25 10 years ago me feels personally attacked and I am absolutely cackling 10/10 You are the best.
🤣10 years ago me still lives inside there 🤣 luckily he doesn't have to go outside that much anymore
Huge fan of Modal now... started with the Argon8 and now have the Cobalt8.
Great video by the way!
Thanks for making this video, Benn! I have been excited to watch this one. Looks like this is a great value synth, and a great synth w/o the nice price point too. The industrial bit cracked me up, btw.
@09:19 IDK if my goth friends will love or hate you for this but I 1000% know I ugly laughed way harder than I should have 😭😂
I'm an old school Goth, I laughed my arse off !!!
We've a way better sense of humour than South Park credits us for !
Picked this up after watching this video. Really cool unique synth. I feel calling it virtual analog is criminally underrating it’s digital palette, Modal should have called it something else like mutant subtractive synthesizer. Some really interesting timbres when you ignore the traditional waveform algorithm
Macro-Modular analog modeling? lol
i got the Craft Synth 2.0 for xmas (cheers lil bro) & though it is a much, much smaller synth with smaller feature set, it has the same crazy 'feel' to it. for the price, it's an absolute weapon.
Bought a Cobalt8 a few weeks ago. It's knocked my aging Supernova 2 to the side with its sheer easiness to program. Done more in the first 20 mins than I can in an hour with the supernova. Its brilliant. I certainly can't tell the difference.
Skipped through the video, stopped by accident right at the "knee high boots" song ... brilliant! Had to hit the subscription button in an instant.
Finally the EF 303 gets some time in the spotlight! Send that thing to Audiopilz already!
I still use mine occassionally for fun sequencing of more modern gear! ( I blame Gaz on Sonicstate for the motivation)
@@glennmckenzie1096 I had no idea it could do that! had to watch some of that Gaz stream, not only did I not know that it sends MIDI but all the range and key controls plus step length, wow.
Good review. Had my Cobalt8m for a couple of weeks and really love it. There is a learning curve as with flexibility comes complexity, but the things you create are really useful, fun and inspiring.
The Akai Force appearance and comments gave me a good giggle. The topic of how unfinished that product was at launch deserves its own video. At least it has a happy ending thats its starting to reach the promised launch functionality.
Very interesting and in-depth review.Thank you!
I LOVE the old school Benn and Gear jingle!
Well, based on this video, I bought the 61 key Cobalt.
It truly does not sound like any other synth. It has a hydrasynth kind of individuality.
I promised I’d sell one of my other synths to make room for it, IF it filled gaps in my sonic panorama. I’m damn sure keeping it.
My “from my dead hands” synth is my Prologue 16. combined with the cobalt and I’ve got a damn good sonic toolset! Layering them is heaven!
I’ve owned a ton of synths. It’s a 12-step program knocking on my door!
I must say that the Cobalt really is compelling.
There’s some clunkers in the factory presets, I don’t like the preset selection UI, There’s a lot of shift function, but so what....it sounds fresh and there’s some excellent fidelity across the spectrum.
And a great price to say the least.
Now all I need is an akai firce and I will be complete
After I buy a sequential pro 3 which will fulfill my needs till I realize I need a
jd-xa......and a counselor!
The industrial bit was fantastic, thank you for that gift to mankind.
So I've seen a few Cobalt reviews and I didn't even know about the app, or the way the arpeggiator works! That sounds so fun. The only thing I can compare it to is how the endless sequencer works on the OP-1, but this way is more flexible.
Nice! The Modal sound definitely has a unique quality to it that I can't get enough of.
Wow~! Fantastic little synth! These are incredible times for synth enthusiasts. Don't care if it's analog or digital as long as it can make a ton of useful sounds ~ and it DOES! Just Wow! Great Review~!
I feel the same way. I went with the Argon8 instead though because I’m a sucker for wavetable synths. Would get a Cobalt8 as well, but I already have a hybrid digital/analogue eurorack system.
I'm never gonna recover from that NIN impression, it'll stay with me the rest of my days. Unlike my knee high black patent boots. You sir, are a treasure.
I’m a bass player primarily,but have gotten into Synth Bass. I’ve got a Monologue that I will likely sell soon, and the Cobalt8 and IK Multimedia Uno Synth Pro (keyboard models of both) are on my shortlist for a main gigging synth instrument!
Recently I understood that I'm more interested in digital synths, TBH. And I'm not ashamed of it in any way. I own Craft synth 2.0 from modal and it's amazing. Microfreak is amazing. God, my Volca Drum is amazing and better than my Drumbrute impact
That industrial track is lit, by the way
Nothing to be ashamed of. The likes of wavetable and granular synths are only possible with advances in digital synths. Admittedly the early years of digital were a bit hit and miss but these days they're easily comparable in quality, but with digital having the extra flexibility too.
Because of the price point and the sounds that I’ve heard even before this video (and, of course, yours) it’s already on my list. Wow!
Came for the review, stayed for the perfect NIN impression wow :)
Ahhh still living the industrial dream/nightmare over here. Like how 90s industrial is 9 minutes in 😂
Modal are such a good synth company, I have one of their original craft synths and it’s insane! Their analogue stuff is next level as well.
That quick track you whipped up sounded real nice!14:44-15:27 🫡
Couldn’t be happier; first real synth. Thanks for the recommendation
Stumbled upon your channel after watching the Behringer vids, ended with this one, going upstairs now to play with my X, time to give it some love. Keep up the good work dude!
Days after the Prolybrute arrived that your video pushed me to buy, it almost seems dangerous to watch another of your gear videos so soon. :P
Awesome video, Benn.
I’ve always loved digital synths. Been playing since the late 80s, and have always had the most fun with purely digital and hybrid stuff. The Modal stuff is amazing. Love the Argon8.
You had me at 'evolver', but the industrial pseudo vocal made me laugh so damn hard, omg...
My wallet is tingling after hearing the tease on the price @4:30
I have never heard anyone say in the club,
I'm leaving because this isnt analog'...The Cobalt sounds great and as someone who has an analog synth, a lot of those older ones have upkeep issues..
True, they don't _say_ it - but they've somehow done it anyways.
Please forgive the apparent 'back in my day..." observations, as
The club scene really was far more lively when vinyl was being mixed directly on a good system = little ear fatigue for many hours, we danced all night - sober or not.
Compared to to these days, when turned up a lot of all-digital gear can be come fatiguing on the ear pretty fast = hellooo, drugs!
It's not night and day, it's subtle. And "digital done right' is nothing to sneeze at when used effectively!
But there's generally a real-enough difference for it to matter over time, that much I am sure of.
@@shaft9000 Well all digital still has to be converted back to analog so we can hear it,so it's a matter of the converters and the rest of the system.Drugs were quite prevalent and was actually part of the demise of many a DJ,producer,artists,club owners,dancers,etc,etc.In fact,artists were falling off stages,found drugged out in the street,and a certain famous DJ would sell of his records to get high,and then clubbers would have to buy them back or replace them.My point was,people go out to party,and they can care less about who made the synths and if they have digital or analog signal paths.Plus,much of the time,if you really dig into synths,you can mimic the same sounds of 20 other synths,especially if you have samplers like I do.
The roland jp-8000/jp-8080, Access Virus, Nord Lead, roland system-1/8, Waldorf blofeld etc are all fantastic sounding digital synths. I'm sure there's more that I haven't heard.
For the perspective: in my local gear shop, it costs exactly as much as Arturia V collection.
I'd recommend you check out some of Modal's portable synths. I own a Skulpt and it's amazing for its price. The Craft 2.0 also looks really great for sound designing on the go. Great video by the way!
2 years on and this review is still very helpful, decided to buy the cobalt last night.
Yes, it does sound very good! And your demo jam is great. Thanks!
No issues with VA synths (Still really like my old Virus C or Akai Miniak, not to mention boatloads of softsynths), but I have to say I haven't run across a video of the Cobalt8 where the sound really grabbed me in a "VA way" so to say. So, seems like a cool synth (great feature set), but maybe not what I would look (or listen for) in virtual analog synth.
No reflection on Modal, but you have nailed the Analog Vs Digital debate. Buy what makes the sounds you like instead of being a wide eyed religious nut. You've got it right and like what sounds good to you. Which is what anyone with a milligram of intelligence would do instead of ranting from their armchair.......
Finally someone said it. Even the Akai Force sounds better.
I,,, I don't want to go outside,,,, hahahahaha. That was the best. It sounded digital to me through RUclips, but I am not a digital hater. I like both. I thought it sounded great. Perfect for the hybrid studio. Hard & daw.
Great review and really like the jam, but regarding the filter: Nick Batt's review dives into the filter section and he demonstrates different filter types: ruclips.net/video/2j_4kBfVMOw/видео.html - so it does seem to have more than the 4 ladder filter?!
EDIT: OK, so I managed to read the actual description on Modal's website - and yes Benn is absolutely right about there only being one (modeled) filter type. It was the morphing that Nick Batt uses that gave me the impression that there are actually different filter types available... Still very nice sounding synth, and I guess the DSP nature of it could(!) make it possible to add other filter types via a software update
The Cobalt/Force jam had me sub immediately that shit sounds crispy. kinda want one of these rn but im torn between the 8m and the 5s
You should release that Industrial song.
I must be weird, but I don't have a problem with digital, other than how to tweek them, I don't know how really. But the sound itself, if it produces the sound you are after or like, then I don't see an issue.
Yep, you're normal. It's the armchair nostalgia brigade who are the weirdos.
OMG: three years late but the industrial snippet made coffee shoot out of my nose. Thanks for that.
I don't wanna go outside : ya got me by surprise !!! exellent video !!! Great channel it seems (just discovered it ..)
Something i wanna know , when you use the VST , is the VST generating sound like a regular didgital itb synth or the sound and engine comes from Cobalt and cobalt audio out is recorded ?
Bought one a while ago, my synth of the year.
Great demo of this VA beauty. Love your channel.👌🙏
I bought my Argon8 when it was launched and have barely scratched the surface of its capabilities but your excitement about the playful sounds you generate has really got me wanting to go deeper.
Nice. I can here the tunes riffin off some of those sequence patterns. Sounds good, because it sounds different. That’s how Cobalt (Symbol: Co | Electron configuration: [Ar] 3d74s2) must sound. Co-incidental that there’s an Ar in the config, given the Argon8. Hehe. The software interface is a very strong point. p.s I owned a mono evolver once and deeply regret selling it. The poly evolver was, and is, still amazing to this day.
lol the Trent impression 😂😂👌🏼👌🏼
Best demo of this synth! The AKAI song was brilliant. You should get a percentage of at least one sale because you convinced me I need this.
I have my eye on the Cobalt and Argon for a while now. I'll get my feet wet with hardware this year with an Arturia Microfreak and a Dreadbox Typhon for sure. The two Modal options are within the price range of a Korg Minilogue XD and when the time comes I will be drawn to the Modals I think. From what I heard they sound nice, you can adjust the drift and have some features that will go a long way. Your take on the cobalt was really refreshing and different from what i've seen so far. Thanks for that!
On a side note, that industrial bit gave me as much nostalgia as laughs. :D
Cheers!
Good luck finding a Typhon, haha. They aren't exactly common.
@@SomeOne-pd6vm I think it's alright in Europe. I'll make it my mission for the next few weeks to grab one :D
@@SomeOne-pd6vm They are still being sold in Europe tho...
@@TheSoulSynthesis Thomann will have them in stock in about week.
@@HenritheHorse yeah i saw it. Maybe I just order one ☺️
i've been looking for Ghosts throughout the entire Video. I think you are in the clear. 👍
Instant like for the old-school jingle.
I just bought a cobalt8x to replace my AN1x. I also have a Force which I purchased 2 years ago collecting dust and barely used which I was thinking about selling. I’m having second thoughts now after seeing how you use it with the Cobalt. Would love to see more in depth videos of the Force controlling external synths if possible! Cheers!
Modal are really putting Bristol on the map - no wonder the city has a bigger synth scene than London.
The Cobalt and Argon in particular are out there by themselves for the sounds they can make.
Thanks for a great demo' Benn ! :-)
I never heard of the Music pattern generator! Thanks for THAT😮
Especially enjoyed the NMS burn.
💯🏆🔥 Case closed!! Great presentation!
That is actually how you spell the word ;)
The Evolver is a total beast!
Might be a good option to buy this one. I've been interested in Modal synthesizers for a while. Synths like these are very versatile. You can make them sound just the way you like.
Really like the sounds especially the bass sounds you got going wit the Akai. Great review
Omg Knee High Boots, I'm buying this synth right now thanks byeeee.
Aww damn - that 90's industrial riff knocks - when you gonna put that out!
I gave up on the Akai force even after the updates. lots of things I liked about it but overall a cumbersome and clunky to use machine. Cobalt sounds great though :)
Analogue vs. digital in the synthesizer market will be just like the film vs. digital camera argument and I think we all know which one came out on top.
No idea what you're talking about, both have been around for decades and neither is leaving in the next several decades as far as I can tell.
As someone coming to synths from 16mm filmmaking, this is a confusing analogy for me!
Stabbing Westward must feel attacked. lol Damn this synth sounds so good!
Haha you're funny! I like it. And I like what you made on the fly. Looks fun! Your inspiring me to get back in the studio. 👍
Beautiful piece at the end!
The track you made on the the force at the end sounds so nice
I love your comment about poly limits. Listen to what somebody like JS Bach or Beethoven can do with only 4 (or 3 or even 2!) voices of polyphony and the idea of “more voices is better” kinda goes out the window. Yes, there are times when you’ll need many voices for a big swirling reverb-drenched pad playing a chord with 5 or 6 notes spread across several octaves to achieve the effect you’re after, but just 2 voices of polyphony can a looooooong way if the composer can write well-structured lines with interesting counterpoint between them.
Their editor is incredible. As is the synth. Peace Christo👽
The other beats and song bits sound great (as usual). I especially liked the extended dance track. But Benn, if you have any mercy at all, will you please never do a hip hop beat ever again? I can hear the cries of a million bedroom producers as they bash their heads against 808 clones trying to make the sounds go away.
What's the Euclidian tool you're using? Looks like something I need in my life.
Hats off for the apropos comparison of the Akai Force as the No Mans Sky of the audio world. Dare I say, Akai was coming off like CD Projekt Red with their Cyberpunk 2077 marketing campaign.
I have the 37-key version and I love it. It also have a couple of other synths I find I use so much less because of the arrival of the Cobalt8 - the Novation Ultranova, which shares many capabilities with the Cobalt8, and a Moog Grandmother. Yes, I am selling the Grandmother! A big call that no doubt some will argue with, but for what I create, the Cobalt8 can do it all. As for your review, I enjoyed it, except for your repeated use of “very unique” where the correct phrase might very “very rare” or “very unusual”.
I'm generally into analogue synths and digital drums. I often forget that digital synths have really moved forward. I have two tetra's and a mopho in one of my setups, I have to tweak hard to get a pleasing and unique sound. The cobolt spits out pleasing and unique sounds without a sweat. I used to have the Evolver and you are completely right, the cobolt captures traditional sounds and modern sounds. Do you think it can be updated to be multitimbral?
Nice to see someone else appreciating the Force! Let's hope that 3.0.7 and 0.8 come soon, and that 3.1.0 will arrive in our lifetime (the 3 denotes the Force, so it is only in beta atm!). Seriously, if they keep improving it the Force will seriously live up to it's name. It is already the best "standalone" on the market, though competition is undoubtedly getting stronger (good for us consumers anyway!)
So if it's a digital synth and you want to use it in your DAW through the VST remote control, what exactly is the difference from just using a VST? Genuine question.
Exactly my thoughts.
You can ask the same question about analog synths. You can mostly get close enough with VSTs. But...different machines sound different, different architectures make you approach things differently, and knobs can be much nicer than pointing and clicking and they aren't hidden behind a screen of mixer controls. When the VST dies due to licensing or upgrades or simple loss, the hardware is there, providing extra ins and outs of various kinds, and ideally a sound you're happy with and an architecture that gets you up and running again quickly.
@@MichaelRohaly I have a 10 year old vst (U-He Ace) that has better sounding oscillators than any hardware analog synth I’ve had.
@@geephlips It'd be interesting to analyze those waves and see what the deal is.
Hands on control if/when you want it, relief on your CPU, if it's a bit on the potato side and a unique sound character, just like soft synths have a different sonic identity between one another.
Benn and gear is back! ❤️
Excellent Thanks Benn
Damn Ben, made a banger at the end, super casually @14:40
I might need one of these...I came back to check it out again..Benn reviewing gear works for me because he actually delves into gear,instead of typical jabs and stabs...
I'm really liking both the Argon8 and Cobalt8. Well, liking videos about them... I've got my fingers crossed for that SoundOnSound giveaway. Compared to similarly situated offerings from Korg, the mid-line Modal devices seem much broader in terms of modulation, and don't rely on forcing most everything into 16-step sequence lanes. Pairing digital with a wide range of modulation options is a sweet spot to me, and a big part of my love for the Blofeld and Ultranova, as well as the amazing open-source Surge. I've also contemplated the Hydrasynth, but prefer the aesthetic and balance of the Modal devices, plus the excellent software interface. BTW, thanks for mentioning that Euclidian sequencer app - definitely going to check that out!
I would say it would have to be in the range of $500-$600 for the module. It sounds pretty good, but the bar is very high and the market is crowded. I would like to hear more about build quality and customer support from the manufacturer. Remember they are competing with a slew of previous digital offerings in their tier from the likes of Korg, ASM, Waldorf, Modor, and Novation (remember the Circuit has not one but two Nova-like synths that are entirely programmable via an app and the Ultra and Mini novas also have app-based programming). If I didn’t have so many things already it would be a contender.
Ok well since you threw down the gauntlet, now you have to do an Evolver vs Cobalt video, comparing similar sounds+sequences, and showing territory each of them can go that the other can’t. I was actually excited when you compared them, because I’ve been thinking of selling my PolyEvolver, but when I heard the Cobalt, it just seems lifeless next to the Evolver. I’d love to be proven wrong, because like you I need to free up some space as I’m having to downsize to a smaller living situation. I’m also curious how it compares to a Virus, since it seems to take a similar approach and Access has abandoned development for years.
Dude, that’s how you spell analogue
At Least where I come from ;-)
What an excellent synth, it sounds really good! My guess was $700 so I wasn't too far off surprisingly.
What did you use for the synthetic vocals on "Benn and Gear"? Vocaloid? Aquestone? Chipspeech?
Also, that Pride merch tho.
Was i the only one that was DAMN on 14:40 when the bass came in?
that track at the end was so sick!