Modal COBALT8X User Manual

QUICK START
GUIDE
Modal COBALT8X is an 8 voice polyphonic extended virtual-analogue synthesiser. It
features 2 independant oscillator groups, each containing 34 different algorithms.
Beyond the oscillators there is a 4-pole morphable ladder filter with switchable
configurations, 3 envelope generators, 3 LFOs, 3 powerful independent and user
configurable stereo FX engines, a real-time sequencer, a programmable arpeggiator and
an extensive modulation matrix.
Shift functions - parameters in light blue can be accessed by entering ‘Shift’ mode using
the button to the right of the screen with a light blue ring. Shift can be momentary by
holding the button and changing a parameter or latched by pressing the shift button.
Alt functions - parameters in light grey can be accessed by holding the button with the
light grey ring in the same section (Velo or Arp). ‘Alt’ mode is always momentary and
you will exit ‘Alt’ mode on release of the button.
Connections
Headphones - 1/4” stereo jack socket
Right - Audio Out for right stereo channel. 1/4” unbalance TS jack socket
Left/Mono - Audio Out for left stereo channel. If there is no cable plugged into Right
socket then summed to Mono. 1/4” unbalance TS jack socket
Expression - user configurable pedal input, 1/4” TRS jack socket
Sustain - works with any standard, open momentary foot switch, 1/4” TS jack socket
Audio In - stereo audio input, to process your audio source with COBALT8X’s FX engines,
3.5mm TRS jack socket
Sync In - analogue clock in. 3.3v, rising edge, 1 pulse per 16th note signal, 3.5mm TS
jack socket
Sync Out - analogue clock out, same configuration as clock in, 3.5mm TS jack socket
MIDI Out - used to control other MIDI hardware, 5-pin DIN MIDI socket
MIDI In - used to be controlled from other MIDI hardware, 5-pin DIN MIDI socket
USB MIDI - MIDI in/out to a USB MIDI host, connect COBALT8X to a laptop/tablet/mobile
device for the optional software editor, MODALapp, full size USB-B socket
Power - 9.0V, 1.5A, centre-positive barrel power supply
Screen Navigation
The two switched-encoders either side of the
screen are used for screen navigation and control:
Page/Param - When this encoder is in ‘Page’
mode it cycles through the parameter pages (e.g.
Osc1, Osc2, Filter); when it’s in ‘Param’ mode it
cycles through the parameters on that page. Use
the switch to toggle between the two modes, the
mode is displayed on the screen with a line at top
for ‘Page’ mode and at the bottom for ‘Param’
mode.
Preset/Edit/Bank - This encoder/switch is used
to adjust the value or ‘trigger’ the currently
displayed parameter. When on the ‘Load Patch’
parameter when the panel is in ‘Shift’ mode this
encoder is used to select the patch bank number.
Presets
Patch/Seq - this button is primarily used to switch
the screen to either the ‘Load Patch’ or ‘Load
Seq’ param for loading patches or sequences,
however this button also puts the panel into
either ‘Patch’ mode or ‘Seq’ mode. This changes
the ‘Save’ and ‘Init’ buttons to either effect
Patch preset management in ‘Patch’ mode or
Sequencer preset management in ‘Seq’ mode.
‘Init / Rand’ - this button/function only responds
on a button hold.
COBALT8X can have a large dynamic range so
there is a Patch Gain control that can be used to
equalise patch volumes. Hold the ‘Patch’ button
and turn the ‘Volume’ encoder to control the
‘Patch Gain’ parameter.

Modal COBALT8X Specifications

General

Type	Virtual Analog Synthesizer
Polyphony	8 voices
Oscillators	2 per voice
Arpeggiator	Yes
Power	12V DC power supply
LFO	3 x dedicated LFOs
Effects	Chorus, Phaser, Distortion, Reverb, Delay
Keyboard	61-key velocity-sensitive with aftertouch
Sequencer	512-step
Inputs	1 x 1/4" (sustain pedal)
Outputs	2 x 1/4" TS line outputs
Headphone Output	1 x 1/4" TRS headphone output
MIDI	In/Out/Thru
USB	Yes (MIDI over USB)
Modulation	8-slot modulation matrix
Weight	6.7 kg (14.8 lbs)

Summary

COBALT8X Synthesizer Overview

COBALT8X Core Features

An 8-voice polyphonic virtual-analogue synth with 34 algorithms per oscillator group, morphable filter, envelopes, LFOs, FX, sequencer, arpeggiator, and modulation matrix.

COBALT8X Interface Controls

Screen Navigation and Encoders

Page/Param encoder for screen navigation and parameter selection. Preset/Edit/Bank encoder for value adjustment and triggering.

COBALT8X Preset and Gain Management

Patch/Seq and Init/Rand Button Functions

Buttons for switching between patch/sequence modes and initializing/randomizing parameters.

Patch Gain Control

Control patch volume equalization by holding 'Patch' and turning the 'Volume' encoder.

COBALT8X Connections

Audio and Control I/O Ports

Details headphone, stereo/mono audio out, expression, sustain, and audio in jacks.

MIDI, USB, and Power Connections

Covers MIDI In/Out, USB MIDI for computer connection, and the power supply input.

COBALT8X Operation

Preset Saving Procedures

Guide to performing full and quick saves, slot selection, naming, and exiting the save process.

Quick Recall Slots

Assigning and loading patches to 8 quick recall slots using button combinations.

Filter and Envelope Control

Using encoders for Filter Type and simultaneous ADSR envelope adjustments.

Sequencer and Arpeggiator Functions

Clearing sequencer notes/lanes, setting linked sequences, adding arpeggiator patterns and rests.

LFO Rate and Modulation Assignment

Accessing synced LFO rates and assigning mod sources to destinations with depth control.

Keyboard and Voice Modes

Cycling through unison/stack modes, setting chord modes, and transposing notes.

FX Type Selection and Sync

Changing FX types, resetting to 'None', and accessing synced delay times.