First Look: Modal Cobalt5S Portable Poly Virtual Analogue 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.

In this video, we take a look at the new Cobalt5S and jam on some sweet sounds this mini synth can make.

COBALT5S takes inspiration from the iconic sound of its 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.

Specs:

Polyphony: True 5 voice polyphonic

MPE: Supports MPE-compatible MIDI controllers, allowing you to apply polyphonic control and expression to individual notes

Oscillators: 40 high-resolution virtual-analogue oscillators, up to 8 per voice
Two independent and self-contained oscillator groups with sine, pulse, triangle, sawtooth waveforms, 40 different algorithms including complex analogue synthesis techniques, built-in cross-modulation (SYNC, RM, and many more), PWM, smooth morphing between VA waves, bit crushing, filtered noise. Extended Oscillator Drift

Filter: 4-Pole Morphable Ladder Filter with Resonance and four switchable configurations. Resonance and Balanced Filter Modes

Modulation: Three dedicated envelope generators for AMP, MOD and FILTER that can be accessed independently or all three simultaneously including negative (reverse) versions for MOD and FILTER ENVs
Two LFO’s with tempo sync (one poly, one global) with seven different shapes
Eight assignable modulation slots and four additional fixed modulation routings for common assignments with 11 modulation sources and 41 modulation destinations.

Sequencer and Arpeggiator: Polyphonic real-time sequencer with 512 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 64 steps, 5 notes per step, 4 lanes of Parameter-Lock style animation, Step Input mode, multiple playback modes including gate modes and rest function. Built-In sophisticated programmable arpeggiator of 32 steps with rest capability and up to 2048 steps before repeating.

FX: Two incredibly powerful independent and user-configurable stereo FX engines for Chorus and Stereo Delay.

User Memory: 300 patch memories, all fully editable; ships with 200 factory programs
100 sequencer presets that can be linked to any patch for quickly loading arrangements. 4 Quick Recall slots accessible from the panel for quickly loading your favourite patches

Controls and Performance: Premium 37 compact-key keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch. 16 switched encoders support real-time CC message transmissions to other MIDI devices or DAWs. Five-axis X/Y/Z pressure-sensitive touchpad for pitch bend, mod wheel and/or modulation assignments
Multiple keyboard modes, Mono, Poly, Stack 2, Unison 2, Unison 4
Glide/Portamento with both legato and staccato modes

Inputs and Outputs
6.35 mm / 1/4″ TS line outputs
6.35 mm / 1/4″ TRS headphone output
MIDI DIN In and Out
3.5 mm / 1/8″ TS Analogue clock sync In and Out
Class-compliant MIDI over a USB connection
6.35 mm / 1/4″ TS sustain pedal input

Enclosure and Display: Durable polycarbonate enclosure. Monochrome OLED display for instant visual feedback at all times of playing/editing

Power: DC-9.0V – 1.5A centre-positive or USB-bus powered

Editor Software: Free MODALapp software editor available for macOS, Windows, iOS and Android

Dimensions (L x W x H): 56.5 x 16.2, x 5.7 cm / 22.24” x 6.38” x 2.24”

Weight: 2.4 kg / 5.3 lbs