BoBeats Explores the Modal Electronics Carbon8: A Synth Worth the Hype?

The Rocky Road of Modal Electronics

BoBeats begins our journey by taking us back to 2020, the year when Modal Electronics made waves with the release of the Argon 8, a synth well-regarded for its wavetable tech and attractive price. Despite the Argon 8’s harsher tonal qualities, it drew attention for being a solid entry in its class. Hot on its heels came the Cobalt 8, bringing a different flavour with its virtual analog oscillators. It was a sound that captured many hearts over the Argon, proving Modal’s knack for diversifying their offerings. However, despite building a promising portfolio, financial turbulences soon overshadowed their progress, threatening to pull the plug on their synth-making ambitions altogether. A glimmer of hope emerged with the restructuring news in 2023, when they wheeled out a fresh entry – the Carbon 8.

"And for a while it looked like the company would disappear forever."

Carbon 8: A Familiar Yet Innovative Soundscape

"But having used the Argon 8 and the Cobalt 8 quite a lot, I will say that the Carbon 8 is probably my favorite flavor so far."

In classic BoBeats style, we’re introduced to the Modal Electronics Carbon 8, a synth that seemed to have slipped through the cracks of the digital showcase. Its specifications list might read like a familiar script, echoing its predecessors with its digital oscillators and algorithms. Yet, there’s a sense of refinement, a polishing of the rough edges. With its eight voices, the Carbon 8 synthesizer mixes in both wavetables and algorithms, showcasing a bridge between the Argon and Cobalt series. It’s a bit like merging the DNA of an apple and an orange, but somehow, it works. BoBeats delves into the sonic character, finding it distinct and rather relishable, with presets that shine brighter than what’s usually expected in a digital synthesizer. The ability to shape sounds from mellow warmth to sharp digital edges gives the Carbon 8 a praiseworthy flexibility. And, much like a bloody good pint at the local pub, it’s the kind of versatility that keeps you coming back for more. To top it off, there’s the promise of Modal working on new products, hinting at an exciting horizon for synth enthusiasts.

Behind the Build: Quality and Knobs

BoBeats doesn’t shy away from critiquing where it’s needed, tackling the thorny issue of build quality next. Modal’s known for a robust physical feel, with the Carbon 8 encapsulating a hefty, durable build—a sturdy brick that could survive a tour van tumble. However, there’s a recurring problem knocking on the synth’s door: the knobs. They’re plasticky, lacking texture, and feel somewhat out of place against the metal heft of the chassis. It’s as if someone decided to stick matchsticks onto an iron framework. Yet, they seem to last, which is a small victory. Modal appears to be aware of this dissonance, and there’s hope that future iterations might sport something a bit more tactile and less reminiscent of a cheap toy.

Innovative Playgrounds: The Sound Design Experience

Here, BoBeats kicks off a deep dive into the creative potential housed within the Carbon 8. Starting from scratch, he paints a picture of an instrument that invites exploration, much like a wide-open field waiting for sonic seeds to be sown. With a well-laid-out interface, the synth allows for an intuitive journey through its features—two oscillators, the vast array of wavetables, and adjustable parameters like drift for that cherished analogue detune vibe. The use of LFOs and the modulation matrix transform the sound design process into a playground of possibilities. The ease of navigating these capabilities is akin to breezing through a slick London street on a bicycle—effortlessly eye-opening. The reverb and delay effects add dimensions, albeit with a clunky interface that makes choosing effects feel like a treasure hunt. Nevertheless, the sonic results speak for themselves as the sounds range from lush and enveloping to downright grizzly, reminiscent of a rowdy night out.

The Filter is the Real Star

As BoBeats turns his attention to the filter section, we discover where the Carbon 8 truly shines. With over 30 types, the digital filters here are given a thumbs up for their impressive emulation of their analog counterparts. The dual low-pass filter, in particular, stands out like a punk rocker at a ballroom dance, providing resonant peaks that add depth and character to the sound. The envelopes, once critiqued for lacking responsiveness, have been honed to offer a nimbler experience, allowing for quick adjustments. BoBeats highlights the synth’s ability to achieve rich, textured tones, likening the experience to finding the perfect worn-in leather jacket amidst a pile of fast-fashion knock-offs. It’s about depth, quality, and the sweet spot that melds unique flair with digital precision.

"Just a bit of attack."

Final Thoughts: Future, Comparisons and Criticisms

BoBeats wraps up with a barrage of thoughts about the Modal Carbon 8 and its place in the broader synth landscape. There’s a breath of fresh air here, recognising the Carbon 8 as possibly the best in Modal’s lineup, yet acknowledging it comes with caveats. At around a grand in euros, it’s not the kind of gear you’d buy on a whim. The price puts it in the ring with the likes of the Korg Multipoly and HydraSynth, each with their punches, from multi-timbral abilities to superior build quality. BoBeats does point out a pressing drawback, though: the eight modulation slots feel like a bottleneck for adventurous sound design. Improvements with visual representations of modulation changes are also on the wishlist. Yet, for those who can grapple with these quirks, the Carbon 8 offers a fascinating blend of synth history and technological advancement. As Modal continues to navigate its post-restructuring phase, this synth stands as a testament to their resilience and innovation.