Description
The Modal Electronics CARBON8X is an 8-voice experimental synthesizer designed for musicians and sound designers seeking cutting-edge sonic exploration. Featuring two high-powered oscillators with 56 cores each, it generates 18 high-resolution algorithms and 38 wavetables, delivering a vast palette of sounds ranging from bold, aggressive leads to soft, lush textures. The XCore engine introduces advanced oscillator modifiers such as Phase Distortion and Wave-Shaping, enabling precise waveform manipulation for dynamic, expressive performances. CARBON8X provides the tools to craft everything from harmonically rich strings to razor-sharp basslines and complex soundscapes, ensuring unmatched versatility in both studio and live environments.
Deep Modulation and Expressive Filters
CARBON8X offers extensive modulation options and a comprehensive filter section for complete sound sculpting. Three high-resolution LFOs, three independent envelope generators, 12 modulation slots, and four fixed routings allow intricate control over AMP, MOD, and FILTER parameters. The 34 filters, including morphable and static types, cover vintage analog emulations to modern hybrid designs, with adjustable drive and resonance for added warmth, grit, or precision. This level of control ensures every patch-whether a deep bass, airy pad, or cutting lead-can be precisely shaped for creative expression and sonic clarity.
Sequencing, Performance, and Playability
A powerful 512-note real-time/step sequencer with four animation lanes, along with a 32-step programmable arpeggiator, enables complex melodic and rhythmic compositions. Features like Chord Hold, inversions, transpose, and sustain latch provide dynamic performance options. The premium 61-key FATAR TP9/S keybed with velocity sensitivity and aftertouch delivers expressive playability, complemented by 29 endless encoders, 24 buttons, and an assignable X/Y joystick for real-time control over pitch, modulation, and filter sweeps. Keyboard modes such as Mono, Poly, Unison, and Stack offer additional flexibility for crafting intricate and evolving synth patches.
Connectivity, Effects, and Software Integration
CARBON8X integrates seamlessly into modern setups with full-size MIDI In/Out, USB-MIDI, analog sync I/O, and expression/sustain pedal inputs. Poly-chain support allows two units to link for expanded 16-voice polyphony. Three independent FX engines provide 26 studio-quality effects including reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, and more, with real-time parameter control. The free MODALapp enables deep sound programming, patch management, and seamless integration with DAWs on macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, and Android. With 500 patch slots, 300 factory presets, and 100 user FX and sequencer presets, CARBON8X delivers an expansive, performance-ready toolkit for creative sound design, studio production, and live performance.
Product Specifications:
Polyphony: True 8 voice polyphonic
MPE: Supports MPE-compatible MIDI controllers for polyphonic control and expression
Oscillators: Two independent high-resolution digital oscillators
56 complex Digital Core Waveforms per oscillator including 18 Digital Algorithms and 38 Wavetables
Advanced XCore Modifiers including Wave Shape, Wave Fold, Phase Distortion
Extended Oscillator Drift
Vintage Parameter
Filter: 34 resonant types including morphable and static filters
Cutoff Scaling with two modes
Modulation: Three dedicated envelope generators for AMP, MOD, FILTER including reverse versions
Three audio-rate LFOs with tempo sync and 15+ shapes
Eight assignable modulation slots and four fixed routings with 12 sources and 55 destinations
Sequencer and Arpeggiator: Polyphonic real-time sequencer with 512 notes and four editable animations
Polyphonic Step Sequencer with 64 steps, 8 notes per step, 4 lanes of animation
Built-in programmable arpeggiator with 32 steps and up to 2048 steps before repeating
FX: Three user-configurable stereo FX engines with 26 algorithms including Drive, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Tremolo, LoFi, Rotary, Stereo Delay, Ping-Pong Delay, X-Over Delay, Reverb
User Memory: 500 patch memories with 300 factory programs
100 sequencer presets
100 FX presets
8 Quick Recall slots
Controls and Performance: FATAR 61-key keyboard with velocity and aftertouch
29 endless encoders, 24 buttons
4-axis joystick assignable
Multiple keyboard modes including Mono, Poly, Unison 2/4/8, Stack 2/4
Glide/Portamento with legato and staccato
Chord Invert control
Inputs and Outputs: 6.35 mm TS dual-mono line outputs
6.35 mm TRS headphone output
3.5 mm TRS stereo input
MIDI DIN In/Out: 3.5 mm TS clock sync in/out
USB MIDI: 6.35 mm TRS expression pedal input / 6.35 mm TS sustain pedal input
Enclosure and Display: Steel and aluminum with bamboo end cheeks
1.54-inch OLED display
Power: DC 9V – 1.5A center-positive
Editor Software: MODALapp for macOS, Windows, iOS, Android
VST3 and AU for DAW
Product Weight: 19.9 lbs. / 9 kg
Product Dimensions (L x W x H): 34.8 x 11.8 x 4 in
Shipping Weight: 23 lbs.
Shipping Dimensions (L x W x H): 38 x 15 x 6 in
Get the gear you need now with easy financing
Get the gear you need now with Financing and Lease options. As an artist or sound professional your business needs high quality speakers, lighting and cases to do your job, be professional and competitive.
Choose Shop Pay or After Pay in checkout for instant financing application. We also offer Acima Leasing, Synchrony, Progressive or Snap financing just give us a call 1-800-700-4542.
*Our online prices are always honored instore guaranteed.
Military & First Responder Discounts
We're proud to support those who serve. Active-duty military, veterans, and first responders qualify for a special discount on your gear. See our Military Discount details here and how to redeem.