COBALT8 review & comparison with ARGON8 // Which synthesizer is right for you?! 

Want to pick up Cobalt or Argon? Use these affiliate links: Modal Electronics Cobalt8 EU: thmn.to/thoprod/506277?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/eDP4X Argon8 EU: thmn.to/thoprod/473936?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/0bKWL Argon8 module: EU: thmn.to/thoprod/483322?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/DE9vG Other good options: Korg Minilogue XD EU: thmn.to/thoprod/465932?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/Rxg72 Korg Wavestate EU: www.thomann.de/se/korg_wavestate.htm?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/6a3mE Novation Peak US imp.i114863.net/zQZYx EU: thmn.to/thoprod/412523?offid=1&affid=623 (Affiliate links means that I get a small commission if you buy something using them, at no cost to you)

For a channel called Bob Eats, you sure do a lot of synth content.

Thanks for sharing. This was a very thoughtful comparison of the two units and it leaves it up to our ear. It seems that your musical feel is also growing with each of your videos. Blessings.

Sounds really sweet! Thank you for the excellent review!

Great mix of sound demos and explanation! Love your videos!

Thank you! This was a tremendously helpful comparison!! But now, I want BOTH of them! 😃

The sound of the Cobalt is just incredible; I was instantly in love and am buying one after the holidays. Both machines are excellent but I just think the Cobalt sounds sublime. Thanks for the comparison review! 👍👍

Great video! I love the point at the end about the fact that hardware synths are more than their engines, that they are instruments :)

Great and informative reviews.thank you Loving my A8 and yes more mod slots please

Algorithm & bass now I have to get the Cobalt as well. Thank you so very much for doing this for us, an invaluable service.

That patch at 4:55 is crazy awesome! Fascinating step-by-step live comparison! Something did something to my brain when listening to the Cobalt8m, so I just bought one. Out of stock, but say they’ll arrive in April! Can’t bloody wait! 😃😎

Wow, that synths sound is just beautiful

"when you FINALLY finish some of that music you've been working on" that hit me a little too hard

Thank you so much for this. At 23:22 you made my decision, Cobalt all the way, so Warm, gorgeous sounds.

Great demo & comparison! 🎵 👍🏼 Thanks. 😌

They are both very nice synths but the cobalt 8 feels fresh so it will be for sure into my wishlist!

Pretty thorough and good comments pro and con. Thought your conclusion was great: software vs. hardware and the reasons why for both. :)

Thanks for this. Really balanced review. Personally I lean more to the Cobalt 8, although I'm not convinced that's not just because it looks so much better!

SO grateful! VERY helpful! Thank you! Peace

I went for the Cobalt 8 and the presets as they are blew my mind honestly this is a fantastic synth.

Totally different sounds, thanks for showing this. The Argon has a more aggressive clinical cold sound, whereas the Cobalt a definite warmer fuller smooth sound.

Thanks, Bo. Enjoyed the video, sound demos and comparison. The Argon8 has been on my radar for a while and this is a welcome addition to that line of synths.

Hopefully the next one is the Krypton8, lairy green and does FM.

I recently got both the Argon and the Cobalt modules because I personally like having options as far as sonic qualities and timbres. I’m the guy who will often say “why not both” instead of “one over the other” =] And this also includes having hardware and having software 😁

Hi Bo, as usual, once again, a great, useful and wellmade video, thank you. Do you know if, since you uploaded it, some points have been improved, like the number of available slots ?

The Cobalt seems really nice for ambient/space pads. I'd love it - and this is a wish for all slab units out there - if the UI graphic would react and display not just when you turn a control but when you first touch it. This way you could see what a setting is first without changing the value.

I think plenty of us want more mod slots, too.

The A8 is a little black monster. And for the Cobalt it can only be said again : the days where as purists claim for whatever reason that analog synths sound 'better' are over. Right on top Modal ! Again !

Goddamn the effects are fantastic

Love your closing comment between software vs hardware. As I watch these videos you get the perception that these sounds couldn't possibly get these great sounds out of software. As somebody who started in the painful hardware synth programming world when MIDI just became a thing and watched software synths mature into limitless options I think it's great that hardware manufacturers have taken notes on accessibility and instant satisfaction from software to hardware with the big advantage of tactile control you just can't get with a mouse or even multi-touch screen. Hardware has it's limitations but now its well mapped out and limited options often leads to endless exploring with no end result.

So nice to see synths coming out with non menu-based mod matrixes. This sounds absolutely lovely. I keep trying to trim my synth collection and then this comes along.

Hey Bo! I'm a little late to this party, but I just picked up an Argon 8 today. Completely agree with your comment on bringing in the distortion to give the synth a bit more body. Typically don't need much, but I find it gives a slightly more "analogue" character while still maintaining some of that complexity.

I like how and what you say at the end ! That this is a Instrument not just a Software what is runnig inside .. Thnks for the video

I had never considered getting the Cobalt 8 before. I never cared for the sounds I was hearing in peoples videos. That is until I watched your video. Another video nicely done Bo! I'll end up broke and smiling. Lol "Bo Beats video made me buuyy iiiiiiittttt!" :D

I accidentally figured out which one I like the best just now. it's like 6:00 in the morning and I have my eyes closed while watching this.he got to the comparison part and I had my eyes closed and as soon as it hit the argon 8I was like wow that's great period and open my eyes. Argon 8 is a great!

This synth would be great for trance. I want! But I have too many synths. Thx for the video Bo you do great reviews.

Bo, great review brother man. Do you know if there will be a Colbolt8x 61 key version soon?

Thank you .I recently bought Parallels and am pleased with your presets .It was very interesting to see both and many thanks for demonstrating this .Perhaps acquiring both would be a good investment .We are all different .I don't mind that it is sluggish because I am also sluggish .When it comes to creating music I don't want to hurry .I could not put a video together as well as you do .

Very nice! 👍 Keep the great work up Bo!

Thanks bo! And if you did mention the minilog. The second is real analog of course. Do you find difference in sound quality? there are many virtual analog synths, some can emulate nice and some are just weak especially the filter.

let me know what you think about it... Better than the Argon 8?!

Love the video. Thank for putting me on to a new synth. Definitely picking one up in the new year. Me personally, hardware over software.

I won't be hesitating to purchase one, different beast from the Argon8, i got the Argon 8x which i'm mightily impressed with, just same chassis and nob layout, brilliant idea i think! great vid Bo ;)

Love the two patches played at 3:58 (you said "keys type sounds") .. sound almost like physical modelling. Any chance you remember the preset name or algorithm chosen or anything else that gives me a clue how those sounds were made ?

I appreciate your review, it was very helpful. About hardware vs. software: software depends on computers, on the other hand, hardware works on its own. I am about to exchange my Mac pro for a new Mac Mini M1, but many of the programs I have will not work because the developers will not make any more updates. On the other hand, the hardware synth I have still works fine. I'll go with Cobalt8 for now, and maybe in the future I'll get an Argon8 or its successor.

Argon8 owner here. Agreed on the need for more mod slots. The reverb DROPS levels as you increase the mix. My personal unit suffered a manufacturing issue with the led light pipes falling out when I flipped it over to clean. Awaiting redesigned pipes from the UK (who knows when that will happen). I do say it's an attractive synth that I love to play and touch. There is a connection. I do agree with the screen pausing for that extra second which is annoying - no need for that. I hope they add some more effects as well (shimmer????). Truly a special synth.

Cobalt8 sounds great!! Definitely wish it had come out sooner as it's a fantastic synth to start analogue with but i still love my DeepMind6. The Argon8 is still at the top of my wishlist.

Another great review . Your closing remarks are interesting to me as you mention music genre. The music that you do and what I do are completely different. But out of all the reviewers, I find that you cover most things much better than some other. You always surprise me with a sound or two you come up with. Ive bought a couple of things on the strength of your reviews Im liking the Argon 8 .

Cobalt sounds nice. I could see it filling a need in my synth studio. It would never replace my true analog synths though.

It’s fantastic!!!! but I was excited at Argon8 because like the Hydrasynth they seem to be a sort of growth spurt in digital synthesis functionality and design! and those synths seem very compelling! so I’m confused why a new virtual analog polysynth? Not super sure it’s covering any new territories!! Completely wonderful tho

great comparsion video. still not sure if i get the cobalt/argon or the hydrasynth

It’s amazing how friendly and accessible this thing presents, yet it has wonderful depth. That combined with how warm it sounds really puts this one on another level to me.

I like your closing comments about the difference between buying an instrument compared to software equivalents.That is a really good point. VSTs are fine but you do lose that tactile element of playing the real instrument. Thanks for making the point.

Great video! I really like the sound of the Cobalt. It’s what I’m missing in the Digitone 🙄… It sounds warmer. I’m having trouble creating warmer sounds om the DN and am now wondering if it is the right synth for me. Or maybe just move on to something like the Cobalt. I should mention I also own a Digitakt, which obviously pairs perfectly with the DN. Should I just try harder on the DN or is it just not a good pick for warmer pads/leads?

Thanks for the comparison Bo! I have the Argon8 and this sounds lovely as well. Quick question - what audio interface do you use these days? Sounds very crisp, clear and spacious. Cheers :)

Hi Bo! How would you compare this and Waldorf Blofeld? Which one do you think works better for ambient and sound design? Thanks!

Looks promising. I hope they will produce a desktop version of the Cobalt 8.

I already have an Argon8M, so the keyboard version of this one seems like a great companion. Maybe wait for the X version though..

Cobalt8 sound huge to me..very impressive sounds !!

Thanks for this thorough review. Do you still feel like the Minilogue XD is a better option? How does it compare with the Cobalt?

Having bought my Argon 8 soon after launch, I thought, like many people, the Cobalt 8 was simply a blue version of the Argon 8 so, a big thank you for taking the time to compare them for us.. When we get to the comparison, which must have been taxing to structure, what this seems to show me is that although the architecture is different, if one has a broad experience of making sounds it seems to be possible to achieve roughly the same objective with both but by different means. If there was anything which one could do on the Argon 8 which was impossible on the Cobalt 8 or visa versa, then there would be much more to differentiate them. After your article, I feel more inclined to recommend the Cobalt 8 to someone who has experienced, for example FM synthesis. I bought my Argon 8 because of a flirtation with wavetable sound construction having recently also bought the Waldorf Blofeld and I think your article shows that we might experiment with any of these, or all and find more advanced pleasing sounds to fit specific needs, using different work flow, than we might on a cruder, analogue emulation synthesiser.. During your summing up you touched on something very important to me. Back in the 80s, I observed how the explosion of digital tech led musicians to use whatever the exciting new stock sounds that arrived with new devices. So, for example, the Roland D50 supplanted the Yamaha DX7 but as soon as the onboard sounds in the Roland became commonplace on the radio, each in turn lost their edge. Almost no-one bothered to learn how to program FM, still fewer Roland's Linear Arithmetic Synthesis. Whereas, in the days before patch storage, a Moog or an ARP Odyssey for example, required the player to understand sound generation and modulation worked and manipulate it, digital developments led musicians to play factory presets. It wasn't until the dancefloor put live modulation back in fashion and hardware development advanced, that the process of manually evolving sounds could begin to return to fashion, eventually though a new career for synthesiser players had emerged, selling banks of sound, so that those keyboard players with no interest for or no time to dig deeper could search thousands of presets instead of making their own. Perhaps I will treat myself to the Cobalt 8 M when I feel in need of a new toy to keep me learning

2:10 This is almost exactly the intro of “IT crowd” (series)

This seems like it's a really good synth for covering the basics of subtractive analog-style sounds. It has all the important stuff in one convenient and reasonably-priced package. It doesn't appear to excel at anything particular, but it seems like a good all-rounder. I'm guessing the main competition are the Minilogue and the Deepmind. Thanks for the review!

I own an Argon8 and what I can tell about it, is that de Argon8 has a cold sound. Its better with FM-type of sounds, bells, percussion sounds, but it can make pretty nice pad sounds as well, but not as warm as my analog synths, like my Juno-60 or DeepMind12 for example. Its just a nice addition to my setup. I dont think I need the Cobalt8, as I have nice warm analog synths already.

Nice to compare those two synths together next to each other. Does it has to do with the lighting or it seems the Argon 8 is almost black/dark matallic grey instead of light brushed grey aluminium. Also, how does DistroKid manage to pay the artists one their work gets downloaded in the platforms like apple music, spotify etc?

Awesome to see that Modal has made another synth just in one year after Argon8. They make such nice devices with good workflows. I feel very tempted to one day buy an Argon8. I picked a Wavestate instead of an Argon8 though, and still think that was the better choice for me personally. But that doesn’t mean these Modal synths aren’t tempting..... the jury is still out wether I like the Cobalt8 sonically, I suspect the 34 algorithms can have surprises. So I need to hear more demos, but the Argon8 I definitely like it a lot......

2:20 Veddy Nice !!!

These two are the end of results of me narrowing down what my next synth will be. I love both, but I think that the Cobalt is more for me than the Argon. I wish I could have both.

A 61 key Cobalt 8X with a few Piano and EP samples would make this a perfect companion to my Argon 8X!!

@ 8:55 "The uniqueness comes from the algorithms...Might sound mathematical, but it's really not.." Actually, it really IS, but i get your point! 😃

I was honestly thinking to bye Argon 8 these days since it seams to me like a fine instrument. Now Cobalt 8 is another option I will have to investigate. :)

Just picked up a used cobalt 8x 61 key for 525 and I'm loving it so far!

I need this synthesizer I love it so much it’s a lot of fun Yay cool 🎹🎛🎚🎶🎵🎼🌈😇😍🤩💝🇺🇸💖

Great job bo !

Very nice. Love Modal synths

"Yeah, can it do Really big bass sounds?" "of course it can🤬" haha, nice review / comparison

Is the lag issue on the screen is only with the graphic or its influencing on the sound either?

Hello Bo, a general improvement idea on my side. From user experience point of view, it would be nice to see your view about how well these devices are packed together with knowledge (I mean user manuals, tutorials on company website, anywhere, anything). One thing is to get convinced abour a video like youre, than buy something, and another is to learn how to use it (is it an easy to go exercise or something different). Yes you can turn the knobs all the days, but it does not mean automatically you will ever be a professional and satisfied user of the given device. :-)

I have an argon 8 m to me they sound very similar very clean and surgical the DNA 🧬 between them is clear. For me the sequencer along with mod lanes and other mod is my fave part although I can’t get my argon to clock properly with cubase it drifts - I find it’s hard to use without the app which really speeds up the process.

Oh man, Bo... I guess the Cobalt would be really nice for some sweet lofi BOC style ambient music. Just as I thought I would know on what other synth I wanted to spend my 600 Euro synth budget. I had the little Modal Skulpt for some months and it's modulation possibilities where really great, as was the sound, but the menu diving and general handling was not great. Cobalt seems to be much more directly usable, one knob per function style. God I hate those gear decisions ;D

Not sure about better but I think 'safer' than the Argon8. Sounds great but it's nothing radically new. Nie colour, nice vid Bo.

Strange to see this synth coming out now. Dave Smith made a very similar system with the Poly Evolver (I think they stopped making them). The were the normal Prophet system oscillators 2 analog (if I remember correctly with Saw, Pulse, Triangle and Saw-Tri), and 2 digital that worked with 128 digital waveshapes. It was a really interesting synth to use (there was I think a desktop version too), I'd be curious to see/hear the Argon one of these days.

Two great sounding synths. I suppose it really comes down to the type of music you make? I would choose the Cobalt8 myself. I would then buy a Korg Wavestate over the Argon8. But that's just me. Great review and comparison, Bo.

The Cobalt's filter is a lot nicer - now if I could get the same filter on the Argon I'd be tempted.

Typing just before watching but I know the keyboard and video is going to be good! Thanks👍

BoBeats...............what is/are the 'real' differences, between voice architecture of minilogues engine, compared to the engines of argon8 and cobalt8. I have had a minilogue in the past and a real decent synth at price point, I can understand the various build differences that modal are offering with these two units but, I cannot help but think if I was in a room and were not informed I would be hard pressed to be able to differentiate between Korg Minilogue and Modal Argon8/Cobalt8? Thoughts? Great vid on these two units and yes, I am tempted but need to understand the above question. Nice one.

What audio interface are you using?

@boBeats is the output of the cobalt the same as the argon8? I had the argon but I felt the output wasn't hot at all. I have a lot of synths but the argon didn't sound loud compared to the other synths. I did like the sounds it produced though. It just didn't fit with all the other synths (too much volume tweaking on the mixing desk)

Anther Great review! You always are definitely one of the best reviewers and RU-vidrs in the synth/EM world. After the teaser Pic with date from Modal on FB I was looking forward to hearing it and the differences between the Argon 8m which I own. I've been checking on Modal's site and RU-vid to see / hear it all day. Got your Discord announcement about a new video and lo and behold, my wish was granted. Thanks! Hope your new studio is coming along and you are getting settled. Be well and stay safe! -Dharmadove

The Cobalt8, to me, seems to appeal to the broader classic synth community. Its a smart move with remakes and retro sounds being so popular at the moment. The Argon looks more like a sound designers tool. Both seem like amazing devices and I think genre may play a big part of which someone may prefer. I'd love to get either but would lean more towards the Argon8. I would really love to see Modal do a multitimbral unit as well. 4 Part multitimbral with 4 stereo outs would be epic. Hell, even two stereo outs. Either way, these guys are making beautiful machines. Hats off to them!

It is very rich and dramatic sounding. It is the soundtrack for when a wizard gives you a talisman and sends you on a perilous journey.

I'm waiting for the gray edition next year. The Modal Ferrum8 with it’s rusty metallic sound.

I like the warm cobalt sound a lot more

I can’t decide which now lol! 😱 If a desktop Carbon8M exists then maybe get both?!?

I'm really interested in picking up either the Argon 8x or Cobalt 8x my first synth. I really like how they both sound, but does one of these have more sound design possibilities then the other? Or are they pretty close? I really just want a synth that can keep me busy for a long time.

I wouldnt have thought so...but I lean toward the Argon! I recently bought Behringer's ARP Odyssey clone. Analog bliss there, but I think maybe Odyssey needs something with more texture than body to compliment it. A wavetable synth can imitate acoustic textures better, IMO. Better at doing bells and percussion, and perhaps better at gritty organs too. And the distortion can help the Argon fill electric guitar-like sounds which I currently use a ROMpler for. I I would almost consider selling my Yamaha ROMpler to buy an Argon and just use that and the Odyssey for awhile and maybe pick up some Roland XV, Motif or Fantom modules to drive with the two keyboards. (I have an SY99 which I'll never sell, though!). I've been playing with that and an MX61 exclusively for about 5 years now. I recently sold a Roland D550 which saw little use to finance the Odyssey. I've been starting to remake myself musically these last few weeks, kind of heading more into analog and non-ROMpler territory.

Software is a bottomless pit if you purchase premium programs. I have 25 years of experience that confirms it! They will need to be updated regularly, often are glitchy when used live, and might not even work at all on a new computer. You might lose the license key and won't be able to upgrade to a new free version. I did that with my ACID PRO program and had to dish out $99 for a new license key after SONY bought the company. Then I had to shell out more cash for 10 years of upgrades to get current. Most music hardware, keyboards, rack-mounted modules, FX pedals that I bought in the1990s still works admirably today. Some have needed free firmware updates, and they don't have the latest MIDI or USB connectors, but they work. (And, yes, I also still have 20-year-old MIDI controllers too.) I had to repair a couple of broken keys, replace a power supply, and replace a display or two, but the hardware itself still works. My one gripe about software programs is that they eventually become obsolete or the PC crashes and all will be lost. Software is a bottomless pit that will eventually cost you money if you try to keep up with the new revisions. (My Atmosphere program cost $399 in 2001 and then became Omnisphere which cost me $199 to upgrade to the new version. Subsequent upgrades have cost me another $150). Those are just a few of the software programs that have cost me more money after the original purchase. The longer you keep software the more it will cost you. GUARANTEED! Otherwise, you must use cheap or free software that sounds like crap. WTF! You can bet that your premium software will lose value starting day one. And more than likely your somewhat expensive hardware will accrue in value over the years. For instance, I bought a Qusimidi Polymorph in 1999 for $1000. It still is in great condition, and since it is a collector's item and very rare I was once offered $2200 for it! I declined. It's priceless and sounds as good or better than any virtual analog synth (digital or otherwise) that I've heard to date! Good luck getting somebody to offer you 120% over the original price for your 20-year-old software!!!

How do these 2 compare to minilogue XD ? How's the keyborad quality compared, Modals have Fatar keys?

2:19 I need that as my ring tone

Is it rack mountable the module version I don't have space for another keyboard