Modal Electronics COBALT5S 37-Compact Keys 5-Voice Extended Virtual-Analog Synthesizer

Modal Electronics COBALT5S 37-Compact Keys 5-Voice Extended Virtual-Analog Synthesizer

Founded on Modal Electronics’next-generation COBALT synth architecture and housed in an ultra-portablego-anywhere footprint, the USB-powered COBALT5S is made-to-move and ready tospark your creativity wherever, and whenever inspiration strikes. Whether it’sa singularly authentic replication of classic analogue sounds, or the mostcontemporary leading-edge texture, COBALT5S’ extended virtual analogue soundengine delivers on all counts.

COBALT5S takes inspiration fromthe iconic sound of it’s analogue forebears, transcending any and alllimitations to take a leading edge synth architecture, truly mobile – fromsultry basslines, to expansive, mutating beds and everywhere in between,COBALT5S is not just modeling run-of-the-mill analogue sounds, this is BeyondAnalogue, Anywhere.

Create Without Limitation
Featuring five true polyphonicvoices, two independent algorithm groups and up to 8 oscillators per voice,musicians, sound designers and producers are armed with a nefarious palette ofsound that’s primed for any application imaginable. Fuse this with 40 complexalgorithms, including Sync, Ring Modulation, Waveform Morphng, plus many more,and it’s easy to see why COBALT5S empowers creators with liberated soundsculpting capability without limitation.

Earcandy
Featuring the sameself-oscillating 4-Pole Morphable Ladder Filter from the COBALT8, COBALT5Sguarantees to texture your sound with all the bite and warmth your performancedemands. Four separate filter modes fuse with mainstay controls for Cutoff andResonance, alongside a Morph parameter to musically manipulate the frequencyresponse of the filter for a truly immersive experience. From the sublime tothe experimental and everywhere in between, crafting the perfect timbre islimited only by your imagination.

Shaping Your Sound, Simplified!
Everything you demand to craft theperfect sound in meticulous detail is right at your fingertips with COBALT5S.Three envelopes complete with selectable types take command of the filter, ampor modulation destinations, empowering you with unrestricted options when itcomes to fine-tuning your sound. One Polyphonic LFO and one Global LFO provideextended power to control a plethora of modulation sources, selected via asophisticated 8-slot modulation matrix. Whether it’s an otherworldly evolvingsoundscape, rhythmic pads or a searing lead, realising your creative vision hasnever been this easy!

Your Performance, Supercharged!
Get wild with the integrated512-note realtime/step-sequencer, complete with 4 animation lanes. Fuse thiswith a built-in programmable 32-step advanced arpeggiator and you start toscratch the surface of the performance capability COBALT5S heralds for themodern creator. Top this off with MPE support for next generation creativeexpression via a compatible MPE controller, and COBALT5S is primed for anyperformance, production or sound design scenario imaginable.

Made to Move
When we say this is BeyondAnalogue Anywhere, we mean it. Taking the legendary build quality synonymouswith Modal Electronics’ synthesiser roster, and outfitting this with a 37-notecompact keybed with aftertouch, and COBALT5S is primed for your creativeexploits wherever and wherever creativity strikes. Plus, with a USB poweredspecification, powering the COBALT5S from your Mac/PC or portable power brickcouldn’t be any simpler.

Control, Evolved
Take complete command and craftyour signature sound with ease courtesy of 16 switched encoders. For completeexpressive capability, COBALT5S’ X/Y/Z touchpad provides ultimate 5-axiscontrol over pitch bend, mod wheel and/or any user-selected modulationassignment. Two independent stereo effect engines, including delay and chorus,inject depth and character into your patches, allowing you to create polishedsynth textures. Rounding-out this tactile, performance-centric control assortmentis a radiant monochrome OLED display that relays all key information you demandin razor sharp resolution.

Hook-up Flexibility
Integrating COBALT5S into yourexisting setup couldn’t be simpler. Connect to PA systems, stage boxes, mixingdesks and more with dual ¼-inch line out jacks; practice in private thanks to a¼-inch stereo headphone output; add some genuine piano-style sustain to yourperformance with a ¼-inch sustain pedal input; connect to all your MIDIperipherals thanks to full-size MIDI ins and outs, as well as MIDI over USBcapability; finally, keep everything on point with COBALT5S’ Clock sync In andOut. Whatever your next performance demands, COBALT5S guarantees to assimilatewith ease.

Free MODALapp for immersivesound programming sessions
The free MODALapp brings thecomfort of screen-based editing on your computer or mobile device. Available asa standalone app for macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS or Android systems and in VST3and AU plug-in formats, it is the perfect companion for synth enthusiastslooking to deep dive to all sound editing and performance parameters. Creatingyour own signature sound, backing-up your library and managing your patches& sequences couldn’t be simpler.

Key Features

• Perform anywhere using anext-generation Extended Virtual-Analogue Synthesis engine
• Create everything from classic tocutting-edge sounds driven by 40 complex sophisticated algorithms and Modal’smorphable 4-pole Ladder Filter
• Experience a new level of performancewith MPE support, an integrated Realtime/Step Sequencer and dual FX engines
• Express yourself with a 37-notecompact-key bed with aftertouch, an intuitive X/Y/Z touch pad and 16 switchedencoders
• Integrate COBALT5S into yourexisting setup or power it via USB for on-the-go use
• Access all synth functions via thefree MODALapp, available on macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, Android and AU/VST3

Technical Specifications

Polyphony
True 5 voice polyphonic
MPE
Supports MPE-compatible MIDIcontrollers, allowing you to apply polyphonic control and expression toindividual notes
Oscillators
40 high-resolutionvirtual-analogue oscillators, up to 8 per voice
Two independent and self-containedoscillator groups with sine, pulse, triangle, sawtooth waveforms, 40 differentalgorithms including: complex analogue synthesis techniques, built-incrossmodulation (SYNC, RM, and many more), PWM, smooth morphing between VAwaves, bit crushing, filtered noise.
Extended Oscillator Drift
Algorithms
VA Sweep: Sweep through sine,triangle, saw, square, pulse (with pulse width) (A), ability to detune theoscillators (or snap to musical intervals) using spread (B)
VA Crushed: Sweep through sine,triangle and saw shapes (A) with real-time control over bit crushing (B)
Spread Saw: Spread mode withincreased oscillator count, ability to blend between the fundamental anddetuned oscillators (A) and more comprehensive spread (B) options (e.g oct up +detuned)
Spread Square: Spread mode withincreased oscillator count, ability to blend between the fundamental anddetuned oscillators (A) and more comprehensive spread (B) options (e.g oct up +detuned)
Spread Triangle: Spread mode withincreased oscillator count, ability to blend between the fundamental anddetuned oscillators (A) and more comprehensive spread (B)options (e.g oct up +detuned)
PWM: Classic Pulse WidthModulation with width control (A) and ability to detune the oscillators usingspread (B)
PWM Dual: PWM mode where as thewidth control (A) changes, the pulse width increases in the first cycle of thewave and decreases in the second cycle. Oscillators can be detuned using thespread (B) control
PWM Triangle / Square: Alternatingtriangle and square waves with control over the width of the triangle portion(A) and an asymmetry control (B) that allows every second cycle to have adifferent triangle width (inverse) to the first
PWM Saw Eraser: Wave with both asaw and PWM portion, with control over the ratio between the two portions (A)and the width of the PWM portion (B) relative to parameter A
PWM Triangle Pinch: Triangle wavewith pulse width modulation (A) and an asymmetry control (B) which allows everysecond cycle of the wave to have a different width to the first (can be wider ornarrower)
Hard Sync Saw: Classic hard syncwith un-quantised ratio (A) that can be blended with a sub oscillator (B) oneoctave below the fundamental
Hard Sync Square: Classic hardsync with un-quantised ratio (A) that can be blended with a sub oscillator (B)one octave below the fundamental
Hard Sync Triangle: Classic hardsync with un-quantised ratio (A) that can be blended with a sub oscillator (B)one octave below the fundamental
Fractal Saw: Complex sync withun-quantised control over ratio (A) and and an asymmetry control (B) thatallows every second cycle of the wave to have a different sync ratio to thefirst
Fractal Square: Complex sync withun-quantised control over ratio (A) and and an asymmetry control (B) thatallows every second cycle of the wave to have a different sync ratio to thefirst
Fractal Triangle: Complex syncwith un-quantised control over ratio (A) and and an asymmetry control (B) thatallows every second cycle of the wave to have a different sync ratio to thefirst
Reverse Saw: Periodically reversesthe direction of the waveform and changes the playback rate (A), asymmetrycontrol (B) changes the period length (I.e the switch point within a cycle)
Reverse Square: Periodicallyreverses the direction of the waveform and changes the playback rate (A),asymmetry control (B) changes the period length (I.e the switch point within acycle)
Reverse Triangle: Periodicallyreverses the direction of the waveform and changes the playback rate (A),asymmetry control (B) changes the period length (I.e the switch point within acycle)
Window Amp Sync: Applies amplitudemodulation to a sine wave using a hard synced waveform. Features anun-quantised sync ratio control (A) and the ability to morph between multiplewindow shapes (B)
Metal Saw: Creates ringmodulation/amplitude modulation like effects by syncing a waveform to twoseparate signals, one at the base rate and one at the sync rate. Featuresun-quantised control over sync rate (A) and ability to balance between the basewave and the modulated signal (B)
Metal Square: Creates ring modulation/amplitudemodulation like effects by syncing a waveform to two separate signals, one atthe base rate and one at the sync rate. Features un-quantised control over syncrate (A) and ability to balance between the base wave and the modulated signal(B)
Metal Triangle: Creates ringmodulation/amplitude modulation like effects by syncing a waveform to twoseparate signals, one at the base rate and one at the sync rate. Featuresun-quantised control over sync rate (A) and ability to balance between the basewave and the modulated signal (B)
Ring Mod Saw: Ring mod applied totwo saw waves, with quantised ratio control (A) that snaps through a series ofuseful ratios, and a fine control (B), which cross-fades between these ratiosallowing precise control across the whole range
Ring Mod Square: Ring mod appliedto two square waves, with quantised ratio control (A) that snaps through aseries of useful ratios, and a fine control (B), which cross-fades betweenthese ratios allowing precise control across the whole range
Ring Mod Triangle: Ring modapplied to two triangle waves, with quantised ratio control (A) that snapsthrough a series of useful ratios, and a fine control (B), which cross-fadesbetween these ratios allowing precise control across the whole range
Ring Mod Triangle / Square: Ringmod applied to a triangle and a square wave, with quantised ratio control (A)that snaps through a series of useful ratios, and a fine control (B), whichcross-fades between these ratios allowing precise control across the wholerange
Ring Mod Saw / Square: Ring modapplied to a saw and square wave, with quantised ratio control (A) that snapsthrough a series of useful ratios, and a fine control (B), which cross-fadesbetween these ratios allowing precise control across the whole range
Ring Mod Saw / Triangle: Ring modapplied to a saw and triangle wave, with quantised ratio control (A) that snapsthrough a series of useful ratios, and a fine control (B), which cross-fadesbetween these ratios allowing precise control across the whole range
Chaos Saw: Un-quantised ringmodulation (A) combined with randomisation (B)
Chaos Square: Un-quantised ringmodulation (A) combined with randomisation (B)
Chaos Triangle: Un-quantised ringmodulation (A) combined with randomisation (B)
Fold Triangle: Trianglewave-folding (A) with DC offset (B)
Filtered Noise: Noise generatorcombined with a morphable filter with full control over Cutoff (A) and Morph(B)
FM Saw:Square: FrequencyModulation using a Sawtooth as the carrier and a Square as the modulator withfull control over FM Depth (A) and Modulator Frequency Ratio (B)
FM Square:Square: FrequencyModulation using a Square as both the carrier and modulator with full controlover FM Depth (A) and Modulator Frequency Ratio (B)
FM Tri:Square: FrequencyModulation using a Triangle as the carrier and a Square as the modulator withfull control over FM Depth (A) and Modulator Frequency Ratio (B)
Noise AM Saw: Sawtooth Waveamplitude modulated by a filtered noise source with full control over AM Depth(A) and Noise filter cutoff (B)
Noise AM Square: Square Waveamplitude modulated by a filtered noise source with full control over AM Depth(A) and Noise filter cutoff (B)
Noise AM Tri: Triangle Waveamplitude modulated by a filtered noise source with full control over AM Depth(A) and Noise filter cutoff (B)
Filter
4-Pole Morphable Ladder Filterwith Resonance and four switchable configurations
Resonance and Balanced FilterModes
Modulation
Three dedicated envelopegenerators for AMP, MOD and FILTER that can be accessed independently or allthree simultaneously including negative (reverse) versions for MOD and FILTERENVs
Two LFO’s with tempo sync (onepoly, one global) with seven different shapes
Eight assignable modulation slotsand four additional fixed modulation routings for common assignments with 11modulation sources and 41 modulation destinations
Sequencer and Arpeggiator
Polyphonic realtime sequencer with512 notes and four recordable/editable parameter animations (Delay FX, LFO’s,sequencer and arpeggiator can be either clocked internally or externally)
Polyphonic Step Sequencer with 64steps, 5 notes per step, 4 lanes of Parameter-Lock style animation, Step Inputmode, multiple playback modes including gate modes and rest function
Built-In sophisticatedprogrammable arpeggiator of 32 steps with rest capability and up to 2048 stepsbefore repeating
FX
Two incredibly powerfulindependent and user-configurable stereo FX engines for Chorus and Stereo Delay
User Memory
300 patch memories, all fullyeditable; ships with 200 factory programs
100 sequencer presets that can belinked to any patch for quickly loading arrangements
4 Quick Recall slots accessiblefrom the panel for quickly loading your favourite patches
Controls and Performance
Premium 37 compact-key keyboardwith velocity and channel aftertouch
16 switched encoders supportrealtime CC message transmissions to other MIDI devices or DAWs
Five-axis X/Y/Z pressure-sensitivetouchpad for pitch bend, mod wheel and/or modulation assignments
Multiple keyboard modes, Mono,Poly, Stack 2, Unison 2, Unison 4
Glide/Portamento with both legatoand staccato modes
Inputs and Outputs
6.35 mm / 1/4” TS line outputs
6.35 mm / 1/4” TRS headphoneoutput
MIDI DIN In and Out
3.5 mm / 1/8” TS Analogue clocksync In and Out
Class compliant MIDI over USBconnection
6.35 mm / 1/4” TS sustain pedalinput
Enclosure and Display
Durable polycarbonate enclosure
Monochrome OLED display forinstant visual feedback at all times of playing/editing
Power
Power: DC-9.0V – 1.5Acentre-positive or USB-bus powered
Editor Software
Free MODALapp software editoravailable for macOS, Windows, iOS and Android
MODALapp can also be run withinyour Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), with VST3 and AU versions available
General
Dimensions (L x W x H): 56.5 x16.2, x 5.7 cm / 22.24” x 6.38” x 2.24”
Weight: 2.4 kg / 5.3 lbs