VA is a bold claim these days because it (to many of us snobs) was a little bit of a turn off back in the older days, because there was the virus TI, and then everything else. Remember the Gaia? Fortunately this I think created a sort of bar, so if you're releasing a VA these days, you'd better bring "Virus TI" levels of sound quality to the table. And do it for less! Lol. Virus just too damn expensive STILL! Fortunately I've spent enough time with 5s to vouch for it. It'll hang with anything in a mix. Certainly isn't trying to be a virus or any other synth. 5s is just a really big breath of fresh air. It Outshined my 008 on several jam session occasions. VA may as well just be re-acromymed to VERY AFFORDABLE and no associated with anything trying to be analog. let it be judged on sound and offerings.
This VA and real analogue both have reduced voice counts so equal on that point analogue plus -you get the 'live' feeling instability of analogue va plus - you might get updates and so more featrues at a later date va minus - tame filter analogue minus - 1 filter type va plus - more than 1 filter type va plus - many wave types analogue minus - limited wave types
@@MajorOSC hehe, I would not compare this to the virus TI.... virus TI eats cobalt for breakfast... ok, TI is expensive, definetly not a toy, but it gives you 16 parts, 25-50 voices, and 10x more features... but nevermind, I`m not arguing, everything is subjective, especially in electronic music gears...
@@adamsipos84 did nothing of the sort. Merely pointing out that the virus TI held the bar for what a "great" VA" should be for years. I'm sitting next to a 61 key ti2 as well as the 5s. 5s will hang with big boy synths but I suppose it depends. For sound quality 5s hangs with bigger synths well. Range of sounds is a different matter altogether. For variety of sounds, something like a Virus TI2 can eat just about anything it likes for breakfast. The TI2 can even bend space time to some extent. I'm actually 73 years old. ;)
Great review and overview as always, Bo. To me, I think the 5S is a good reminder that the 8 is such great value for money. The Cobalt 8 has actually been off my radar since I thought it was a wavetable synth like the Argon, and the sound of wavetable synthesis sounds harsh and grating to my ears (presumably the variable aliasing that happens when you start doing maths operations on wavetables). I just realised the Cobalt is VA, in which case I am far more interested.
I was very interested in the Cobalt8 until I listened to the filter. It just doesn't have the kind of grit I appreciate from analogue filters, it sounds too clean and well-behaving to my ears. That said, the Cobalt8 is indeed great value for the money. A strong contender to it is the Korg Minilogue XD, which, aside from having two truely analogue oscillators, has a third digital oscillator that expands the sonic capabilities of it dramatically. And its filter is truly gorgeous if you ask me. That said, there's no doubt that the Cobalt8 can be pushed to sound far more extraterrestrial than then Minilogue XD for a similar price. Also, the Cobalt8 is 8 notes polyphony whereas the Minilogue XD is only 4.
@@sinewaymusic That is a good point. The XD is indeed a lovely-sounding synth, and the filter is always a big part of the equation. I also quite like the layout of the XD which leads the eye and your hands exactly where they need to go very quickly even the first time you play one.
@@hakonsoreide Yes, the XD is super intuitive since it's so simple. Personally, I miss a second LFO and a proper second envelope, but I'm being greedy. If I didn't have the XD, I probably would have bought the Cobalt8 despite its less exciting filter, simply because it's so much more versatile. But since I already had analogue covered, I don't feel the need for a virtual analogue too, so I instead went for something distinctly digital to complete my sonic palette: the Hydrasynth Explorer. I know, that is probably the last synth you'd ever consider, Hakon, given your dismissal of the Argon8 and wavetable synthesis, but to my ears, after having listened to so many patch examples ranging from Moog-sounding 70s leads to completely extraterrestrial pads from the 2040s, it sounds like one of the most versatile synths ever made. And at the current price point, it's honestly a steal.
@@sinewaymusic I think you missed my point about the Argon. It sounds grating to _my_ ears. My ears are not yours or anyone else's. We all hear things differently, just like we see colours differently, taste differently etc. What sounds good to one person can literally be jarring and harsh to someone else. It's nothing to do with habit or acquired taste or anything like that, but simply our brains interpreting sensory information differently. Sound isn't objective, it only exists as an illusion created by our brains.
@@hakonsoreide Absolutely, and indeed I misunderstood your post. I thought you said you dismissed the Cobalt because you thought it was wavetable synthesis, which you then described as jarring. In any case, I was actually choosing between the Argon and the Hydrasynth and ultimately chose the later, mainly for the sound of the filters.
I made up the price in my head at 450 euro, checked Thomann and it says for my country 444 euro, so spot on. I already have an Argon8 and I know how excellent the build quality it on these synths, so I think it's a good price for what you would get. However as I really dislike mini keys, this wouldn't be a synth for me, I would get or the Cobalt8 or the Cobalt8X.
I'm pleased to see the familiar Modal logic behind controllers. I've been considering the Cobalt 8, I have an Argon 8. I think this is designed for a more close relationship with a computer, although clearly the portability is a key element in the marketing of this little chap. I just don't have the headspace for layers in programming with so much other hardware and I don't want to assign a terminal to it or plug and unplug from the Modal app but for someone who's looking for a keyboard alongside a DAW it has great powers and compactness on it's side. Great little biscuit, just not right for me.
You'd be interested to know the 5s has completely overhauled chorus effect. This makes a huge difference. As to my knowledge the new chorus will remain as a 5s exclusive for the time being. I think it makes a big difference in overall sound. Also the portability is a huge difference Maker for some, not all, but combined with the core capabilities it'll be great value for many.
@@MajorOSC thats pretty interesting, had no idea about that change. this should be made more clear from Modal. Of course, portability is a factor and most of the time I´m going for the desktop version of a synth, because of that.
@@BoBeats totally agree with you! I am always looking for the smaller desktop versions because of that. too bad that most of the time you have some disadvantages like less voices or stuff like that.
@@thenamelessastronautcertainly possible that the new chorus it might get ported over to the 8 which would make any claims of exclusivity in videos outdated. If you watch the official quick dive on 5s introduction it's mentioned. :)
I was looking for a stereo reverb to pair with the 5s but I stumbled upon the Chroma Console and I have been on a sonic sound design bliss ever since pairing the two.
i think Minilogue XD is the king of beginner synths. I think 5S is a bit more complicated to grasp. But a Cobalt8 isnt a bad choice. Easier to use since it has more buttons and knobs.
@@BoBeats Thank you so much for getting back to me. The xd is out of my budget, but the OG Minilogue works. I have some nice guitar pedals I can connect to it that I think will work well. I so appreciate your input. 💗
Neat! Can it transpose Sequence? Or, if ARP pattern is recorded like you did, what happens when you play chord with, not single note, like in the vid? TNX!
Surprised they even made this to be honest. I have a Skulpt and Argon 8 37. I would just get the Cobalt 8m and use it with Arturia Key Step or similar. Will be interesting to see if this is a big seller or not. I'm not convinced it will be, but good luck to them. My summary would be: surely must people have a small keyboard and I'd rather keep the extra voices,lfos and joystick, plus this isn't pretty at all (is it?), but the bigger ones ARE actually good looking synths
Oh hot damn! It has 5 pin din midi!! That is a real plus now days! Mini VA metal framed synth with a good sequencer that records more than 1 bar!! See? Thats the point! VA? eh. But VA with value added features.. AAAAHH!
Just watched a few videos , why would I not just get a mininova or a hydrasynth explorer I mean the difference in price doesn’t really equate to the difference in features imho.
Idk why but I've always had a temptation to purchase a synthesizer just like this, but then I remember that I have basically no musical talent and would just make random noises all day.
The X-Y pad is actually an X-Y-Z pad ... it is pressure sensitive and so the pressure input is the Z :D (someone may prefer the X-Y joystick but this pad would have another level of expression with pressure too) - that combined with aftertouch keys makes this look like a really expressive small portable synth.
I love how in this video he labels what sounds are coming from the cobalt and what sounds aren't. That way noobs like myself or people new to the synth can actually know in a multi synth jam/demonstration/showcase what sounds are coming from the showcased synth. I helps eliminate lots of confusion. I think this is something that a lot of synth reviewers and synth jammers neglect to do is show the audience exactly what sounds are coming from what synths. I think it is very important that reviewers and jammers show their audience what is actually happening in the performance. I think that brings entertainment value and education value up by miles. Good job Bo!
I have the 8X, and I've got to say, the Cobalt is one of the nicest sounding virtual analog synths money can buy. Love the Argon too. I'm not a fan of mini keys either, but it's the best compromise on a synth that's aimed at being portable. Looking forward to the next Modal synth announcement !
What about midi? Looks like it has in and out. Were u controlling diff osc w ur groovebox towards the start of the vid or just different octaves? How is it as a controller? How ez is it to switch midi channels when controlling ext gear?
Wow... never heard a synth with so much interesting and usable presets! The Modal team has a good taste! I had the small Skulpt, I liked the sound, but to be honest, the user interface and workflow were horrible. And the Modal app crashed literally seconds after starting it... all the time. I hope Modal did some rework or update on the app, because it really would be worth it!
This seems kinda nice to me. I have a really small (like really really small) space for my equipment, and I don't particularly want a digital synth that's full sized (or even cobalt og size) for that reason. But one this size could fit my set up...and I'm a fan of mini keys, though I like hydrasynths minikeys best (and don't have that one either).. depends on the price. It seems competitive with the 1010 fireball.
Basically, this made me want a Cobalt 8. For me, the X,Y expression pad had a very notchy, ratchety quality when you were moving up or down on the Y axis. As for the key bed and encoders, it's interesting that some manufacturers in this price range seem to offer a pretty good key bed, while others opt for this "ehh... it's OK" level of quality (same with the encoders). It's like there's some sort of in-house culture with certain manufacturers that just fails to recognize that, within the synth community, word DOES travel fairly effectively as to whether or not a given synth has a good key bed. Every single time I see a review from Bo, Midlife, SonicState, Red Means Recording, or Loopop (when I can get through a protracted Loopop review without screaming, because of the insanely annoying and artificially "expressive" gestures of the disembodied hands ((sorry, but I had to say that)) ) and there's mention of a mediocre key bed, I have exactly the same thought "Hmm, if that were MY company, I'd have spent another $15 per unit on the keys, and bumped up the price by $20 to cover it." However, for some reason, it's like so many of these manufacturers are more concerned with hitting a price point than just going ahead and putting a pleasing keyboard on their entry level (and some mid-level) units.
Already having a Cobalt 8 -- which I love -- I do not need the 5S. But if I didn't have the C8 and wanted to get a similar synth for less money, the 5S would definitely be a good choice for me.
Nice but I got my Cobalt 8m for an amazing price last year, roughly the price of this. My kid’s guitar teacher is looking to get into synths and I was recommending the 8m to him.
Thanks for your review! Based on the little bit I've seen so far, my big complaint with the Cobalt5S compared to a Cobalt8 is the mini keys. Losing 3 voices isn't a huge deal, given the way Modal's oscillator algorithm add what I'd call pseudo voices. Losing the third LFO might hurt? I'm not so sure yet. I do agree that it could use some more slots in the mod matrix, especially given the depth of the track pad. I about had my heart -- and wallet -- set on a Cobalt8, and I still may, given the mini-keys on the 5S. I'll have to give a closer look to my planned usage to make up my own mind, but I do think this is a good move for Modal as it gives them a nice option that will compete well with the Hydrasynth Explorer, the IK Uno Pro, and others.
I’m going to add an update to my previous comment, having used my Cobalt5S for a few weeks now. I love it, except for the keys. Arturia’s keybed is much better. And yes, one more LFO might have been nice, but when isn’t another LFO a nice thing to have? 😉
I already have the Modal Cobalt 5S for a few days. It is really surprising how in such a small size they have managed to offer the sound and performance of a very large synthesizer. I'm looking forward to a Cobalt 8-style firmware update. That would be great. ❤ Ya tengo el Modal Cobalt 5S desde hace unos días. Es realmente sorprendente, cómo en un tamaño tan pequeño han conseguido ofrecer un sonido y unas prestaciones de un sintetizador muy grande. Espero impaciente una actualización del firmware al estilo del Cobalt 8. Sería grandioso.
Great review as always BoBeats. A fine synth engine in a cool little package. Shame it can't load Cobalt8 banks atm but maybe that can be added. Also I hope that the new chorus algorithm makes it's way to the bigger brother:) The portability/space factor is tempting though!
Nice review! Big sound for such a small guy. Does it qualify as a midi controler? Like an Arturia Key Step with a sound generator? Looking at the compact size, this could be a good application for it.
I picked mine up for $271 and I'll have it in my lab tomorrow afternoon. My hope is to have a smaller form factor synth with some big boy impact on my Lo-Fi & Cinematic tracks
Loss of a joystick is sad I’d say it’s one of the features that attracted me too my Argon8. But this synth is awesome. Really Modal well done it looks great and reminds me in looks of the first Basstation from the early 90’s (pure coincidence)
I've noticed that you've almost completely stopped saying what you think about the devices you test. It's a helpful walkthrough of it, but was it fun to use? What are some good alternatives to it? Rather than pushing the discussion down to us viewers, it would be more valuable to get some impressions from you who is the synth expert.
Its not that I have stopped. Theres plenty of that if you look back through my video catalogue. Its more that I can’t force myself to express an opinion if I have nothing of value to say. But I hear you and I feel encouraged by your comment. Sometimes I feel like I am just saying nothing of value so its good to know that you miss my perspective!
@@BoBeats I particularly appreciate when you are more open about the emotions a product evoke to you. Whether it's enjoyable, frustrating or somewhere in between. I'd also love to hear more about for which people you think a product might be suitable for. As a GAS-infused nerd, it's refreshing sometimes to hear that "this synth probably isn't for you unless..." :) Keep it up and thanks for your passion!
BoBeats. Would you consider exchanging a Modal Cobalt 5s for a Roland SE-02? Thanks in advance for your response. --- BoBeats. ¿Valorarías cambiar un Modal Cobalt 5s por un Roland SE-02?
1. I watched some videos about that synth, yours is the most precise and informative. So I plan to buy a Cobalt 5, BUT... 2. The company has disappeared in a sea of impressive debts. No site to be found any more. Which means... 3. Nowhere to download the APP from anymore. at least for Windows, BUT... 4. I suppose you have the app. Would you be so noble and generous to post it somewhere where the community could find it ? You would be showered with praise !
What i don’t really understand with the 5s is the market positioning. It should compete within the price range of let’s say the Microfreak or the Reface CS. Because with 450,- Euro price tag you are only 100,- away from the Cobalt 8 Module - or you go directly for the Hydrasynth Explorer beeing probably the better choice anyway. Especially because the Explorer is even 100,- below the Cobalt 8 with keys. For a synth in mini-keys-MIDI-format it could be a good option for those, who haven’t got some Keystep 37 or other Basic MIDI controller at their hands already. So getting a reface or 5s as a MIDI controller, which is also a synth in one go, is a reasonable thought for many just starting out into the world of synth gear. Simply because most haven’t got enough desktop real estate to collect multiple keyboard devices. And at least for me MIDI keys, that come with an arpeggiator and sequencer makes more sense than a small synth beeing your main MIDI key controller in the same go. But that's just me. Some love the CS as a synth and as their main MIDI keys, because the keys are nice on it. So in my eyes, the 5s is 100,- too expensive taking the C8 module into comparison. Just like the C8 is 100,- too expensive compared to the Explorer. Modal should correct that to become more competitive. And yes, it sounds good. Bu with so much choice in that range nowadays in hard- and software, analog and digital - what ever doesn’t sound good, has no chance at all anyway.
Great video, still no eating. When i seen the thumbnail i was "and I just picked up an 8m, damn." Don't feel bad now, still a great little bit of kit though. No GAS.
I think the mini keys are really good. Compared to all the mini keys I have tested, I think they are really good actually. Also don’t forget to mention that the sixteen (x3) knobs and the touch pad can be used to control other hardware or VST. So it is also a really compact midi controller.
I wish I waited for this first instead of buying a Skulpt, but this isn't saying I don't love my Skulpt 😅 guess I'll get this one too. Thank you for going through its differences from the 8-voice version, much appreciated!
I really wish someone would put something that is more portable out, in a similar size factor, or heck even 25 key. Something that is decent, which imo eliminates the Akia MPK Play 3. Looking for something that I can take with me to the beach, to the mountain top and just jam out something. The main issue with the Akai is simply the stock take with you sounds. I would be perfectly happy with VA and portable.
I think this synth is quite expensive compared to the Cobalt8M. So only if you don’t already own a midi keyboard and you are on an extreme tight budget it would make more sense to buy this than the 8M.
Good point about using an app to control a hardware synth. It seems like that defeats the point of hardware. I'm glad you focus on the hardware itself instead of the app, and glad that you dedicated time to the workflow in particular.
Great video as always. Personally, I am neutral about minikeys. I try to understand what the company is offering, and minikeys make a lot of sense in this case. The whole Modal lineup covers everything: C8M, C8, C8X, A8M, A8, A8X, and now the C5S model with minikeys. For the application is awesome. Imagine someone who wants a C8 but doesn't have the justification for it (money, space, usage, whatever), so, minikeys keep the cost down, and if it had full size keys then it would make the cost closer to the C8M, and if that was the case then getting the C8 would be much more buck for the money.
I just got this but I will be returning it. I’m not a fan of the interface at all but again that’s just my two cents. It does however sound really good and will try the cobalt 8 to see if that works better for me. Thanks for the review Bo
At 3:30 you played the exact chord of Kate Ryan's "Libertine" - and then you proceeded to play the chords in the right order haha. Som altid, endnu en god video. Tusind tak!
AC power optional. just no wall wart included. In the age of parts shortages, it'd be downright idiotic if supply of these was held up by lack of available wall-warts of the required voltage. The 5s runs superbly off USB power. The power adapter isn't really needed.
@@MajorOSC Well, that's your opinion. It's cutting costs for the manufacturer to the degree of not even supplying a power supply with it anymore, just use your own USB cable and wall connector. This was a thing before the current parts shortage It's just being cheap imo..
While having the sculpt and the CRAFTsynth it is the next step. I‘m was not pleased with the concept of the wavetables and hope to find a more „synthEngine“ under the hood. By the way: Bo…. I love your Chanel.
I´m really interested to know how the Keybed compares to Arturia KeyStep models (that I have and like). I loved to have a small Synth and a MIDI controller on the same package. But Keybed is very important to me (the feeling, travel, implementation.
Thanx for the rewiev. I Have the argon8, mostly because of the famazin killer keybed. . I would absolutely switch, untill you said what you said about the keys👍 if they were full size it would have been a No brainer for me, but then theres the cobalt 8 😂😂
How does the sound and sound design compare to the Reface DX? I see the Cobalt 5S goes a lot deeper. Would anyone recommend the Reface DX over the Cobalt 5S?
yeah weird, it should be a direct link. I've updated both links now. One is a search link for Thomann since the direct link doesnt work and the other is direct to Sweetwater. Thanks for letting me know.
