18 XCore modifiers (waveshaper, ring modulation, hardsync, phasedistortion...)
Multimode morphing filter with 34 resonant filter types
Modulation matrix with 8 slots
3 ADSR envelopes
3 LFOs with BPM sync and audio rate
X/Y joystick controller
3 effect blocks with 26 algorithms
Complex arpeggiator
Step sequencer with 512 steps and motion recorder
100 sequencer patterns
100 FX presets
500 presets (300 Factory & 200 user)
The Modal Electronics Carbon8 at a glance
With the Carbon8, Modal Electronics presents an eight-voice polyphonic synthesizer with sophisticated digital sound generation. The velocity-sensitive 37-key Fatar keyboard with channel aftertouch immediately conveys a good playing feel. The brushed steel surface, together with the high-quality controls, makes a binding impression. Thanks to the OLED display, all important actions are always in view, even the waveform is displayed like on an oscilloscope. The purely digital sound generation of the Carbon8 comprises two oscillators, which generate their sounds based on 18 algorithms and 38 Wavetables. The filter is a multimode morphing filter with 34 variants. This is followed by three effect blocks and plenty of modulation options. This synthesizer sounds very unique and is particularly recommended for ambient, evolving sounds and will make the heart of many a sound designer beat faster.
Synthesis & filter
At the heart of the Carbon8 are the two high-resolution oscillators, which offer a Mix of 18 algorithms and 38 wavetables, i.e. a total of 56 waveform models. To process the oscillators, 18 XCore modifiers are available at oscillator level, including wavefolding, waveshaper, ring modulation, hardsync, phasedistortion and bitcrushing, which represent an astonishing extension of the existing spectrum. A nice detail are the vintage parameters, with which the accurate "circuits" (oscillator drift, filter, envelope behavior...) can be shifted towards the component-related inaccuracies of old synthesizers. In this way, the best possible vintage sound is achieved. The carefully created sound is then processed by a multimode morphing filter, which is a treasure trove for crazy sound design with 34 resonant filter types.
Modulation & Controller
There's no room for boredom with the Carbon8, thanks to the versatile assignable modulation sources. In addition to the three dedicated ADSR envelopes for VCA, VCF and MOD, there are three LFOs that can be operated either BPM-synchronized or up to the audio range. An X/Y joystick not only replaces the pitch and mod wheels, but is also an independent modulation source. Modulations that are not permanently connected can be freely assigned in the modulation matrix. A total of eight slots can be assigned with 12 sources and 55 destinations.
Effects
Three powerful and independent stereo effect processors with a total of 26 effect algorithms add the finishing touches to any sound. or delays that make you forget time and space, spacey reverbs, jet-like flangers, pleasantly wafting phaser and chorus effects or noisy LoFi effects can be assigned to any Patch. There are 100 memory locations for effect combinations.
Sequencer, Arpeggiator & app
The Carbon8's sequencer has space for up to 100 patterns, which can be freely linked to the sounds. Each pattern can be up to 512 steps (32 bars) long and can record up to four additional parameters in the sequence in addition to the polyphonic note information. As an option to the sequencer, an extensively programmable, polyphonic arpeggiator with a length of 32 steps is also available. With 300 factory presets and 200 user patches, you have direct access to 500 sounds to start with. The instrument can be conveniently edited via iOS, or X, Windows and Android using the free MODALAPP. The app also gives you access to other modulation sources and makes it easy to swap memory locations or load in new sounds.
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