Modal Electronics Argon8 8-Voice Polyphonic Wavetable Synthesizer [ARGON8]

The Modal Argon8 is a true 8-voice polyphonic wavetable synthesiser with 32 oscillators, a premium FATAR 37-note keybed with aftertouch, and a rugged steel and aluminium enclosure designed for both studio production and live performance.

Wavetable engine and oscillators

At its core, the Argon8 features 32 high-resolution wavetable oscillators, with four per voice. These draw from 180 carefully designed wavetables arranged into 36 banks of morphable sets, plus additional PWM and noise/modulation banks on Oscillator 2. Waveforms can be shaped and transformed using 32 static wavetable modifiers including de-rez, wave folders, waveshapers and phase shapers, while eight types of oscillator modifiers such as phase modulation, ring modulation, amplitude modulation, hard sync and windowed sync deliver further timbral variety. Voice drift, width controls, oscillator free run and the Vintage parameter emulate the organic behaviour of analogue instruments, enabling digital patches to gain analogue warmth and unpredictability.

Filters and modulation system

The synthesiser offers eight filter types, including state-variable 2-pole designs, classic resonant models, a 4-pole ladder with drive, hybrid ladder, ladder phaser and Sallen-Key variants. These morphable filters allow continuous movement across modes such as low-pass, band-pass, notch and high-pass. Three dedicated envelope generators for amp, modulation and filter provide detailed shaping, with negative envelope behaviour available for added flexibility. Two tempo-syncable LFOs, one polyphonic and one global, operate at audio rates and integrate with a 12-slot modulation matrix offering 12 sources and 55 destinations. Four common routings come pre-set, leaving space for advanced assignments and evolving textures.

Sequencing, arpeggiation and performance tools

The Argon8 integrates a 512-note polyphonic real-time sequencer with four animation lanes, enabling parameter motion beyond what standard LFOs and envelopes provide. A polyphonic step sequencer supports 64 steps and up to 8 notes per step, with multiple playback modes and parameter-lock style animation. The programmable arpeggiator extends to 32 steps with rests and up to 2048 steps before repeating. Performance controls include chord hold, inversions, transpose, sustain latch, glide, mono, poly, unison and stack modes. A four-axis joystick provides expressive control with assignable modulation destinations and lock functionality.

Effects engine and sound design

Three independent stereo FX engines supply 26 algorithms, from distortion, drive and lo-fi processors to multiple chorus, phaser, flanger, tremolo, rotary, stereo and ping-pong delays, crossover delay and spacious reverbs. These can be combined in-depth to completely reshape the output of the wavetable engine.

Build quality and control surface

The instrument features a FATAR TP9/S 37-key full-size keybed with velocity and aftertouch for expressive playing. The surface includes 29 endless encoders and 24 buttons for hands-on editing, supported by a clear 1.54-inch OLED display for instant visual feedback. The enclosure combines steel and aluminium with bamboo cheeks for durability and style.

Connectivity and integration

Connections include dual 1/4-inch line outputs, a headphone output, a stereo audio input, MIDI DIN in/out, analogue sync in/out, USB MIDI, sustain and expression pedal inputs. Users can polychain two Argon8 units for 16 voices and 64 oscillators. MODALapp provides deep editing across macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS and Android platforms, with VST3 and AU plug-in versions for DAW integration.

Storage and memory

The synthesiser holds 500 patch memories, with 300 factory programmes, 100 sequencer presets, 100 FX presets and eight quick recall slots for fast performance access.

Extended warranty

All Modal instruments purchased after May 2025 include an extended three-year warranty upon registration, demonstrating long-term reliability and manufacturing confidence.

• 8-voice polyphonic wavetable synthesiser with 32 oscillators
• 180 morphable wavetables, 32 static modifiers and 8 oscillator modifiers
• 8 filter types with morphing, drive and ladder options
• 3 envelopes, 2 tempo-syncable LFOs and 12-slot modulation matrix
• 512-note real-time and step sequencer with 4 animation lanes
• 3-slot stereo FX engine with 26 algorithms including delays and reverbs
• FATAR TP9/S 37-note keybed, rugged steel chassis, OLED display, MPE support and MODALapp integration

This item, like everything we supply, comes with the complete support of our expert team. Our excellent technicians have been specifying, building and supporting studios for over twenty years. If you have any problems with installation, setup or everyday use, they’re never more than a click away, and always happy to help.

You can contact them here.