Product Information

Founded on Modal Electronics’ next-generation COBALT synth architecture and housed in an ultra-portable go-anywhere footprint, the USB-powered COBALT5S is made-to-move and ready to spark your creativity wherever, and whenever inspiration strikes. Whether it’s a singularly authentic replication of classic analogue sounds, or the most contemporary leading-edge texture, COBALT5S’ extended virtual analogue sound engine delivers on all counts.

COBALT5S takes inspiration from the iconic sound of it’s analogue forebears, transcending any and all limitations to take a leading edge synth architecture, truly mobile – from sultry basslines, to expansive, mutating beds and everywhere in between, COBALT5S is not just modeling run-of-the-mill analogue sounds, this is Beyond Analogue, Anywhere.

Perform anywhere using a next-generation Extended Virtual-Analogue Synthesis engine

Create everything from classic to cutting-edge sounds driven by 40 complex sophisticated algorithms and Modal’s morphable 4-pole Ladder Filter

Experience a new level of performance with MPE support, an integrated Realtime/Step Sequencer and dual FX engines

Express yourself with a 37-note compact-key bed with aftertouch, an intuitive X/Y/Z touch pad and 16 switched encoders

Integrate COBALT5S into your existing setup or power it via USB for on-the-go use

Access all synth functions via the free MODALapp, available on macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, Android and AU/VST3

Specifications

Polyphony

• True 5 voice polyphonic

MPE

• Supports MPE-compatible MIDI controllers, allowing you to apply polyphonic control and expression to individual notes

Oscillators

• 40 high-resolution virtual-analogue oscillators, up to 8 per voice
• Two independent and self-contained oscillator groups with sine, pulse, triangle, sawtooth waveforms, 40 different algorithms including: complex analogue synthesis techniques, built-in crossmodulation (SYNC, RM, and many more), PWM, smooth morphing between VA waves, bit crushing, filtered noise.
• Extended Oscillator Drift

Filter

• 4-Pole Morphable Ladder Filter with Resonance and four switchable configurations
• Resonance and Balanced Filter Modes

Modulation

• Three dedicated envelope generators for AMP, MOD and FILTER that can be accessed independently or all three simultaneously including negative (reverse) versions for MOD and FILTER ENVs
• Two LFO’s with tempo sync (one poly, one global) with seven different shapes
• Eight assignable modulation slots and four additional fixed modulation routings for common assignments with 11 modulation sources and 41 modulation destinations

Sequencer and Arpeggiator

• Polyphonic realtime sequencer with 512 notes and four recordable/editable parameter animations (Delay FX, LFO’s, sequencer and arpeggiator can be either clocked internally or externally)
• Polyphonic Step Sequencer with 64 steps, 5 notes per step, 4 lanes of Parameter-Lock style animation, Step Input mode, multiple playback modes including gate modes and rest function
• Built-In sophisticated programmable arpeggiator of 32 steps with rest capability and up to 2048 steps before repeating

FX

• Two incredibly powerful independent and user-configurable stereo FX engines for Chorus and Stereo Delay

User Memory

• 300 patch memories, all fully editable; ships with 200 factory programs
• 100 sequencer presets that can be linked to any patch for quickly loading arrangements
• 4 Quick Recall slots accessible from the panel for quickly loading your favourite patches

Controls and Performance

• Premium 37 compact-key keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch
• 16 switched encoders support realtime CC message transmissions to other MIDI devices or DAWs
• Five-axis X/Y/Z pressure-sensitive touchpad for pitch bend, mod wheel and/or modulation assignments
• Multiple keyboard modes, Mono, Poly, Stack 2, Unison 2, Unison 4
• Glide/Portamento with both legato and staccato modes

Inputs and Outputs

• 6.35 mm / 1/4″ TS line outputs
• 6.35 mm / 1/4″ TRS headphone output
• MIDI DIN In and Out
• 3.5 mm / 1/8″ TS Analogue clock sync In and Out
• Class compliant MIDI over USB connection
• 6.35 mm / 1/4″ TS sustain pedal input

Enclosure and Display

• Durable polycarbonate enclosure
• Monochrome OLED display for instant visual feedback at all times of playing/editing

Power

• Power: DC-9.0V – 1.5A centre-positive or USB-bus powered

Editor Software

• Free MODALapp software editor available for macOS, Windows, iOS and Android
• MODALapp can also be run within your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), with VST3 and AU versions available

General

• Dimensions (L x W x H): 56.5 x 16.2, x 5.7 cm / 22.24” x 6.38” x 2.24”
• Weight: 2.4 kg / 5.3 lbs