Modal Electronics Releases V2.0 Firmware Update For COBALT8 Synth

More exciting news from Modal Electronics on the back of the firmware update V3.0 for their ARGON8 series of synths, Modal has just released firmware update V2.0 for their COBALT8 virtual-analogue line of synths.

What’s New in Firmware v2

A brand-new Vintage parameter and Oscillator Free Run for more vintage and classic synth capabilities. The Vintage setting alters the organic fabric of the advanced virtual-analogue algorithms by emulating the behaviour of vintage synths’ technical imperfections, where certain tuning and other variations were introduced into the sound generation. Oscillator Free Run is a feature known from analogue synthesisers and, when activated, adds to the sonic flexibility of COBALT8. ‘Classic’ Synth sounds that free runs parameters ensuring every key press is slightly different than the one before.

27 new filter types increase the already impressive arsenal for creative sound design with COBALT8 Firmware v2. The list includes 2-Pole State Variable Filters, various Lowpass, Bandpass and Highpass Ladder Filters with drive, combinations of traditional filter types with Notch characteristics, and much more. The new filters unlock even more classic synth tones and expand COBALT8’s experimental capabilities with the more complex filter outputs. For all new filter types featuring Drive, the Morph control allows for dialling in the right filter drive amount to taste.

The new Cutoff Scaling patch parameter unlocks improved filter cutoff behaviour with three distinctive modes to increase creative performance and sound design options.

Note-to-Cutoff Scaling can now track with full accuracy in one of two new modes; Relative, and Bipolar. These modes can be tailored to match your preferences on a per-patch basis. The original note-to-cutoff characteristics remain available in Legacy mode.

Additionally, COBALT8 Firmware v2 includes 14 powerful new effects. Harnessing its flexible processing distribution system, some of the new additions harness the power of two effects slots for more sonic power and depth. The V2 Reverb is great for adding a little bit of space to a sound, huge near-infinite reverbs, and everything in-between. Creative sound gourmets will also enjoy the new Phaser v2, Compressor, Three-Band EQ, Unisoniser, Utility and additional Drive effects, giving enough options to give custom patch creations a final, production-ready touch

With the new firmware, the programmable Arpeggiator receives new Arp Directions to inspire all music producers. Firmware v2 also improves the capabilities of the OLED display, the Audio In quality, the gain staging of the audio output and much more.

For a full list of new Features and Improvements, we recommend visiting Modals Website:

Firmware v2 is available as a free update via the MODALapp software.

COBALT8 v2 Firmware Release Notes:

Vintage Parameter

Emulating the behaviour of vintage synths by introducing variation between the voices

Osc Free Run

Emulating the behaviour of analogue oscillators by allowing them to run freely

27 New Filter Types – 2 morphable, 25 non-morphable where the ‘Morph’ parameter instead becomes ‘Drive’:

State Variable Filter with BP
State Variable Filter with Notch
4 pole Lowpass Ladder (with drive)
3 pole Lowpass Ladder (with drive)
2 pole Lowpass Ladder (with drive)
1 pole Lowpass Ladder (with drive)
4 pole Highpass Ladder (with drive)
3 pole Highpass Ladder (with drive)
2 pole Highpass Ladder (with drive)
1 pole Highpass Ladder (with drive)
4 pole bandpass Ladder (12dB Lp /12dB Hp) (with drive)
2 pole Bandpass Ladder (6dB Lp / 6dB Hp) (with drive)
3 pole Bandpass Ladder (6dB Lp / 12dB Hp) (with drive)
3 pole Bandpass Ladder (12dB Lp / 6dB Hp) (with drive)
4 pole Bandpass Ladder (6dB Lp / 18dB Hp) (with drive)
4 pole Bandpass Ladder (18dB Lp / 6dB Hp) (with drive)
Notch Ladder (with drive)18. Notch Ladder Alt (with drive)
Lowpass Ladder with Notch (with drive)
Lowpass Ladder with Notch Alt (with drive) -notch closes with resonance
Lowpass Ladder with Notch and Resonance (with drive)
Bandpass Ladder with Notch (with drive) -notch closes with resonance
Bandpass Ladder with Notch and Resonance (with drive)
Phaser Ladder (with drive)
Highpass Ladder with Notch (with drive) -notch closes with resonance
Highpass Ladder with Notch and Resonance (with drive)
Peaking Filter (with drive)

Added a “Cutoff Scaling” patch parameter for improved filter cutoff behaviour with the following modes:

Legacy – The existing cutoff control scaling curve and note-to-cutoff tracking behaviour
Relative – A new cutoff control scaling curve that is more balanced and changes the note-to-cutoff tracking to behave more closely to analogue synths. In this mode note-to-cutoff tracks best when the cutoff control is at 0.
Bipolar – The same cutoff control scaling curve as the ‘Relative’ mode, except in this mode note-to-cutoff tracks best when the cutoff control is at 64.

Added 14 new FX, including a new reverb algorithm: