Modal CARBON8 Experimental Digital Synthesizer

Modal CARBON8 Experimental Digital Synthesizer, Customer Return, Open Box (Very Good), Action Position Back

Modal CARBON8 Experimental Digital Synthesizer, Customer Return, Open Box (Very Good), Rear detail Back

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Sick of the same old sounds? Try the Modal CARBON8, an 8-voice experimental digital synthesizer that creates sounds no vintage synth could muster.

Overview

The Modal Electronics CARBON8 8-Voice Experimental Digital Synthesizer delivers deep digital sound design and performance capabilities. Powered by an engine twice as complex as Modal's renowned ARGON8 and COBALT8 series, CARBON8 fuses advanced waveform algorithms and wavetables into an 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer with sophisticated filter technology, deep modulation options, and dynamic performance tools. Designed for sound explorers, CARBON8 offers an unprecedented level of sonic flexibility. Whether you're crafting lush, atmospheric textures or bold, aggressive leads, its innovative architecture ensures limitless creativity.

CARBON8 provides two high-powered oscillators with 56 cores each. They generate 18 unique high-resolution algorithms or 38 wavetables for exceptional sounds that range from aggressive and bold to ear-pleasing soft and lush tones. The oscillators' flexibility allows for real-time modulation and parameter tweaks, ensuring expressive performances and deeply customizable sound design. The XCore engine introduces sophisticated oscillator modifiers such as Phase Distortion and Wave-Shaping, unlocking a vast spectrum of harmonic richness and character. By dynamically shaping and folding waveforms, XCore brings an organic, expressive depth to synthesis, ensuring that each note resonates with clarity and detail.

The extensive filter section boasts 34 distinct filter types, ranging from vintage-inspired analog emulations to modern hybrid designs. Morphable filters… read more smoothly transition between different modes, enabling dynamic tonal shifts, while static filters offer precision sculpting for razor-sharp frequency control. Three high-resolution LFOs with variable waveforms, coupled with three fully independent envelope generators for AMP, MOD and FILTER, provide extensive modulation possibilities. With eight assignable modulation slots and four additional fixed routings, 12 modulation sources and 55 destinations, CARBON8 delivers an expressive, evolving sound.

The integrated 512-note real-time/step sequencer with four powerful Animation Lanes invites you to compose massive and complex melodic patterns, while the programmable 32-step arpeggiator opens the door to boundless rhythmic and melodic exploration. Built for both studio and stage, CARBON8's rugged aluminum and steel chassis ensures durability, and the premium 37-key FATAR TP9/S keybed with velocity sensitivity and aftertouch delivers a highly responsive, expressive playing experience. Performance controls include 29 endless encoders, 24 buttons, and an assignable X/Y joystick for dynamic pitch bends, filter sweeps, and modulation depth control.

Enhance your sound with three independent stereo FX engines offering 26 high-quality effects, including rich reverbs, pristine delays, lush choruses, swirling phasers, flangers, tremolo, compressor, and EQ. Full-size MIDI In and Out ports, USB-MIDI, analog sync I/O, and dedicated expression and sustain pedal inputs integrate CARBON8 into any studio or live rig, while poly-chain support links two CARBON8 units for an impressive 16 voices of polyphony. An extensive library of 500 patch slots, including 300 expertly crafted factory presets, 100 sequencer presets, and 100 FX presets, plus the free MODALapp editor for in-depth sound programming and patch management, rounds out a synthesizer built for modern music production and performance.

Features:

- Two high-powered oscillators with 56 cores each, generating 18 high-resolution algorithms and 38 wavetables
- Advanced XCore oscillator modifiers, including Wave Shape, Wave Fold, and Phase Distortion
- 34 resonant filter types, including morphable and static designs
- Three audio-rate LFOs with tempo sync and three dedicated envelope generators for AMP, MOD, and FILTER
- Eight assignable modulation slots plus four fixed routings with 12 sources and 55 destinations
- 512-note real-time/step sequencer with four Animation Lanes
- Programmable 32-step arpeggiator with up to 2048 steps before repeating
- MPE support for polyphonic control and expression of individual notes
- Premium FATAR TP9/S 37-note keybed with velocity and channel aftertouch
- 29 endless encoders, 24 buttons, and an assignable 4-axis joystick
- Multiple keyboard modes: Mono, Poly, Unison 2/4/8, Stack 2 and Stack 4
- Three independent stereo FX engines with 26 effects algorithms
- 500 patch memories with 300 factory programs, 100 sequencer presets, and 100 FX presets
- Poly-chain support links two CARBON8 units for 16-voice polyphony
- Full-size MIDI In/Out, class-compliant USB-MIDI, and 3.5mm analog clock sync In/Out
- Expression and sustain pedal inputs
- Road-ready steel and aluminum enclosure with stained bamboo end cheeks and 1.54-inch OLED display
- Free MODALapp software editor for macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, and Android, with VST3 and AU plug-in versions

Specs

- Polyphony: True 8-voice polyphonic (expandable to 16 voices via poly-chain)
- Oscillators: 2 independent high-resolution digital oscillators; 56 complex Digital Core Waveforms per oscillator, including 18 Digital Algorithms and 38 wavetables; XCore modifiers (Wave Shape, Wave Fold, Phase Distortion); Extended Oscillator Drift; Vintage parameter
- Filter: 34 resonant filter types, including morphable and static filters; Cutoff Scaling with 2 distinctive modes
- Modulation: 3 dedicated envelope generators (AMP, MOD, FILTER); 3 audio-rate LFOs with tempo sync (2 poly, 1 global) and over 15 shapes; 8 assignable modulation slots plus 4 fixed routings; 12 sources, 55 destinations
- Sequencer: 512-note polyphonic real-time sequencer; 64-step polyphonic step sequencer with 8 notes per step and 4 animation lanes
- Arpeggiator: Programmable 32-step with rest capability, up to 2048 steps before repeating
- Effects: 3 independent stereo FX engines; 26 effects algorithms
- Memory: 500 patch memories (ships with 300 factory programs); 100 sequencer presets; 100 FX presets; 8 Quick Recall slots
- Keyboard: Premium FATAR TP9/S 37-key with velocity and channel aftertouch
- Controls: 29 endless encoders; 24 buttons; assignable 4-axis joystick
- Audio Outputs: 6.35 mm / 1/4" TS dual-mono line outputs; 6.35 mm / 1/4" TRS headphone output
- Audio Input: 3.5 mm / 1/8" TRS stereo audio input
- Pedal Inputs: 6.35 mm / 1/4" TRS expression pedal input; 6.35 mm / 1/4" TS sustain pedal input
- MIDI and Sync: MIDI DIN In and Out; class-compliant MIDI over USB; 3.5 mm / 1/8" TS analog clock sync In and Out
- Display: 1.54-inch OLED
- Software: Free MODALapp editor for macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, and Android; VST3 and AU versions
- Power: DC 9.0V, 1.5A, center-positive
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 555 x 300 x 100 mm / 21.9" x 11.8" x 4"
- Weight: 5.60 kg / 12.4 lbs