Modal Electronics added two new members to the ARGON 8 family at NAMM 2020. The ARGON8X Polyphonic Wavetable Synthesizer with a 61-note keyboard and the ARGON8M voice synthesizer module, which is used as a desktop, but also in a 19″ Rack can be integrated.
ARGON8M: A compact desktop modular synthesizer version that can also be installed in a 19-inch 3U rack using the supplied end panels.
ARGON8X – A larger 61-key version with FATAR TP9/S keyboard, integrated 1.54″ OLED display, multiple keyboard modes, built-in programmable arpeggiator, real-time sequencer, and much more.
Both Modal Electronics Synthesizers share the sound engine that the original ARGON 8 already offers.
Modal Electronics Synthesizers Features:
- True 8-voice polyphony, mono-timbral
- 120 wavetables split into 24-banks of 5 morphable waveforms sets
- Waveforms offered include virtual analog classic, modern EDM, and several from the original Modal 002, plus a wide range of mathematically generated tables, PWM bank, four noise/modulation banks accessible on oscillator 2
- 32 static wavetable processors including de-rez, wave folders, wave shapers, phase shapers, and rectify that can be applied to the 120 static wavetables.
- 32 high-resolution wavetable oscillators, 4 per voice, with 8 types of oscillator modifiers
- Voice Drift and Width controls help to create massive stereo soundscapes
- 500 patch memories, all fully editable and ships with 300 factory programs and 200 user patch spaces
- 100 sequencer presets and 100 FX presets
- Quick Recalls accessible from the panel for quickly loading your favorite 8 patches
- FM, ring modulator, PWM
- Four fixed modulation slots plus eight assignable with 11 mod sources and 52 destinations
- Mod assignable 4-axis joystick with lock
- Three dedicated envelope generators for filter, amplitude, and modulation
- Two audio rate LFOs, one global and one polyphonic (Poly LFO can sync to frequency divisions)
- 2-pole resonant VCF, which can be morphed from low-pass, through band-pass, to high-pass
- Monophonic, duophonic, and polyphonic modes available
- Unison/stack options to detune the oscillators for a huge sound
- Waveshaping distortion FX
- MIDI clock sync for LFOs and delay
- Fully programmable arpeggiator with division, direction, octave, swing, and sustain controls
- Sequencer with real-time polyphonic note input
- Real-time sequencer with 512 notes. Includes input quantize and four animation tracks for recording knob movements, etc.
- 100 sequencer presets and 100 FX presets
- FATAR TP9/S Full size 61-note keybed with both velocity and aftertouch
- 29 front-panel encoders with shift mode for further access to functions
- Front panel transmits MIDI CC’s, enabling control of external software and hardware
- MIDI I/O with 5-pin DIN sockets
- Class-compliant MIDI over USB
- Analog clock sync I/O on 3.5mm sockets
- Dedicated headphone output
- Master output on 2 x 1/4″
- Powered by 9 VDC power supply
- MODALapp editor (free download available separately) provides complete visual access and control to all ARGON8X’s features—Mac, Windows, iOS, Android
Price and Availability
Both Modal Electronics Synthesizers can be pre-ordered through the B&H store and will be available starting February 2020.