Superbooth 2026: Modal Electronics Element One is a new 8-voice virtual-analog Synthesizer based on the Cobalt8 designed for performers.
After Modal Electronics launched its fresh start in 2024, things were quiet for a while. Once they had reorganized, the Carbon8 series was released in both desktop and X versions. What’s next under the new ownership?
For the past few days, Modal has been teasing a new Synthesizer on social media. Now the cat’s out of the Chinese bag. Just in time for the start of Superbooth 2026, Modal Electronics unveils the ELEMENT One.
Modal Electronics ELEMENT One
ELEMENT One is a new hardware Synthesizer. According to Modal Electronics, the ELEMENT One is designed for playing, not thinking.
From the outside, it is the first Modal synth in a new housing in many years. So no reboot of the Argon8, Cobalt8, or Carbon8. The playing concept is clearly evident in the uncluttered interface designed by Axel Hartmann and its team.
It only has 17 knobs, a few buttons, and a newly designed joystick. The synth prioritizes immediate inspiration and expressive playability over convoluted menus, say the developers.
For playing, it features a keyboard with 37 velocity-sensitive, full-size keys with aftertouch. Pitch and modwheel duties are handled by the new 4-axis joystick.
However, there is one thing that it shares with one of its predecessors. The ELEMENT One is an 8-voice virtual-analog Synthesizer, just like the Cobalt 8, but it has engine difference but the Cobalt8 patches are compatible with it.
Virtual Analog Engine
At its core is an 8-voice polyphonic virtual-analog engine with 8 high-resolution oscillators per voice, for up to 64 oscillators, delivering sounds ranging from vintage warmth to modern, gritty character.
Since the interface has an option to switch from 1 to 2, I assume there are two main oscillator sections, each with four like in the Cobalt8. There is also a pitch control and two parameters (A and B). It is not known which waveforms or whether waveform modifiers exist.
Unfortunately, the press release provides very little information on this topic. There is also a pitch control and two parameters (A and B).
Then, it has an extensive filter section with over 30 different resonant filter types, including morphable and static variants. You can tweak them with classic cutoff, resonance, and morph parameters.
Modulation remains a mystery in the press release. Looking at the interface reveals two ADSR envelopes (filter and amp) and three LFOs. The latter have depth, shape, and speed controls.
To refine the sounds, it features a multi-FX processor with three freely combinable slots: reverbs, delays, choruses, and more. There was no room for them on the interface. They are most likely located in the menu system.
Also onboard is an arpeggiator with an ON/OFF button and tempo control on the interface. However, a sequencer is completely missing. It ships with 300 new factory presets, categorized by sonic selection.
Of course, you can also ave your own patches in the internal memory. If you need more ready-to-use sounds, you can also load any existing Cobalt8 patch.
Connectivity
On the backside from left to right, it has a headphone socket, a stereo output on 6.3mm mono sockets, expression and sustain pedal inputs, an audio input to route audio in the effects, sync in/out, 5-pin MIDI in and out, USB-C port, and a 9V power supply input.
For in-depth editing, the free MODALapp offers a comprehensive visual interface for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android.
Modal Electronics ELEMENT One: First Impression
Cobalt8 repackaged, the second one, I’d say roughly. After the Cobalt5S with only 5 voices in 2022, now comes a performer synth also based on the C8. This synth is aimed at musicians who aren’t absolute synthesis fanatics, but rather want sounds that are ready to play.
That’s a valid reason. There aren’t many synths like this. Many are very feature-dense and requires synthesis deep dives. Synths like the microKorg 1 or Yamaha refaceCS come to mind that take a similar approach.
As a Synthesizer fan, however, this release is somewhat underwhelming at bit because it’s essentially the Cobalt 8 again, just in a different form. I’ll be checking out the Element One in person at the booth.
Modal Electronics ELEMENT One will be available for 649€
More information here: Modal Electronics
Really nice design. Good to see Modal back!
There are really great products this year coming out at Superbooth.
If I can do all the rabbit-hole stuff via the app I see nothing wrong with a more playable instrument. The world is full of synths with absolutely horrific UIs, hiding behind “depth”. If you want that, do what most musicians did a decade ago and use a Mac or an iPad.
I love the design but hate that it’s just a repackaged sound engine rather than something new.
Also…why is Modal so hesitant to add bi timbrality to their synths?
They better fix their shitty hostile customer service attitude and maybe they’ll make it better this time.
I detached the rack brackets from my Argon8m, and to not risk losing track of the screws I screwed them back into the machine again. Result, the joystick got damaged and doesn’t work properly anymore as they’ve supplied too long screws, when the rack brackets are not in-between… Now they claim it’s a user error, and instead of shipping me a new component (worth what, $1?) for free I will have to buy it from the distributor for 49€ + Shipping. Where is this communicated? In the manual? (no), on the box (no), on a sticker om the chassi (no), how is this now a user error then?
it’s these kind of things that pisses customers off and makes us abandon the brand! (will sell as soon as I have changed the bloody joystick and never again buy any Modal products).