Description
The Modal Electronics CARBON8 is an 8-voice experimental synthesizer designed for musicians, sound designers, and live performers seeking next-level sonic exploration. Powered by a revolutionary sound engine, it features two high-powered oscillators with 56 cores each, offering 18 high-resolution algorithms and 38 wavetables. This combination delivers a vast palette of raw and bold sounds, from lush, atmospheric textures to razor-sharp leads and dynamic basslines. Its XCore engine adds sophisticated oscillator modifiers, including Phase Distortion and Wave-Shaping, enabling complex waveform manipulation for both aggressive and smooth, evolving tones.
Deep Modulation and Expressive Filters
CARBON8 provides extensive modulation and filter options for ultimate 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-filter library includes vintage analog emulations, modern hybrids, and morphable filters for seamless tonal transitions. Additional parameters like drive and resonance add warmth, grit, or precision, making the synth perfect for crafting anything from deep basses and choir-like pads to cutting leads and evolving textures.
Sequencing and Performance Tools
The integrated 512-note real-time/step sequencer with four animation lanes and a 32-step programmable arpeggiator expands creative possibilities for live and studio use. Features such as Chord Hold, inversions, transposition, and sustain latch make it easy to generate complex harmonies, rhythmic patterns, and dynamic phrase variations. Performance controls include a premium 37-key FATAR TP9/S keybed with velocity sensitivity and aftertouch, 29 endless encoders, 24 assignable buttons, and an X/Y joystick for intuitive real-time manipulation of pitch, modulation, and filter sweeps.
Connectivity and Software Integration
CARBON8 offers comprehensive connectivity for modern production setups, including full-size MIDI In/Out, USB-MIDI, 3.5mm analog sync I/O, and expression/sustain pedal inputs. Poly-chain support allows two units to expand polyphony to 16 voices, ideal for layered pads or cinematic sounds. The synth integrates seamlessly with MODALapp for deep sound programming, patch management, and firmware updates. With 500 patch slots, 300 factory presets, 100 user FX slots, and 100 sequencer presets, CARBON8 provides an expansive, performance-ready toolkit for 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 37-key keyboard with velocity and aftertouch
29 endless encoders, 24 buttons
4-axis joystick assignable
Multiple keyboard modes including Mono, Poly, Unison, Stack
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 aluminium with bamboo end cheeks
1.54-inch OLED display
Power: DC 9V – 1.5A centre-positive
Editor Software: MODALapp for macOS, Windows, iOS, Android
VST3 and AU for DAW
Product Weight: 12.4 lbs. / 5.60 kg
Product Dimensions (L x W x H): 21.9 x 11.8 x 4 in
Shipping Weight: 15 lbs.
Shipping Dimensions (L x W x H): 25 x 15 x 6 in
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