Modal Cobalt 5s Analog Synthesizer with Oscillators

The Modal Cobalt 5s analog synthesizer offers five voices and very compact dimensions. The new virtual synthesizer closes the gap below for those on the go, who are short on space and still want a complete synth.

Modal Cobalt 5s analog virtual synthesizer

The Cobalt 8 is the big brother, but the 5s has five true polyphonic voices and two LFO. A comprehensive and fully-routable modulation matrix with LFOs and multiple envelope controls lets you shape the sound in esoteric ways. Three envelopes complete with selectable types take command of the filter, amp, or modulation destinations, empowering you with unrestricted options when it comes to fine-tuning your sound. With 40 high-resolution oscillators (8 per voice), the synth offers 40 algorithms built right in, so you can construct intricate tones without the need for a computer.

In addition, an arpeggiator with a normal functional range and a small sequencer for 64 steps belong to the equipment of the small 5s. Even the 16 running light LEDs and a display for the 5 notes have been preserved.

The keyboard offers three octaves of mini keys with aftertouch, which is unfortunately still quite rare with mini keys. In addition, the 2D touchpad has a pressure-sensitive third direction and reacts quite sensitively to finger pressure.

The other data, such as the 8-fold matrix with 4 fixed entries, have remained the same. Also the possibility to edit and manage everything optically with the modal app for the 4 common platforms (Win, Mac, iOS, Android). Anyone who has dealt with the operating concept for a few minutes should get used to it quite soon – it is not much further away from the previous operating concept of the Cobalt and Argon series. There are 300 sound memories and 100 dedicated sequence memories.

The status of the MPE support is also up to date. It’s very good that this technology is now being supplied by more and more new synthesizers. However, we are also hoping for full MIDI 2.0 specifications for whatever is to come.

The sound and the “engine” of the Cobalt 5s are naturally identical to the large Cobalt series. One can expect that the wavetable synthesizer Argon 8 might also be available as a “5” version in this interesting form factor. The format is even more consistent than the very successful microKorg.

Modal Cobalt 5s price and availability

The Modal Cobalt 5s analog virtual synthesizer costs $449 and is, therefore, a little cheaper than the keyless version of the Cobalt 8M and it is available to pre-order on the Bhphotovideo.com online store.

Recently, Casio has released the CT-S1000V vocal synthesizer. It generates vocal phrases that can be phrased harmonically and rhythmically as desired. It also cost $449.99.

About Ankeet Solanki

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