




Modal Electronics Carbon8M introduces radical new ways to create, experiment with and perform next-generation synth sounds. Carbon8M's sound engine, twice as complex as in Modal's acclaimed Argon8 and Cobalt8 series, embeds complex waveform algorithms and wavetables into an 8-voice superior synth engine with outstanding filter technology and exciting LFO capabilities.
- 8-voice polyphonic with two independent high-resolution digital oscillators per voice
- 56 complex waveforms per oscillator including 18 digital algorithms and 38 wavetables
- Advanced XCore modifiers including waveshape, wave fold, phase distortion and others
- Extended oscillator drift and 'vintage' parameter
- 34 resonant filter types including morphable and static filters
- Filter cutoff scaling with two distinctive modes
- Three dedicated envelope generators that can be accessed independently simultaneously
- Three audio-rate LFOs (two poly, one global) with tempo sync and over 15 different shapes
- Eight assignable modulation slots and four additional fixed modulation routings
- 12 modulation sources and 55 modulation destinations
- Polyphonic realtime sequencer with 512 notes and four recordable/editable parameter animations
- Polyphonic step sequencer with 64 steps, 8 notes per step, 4 lanes of parameter lock-style animation
- Built-in 32-step programmable arpeggiator with rest capability and up to 2,048 steps before repeating
- Three independent and user-configurable stereo effects engines with 26 effects algorithms
- 500 patch memories, all fully editable and pre-populated with 300 factory programs
- 100 sequencer presets that can be linked to any patch for quickly loading arrangements
- 8 quick recall slots accessible from the panel for quickly loading your favorite patches
- Four-axis joystick that can be assigned to a huge range of modulation destinations and virtually 'locked'
- Multiple keyboard modes including mono, poly, unison and stack
- Glide/portamento with both legato and staccato modes
- 1.54" OLED display for instant visual feedback at all times of playing/editing
Raw and bold sound sources
Modal Carbon8M provides two oscillators with 56 cores each. They generate a series of unique high-resolution algorithms or wavetables for exceptional sounds that range from aggressive and bold to ear-pleasing soft and lush tones. Each patch can contain a combination of any two algorithms or wavetables. Only one parameter is required to contour sonic sweet spots for further sound explorations and shaping.
Mangle and tweak
Carbon8M provides a wide range of exciting and sophisticated XCore oscillator modifiers, such as phase distortion, wavefolding and wave-shaping, that allow sculpting characterful sound variations for new, innovative synth sounds to be dialed in to taste. The massive filter section contains a wide selection of 34 different filter types. The available collection includes reminiscences of vintage filter models and modern Modal filter adaptations to carve or boost the crucial frequencies in your patch. Some models also offer drive and morph parameters to rough up the sonic spectrum or mangle sound in the most peculiar and spectacular ways.
Reshape and modulate
Three LFOs with variable pulse widths, variable slope triangles, dual rate ramps and more highlight Carbon8M's modulation section. Three envelope generators allow detailed editing to modulate pitch, filter and amp. Twelve modulation routes offer various ways to mangle the audio shapes and outputs.
Bring in some movement
The integrated 512-note realtime/step sequencer with four powerful animation lanes invites you to compose massive and complex melodic patterns. The polyphonic step sequencer mode enables easy step input for note and animation values. Multiple sequencer trigger modes coupled with the powerful onboard arpeggiator (programmable up to 32 steps) and features such as chord hold, inversions, transpose and sustain latch unleash powerful moving patterns for live and studio performances.
Desktop or rack
Carbon8M's rugged steel and aluminum enclosure underlines the synth's professional approach. The desktop design fits on every producer's table, while the included brackets help to mount Carbon8M into a live or studio rack. For direct access of the parameters, Carbon8M features 13 switched encoders, 13 encoders, 9 buttons and an X/Y joystick for pitch or modulation. MPE support offers new ways of creative expression for sophisticated performers.
Studio-grade effects included
Bring your sounds to perfection with the onboard 3-slot stereo effects engine. To round up your synth tone creations, 26 studio-grade effects algorithms add character and depth, including rich reverbs, warm chorus effects, swirling phasers and flangers, tremolo, lo-fi, rotary speaker, wide delays, equalizer, compressor and more.
Looking to connect
Carbon8M has all the physical connections required to embed the instrument in any studio, production or live performance environment. Control the synth using USB, monitor with headphones or dedicated line outputs, sync with external gear using 5-pin MIDI in and out or the 1/8" sync I/O, and take control of your sound using the built-in sustain and expression inputs. By poly-chaining any two Carbon8M devices, the number of voices is easily doubled to 16.
Modal Patch Library and ModalApp
The Modal Patch library hosts hundreds of sound banks and individual sounds, from classic synth tones from the past to new contemporary textures. All sound banks in the library are free and easily imported through the free ModalApp companion software. ModalApp brings the comfort of screen-based editing on your computer or mobile device. Available as a standalone app for macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS or Android systems and in VST3 and AU plug-in formats, it is the perfect companion for synth enthusiasts looking to deep dive into all sound forming and performance parameters to create their signature sounds and to backup and manage patches and sequences.
SKU | MOD-CARBON8MCTR |
Model Name | Carbon8M |
Vendor | Modal Electronics |
Aftertouch | Yes |
Analog Digital | Digital |
Built In Speakers | No |
Included From Manufacturer |
Rack ears for 19" rackmount installation USB-B to USB-A cable Power supply |
Number of Keys | None |
Midi | In, Out, and USB |
Mono Poly | Polyphonic |
MPN | CARBON8M |
Product Unique Features | ModalApp editor and patch librarian available as standalone app, Audio Unit or VST plug-in |
Arpeggiator | Yes |
Control Connections | 1/8" sync input 1/8" sync output |
Onboard Controllers | 4-axis assignable modulation joystick |
Effects | 3 × independent stereo effects engines Chorus, phaser, flanger, tremolo, lo-fi, rotary, stereo delay, ping-pong delay, x-over delay and reverb |
Audio Inputs | 1/8" stereo external audio input |
Audio Outputs | Dual 1/4" stereo output 1/4" stereo headphone output |
Oscillators per Voice | 2 |
Product Weight | 4.63 lb |
Programs/Presets | 500 patch storage locations, all fully editable Ships with 300 factory programs |
Sequencer | Realtime 512-step sequencer with quantize 4 × recordable/editable parameter automation lanes |
USB Port (to Host) | MIDI;System Updates;Editor/Librarian/Patch Manager |
Voices of Polyphony | 8 |
Width | 15.1" |
Depth | 5" |
Height | 3.2" |

One year Parts and Labor on all Modal Electronics Ltd. products. Warranty covers all defects in material and workmanship. The following are not covered: damage caused by accident, misuse, abuse, product modification or neglect; damage occurring during shipment; damage from failure to follow instructions contained in the instruction manual; damage resulting from unauthorized repairs; or damage caused by improper installation; or damage caused by AC power overvoltage conditions.
Modal Electronics Ltd.'s liability is limited to the repair or replacement, at its option, of any defective product and shall not include incidental or consequential damages. Modal Electronics Ltd. reserves the right to replace a discontinued model with a comparable model. Any replacement units or parts may be new or rebuilt.
Ground shipping is FREE for all orders $99 and up.

YOUR MUSIC TECHNOLOGY STORE SINCE 1984