Modal Electronics Cobalt5S 5-Voice Extended Virtual-Analog Synth

Founded on Modal Electronics’ next-generation COBALT synth architecture and housed in an ultra-portable go-anywhere footprint, the USB-powered COBALT5S is made-to-move and ready to spark your creativity wherever, and whenever inspiration strikes. Whether it’s a singularly authentic replication of classic analogue sounds, or the most contemporary leading-edge texture, COBALT5S’ extended virtual analogue sound engine delivers on all counts. COBALT5S takes inspiration from the iconic sound of it’s analogue forebears, transcending any and all limitations to take a leading edge synth architecture, truly mobile – from sultry basslines, to expansive, mutating beds and everywhere in between, COBALT5S is not just modelling run-of-the-mill analogue sounds, this is Beyond Analogue, Anywhere.

Featuring five true polyphonic voices, two independent algorithm groups and up to 8 oscillators per voice, musicians, sound designers and producers are armed with a nefarious palette of sound that’s primed for any application imaginable. Fuse this with 40 complex algorithms, including Sync, Ring Modulation, Waveform Morphng, plus many more, and it’s easy to see why COBALT5S empowers creators with liberated sound sculpting capability without limitation. Featuring the same self-oscillating 4-Pole Morphable Ladder Filter from the COBALT8, COBALT5S guarantees to texture your sound with all the bite and warmth your performance demands. Four separate filter modes fuse with mainstay controls for Cutoff and Resonance, alongside a Morph parameter to musically manipulate the frequency response of the filter for a truly immersive experience. From the sublime to the experimental and everywhere in between, crafting the perfect timbre is limited only by your imagination.

Everything you demand to craft the perfect sound in meticulous detail is right at your fingertips with COBALT5S. 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. One Polyphonic LFO and one Global LFO provide extended power to control a plethora of modulation sources, selected via a sophisticated 8-slot modulation matrix. Whether it’s an otherworldly evolving soundscape, rhythmic pads or a searing lead, realising your creative vision has never been this easy!

Get wild with the integrated 512-note realtime/step-sequencer, complete with 4 animation lanes. Fuse this with a built-in programmable 32-step advanced arpeggiator and you start to scratch the surface of the performance capability COBALT5S heralds for the modern creator. Top this off with MPE support for next generation creative expression via a compatible MPE controller, and COBALT5S is primed for any performance, production or sound design scenario imaginable. When we say this is Beyond Analogue Anywhere, we mean it. Taking the legendary build quality synonymous with Modal Electronics’ synthesiser roster, and outfitting this with a 37-note compact keybed with aftertouch, and COBALT5S is primed for your creative exploits wherever and wherever creativity strikes. Plus, with a USB powered specification, powering the COBALT5S from your Mac/PC or portable power brick couldn’t be any simpler.

Take complete command and craft your signature sound with ease courtesy of 16 switched encoders. For complete expressive capability, COBALT5S’ X/Y/Z touchpad provides ultimate 5-axis control over pitch bend, mod wheel and/or any user-selected modulation assignment. Two independent stereo effect engines, including delay and chorus, inject depth and character into your patches, allowing you to create polished synth textures. Rounding-out this tactile, performance-centric control assortment is a radiant monochrome OLED display that relays all key information you demand in razor sharp resolution.

Integrating COBALT5S into your existing setup couldn’t be simpler. Connect to PA systems, stage boxes, mixing desks and more with dual 1/4-inch line out jacks; practice in private thanks to a 1/4-inch stereo headphone output; add some genuine piano-style sustain to your performance with a 1/4-inch sustain pedal input; connect to all your MIDI peripherals thanks to full-size MIDI ins and outs, as well as MIDI over USB capability; finally, keep everything on point with COBALT5S’ Clock sync In and Out. Whatever your next performance demands, COBALT5S guarantees to assimilate with ease.

The free MODALapp brings the comfort of screen-based editing on your computer or mobile device. Available as a standalone app for macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS or Android systems and in VST3 and AU plug-in formats, it is the perfect companion for synth enthusiasts looking to deep dive to all sound editing and performance parameters. Creating your own signature sound, backing-up your library and managing your patches & sequences couldn’t be simpler.