1:08-1:14. It's plainly not the same. The Cobalt 8 has keys at the front - the Argon 8 has keys at the back. Clearly the Argon 8 was for Keith Emerson live performances.
Dammit, I wish my Argon8m were blue like that. Badass sound, will get. And ignore the "but muh VSTs" people, they're usuallt trying to be annoying on purpose. So they'd rather stick to software, good for them, but there's no excuse for spamming comments sections with "what's the point?" all over the place like they do. Best thing for a healthy discussion is to not give the topic much attention, I say.
The emergence of Modal over the last couple of years has been really interesting to watch. I think the idea of a affordable digital synth platform that can be tweaked to feature different flavors of synthesis is one of those great ideas that seems so obvious you wonder why it isn’t more common in hardware. Sure, there’s the volca line and Elektron kind of do a similar thing, but this release suggests there could be be more flavors of synthesis in the pipeline from Argon. I can’t help but wonder if Modal have thought about doing a physical modeling synth using this platform or some kind of FM/PM hybrid.
There are the Yamaha CS reface based on the same form factor two. You’re right, we can hope they are working on a fm synthesis emulation... but honestly, it would even more interesting if they experiment new sounds. That’s what I expect from Modal.
Thanks for actually making patches with texture and subtlety.I like the sound of the skulpt but I wanted a rackmount with more controls. Theirs seems closer than the Argon. Considering we have so many synths to choose from at the moment I will likely watch lots of these videos to get a real ear for the core sound. What a great time to buy synths
skulpt looks like a blast as well, I really enjoy my craft v2.0 and keep finding new uses for it, all the modal products look like they provide the best value in their respective price ranges!
MODAL make the best sounding digital synths currently on the market. Not sure what it is, but they have that silly "mojo" that people always talk about when they talk about the great synths of yore.
I think much attention is given to oscillator authenticity, where many other digital synths get so hung up on having a good sounding filter. But that's just part of the equation. Without a rich texture that sounds alive, there's just no chance of pulling off analog. From my experience with the cobalt so far, the subtleties and "organic" behavior of the oscillators (best heard when playing chords or unison) sounds stellar. Nothing out there that sounds this good for the price. That much is certain.
Great review, especially on short notice, which covers most of what I wanted to know - my question: is this synth engine using FPGA? and what about the effects? Not judging only wondering because I believe Modal has come up with a killer synth at a viable price for the quality output I am hearing. I'm guessing the sound engine is and the effects are not. You said when it rains it pours... I think this is just the beginning of a glorious drizzle- I'm anticipating a lot of new synths based on FPGA - which in short really ups the ante in processing speeds and bus architecture. It will be interesting seeing how the established and newer manufacturers will apply this. Your patch example is fantastic, let us hear some more of those when you have time...
10:36 . 512 step sequencer is more decent. Why synth makers give only 64 or 32 or even 16 step sequencers is totally bizarre, as if a computer has 1k of memory like the ZX80 back in 1980! There should be enough steps to do a song - or at least half a song!
I definitely need a lot of steps for a full song. But 512 isn't enough. Usually I find I want about 2000 or 3000 steps for a song, per track. So I write it on a dedicated sequencer or DAW or something instead of using a synth's onboard sequencer. However, the onboard sequencers are still really handy for making individual phrases. The phrases are typically 16 to ~160 steps long (1 to 10 measures). And it's a lot easier to sequence those on hardware, usually, than to do it in a DAW. So I play a phrase into the onboard sequencer, it gets all quantized and cleaned up, and then I play it into a DAW. The sequencer plays the notes while I adjust expression with the knobs. Maybe record a few variations, and then I can move on to the next phrase. I'm not sure, but I suspect this is what the onboard sequencers are designed for. It's not for songs, it's just for individual phrases. Er, also for demo purposes... but that's a different matter. :)
@@ToyKeeper 100% agree. Onboard sequencers are best for short phrases or progressions, e.g. ABAC that are then looped and manipulated. Sequencing a full song on outboard requires a workstation keyboard and is frankly tedious and far inferior to a DAW. Or of course a sequencer-centric standalone unit like Cirklon, Pyramid, Octatrack, or Deluge. But the benefit of those is typically live performance more than studio recording.
@@rdean150 Exactly. Gotta use the right tools for the job. I was dawless for a while, and tried to make songs entirely in hardware... but improvised jam sessions are generally long and messy without a lot of genuinely good parts, and composing more deliberately in hardware is a pain. Here's an example of how I made songs with just hardware... using a Digitakt to sequence other devices. I like how it turned out, but it took way more effort than it should have: ruclips.net/video/9uHgZqewFFE/видео.html
Can’t wait to get my hands on one! Interesting oscillator section here. I wonder if they can be cross modulated. Also I’d be interested to know if they are free running or restart.
i like this video. it's essentially what every common consumer does when they rip it out of the box. you should do more blind "out of the box" demos like this. people can relate to it instantly.
It seems like a nice synth which covers a lot of classic territory in a way which is easy to use and reasonably priced. Also offers some new concepts for making sounds flow and evolve. I doubt there will be many who regret getting one. Given the choice between a Minilogue (or XD), a Deepmind, or a Cobalt8, I'd probably take the Cobalt8. However, I'd rather pay an extra $50 and get a Hydra desktop module instead. So I wouldn't consider the Modal the top item in its approximate price range, but I would at least say it's near the top of its class.
I'm actually looking to get a new synth, and i already have a deepmind 12d.. I've been looking at the minilogue XD and the cobalt8 recently, and part of me is really going towards the cobalt because of the nicer keys and more voices doesnt hurt.... That hydra thing does seem interesthing, Shame i really do want a synth with some keys that i can fit on my desk easily. So hard to decide on these things.. just a tad too expensive to be "wrong" with my choices :p
@@GertBoers Yessir. Not just me though. AlphaCodeSynth, James Dyson (who is quite active in the Argon8 group and has made tons of great presets for that also). And there were a few from others like one of their lead programmers and Mike from VCO not too far from where I live as a matter of fact.
Ok, so to use a Waldorf example, the Argon 8 has the oscillators in wavetable mode and the Cobalt 8 is exactly the same, but with the oscillators in waveshape mode. It would be great to just change a switch (or even mix one of each) instead of having to buy two different synths. It's not clear from the review if you can set this up to modulate the waveshape (using LFOs, ADSR, etc.). If so, that would get it closer to a wavetable synth and allow for a much more dynamic sound. As it is, effects aside, most of the patches seemed to be fairly standard analog synth-type sounds, so not really anything that's strikingly new. Whereas, wavetables are less common and can give you some interesting digital-type results, depending on what the included wavetables are.
What’s the Animator like compared to 002? I haven’t inhaled too many Argon demo vids so I don’t know how wild it can go compared to the 00 family, 007 included.
This Cobalt8 thing sounds gorgeous. Such a lush and large sound. Are you going to review Sonicware's Liven 8bit Warps? What about the Isla Instruments S2400 (SP1200 resurrection)?
Since it seems to be the exact same hardware it would've been nice if they used a platform like Roland's System 1/System 8 to upload different synths to.
Curious as to the actual hardware differences between this and the Argon Kind of wishing that I had waited a bit before buying the Argon now Sounds beautiful though
Very little I'd imagine. When you have a realised and working core design then you reuse it if you can. Unless an iterative design would reduce costs while maintaining or increasing processing power. Maybe it has more grunt? only opening it up will tell you that.
@@6581punk this looks like an Argon8 with alternate oscillators and upgraded sequencer, everything else the same, and a better aesthetic with the blue sonically, it sounds like the Argon8's twin with upgraded bass and a vintage-like ladder filter
I wonder if they'll do an Analog8 next? It seems like the next step but maybe it's unnecessary or there is too much cross-over features with the Cobalt? I always liked Modal's massive analog synths, would be neat to own a smaller and more affordable version of the 008 synth... Which is pricey!
I feel really bad for a lot of synth companies because of the big B. I'd say the bulk that were ready to blow £600 on a synth will be going for that 2600 from Behringer. I really love wavetable synths and I was ready to pull the trigger on an Argon8 and then Behringer was showing off a picture of a PPG clone. I got some money to burn on kit, first time in a long time, and I am sitting here thinking wait till 2021 and get a B2600, BBG Wave and DS 80. I reckon they will be mopping up half the money going on synths in 2021, they will be getting all of my money. Because I'll get to buy good hardware clones of my three all time favourite synths. And with vintage models of all them three costings around £30k, I was never going to own them. And I likely get all of them all for less than £2.5k, which is crazy - and maybe less, especially if they do desktop modules of the BBG and DS 80. You know what I mean, £1,100 on a Argon8 and a Cobalt8 or £1k more for a modern clone of a 2600, PPG & CS 80? Hello! And that BBG from Behringer sets them up making digital synths, that means lots of digital synths to come, both original and clones . A worrying time for other synth companies. Also worrying for software synth companies too, when it cost £150-200 for a 2600 plugin or £600 for a hardware version, or you can buy a 303 and 606 plugin for the same money as the hardware.
@@st0rmchild - Really? I am not seeing different markets. If Behringer wasn't making synths I'd have a Argon8 already. And I'd probably get a Cobalt8 soon if not for Behringer. I think we have a lot of people looking to buy a wavetable synth, not too many options, and when that PPG clone was announced I think a lot of them like me decided to wait for a while. You'd have to have a serious reason not to. How many people do you suppose are in the market for a poly virtual analog, and not because they love the sound of virtual analog, but that is what they can afford in terms of a poly synth. But they all know now that they can get a CS-80 clone soon, even sooner a MonoPoly clone. Why would they now be paying £600 for some virtual analog? I think your needs would have to be very specific to take a Cobalt8 over a MonoPoly for around the same money. You seriously think that none of this is eating a huge chunk of the synth market? I think people buying motorbikes are cars are different markets? But people that are buying synths are buying synths, and worse than that a lot of this stuff is dream material that has been unobtainable till today.
@@watercolourmark I’d agree that there’s some overlap, but I think there are still lots of people who shop by quality and not just price - perhaps a small minority, but I think that’s the same crowd that was already buying synths before they became Walmart cheap, hence I think there are still different markets, in the same way that iPhone and Android are different markets, even though they’re both the same kind of thing. Some people are willing to pay more for what they consider a better product. I can at least say for sure that I’m in that small minority. I’m almost out of space, and would rather buy a few truly special synths than a bunch of Behringer knockoffs. Not saying they’re bad - they’re actually pretty decent, and I’m glad they exist as an option for those who can’t or don’t want to spend tons of money. But I’d rather spend more to get something better, and I don’t think I’m alone.
@@st0rmchild - I agree. Bu I would say you are talking minority. But also cost doesn't equate to quality. The example you give on Apple verses Android, I've brought Chinese phones half the price of Apple; better camera, more water resistant, tougher and more durable. We are talking paying more for brands. Are we stating the build quality of a £500-600 Modal device is cleaning the floor with the build quality of a £300-600 Behringer device? I would say far more people take function over brand, and cost over luxury build on all products. Overwise the car market would be upside down. The only time I look to speed more, especially now, on synths is vintage. As I can buy for one price, use for a few years and sell for more. Otherwise it is function verses cost every day of the week. And don't forget, if you buy a Behringer synth or a Moog synth you are buying a PCB board that was made in China. Same with your phones.
Now if there were a way to user-load either engine into the other and potentially buying overlays for the different parameters (not that it's a lot) ...
@@jonfromtheuk467 Different hardware inside, or just different firmware? It's unclear how deep the differences are after just one day of preview videos.
The thing that made the Argon8 special was the cross-modulation capabilities. Looks like it's missing from this one? It's kind of unfortunate considering that could have led to some FM-type sounds.
I like the looks and the casing Modal uses for their current models. I already have 2 nice synths otherwise i would look more into this model. However, i prefer a 5 octave keyboard.
I think the filter is still not good (I didn’t liked it on the Argon (but I keep it anyway, with a Waldorf 2 poles ^^) it’s way to brightly and soft. In the argon it’s not very problematic, because it sound bright and clear, it’s what we expect from a wave tables synth. But in an analogic simulation... huh... we need more juice.
@@DFunct905 every bit helps for some of us, and my Ultranova already has the same Fatar TP9/S keybed, 37-key as well to boot, but I prefer my Axiom 61 v2 or Juno-DS61 for controlling my synths
Great to hear that a module will be available. I’m glad I hesitated on any purchase. This is much more like what I want in a digital synth. And Cobalt is my favorite kind of blue, too.
@@hiddenagenda1779 I really wish the extended key version was forthcoming as well, but I'm trying to find something fairly quickly for a new project. I sold off some kit to fund, and then this gets announced 😔
Late comment but I own both the XD and Cobalt. The XD probably emulates the classic analog sound more faithfully. The cobalt is noticeably more modern sounding
@@davebellamy4867 Actually I named the patch after the Duo of Deadmau5 and Steve Duda. Better Sounding On Drugs. Also Blue Screen of Death. Just depends on who you ask lol. It''s actually supposed to have a different filter selected. Long story resulted in a happy mistake. I left it as is for final submission.
Honestly, I didn't dig it from this first look. It's not the same as the Argon 8 but I currently think I prefer the Argon 8. Looking forward to the full review.
🤔. Hmm I’ve got an argon 8 m and I like it but we are definitely in an era of synths with ever so slight differences like the novation afx twin a prophet 5 a black moog a black SV1 - the SV1 made me chuckle a bit as even they struggled to explain what was different 🤩. Any way I like the modal folk nice gear
The AFX BSII just has some aesthetic changes and newer firmware. It's not clear yet if the Cobalt8 is the same story, paint job and different firmware, or if there are hardware differences too.
Hmm. Different varieties of the same thing are nice for cheaper stuff like Volca, but I'm not really feeling it for a more expensive digital synth like this. I'm an 8m owner and wouldn't want to buy the same thing again with basically a different firmware. Also, they really need to bring out the other two versions at release. It's OK holding back larger keybase and module versions for the first synth in a range... but if people think these variants are in the offing on the Cobalt, will they just wait rather than buying this model? Modal should sell the new firmware version to existing Argon owners if it turns out we've just bought a generic hardware platform.
@@jonnycavell FPGA VA, but still VA. But fair enough on the analog filters. €2500 for 6 voices (or 12 if you drop its one claim to fame) though, I'll pass.
So DSP? Isn't that the same as using a computer plug-in with a control surface? It sounds great, I'm just curious as to how this differs from a computer and software? I know the DSP is dedicated to just the task of generating sound in this case but a modern CPU can easily do this too, no?
@@TerekkiTerekki thats a bit harsh - he has a lot of integrity. Some influencers are deliberately dissing products for likes and click bait , I cant see that at all with Bo.
@@sonicstate dang..... the Blofeld remains the top candidate, thus far..... Thanks Nick !!!! this is an incredible time for Synthesists !!!! i dig VA..... my Venom is barely holding together now, due to gigging knocks n bumps and it hasnt held up well, but has a thunderous sound.....
JD-Xi and FA-06 have Roland's SuperNatural VA engine (among others in the FA's case). Not quite up there with Novation and Modal synths or the Venom, but highly capable nevertheless.
It may be a quite different archtecture, but to me it sounds as harsh and cold as a typical wavetable synth - whereas the Hydrasynth can sound more ‘analogue’ than the Cobalt. Not bad, just not what I expect from a VA synth.
I felt exactly the opposite, to me the Hydra had the harsher sound and the A8 was lush. This C8 is all about VA an is not trying to be a wave table synth, seems to have its own character rather than being a bread and butter VA. I need to hear more.
Unfortunately that's the case. The Pocket Modular series is a bunch of nice looking, expensive toys that are quite limited, and sound generic and uninteresting. In the case of the large (yellow) one, it also tips over easily and is clearly designed as an object to look at, not something you'll actually want to use. I love the look and was interested until I checked out the reviews.
Sounds great but It seems wasteful for this to be an independent instrument - surely releasing this as a paid software update for the argon8 would be best.
@sbmphr why not? I could be wrong here but it seems possible. They've done firmware updates that add functionality to the synthesis engine how is this any different? Src: www.synthtopia.com/content/2020/05/21/modal-argon8-gets-free-update-that-adds-expanded-synthesis-options-polyphonic-sequencing/#:~:text=Modal%20Electronics%20has%20released%20Argon8,a%20polyphonic%20sequencer%20and%20more.&text=0%20for%20ARGON8%20delivers%20an,setting%20applies%20to%20all%20patches.
They'd have done better starting off making synths like this instead of their rather overpriced 008 and 002 synths. I had an 001 and 008, don't have them now and don't miss them.
without those legends would any of us have a reason to be interested? I think it's a good order of doing things. If it happened the other way around you'd see alot of pissed off loyal fans left out in the cold. This is more a case of, hey, guess what, aston martin is making an affordable hot hatchback. :)
That's unfair. It'd be more sociable to just comment that it's not for you, no? Rather than basically say the developer's labour of love is just a piece of crap
@@RoHen-pw5ol that bothered me as well. It’s not like critiquing a RUclips video of a comedy skit or something. Modal are a good group of people. To call this synth junk is both a rude insult and completely untrue.
@@cfcreative1 the world is shitty for completely unrelated reasons "too polite" depends on where you go anyway on the other hand, synthesists look like they are mentally ill with all their anger at everything, much like some feminists and sjws
1:08-1:14. It's plainly not the same. The Cobalt 8 has keys at the front - the Argon 8 has keys at the back. Clearly the Argon 8 was for Keith Emerson live performances.
Dammit, I wish my Argon8m were blue like that.
Badass sound, will get.
And ignore the "but muh VSTs" people, they're usuallt trying to be annoying on purpose. So they'd rather stick to software, good for them, but there's no excuse for spamming comments sections with "what's the point?" all over the place like they do. Best thing for a healthy discussion is to not give the topic much attention, I say.
another perfect review Nick!! I'm sold on this machine! Thanks!
My god, those patches sound gorgeous
The emergence of Modal over the last couple of years has been really interesting to watch. I think the idea of a affordable digital synth platform that can be tweaked to feature different flavors of synthesis is one of those great ideas that seems so obvious you wonder why it isn’t more common in hardware. Sure, there’s the volca line and Elektron kind of do a similar thing, but this release suggests there could be be more flavors of synthesis in the pipeline from Argon.
I can’t help but wonder if Modal have thought about doing a physical modeling synth using this platform or some kind of FM/PM hybrid.
There are the Yamaha CS reface based on the same form factor two. You’re right, we can hope they are working on a fm synthesis emulation... but honestly, it would even more interesting if they experiment new sounds. That’s what I expect from Modal.
Thanks for actually making patches with texture and subtlety.I like the sound of the skulpt but I wanted a rackmount with more controls. Theirs seems closer than the Argon. Considering we have so many synths to choose from at the moment I will likely watch lots of these videos to get a real ear for the core sound. What a great time to buy synths
skulpt looks like a blast as well, I really enjoy my craft v2.0 and keep finding new uses for it, all the modal products look like they provide the best value in their respective price ranges!
I'll wait for the desktop version
I want this AND an Argon 8. Played together. Into a Ventris. ;)
better a Specular Tempus =p
@@Jason75913 nah I like the ventris better
Looking forward to the in-depth review, but this was great; I really liked the outro.
MODAL make the best sounding digital synths currently on the market. Not sure what it is, but they have that silly "mojo" that people always talk about when they talk about the great synths of yore.
I think much attention is given to oscillator authenticity, where many other digital synths get so hung up on having a good sounding filter. But that's just part of the equation. Without a rich texture that sounds alive, there's just no chance of pulling off analog. From my experience with the cobalt so far, the subtleties and "organic" behavior of the oscillators (best heard when playing chords or unison) sounds stellar. Nothing out there that sounds this good for the price. That much is certain.
@@MajorOSC you don't think Mininova is comparable?
Sweet! Glad I held off buying an Argon8 now...
Thanks Nick! This makes me more interested in this instrument. Seems like a good synth, particularly for that price.
Patches sound great
So, is this Cobalt8 all that is the Argon8, but serving up more , or are the two different enough to consider owning both...
This is just a gorgeous sounding synth!
Great review, especially on short notice, which covers most of what I wanted to know - my question: is this synth engine using FPGA? and what about the effects? Not judging only wondering because I believe Modal has come up with a killer synth at a viable price for the quality output I am hearing. I'm guessing the sound engine is and the effects are not. You said when it rains it pours... I think this is just the beginning of a glorious drizzle- I'm anticipating a lot of new synths based on FPGA - which in short really ups the ante in processing speeds and bus architecture. It will be interesting seeing how the established and newer manufacturers will apply this. Your patch example is fantastic, let us hear some more of those when you have time...
If you can find the time for a direct comparison between the Cobalt and the Argon, that would be much appreciated. Cheers!
@Andrew Mwah Thanks, I'll check it out. Cheers!
10:36 . 512 step sequencer is more decent. Why synth makers give only 64 or 32 or even 16 step sequencers is totally bizarre, as if a computer has 1k of memory like the ZX80 back in 1980! There should be enough steps to do a song - or at least half a song!
I definitely need a lot of steps for a full song. But 512 isn't enough. Usually I find I want about 2000 or 3000 steps for a song, per track. So I write it on a dedicated sequencer or DAW or something instead of using a synth's onboard sequencer.
However, the onboard sequencers are still really handy for making individual phrases. The phrases are typically 16 to ~160 steps long (1 to 10 measures). And it's a lot easier to sequence those on hardware, usually, than to do it in a DAW. So I play a phrase into the onboard sequencer, it gets all quantized and cleaned up, and then I play it into a DAW. The sequencer plays the notes while I adjust expression with the knobs. Maybe record a few variations, and then I can move on to the next phrase.
I'm not sure, but I suspect this is what the onboard sequencers are designed for. It's not for songs, it's just for individual phrases.
Er, also for demo purposes... but that's a different matter. :)
@@ToyKeeper 100% agree. Onboard sequencers are best for short phrases or progressions, e.g. ABAC that are then looped and manipulated. Sequencing a full song on outboard requires a workstation keyboard and is frankly tedious and far inferior to a DAW. Or of course a sequencer-centric standalone unit like Cirklon, Pyramid, Octatrack, or Deluge. But the benefit of those is typically live performance more than studio recording.
@@rdean150 Exactly. Gotta use the right tools for the job.
I was dawless for a while, and tried to make songs entirely in hardware... but improvised jam sessions are generally long and messy without a lot of genuinely good parts, and composing more deliberately in hardware is a pain.
Here's an example of how I made songs with just hardware... using a Digitakt to sequence other devices. I like how it turned out, but it took way more effort than it should have:
ruclips.net/video/9uHgZqewFFE/видео.html
Tell me, Nick, why CAN’T this be love
That song has been in my head since Eddie passed and have to sing it every day!
Nick Batt fan fiction adult romance novel.
Can’t wait to get my hands on one! Interesting oscillator section here. I wonder if they can be cross modulated. Also I’d be interested to know if they are free running or restart.
Still do not get once you get a new cobalt 8 you update to version 2.but since I am very new here can you show where to connect ?
What a nice looking and sounding machine.
First chords "you walked in, to the party, like you were walking onto a yacht..."😉
So does the joy stick take the place of the mod wheel that's on other synths?
i like this video. it's essentially what every common consumer does when they rip it out of the box. you should do more blind "out of the box" demos like this. people can relate to it instantly.
Nick Batt you are losing weight! I hope you are healthy and well. You are the best synth reviewer for many years now!
It seems like a nice synth which covers a lot of classic territory in a way which is easy to use and reasonably priced. Also offers some new concepts for making sounds flow and evolve. I doubt there will be many who regret getting one.
Given the choice between a Minilogue (or XD), a Deepmind, or a Cobalt8, I'd probably take the Cobalt8. However, I'd rather pay an extra $50 and get a Hydra desktop module instead. So I wouldn't consider the Modal the top item in its approximate price range, but I would at least say it's near the top of its class.
I'm actually looking to get a new synth, and i already have a deepmind 12d.. I've been looking at the minilogue XD and the cobalt8 recently, and part of me is really going towards the cobalt because of the nicer keys and more voices doesnt hurt.... That hydra thing does seem interesthing, Shame i really do want a synth with some keys that i can fit on my desk easily. So hard to decide on these things.. just a tad too expensive to be "wrong" with my choices :p
8:05 What results when MajorOSC and AlphaCodeSynth make factory presets. 8:33 preset "EnEyeEnVibe" - anyone catch the reference in the name?
Hey James! You made factory preset patches for this instrument? Great job.
@@GertBoers Yessir. Not just me though. AlphaCodeSynth, James Dyson (who is quite active in the Argon8 group and has made tons of great presets for that also). And there were a few from others like one of their lead programmers and Mike from VCO not too far from where I live as a matter of fact.
Yes, some great patches on there!
@@sonicstate Thank you very much :) hope you enjoyed playing my 'For Eddie' patch ;)
Please cover step sequencer on Colbalt. Tying step sequences with transposed arps would be a great overview. Thx
Loving the Eddie Van Halen rif/ref. ❤️
Great demo
sounds otherworldly!
So many lovely synths available but why so few multi-timbral options when Nord and Waldorf have been doing it for years at reasonable prices?
Ok, so to use a Waldorf example, the Argon 8 has the oscillators in wavetable mode and the Cobalt 8 is exactly the same, but with the oscillators in waveshape mode. It would be great to just change a switch (or even mix one of each) instead of having to buy two different synths. It's not clear from the review if you can set this up to modulate the waveshape (using LFOs, ADSR, etc.). If so, that would get it closer to a wavetable synth and allow for a much more dynamic sound. As it is, effects aside, most of the patches seemed to be fairly standard analog synth-type sounds, so not really anything that's strikingly new. Whereas, wavetables are less common and can give you some interesting digital-type results, depending on what the included wavetables are.
I've run out of room :) however should the release the desktop version I'm sure I will make some.
What’s the Animator like compared to 002? I haven’t inhaled too many Argon demo vids so I don’t know how wild it can go compared to the 00 family, 007 included.
Sounds lovely.
This Cobalt8 thing sounds gorgeous. Such a lush and large sound. Are you going to review Sonicware's Liven 8bit Warps? What about the Isla Instruments S2400 (SP1200 resurrection)?
Convinced me. That Wavestate slips away into the fog of Korg and the Prologue’s now an afterthought.
Nice Van Halen jam there.
It’s got what it takes? :)
Since it seems to be the exact same hardware it would've been nice if they used a platform like Roland's System 1/System 8 to upload different synths to.
cant be done , its a different engine completely
Impossible to say without seeing a teardown.
@@jonfromtheuk467 what more does the engine consist of besides firmware/software that's different from the Argon8?
Great demo!
Curious as to the actual hardware differences between this and the Argon
Kind of wishing that I had waited a bit before buying the Argon now
Sounds beautiful though
Very little I'd imagine. When you have a realised and working core design then you reuse it if you can. Unless an iterative design would reduce costs while maintaining or increasing processing power. Maybe it has more grunt? only opening it up will tell you that.
@@6581punk this looks like an Argon8 with alternate oscillators and upgraded sequencer, everything else the same, and a better aesthetic with the blue
sonically, it sounds like the Argon8's twin with upgraded bass and a vintage-like ladder filter
If they make a mobile version of this, get that and midi in from your Argon
I wonder if they'll do an Analog8 next? It seems like the next step but maybe it's unnecessary or there is too much cross-over features with the Cobalt? I always liked Modal's massive analog synths, would be neat to own a smaller and more affordable version of the 008 synth... Which is pricey!
nice one, now I have to look for a comparison between the Cobalt8 and Hydrasynth :-)
Do you think it will be available as a desktop unit, like to Argon 8 M?
...now it is ;-)
Sounds really nice
Sonicstate for life
"BSO Dagain" ahh bless you lol
I'm still blushing at that!
I feel really bad for a lot of synth companies because of the big B. I'd say the bulk that were ready to blow £600 on a synth will be going for that 2600 from Behringer. I really love wavetable synths and I was ready to pull the trigger on an Argon8 and then Behringer was showing off a picture of a PPG clone.
I got some money to burn on kit, first time in a long time, and I am sitting here thinking wait till 2021 and get a B2600, BBG Wave and DS 80. I reckon they will be mopping up half the money going on synths in 2021, they will be getting all of my money. Because I'll get to buy good hardware clones of my three all time favourite synths. And with vintage models of all them three costings around £30k, I was never going to own them. And I likely get all of them all for less than £2.5k, which is crazy - and maybe less, especially if they do desktop modules of the BBG and DS 80.
You know what I mean, £1,100 on a Argon8 and a Cobalt8 or £1k more for a modern clone of a 2600, PPG & CS 80? Hello! And that BBG from Behringer sets them up making digital synths, that means lots of digital synths to come, both original and clones . A worrying time for other synth companies. Also worrying for software synth companies too, when it cost £150-200 for a 2600 plugin or £600 for a hardware version, or you can buy a 303 and 606 plugin for the same money as the hardware.
Different markets IMO.
@@st0rmchild - Really? I am not seeing different markets. If Behringer wasn't making synths I'd have a Argon8 already. And I'd probably get a Cobalt8 soon if not for Behringer. I think we have a lot of people looking to buy a wavetable synth, not too many options, and when that PPG clone was announced I think a lot of them like me decided to wait for a while. You'd have to have a serious reason not to.
How many people do you suppose are in the market for a poly virtual analog, and not because they love the sound of virtual analog, but that is what they can afford in terms of a poly synth. But they all know now that they can get a CS-80 clone soon, even sooner a MonoPoly clone. Why would they now be paying £600 for some virtual analog?
I think your needs would have to be very specific to take a Cobalt8 over a MonoPoly for around the same money. You seriously think that none of this is eating a huge chunk of the synth market? I think people buying motorbikes are cars are different markets? But people that are buying synths are buying synths, and worse than that a lot of this stuff is dream material that has been unobtainable till today.
@@watercolourmark I’d agree that there’s some overlap, but I think there are still lots of people who shop by quality and not just price - perhaps a small minority, but I think that’s the same crowd that was already buying synths before they became Walmart cheap, hence I think there are still different markets, in the same way that iPhone and Android are different markets, even though they’re both the same kind of thing. Some people are willing to pay more for what they consider a better product.
I can at least say for sure that I’m in that small minority. I’m almost out of space, and would rather buy a few truly special synths than a bunch of Behringer knockoffs. Not saying they’re bad - they’re actually pretty decent, and I’m glad they exist as an option for those who can’t or don’t want to spend tons of money. But I’d rather spend more to get something better, and I don’t think I’m alone.
@@st0rmchild - I agree. Bu I would say you are talking minority. But also cost doesn't equate to quality. The example you give on Apple verses Android, I've brought Chinese phones half the price of Apple; better camera, more water resistant, tougher and more durable. We are talking paying more for brands. Are we stating the build quality of a £500-600 Modal device is cleaning the floor with the build quality of a £300-600 Behringer device?
I would say far more people take function over brand, and cost over luxury build on all products. Overwise the car market would be upside down. The only time I look to speed more, especially now, on synths is vintage. As I can buy for one price, use for a few years and sell for more. Otherwise it is function verses cost every day of the week.
And don't forget, if you buy a Behringer synth or a Moog synth you are buying a PCB board that was made in China. Same with your phones.
7:08 ... it has a Weezer filter??? nice
It has the depth Argon8 was missing. Nice.
Now if there were a way to user-load either engine into the other and potentially buying overlays for the different parameters (not that it's a lot) ...
no, its a completely different engine
@@jonfromtheuk467 Different hardware inside, or just different firmware? It's unclear how deep the differences are after just one day of preview videos.
Completely off topic but does anyone know where I'd get a shelving unit like the one behind Nick - ideally UK/Ireland sourced. !
It looks similar to manutan.co.uk chrome shelving
amazon uk
Very interesting, and it definitely sounds really good!
Kevin Shields model?????
The thing that made the Argon8 special was the cross-modulation capabilities. Looks like it's missing from this one? It's kind of unfortunate considering that could have led to some FM-type sounds.
It's surprising considering there's FM on the Skulpt. Maybe the algorithms make up for it.
@@_MattSauer_ cross our fingers
Cool synth! Sort of Elka Synthex-ish with some sounds.
I like the looks and the casing Modal uses for their current models. I already have 2 nice synths otherwise i would look more into this model. However, i prefer a 5 octave keyboard.
Oh that is fast
I wonder if it is a pig to use and program the the Argon8 ? complex interface is an understaement
Sounds great! Nice presets(500!)... not just for 12-year-olds. 🤪
Cool outro... please make it longer.
Can we load argon firmware in the cobalt and vice versa ?
possibly a bad idea, would be funny if it works
nope.....
I think the filter is still not good (I didn’t liked it on the Argon (but I keep it anyway, with a Waldorf 2 poles ^^) it’s way to brightly and soft. In the argon it’s not very problematic, because it sound bright and clear, it’s what we expect from a wave tables synth. But in an analogic simulation... huh... we need more juice.
Hope Modal release a desktop module version.....
I'd say its likely. ;)
Yeah I think it's likely to happen eventually.
The keyboard is so small it’s already not much bigger than a desktop module.
@@DFunct905 every bit helps for some of us, and my Ultranova already has the same Fatar TP9/S keybed, 37-key as well to boot, but I prefer my Axiom 61 v2 or Juno-DS61 for controlling my synths
Great to hear that a module will be available. I’m glad I hesitated on any purchase. This is much more like what I want in a digital synth. And Cobalt is my favorite kind of blue, too.
Do they plan to publish a module and a 61key version also, maybe?
Probably depends on sales figures.
Going by what we saw with the argon8 I'd say it's likely.
If someone was looking for a synth to cover lots of classic sounds, would you go with this or the minilogue xd?
This WAY outshines the minilogue in my opinion. I have the mini and an argon 8. No comparison. Modal is the future classic.
@@hiddenagenda1779 I really wish the extended key version was forthcoming as well, but I'm trying to find something fairly quickly for a new project. I sold off some kit to fund, and then this gets announced 😔
Late comment but I own both the XD and Cobalt. The XD probably emulates the classic analog sound more faithfully. The cobalt is noticeably more modern sounding
@@jwardbass4452 thanks for the comment, I actually ended up grabbing the 8x. 😂 so far it’s been really great
512 step sequencer? Pretty sure it's just 64
Did I hear that correctly, only 1 filter? Surely not.
Argon 8 or Cobalt 8, that is the question. :)
both ;)
Lol! 9:11 "This is called BSO... Dagain."
I think that should be BSOD again. (BSOD = Blue screen of death, well known in the MS Windows world.)
Yeah, I realized that in the edit - dóh!
That's the cool dude who does videos from the Professonal Music technology store in Newcastle, isn't it?
@@davebellamy4867 Actually I named the patch after the Duo of Deadmau5 and Steve Duda. Better Sounding On Drugs. Also Blue Screen of Death. Just depends on who you ask lol. It''s actually supposed to have a different filter selected. Long story resulted in a happy mistake. I left it as is for final submission.
@@MajorOSC 😂😁
Honestly, I didn't dig it from this first look. It's not the same as the Argon 8 but I currently think I prefer the Argon 8. Looking forward to the full review.
Sounds FM like on a lot of the patches.
🤔. Hmm I’ve got an argon 8 m and I like it but we are definitely in an era of synths with ever so slight differences like the novation afx twin a prophet 5 a black moog a black SV1 - the SV1 made me chuckle a bit as even they struggled to explain what was different 🤩. Any way I like the modal folk nice gear
The AFX BSII just has some aesthetic changes and newer firmware. It's not clear yet if the Cobalt8 is the same story, paint job and different firmware, or if there are hardware differences too.
The big question: does it have g i r t h
yes
Where’s the super 6 review?
Hmm. Different varieties of the same thing are nice for cheaper stuff like Volca, but I'm not really feeling it for a more expensive digital synth like this. I'm an 8m owner and wouldn't want to buy the same thing again with basically a different firmware.
Also, they really need to bring out the other two versions at release. It's OK holding back larger keybase and module versions for the first synth in a range... but if people think these variants are in the offing on the Cobalt, will they just wait rather than buying this model?
Modal should sell the new firmware version to existing Argon owners if it turns out we've just bought a generic hardware platform.
I think this product is just trying to widen the appeal and get more people on board...not to sell a new version to Argon owners.
This or the Arturia Mini Brute? 🙄
Analog mono synth vs 8 voice va-synth, which one do you need?
Is this a less expensive alternative to the super 6?
well they are very different beast - this is £579 verses £2199?
It's not, the binaural mode is what makes the Super 6 special - otherwise it's just a good VA at a very high price (IMO).
@@Goettel Super 6 is not VA. Its oscillators are FPGA and its filters analogue. Like the Peak
Super 6 is a synth I want, but the RRP is £500 overpriced
@@jonnycavell FPGA VA, but still VA. But fair enough on the analog filters. €2500 for 6 voices (or 12 if you drop its one claim to fame) though, I'll pass.
So DSP? Isn't that the same as using a computer plug-in with a control surface? It sounds great, I'm just curious as to how this differs from a computer and software? I know the DSP is dedicated to just the task of generating sound in this case but a modern CPU can easily do this too, no?
Maybe checkout the end of BoBeats video as he answers this very nicely. The two things are really very different but I will leave it to Bo.
I have an Argon 8 and if that’s the case it’s at least a VERY nice control surface..
@@steventaylor3789 Thanks for that. I see. So $750 for "passion". I think I'll leave it at pass. So many other synths I'd rather buy with that money.
@@steventaylor3789 Bo is in the business of selling synths, an influencer...
@@TerekkiTerekki thats a bit harsh - he has a lot of integrity. Some influencers are deliberately dissing products for likes and click bait , I cant see that at all with Bo.
Multi-Timbral ???????
Thats the deal-breaker for me, i need a couple of multi-timbral synths.....
Nope not multitimbra'l, neither is the Argon8
@@sonicstate dang..... the Blofeld remains the top candidate, thus far.....
Thanks Nick !!!!
this is an incredible time for Synthesists !!!!
i dig VA..... my Venom is barely holding together now, due to gigging knocks n bumps and it hasnt held up well, but has a thunderous sound.....
JD-Xi and FA-06 have Roland's SuperNatural VA engine (among others in the FA's case). Not quite up there with Novation and Modal synths or the Venom, but highly capable nevertheless.
This sounds like a physical form of serum to me... Idk it could be my 24 year old ears
It may be a quite different archtecture, but to me it sounds as harsh and cold as a typical wavetable synth - whereas the Hydrasynth can sound more ‘analogue’ than the Cobalt. Not bad, just not what I expect from a VA synth.
I felt exactly the opposite, to me the Hydra had the harsher sound and the A8 was lush. This C8 is all about VA an is not trying to be a wave table synth, seems to have its own character rather than being a bread and butter VA. I need to hear more.
No Pocket Modular review coming? Is it just not that good?
Unfortunately that's the case. The Pocket Modular series is a bunch of nice looking, expensive toys that are quite limited, and sound generic and uninteresting. In the case of the large (yellow) one, it also tips over easily and is clearly designed as an object to look at, not something you'll actually want to use. I love the look and was interested until I checked out the reviews.
Extended VA?. = extended anatomy (for me anyway.. i do have fetish tho)
Stay on top of that 😂
My Asm Hydrasynth, Eurorack Typhoon and Magneto got this ground covered.
Sounds great but It seems wasteful for this to be an independent instrument - surely releasing this as a paid software update for the argon8 would be best.
@sbmphr why not? I could be wrong here but it seems possible. They've done firmware updates that add functionality to the synthesis engine how is this any different?
Src: www.synthtopia.com/content/2020/05/21/modal-argon8-gets-free-update-that-adds-expanded-synthesis-options-polyphonic-sequencing/#:~:text=Modal%20Electronics%20has%20released%20Argon8,a%20polyphonic%20sequencer%20and%20more.&text=0%20for%20ARGON8%20delivers%20an,setting%20applies%20to%20all%20patches.
I just might upgrade from a Ultranova to a Cobalt8
keep that Ultranova, it is a gem even next to Modal synths
Sounds really bright, too much so.
Think I'll just stick to my Hydrasynth..
isn't that bad at bass?
Cobalt8 isn't
@@Jason75913 Hydrasynth can make huge basses if you know how to program
just seems like something that will be completely forgotten in a year. Nice first look all the same Nick, thank you.
Even sooner I’d say. Good form factor and couple of nice patches here, but not much to write home about really.
They'd have done better starting off making synths like this instead of their rather overpriced 008 and 002 synths. I had an 001 and 008, don't have them now and don't miss them.
Love my 002 wont be selling any time soon
without those legends would any of us have a reason to be interested? I think it's a good order of doing things. If it happened the other way around you'd see alot of pissed off loyal fans left out in the cold. This is more a case of, hey, guess what, aston martin is making an affordable hot hatchback. :)
The 008 looks soooo cool. I’m a hobbyist and can’t justify the expense, but I’d love to have one.
Sounds generic to me
The argon sounded extremely generic, this one seems to have its own character, I kinda like it.
DSP 🤢
Do you have ears, sir?
I am sorry but that sounds like some flakey components in a cheap kids toy keyboard.
I disagree. I can’t say for sure how good it is, but it definitely doesn’t sound like a cheap toy.
That's unfair. It'd be more sociable to just comment that it's not for you, no? Rather than basically say the developer's labour of love is just a piece of crap
@@RoHen-pw5ol that bothered me as well. It’s not like critiquing a RUclips video of a comedy skit or something. Modal are a good group of people. To call this synth junk is both a rude insult and completely untrue.
@@RoHen-pw5ol Oh yeah i forgot now everything is sugar coated so we live in a shit world because everyone is too polite.
@@cfcreative1 the world is shitty for completely unrelated reasons
"too polite" depends on where you go anyway
on the other hand, synthesists look like they are mentally ill with all their anger at everything, much like some feminists and sjws