Modal Electronics Carbon8X redefines digital synthesis, delivering next-generation sound design and performance capabilities. Powered by a groundbreaking engine twice as complex as the renowned Argon8 and Cobalt8 series, Carbon8X fuses advanced waveform algorithms and wavetables into an 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer with state-of-the-art filter technology, deep modulation options and dynamic performance tools. Designed for sound explorers, Carbon8X offers an unprecedented level of sonic flexibility. Whether you're crafting lush, atmospheric textures or bold, aggressive leads, its innovative architecture ensures limitless creativity.
- Revolutionary sound engine: two oscillators with 56 cores each, generating 18 high-resolution algorithms and 38 wavetables for an expansive sound palette
- Advanced modulation: three LFOs, three envelope generators and 12 modulation slots provide deep sound sculpting capabilities
- Powerful sequencing and performance: 512-note realtime/step sequencer, a 32-step programmable arpeggiator and expressive MPE support
- Premium build and playability: Fatar TP9/S 61-note keybed with aftertouch, housed in a road-ready aluminum and steel chassis
- Comprehensive connectivity: full-size MIDI, USB MIDI, 1/8" sync I/O, expression and sustain pedal inputs, and poly-chain support
- Studio-quality effects: three independent effects engines featuring 26 effects including reverb, delay, chorus, phaser and more
- ModalApp integration: intuitive software editor for in-depth sound programming and patch management
Explore infinite sonic dimensions
Carbon8 provides two high-powered oscillators with 56 Cores each. They generate 18 unique high-resolution algorithms or 38 wavetables for exceptional sounds that range from aggressive and bold to ear-pleasing soft and lush tones. This extensive sonic palette empowers musicians and sound designers to sculpt everything from lush, harmonically rich strings to razor-sharp leads and dynamic basslines. The oscillators' flexibility allows for realtime modulation and parameter tweaks, ensuring expressive performances and deeply customizable sound design. Whether exploring contemporary aggressive synth textures or lush soundscapes, Carbon8X delivers an unmatched level of sonic depth and versatility.
Mangle and tweak
The XCore engine introduces sophisticated oscillator modifiers such as phase distortion and waveshaping, unlocking a vast spectrum of harmonic richness and character. These advanced processing techniques allow for sophisticated manipulation of waveforms, enabling musicians to craft everything from smooth, evolving pads to aggressive, cutting-edge leads. By dynamically shaping and folding waveforms, XCore brings an organic, expressive depth to synthesis, ensuring that each note resonates with clarity and detail. With this level of control, sound designers can push sonic boundaries, creating textures that range from the familiar to the entirely new and experimental.
For filter gourmets
The extensive filter section boasts 34 distinct filter types, ranging from vintage-inspired analog emulations to modern hybrid designs. Morphable and static variations allow seamless control over frequency shaping, adding depth and nuance to every patch. The morphable filters smoothly transition between different modes, enabling dynamic tonal shifts, while the static filters offer precision sculpting for razor-sharp frequency control. With additional parameters such as drive and resonance manipulation, the filters can add warmth, grit,or crystal-clear definition to any sound. Whether crafting deep, resonant basses, airy choir-like sounds or biting leads, Carbon8X's filter section ensures unparalleled sonic flexibility and expressiveness.
Reshape and modulate
Three high-resolution LFOs with variable waveforms, coupled with three fully independent envelope generators, provide extensive modulation possibilities. Each LFO features a range of shapes, including variable pulse width, dual-rate ramps and tempo-synced options, allowing for rhythmic and evolving modulation effects. The envelope generators, designed for AMP, MOD and FILTER, offer deep customization, enabling precise control over attack, decay, sustain and release stages for expressive shaping. With 12 modulation routes and four additional fixed routings, Carbon8X delivers an expressive, evolving sound. The modulation matrix provides seamless assignment of sources and destinations, allowing for complex movement, subtle dynamic shifts or aggressive transformations. Whether sculpting twisted rhythmic textures or sweeping cinematic synth textures, Carbon8X ensures unparalleled depth and flexibility in sound design.
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, allowing for exciting multi-layered compositions. With multiple playback and trigger modes, users can create evolving sequences that seamlessly adapt to performance dynamics. Coupled with the powerful onboard arpeggiator – programmable up to 32 steps – Carbon8X opens the door to boundless rhythmic and melodic exploration. Advanced features such as chord hold, inversions, transpose and sustain latch further enhance creative possibilities, making it easy to generate cascading harmonies, shifting textures and dynamic phrase variations. Whether crafting intricate polyrhythms, evolving drones or tight, driving sequences, Carbon8X provides a performance-ready toolkit that excels in both studio production and live performance settings.
Studio-grade effects included
Enhance your sound with three independent stereo effects engines, each offering in-depth customization and professional-grade processing. With 26 high-quality effects including rich, spacious reverbs, pristine delays, lush choruses, swirling phasers, dynamic flangers, tremolo, compressor and EQ, Carbon8X allows you to sculpt and refine every sonic detail. The effects engines support realtime parameter tweaking, enabling deep control over effect intensity, modulation rates, feedback and tonal shaping. Whether adding warmth and depth to pads, creating rhythmic delays for leads or fine-tuning dynamics with compression and EQ, the onboard effects provide an essential suite of tools for both studio production and live performance.
Looking to connect
With a comprehensive set of connectivity options, Carbon8X seamlessly integrates into any studio or live performance setup. Full-size MIDI in and out ports, along with USB MIDI, ensure effortless communication with external hardware, DAWs and software instruments. The inclusion of analog sync I/O allows for precise clock synchronization with modular gear, drum machines and sequencers, making it a powerful hub for complex performance rigs. Dedicated inputs for expression and sustain pedals enable dynamic realtime control over key parameters, enhancing playability and expressiveness. For those seeking even greater sonic potential, polychain support allows two Carbon8X units to be linked together, expanding the total polyphony to an impressive 16 voices – ideal for lush pads, complex harmonies, and expansive cinematic patches. Whether in the studio or on stage, Carbon8X delivers the flexibility and connectivity required for modern music production and performance.
Feel the sound
Built for both studio and stage, Carbon8X's rugged aluminum and steel chassis ensures durability while maintaining a sleek and professional aesthetic. The premium 37-key Fatar TP9/S keybed, featuring velocity sensitivity and aftertouch, delivers a highly responsive and expressive playing experience suited for nuanced performances. Performance controls include 29 endless encoders and 24 buttons, offering precise realtime parameter adjustments for effortless sound shaping. The assignable X/Y joystick adds an extra layer of expression, enabling dynamic pitch bends, filter sweeps and modulation depth control with intuitive, fluid movements. Additionally, multiple keyboard modes including mono, poly, unison and stack provide further flexibility for crafting juicy synth patches. Designed for both studio musicians and live performers, Carbon8X offers a robust and tactile interface that enhances creative freedom and hands-on control over every aspect of your sound.
Free ModalApp companion software
To further enhance creative workflow, the free ModalApp enables deep sound programming and patch management on macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS and Android. Available as a standalone application or as a VST3/AU plug-in, ModalApp allows users to dive into every synthesis parameter with an intuitive graphical interface, making sound design more accessible and inspiring. With seamless patch sharing, backup options and integration into digital audio workstations, Carbon8X ensures that musicians have the tools they need to craft, refine and expand their sonic universe.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | MOD-CARBON8X |
| Model Name | Carbon8X |
| Vendor | Modal Electronics |
| Aftertouch | Yes |
| Analog Digital | Digital |
| Built In Speakers | No |
| Included From Manufacturer |
USB-B to USB-A cable Power supply |
| Number of Keys | 61 |
| Key Size | Full Size Keys |
| Midi | In, Out, and USB |
| Mono Poly | Polyphonic |
| MPN | CARBON8X |
| 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 | 19.9 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 | 34.8" |
| Depth | 11.8" |
| Height | 4" |
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.
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