Superbooth 23: Modal Electronics previews the Carbon8, a new digital polyphonic Synthesizer with different algorithms.
I’m reporting live from Superbooth 23. Due to time constraints, there are no full articles during the show.
Modal Electronics previews a new digital polyphonic Synthesizer with different synthesis types.
Modal Electronics Carbon8
Carbon8 will be a new “experimental” flavored digital Synthesizer with two oscillators, each packed with 40 unique waveform algorithms. According to Christian of Moda, these will cover a more aggressive, harsh, or dirty side of digital synthesis. It includes phase distortion, wave folding, waveshaping, FM, and more
Like on the Modal Argon8 and Cobalt8, each oscillator will have a minimal amount of oscillator parameters, allowing you to explore a maximum of different timbres. Unlike in the previous synth, the mixing stage for the oscillators is not a balance out, but it gives you an independent output level.
Then, it has a multi-type filter with different flavors. You will find the great Cobalt8 ladder filter, a state variable filter, morphable, or a new vocal filter here. Plus, there will also be various static and combinations available.
You get a multi-effects section with reverbs, delays, chorus, and more to refine your sounds. So basically the effects we know from the Argon8 and Cobalt8. Plus, you get the same powerful arpeggiator, sequencer, and joystick.
All this comes in the same box and layout as their previous synths. Including the FATAR keybed with velocity and aftertouch.
First Impression
An exciting Synthesizer that Modal presented here at Superbooth 23. I really like the modal synths and so I’m curious how different it is from the others. However, I find it a pity that they use again the same hardware design. It’s easy to confuse them if you’re not that deep into the synths. And I prefer that each synth has its own design.
Modal Electronics Carbon8 will be available in September 2023, and the price is TBA.
More information will follow here: Modal Electronics
Just hoping it has some nice character, otherwise I really love the keybeds and overall feel of their synths. None of their engines have won me over though yet.