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Next-generation sound design with revolutionary oscillators
At the heart of the CARBON8M lies its dual oscillator design, each boasting 56 cores. This allows users to select from 18 powerful algorithms and 38 wavetables, creating anything from warm analogue-style tones to intricate, otherworldly soundscapes. Ideal for sculpting sharp leads, epic pads, or complex rhythmic textures, these oscillators provide an extraordinary range of raw sonic material. Real-time parameter control ensures that every adjustment brings new depth and nuance to your creations, keeping performances lively and evolving. This fusion of powerful oscillators and hands-on control makes CARBON8M a truly limitless sound exploration platform.
Massive filter section for total tonal control
CARBON8M’s filter capabilities are just as impressive as its sound engine. With 34 available filter types, musicians can carve their sounds with surgical precision or introduce warm, vintage character as needed. Options range from classic ladder low-pass designs to modern state-variable morphable filters, alongside more exotic choices like notch combinations and drive-infused variations. Morph parameters allow dynamic movement between filter types, opening up endless tonal transitions and spectral animations. No matter if you seek silky-smooth sweeps, aggressive growls, or resonant drones, CARBON8M’s filter section delivers unmatched tonal flexibility.
Deep modulation and expressive performance tools
The CARBON8M offers three flexible LFOs, each capable of high-resolution waveforms including variable slope triangles and dual-rate ramps. Combined with three independent envelope generators, you can precisely modulate pitch, filter, amplitude, or any other parameter within your patch. A sophisticated 12-slot modulation matrix allows for complex routing schemes, empowering you to build evolving, dynamic sounds easily. Whether you want gentle movement within a pad or chaotic rhythmic modulations in a sequence, the modulation options are designed to bring your music to life.
Sequencing and arpeggiation designed for creativity
The onboard 512-note real-time/step sequencer features four animation lanes, letting users create intricate melodic, rhythmic, or parameter-based sequences. Each note and animation value can be entered easily, while flexible trigger modes offer endless possibilities for pattern development. The 32-step arpeggiator, complete with Chord Hold, Inversions, and Transpose functions, adds additional rhythmic sophistication to your performances. Whether you are building complex evolving phrases or tight, punchy riffs, CARBON8M’s sequencing and arpeggiation tools are ready to inspire new ideas at every turn.
Studio-grade effects and deep connectivity
Enhance your sounds with CARBON8M’s three-slot stereo effects engine. Choose from 26 polished algorithms, including shimmering reverbs, warm choruses, phasers, flangers, tremolos, EQs, compressors, and more. The ability to finely tweak every effect parameter allows full integration into both live and studio workflows. Full-size MIDI In and Out, USB-MIDI, and 3.5mm sync I/O ensure easy connection to any rig. Sustain and expression pedal inputs further expand performance possibilities. Plus, poly-chaining two CARBON8 devices doubles the voices to 16, ideal for grand, layered soundscapes and cinematic textures.
Rugged build quality with flexible setup options
Constructed from durable steel and aluminium, CARBON8M is built for serious musicians and demanding environments. It sits comfortably on a desktop or can be installed in a 19” rack using the included brackets. With 13 switched encoders, 13 endless encoders, 9 responsive buttons, and a dynamic X/Y joystick for real-time pitch or modulation control, every sound sculpting action feels natural and immediate. MPE compatibility ensures seamless integration with the latest expressive MIDI controllers, allowing a deeper level of interaction and creativity.
Massive memory and powerful software support
Out of the box, CARBON8M comes loaded with 300 factory patches crafted by top-tier sound designers. With a total of 500 patch slots available, along with 100 custom FX configurations and 100 sequencer preset slots, there is no shortage of creative space. The free MODALapp software offers full editing capabilities, patch management, and firmware updates across macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, and Android, making CARBON8M the ultimate tool for serious producers and performers looking to push the boundaries of digital synthesis.
Modal Electronics CARBON8M offers an entirely new approach to modern synthesis with outstanding sound quality, limitless modulation, powerful sequencing, and unrivaled versatility, all packed into a sleek and rugged design.
Features
- 8-voice polyphonic desktop or rackmount synthesizer with included rack brackets
- Dual oscillators with 56 cores each and 18 algorithms plus 38 wavetables
- 34 filter types including morphable, vintage, and modern configurations
- Three high-resolution LFOs and three envelope generators for deep modulation
- 12-slot modulation matrix for advanced routing and dynamic sound shaping
- 512-note real-time and step sequencer with four independent animation lanes
- 32-step programmable arpeggiator with Chord Hold, Inversions, and Transpose
- Three-slot stereo FX engine with 26 studio-quality effects
- Full-size MIDI I/O, USB-MIDI, 3.5mm sync I/O, sustain and expression pedal inputs
- Poly-chain support for up to 16 voices by linking two CARBON8 units
- Rugged steel and aluminium chassis for desktop or 19" rackmount use
- 13 switched encoders, 13 endless encoders, 9 buttons, and X/Y joystick for intuitive control
- 500 patch slots, 100 FX presets, and 100 sequencer presets with 300 factory sounds preloaded
- MPE support for expressive performance with compatible controllers
- MODALapp editor software for visual patch editing, management, and firmware updates on all major platforms
Specifications
- Polyphony: True 8 Voice Polyphonic
- MPE: Supports MPE-Compatible MIDI Controllers, Allowing You To Apply Polyphonic Control And Expression To Individual Notes
- Oscillators: Two Independent High-Resolution Digital Oscillators
- Digital Core Waveforms: 56 Complex Digital Core Waveforms Per Oscillator, Including 18 Digital Algorithms And 38 Sophisticated Wavetables
- XCore Modifiers: Advanced XCore Modifiers Including Wave Shape, Wave Fold, Phase Distortion, And Others
- Extended Oscillator Drift: Included
- Vintage Parameter: Included
- Filter: 34 Resonant Filter Types Including Morphable And Static Filters
- Cutoff Scaling: Two Distinctive Modes
- Filter Types: Multiple Filter Types Available
- Modulation:
- Envelope Generators: Three Dedicated Envelope Generators For AMP, MOD And FILTER, Including Negative (Reverse) Versions
- LFOs: Three Audio-Rate LFOs With Tempo Sync (Two Poly, One Global) With Over 15 Different Shapes
- Modulation Slots: Eight Assignable Modulation Slots And Four Additional Fixed Modulation Routings
- Modulation Sources/Destinations: 12 Modulation Sources And 55 Modulation Destinations
- Sequencer And Arpeggiator:
- Real-Time Sequencer: Polyphonic, 512 Notes, Four Recordable/Edit Parameter Animations, Internal Or External Clock
- Step Sequencer: 64 Steps, 8 Notes Per Step, 4 Lanes Of Parameter-Lock Style Animation, Multiple Playback Modes Including Gate Modes And Rest Functionality
- Arpeggiator: Programmable, 32 Steps With Rest Capability, Up To 2048 Steps Before Repeating
- FX: Three Independent And User-Configurable Stereo FX Engines With 26 Effects Algorithms Including Drive, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Tremolo, LoFi, Rotary, Stereo Delay, Ping-Pong Delay, X-Over Delay And Reverb
- User Memory:
- Patch Memories: 500 Total, 300 Factory Programs
- Sequencer Presets: 100, Linkable To Any Patch
- FX Presets: 100
- Quick Recall Slots: 8 Slots Accessible From The Panel
- Controls And Performance:
- Encoders And Buttons: 13 Switched Encoders, 13 Encoders, 9 Buttons
- Joystick: 4-Axis Joystick Assignable To Multiple Modulation Destinations With Lock Option
- Voice Modes: Mono, Poly, Unison 2, Unison 4, Unison 8, Stack 2 And Stack 4
- Glide/Portamento: Both Legato And Staccato Modes
- Chord Invert Control: For Creating Chord Inversions And Variations
- Inputs And Outputs:
- Line Outputs: 6.35 mm / 1/4″ TS Dual-Mono
- Headphone Output: 6.35 mm / 1/4″ TRS
- Stereo Audio Input: 3.5 mm / 1/8″ TRS
- MIDI: DIN In And Out
- Clock Sync: 3.5 mm / 1/8″ TS Analogue Clock Sync In And Out
- USB MIDI: Class-Compliant MIDI Over USB
- Expression Pedal Input: 6.35 mm / 1/4″ TRS
- Sustain Pedal Input: 6.35 mm / 1/4″ TS
- Enclosure And Display:
- Enclosure: Tabletop-Style With Brackets For 19″ 3U Rackmount (Requires 1U Free Space Above Or Right-Angled Connectors)
- Display: 1.54-Inch Large OLED Display
- Power: DC-9.0V – 1.5A Centre-Positive
- Editor Software: Free MODALapp Software Editor Available For macOS, Windows, iOS And Android. VST3 And AU Versions Available
- General:
- Dimensions (L × W × H): 384 × 127 × 81 mm / 15.1″ × 5″ × 3.2″
- Weight: 2.1 kg / 4.6 lbs
- Product Code: CARBON8M
