Modal Electronics Carbon8X Synthesizer

Modal Electronics Carbon8X Synthesizer - Digital sound power on a new level

The Modal Electronics Carbon8X synthesizer redefines digital synthesis and offers a powerful platform for creative sound design and modern performance. Powered by an innovative sound engine that is twice as complex as the well-known ARGON8 and COBALT8 models, this 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer combines advanced waveform algorithms, 38 wavetables, 18 digital algorithms and a flexible filter system. For musicians, producers and sound designers, this opens up unprecedented scope for expression and creativity.

Whether atmospheric pads, aggressive leads or detailed textures - the Carbon8X delivers impressive results in every sound situation. The modern architecture with deep modulation, sophisticated performance tools and intuitive controls makes it the ideal companion in the studio and on stage.

Manufacturer: Modal Electronics - sound innovation from Great Britain

Modal Electronics, based in the United Kingdom, stands for synthesizer innovation at the highest level. The brand combines British design with state-of-the-art digital technology and an uncompromising approach to sound quality and workmanship. The Carbon8X is a prime example of this philosophy. The robust construction with aluminum and steel housing, combined with the elegant wooden side elements, not only ensures durability, but also a professional look. The precise FATAR keyboard with aftertouch and velocity response underlines the quality claim and at the same time offers maximum expressiveness when playing.

Technical details: complexity meets intuitive control

At the heart of the Carbon8X are two high-resolution digital oscillators, each with 56 waveform cores. They generate 18 unique digital algorithms and 38 complex wavetables that offer an immense variety of sounds - from aggressive and raw to soft and harmonic. Thanks to the XCore modifiers, including Wave Folding, Phase Distortion and Wave Shaping, the sound material can be shaped and transformed in real time. Advanced drift parameters and vintage modes provide additional organic-sounding, analog nuances.

The filter section comprises 34 different types - including morphable and static filter variants that enable dynamic sound progressions and precise frequency processing. In addition, drive and resonance provide sonic depth and character. Three independent envelopes (AMP, MOD, FILTER) and three LFOs with over 15 waveforms - including tempo sync - open up a wide range of modulation possibilities. Twelve modular routes and four fixed assignments enable the finest sound shaping - from subtle movements to experimental transformations.

For rhythmic and melodic structures, the Carbon8X offers a 512-step real-time sequencer with four animation tracks, a 64-step step sequencer and a programmable 32-step arpeggiator with numerous control functions. Thanks to functions such as chord hold, inversion, transposition and sustain latch, musical ideas are created in no time at all - ideal for complex live performances or precise studio productions.

The effects are also impressive: three independent FX engines provide 26 high-quality algorithms, including reverb, delay, chorus, phaser and LoFi. These can be saved individually and controlled in real time. The result: professional sound refinement without external equipment.

Recommended buy: Why the Modal Carbon8X is a must-have for sound designers

The Modal Electronics Carbon8X synthesizer is more than just a conventional digital synth: it is a creative powerhouse for anyone looking for uncompromising sound diversity, professional processing and intuitive control. Its combination of advanced synthesis, high-quality hardware and extensive modulation makes it the ideal choice for musicians who want maximum control over their sound both in the studio and live.

The sophisticated user interface with 29 endless encoders, 24 buttons, joystick and an OLED display offers direct control over all parameters. The versatile connectivity options - including MIDI, USB, clock sync and pedal inputs - make it a flexible hub in any studio or live environment. With the option of poly-chain expansion to up to 16 voices, 500 storable patches and support for MPE controllers, the Carbon8X is ideally equipped for the future.

Features:

• True 8-voice polyphony
• Supports MPE-compatible MIDI controllers for polyphonic expression of individual notes
• Two independent high-resolution digital oscillators
• 56 complex digital core waveforms per oscillator, including 18 digital algorithms and 38 sophisticated wavetables
• Advanced XCore modifiers, incl. wave shape, wave fold, phase distortion and more
• Extended oscillator drift
• Vintage parameters
• 34 resonant filter types, including morphable and static filters
• Cutoff scaling with two different modes
• Three dedicated envelope generators for AMP, MOD and FILTER - can be controlled separately or simultaneously, incl. negative MOD and FILTER ENVs
• Three audio LFOs with tempo sync (two polyphonic, one global) with over 15 waveforms
• Eight assignable modulation slots and four additional fixed modulation paths with 12 modulation sources and 55 destinations
• Polyphonic real-time sequencer with 512 notes and four recordable/changeable parameter animations (delay FX, LFOs, sequencer and arpeggiator can be clocked internally or externally)
• Polyphonic step sequencer with 64 steps, 8 notes per step, 4 parameter lock tracks, step input mode, multiple playback modes including gate and pause functions
• Built-in programmable arpeggiator with 32 steps, rest mode and up to 2048 steps before repeat
• Three independent and configurable stereo FX engines with 26 effect algorithms including Drive, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Tremolo, LoFi, Rotary, Stereo Delay, Ping-Pong Delay, X-Over Delay and Reverb
• 500 patch memory locations, fully editable, with 300 factory programs
• 100 sequencer presets that can be linked to each patch
• 100 FX presets
• 8 quick access slots directly on the panel for favorite patches
• Premium FATAR 37-key keyboard with velocity sensitivity and aftertouch
• 29 endless encoders, 24 keys
• 4-axis joystick, freely assignable, can be fixed
• Multiple keyboard modes: Mono, Poly, Unison 2, Unison 4, Unison 8, Stack 2 and Stack 4
• Glide/portamento with legato and staccato modes
• Chord inversion for quick variations
• 6.35 mm TS dual mono outputs
• 6.35 mm TRS headphone output
• 3.5 mm TRS stereo audio input
• MIDI DIN In and Out
• 3.5 mm TS analog clock sync in and out
• USB-MIDI (Class Compliant)
• 6.35 mm TRS expression pedal input
• 6.35 mm TS sustain pedal input
• Sturdy aluminum and steel housing with bamboo side panels
• 1.54 inch OLED display for visual feedback
• Power supply: DC-9.0V - 1.5A (center contact positive)
• Free MODALapp software for macOS, Windows, iOS and Android
• MODALapp also available as VST3 and AU plug-in for DAWs
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 555 x 300 x 100 mm
• Weight: 5.60 kg

Specs:

• Color: Grey
• USB-MIDI: USB
• MIDI Inputs: 1 Port
• MIDI Outputs: 1 Port
• Line Outputs: 2
• Number of Keys: 61
• Type of sound generation: digital
• Type: Synthesizer
• Theme: Keyboard Instruments

Instruction manual / Safety instructions:

• Manual (809.42 KB)

Further links:

• Print View