Modal Electronics announces Argon8 Wavetable Synth
Bristol-based Modal Electronics has revealed a new addition to its synth family – the affordable Argon8 – which shares much of its DNA and internal mechanics with the much-praised Modal 002. This jam-packed synth has a raft of impressive looking features, let’s look at some of the standouts: the wavetable-based, 8-voice digital synth contains up […]
Bristol-based Modal Electronics has revealed a new addition to its synth family – the affordable Argon8 – which shares much of its DNA and internal mechanics with the much-praised Modal 002.
This jam-packed synth has a raft of impressive looking features, let’s look at some of the standouts: the wavetable-based, 8-voice digital synth contains up to 64 oscillators (4 per voice). Each oscillator features up to 120 wavetables and a range of additional wavetable processors (28 in total).
As Modal themselves say, the Argon8 contains “20 carefully crafted wavetables split into 24 banks of 5 morphable waveform sets, covering virtual analogue classics through to cutting edge EDM and many from the original Modal 002 as well as a whole range of mathematically generated tables. It features an additional PWM bank and 4 noise/modulation banks accessible on Oscillator 2. 28 static wavetable processors including de-rez, wave folders, wave shapers, phase shapers and rectify that can be applied to the 120 wavetables to give a mind boggling array of permutations and new waveshapes. 32 high resolution wavetable oscillators, 4 per voice, with 8 types of oscillator modifier including: Phase Mod (FM), Ring Mod, Amp Mod, Hard Sync and Windowed Sync.”
The Argon8 also presents a huge modulation matrix that incorporates 8 assignable slots, four additional fixed routes, 11 mod sources and 52 destinations, controlled with a nifty four-axis joystick.
There’s also a 512 step sequencer that allows for input quantise and four recordable/editable parameter animations, while the keyboard is a full size 37 key keybed that features both velocity and aftertouch.
It also features a class-compliant USB MIDI connection which enables functionality in a range of desktop setups, as well as in VST3 and AU plug-in form.
We’re only scratching the surface here of this impressive looking beast, but the really attractive bonus here is the price; $699, £579, €649. Considerably more affordable than the 002.
The Modal Argon8 should be shipping later this year and we’ll be bringing you a review soon. For more information see here
