Modal Carbon 8

[Old Norse]

Modal is back, it seems, with the long-awaited release of the Carbon 8.

https://www.modalelectronics.com/carbon8/

carbon8.jpg

[kritikon]

I usually don't like wavetables much, but there are some decent sounds coming out of it. Sounds a bit more characterful than that Redshift thing to my ears although possibly a bit brittle and flat, and I expected to not like this. Reminds me a little of the Virus with some of those vocal and phasery type filter sounds. I really do like the look of it - sleek and probably good for programming. Doesn't look like too much menu diving (though I'm sure there'll be some). And the keybed will no doubt keep many happy. It'll be interesting to see what price they go for - I thought they were pretty good value previously, but that business model obvs didn't work for them. For VA type stuff for me it has to have some kinda unique character to make any sense and this maybe provides it. I'll keep my ears open for more...

[cryophonik]

It'll be interesting to see what price they go for

$999 USD

[kritikon]

Which will be just short of $2000 here after conversion and Australasian price-gouge. Not so interesting now, considering how much a Korg Multipoly goes for. I guess the fancy keys makes it cost more by default, but that aspect is wasted on me. I'm happy plinking away on the cheapest crappiest keys. I really do like the look though - nice design.

[db3]

I had a Cobalt8 which I used as a controller, but the octave buttons only worked for the internal synth engine. I did like the sound of it though and the Modal app worked well.

The Carbon8 is interesting but could be more competitively priced. Modal's business (and website) was a mess for quite some time and I read people got hold of a Carbon8 recently without presets. Modal need to work hard to rebuild reputation and customer confidence.

[cryophonik]

Desktop module too…

https://www.gearnews.com/modal-electronics-carbon8/

[kritikon]

That's probably one of the prettiest desktop synths I've ever seen. Gorgeous. Probably not for me, but it tempts if for nothing else than a sleek desktop ornament. If it was attached to something other than a wavetable synth, I think I'd buy it instantly.

[qtheerearranger]

ive already emailed my Sweetwater rep to please email me when they get the desktop ones in stock bc gosh its sexier then the synth itself? am I the only one? this is probably the first time I've thought a desktop version of a synth looks cooler. maybe its the lighting looks better on the desktop synth photo.

[SHall1000]

I’m pretty sure I paid £400 ish for both my Argon and Cobalt 8M’s. Was a few years back and I know there has been some steep inflation but still ……£850!

[db3]

+1 They need to get Carbon 8/8M pricing much closer to Argon and Cobalt to reinvigorate interest in Modal. More powerful DSP won't be costing them much more.

[db3]

8X version announced.
https://modalelectronics.com/carbon8x/

[cryophonik]

8X version announced.
https://modalelectronics.com/carbon8x/

I'm not super familiar with their lineup, but is the 8X is the same as the 8, but with a bigger keyboard?

[db3]

8X version announced.
https://modalelectronics.com/carbon8x/

I'm not super familiar with their lineup, but is the 8X is the same as the 8, but with a bigger keyboard?

Yup. Which is a key thing with it being a Fatar.

[cryophonik]

8X version announced.
https://modalelectronics.com/carbon8x/

I'm not super familiar with their lineup, but is the 8X is the same as the 8, but with a bigger keyboard?

Yup. Which is a key thing with it being a Fatar.

Pun intended?