The Modal ARGON8M is a powerful 8-voice polyphonic wavetable synthesiser module built with 32 high-resolution oscillators (four per voice), housed in a rugged aluminium desktop or 19-inch rackmountable chassis, featuring MPE support, an advanced modulation matrix, morphable filters, a sophisticated sequencer, integrated effects, and full connectivity for studio and live integration.
A Universe of Wavetable Power
Drawing from the celebrated Modal 00 series, ARGON8M delivers an expansive sonic palette through its high-definition wavetable engine. Users can morph between 180 carefully crafted wavetables split into 36 banks, each containing five waveforms, alongside additional PWM and noise/modulation banks on Oscillator 2. The engine also supports 32 static wavetable modifiers such as wave folders, waveshapers, phase shapers, and rectify processes, generating a near-infinite range of textures. Vintage and Oscillator Free Run settings emulate classic analogue imperfections for an organic feel, allowing the user to produce lush pads, dynamic leads, deep basses, intricate drones, and evolving soundscapes.
Advanced Filtering and Modulation
ARGON8M offers eight sophisticated filter types including 2-Pole and 4-Pole morphable designs, Ladder variations with drive, and Sallen-Key configurations. These filters morph smoothly between low-pass, band-pass, high-pass and notch characteristics to refine the sonic output precisely. Modulation possibilities are extensive, with two audio-rate LFOs (one polyphonic and tempo-syncable) and three dedicated envelope generators for amp, filter, and modulation duties. The 12-slot modulation matrix, with eight assignable and four pre-routed mod slots, enables complex dynamic patches utilising 11 sources and 52 destinations.
Performance Powerhouse
Designed for expressive live performance and studio sequencing, the ARGON8M integrates a 512-note real-time and step sequencer with four independent animation lanes for dynamic sound manipulation beyond traditional envelopes and LFOs. The polyphonic 64-step step sequencer provides melodic control with eight notes per step and four lanes of motion sequencing. Its programmable 32-step arpeggiator supports a wide range of playback modes, rest functions, and transpositions, augmented by chord hold, chord inversions, sustain latch and an assignable 4-axis joystick for intuitive modulation on the fly.
Studio and Stage Ready
The robust steel and aluminium chassis houses 13 switched encoders, 13 continuous encoders, nine function buttons and a responsive X/Y joystick for detailed real-time control. ARGON8M can be deployed as a desktop module or mounted into a 19" rack using the included brackets, ensuring compatibility with a wide variety of studio and live setups. Glide/portamento functionality supports legato and staccato modes, while multiple voice modes including Mono, Poly, Unison (2/4/8 voices) and Stack (2/4 voices) provide further flexibility.
Integrated Effects and Sound Polishing
Users can sculpt their sound further with a three-slot stereo FX engine that supports up to 27 algorithms, such as distortion, drive, multiple chorus and phaser types, flanging (positive and negative), tremolo, lo-fi effects, rotary speaker simulation, various delay modes (stereo, ping-pong, crossover) and richly textured reverbs. Each patch can save its unique FX configuration, enabling seamless performance transitions.
Connectivity without Compromise
ARGON8M provides full-size MIDI DIN In/Out ports, USB MIDI connectivity, and analogue sync I/O for external gear. The audio I/O includes 6.35 mm line outputs, a headphone output and a stereo audio input for FX processing external signals. Sustain and expression pedal inputs enhance live expressivity. Polychaining two ARGON8 devices expands the polyphony to 16 voices and 64 oscillators for an even richer sonic landscape.
Extensive Memory and Sound Management
ARGON8M holds up to 500 editable patch memories, 300 of which are factory presets crafted by leading sound designers. It also offers 100 sequencer presets and 100 FX configurations. Quick recall slots allow users to rapidly access favourite patches, enhancing live performance workflows.
Free MODALapp for Deep Editing
The free MODALapp software, compatible with macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS and Android, and also available as a VST3/AU plug-in, provides a detailed, screen-based editor for in-depth patch creation, sequence management, firmware updates, and sound backup.