Modal Electronics Carbon8X

The Modal Carbon 8X is an advanced 8-voice polyphonic synthesiser with a 61-key FATAR TP9/S keybed, premium steel and aluminium chassis, and a digital sound engine that delivers unparalleled sonic depth and flexibility.

Deep sound design with Core and XCore engines

Each voice includes two high-resolution digital oscillators, generating 56 Core waveforms that span wavetables and real-time digital algorithms. The oscillators integrate six static modifiers, oscillator drift, free-run functionality, and a dedicated vintage parameter to introduce analogue-style movement. XCore cross-modulation extends timbral range with wave shaping, folding and phase distortion, producing complex textures across the 16 oscillators available in polyphony.

Dynamic control with filters, envelopes and modulation

The synthesiser incorporates 34 resonant filter types with morphable and static designs, alongside three dedicated ADSR envelope generators targeting amp, filter and modulation. Each envelope supports extended control, including negative reverse behaviour for modulation and filter envelopes. Three tempo-synchronisable LFOs, two polyphonic and one global, offer more than 15 shapes for rhythmic and tonal modulation. Routing flexibility comes from eight assignable slots, four fixed routings, 12 sources and 55 destinations.

Sequencer and arpeggiator for composition and performance

The Carbon 8X includes a polyphonic real-time sequencer capable of storing 512 notes with four lanes of editable parameter automation, enabling detailed compositional layering. A polyphonic step sequencer supports 64 steps and up to 8 notes per step, offering multiple playback modes and parameter-lock style animation. The arpeggiator runs up to 32 steps with rest capability and can extend to 2048 steps before cycling, transforming simple chords into evolving patterns.

Studio-quality effects and workflow integration

Three independent stereo FX engines provide 26 algorithms, including chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, rotary, tape and digital delays, and reverb. These processors allow sculpting and polishing of sound directly on the instrument. Sequencer presets, FX presets and quick recall slots enable fast access to configurations, while 500 patch memories, with 300 factory programmes, provide a comprehensive library of starting points.

Premium build and performance controls

The FATAR TP9/S 61-key keybed offers velocity sensitivity and aftertouch for expressive performance. The control surface hosts 29 endless encoders, 24 buttons and a 4-axis joystick assignable to multiple modulation destinations. Keyboard modes include mono, poly, unison (2, 4 or 8 voices) and stack modes, with glide and chord invert controls for flexible playability.

Specifications

• Polyphony: True 8 Voice Polyphonic

• MPE: Supports MPE-Compatible MIDI Controllers, Allowing You To Apply Polyphonic Control And Expression To Individual Notes

• Oscillators: Two Independent High-Resolution Digital Oscillators

• Digital Core Waveforms: 56 Complex Digital Core Waveforms Per Oscillator, Including 18 Digital Algorithms And 38 Sophisticated Wavetables

• Advanced XCore Modifiers: Including Wave Shape, Wave Fold, Phase Distortion, And Others

• Extended Oscillator Drift: Included

• Vintage Parameter: Included

• Filter: 34 Resonant Filter Types Including Morphable And Static Filters

• Cutoff Scaling: Two Distinctive Modes

• Filter Types: Multiple Filter Types Available

• Modulation: Three Dedicated Envelope Generators For AMP, MOD, And FILTER (Including Negative Reverse Versions For MOD And FILTER ENVs), Three Audio-Rate LFOs With Tempo Sync (Two Poly, One Global) With Over 15 Shapes, Eight Assignable Modulation Slots And Four Additional Fixed Modulation Routings, 12 Modulation Sources And 55 Modulation Destinations

• Sequencer And Arpeggiator: Polyphonic Real-Time Sequencer With 512 Notes And Four Recordable/Edit Parameter Animations (Delay FX, LFOs, Sequencer And Arpeggiator Clocked Internally Or Externally), Polyphonic Step Sequencer With 64 Steps, 8 Notes Per Step, 4 Lanes Of Parameter-Lock Style Animation, Step Input Mode, Multiple Playback Modes Including Gate Modes And Rest Functionality, Built-In Programmable Arpeggiator Of 32 Steps With Rest Capability And Up To 2048 Steps Before Repeating

• FX: Three Independent And User-Configurable Stereo FX Engines With 26 Effects Algorithms Including Drive, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Tremolo, LoFi, Rotary, Stereo Delay, Ping-Pong Delay, X-Over Delay, And Reverb

• User Memory: 500 Patch Memories (Fully Editable, Ships With 300 Factory Programs), 100 Sequencer Presets (Linkable To Any Patch), 100 FX Presets, 8 Quick Recall Slots Accessible From The Panel

• Controls And Performance: Premium FATAR 61-Key Keyboard With Velocity And Channel Aftertouch, 29 Endless Encoders, 24 Buttons, 4-Axis Joystick Assignable To Multiple Modulation Destinations With Lock Option, Multiple Keyboard Modes (Mono, Poly, Unison 2, Unison 4, Unison 8, Stack 2, Stack 4), Glide/Portamento With Legato And Staccato Modes, Chord Invert Control

• Inputs And Outputs: 6.35 mm / 1/4″ TS Dual-Mono Line Outputs, 6.35 mm / 1/4″ TRS Headphone Output, 3.5 mm / 1/8″ TRS Stereo Audio Input, MIDI DIN In And Out, 3.5 mm / 1/8″ TS Analogue Clock Sync In And Out, Class-Compliant MIDI Over USB Connection, 6.35 mm / 1/4″ TRS Expression Pedal Input, 6.35 mm / 1/4″ TS Sustain Pedal Input

• Enclosure And Display: Road-Ready Steel And Aluminium Enclosure With Economical Stained Bamboo End Cheeks, 1.54-Inch Large OLED Display For Instant Visual Feedback

• Power: DC-9.0V – 1.5A Centre-Positive

• Editor Software: Free MODALapp Software Editor Available For macOS, Windows, iOS, And Android, Also Available As VST3 And AU Versions For DAWs

• General: Dimensions (L × W × H): 885 × 300 × 100 mm / 34.8″ × 11.8″ × 4″, Weight: 9 kg / 19.9 lbs

• 8-voice polyphonic synthesiser with dual high-resolution oscillators per voice
• 56 Core waveforms, six modifiers, vintage control and XCore cross-modulation
• 34 filter types with three ADSR envelopes and three tempo-synced LFOs
• Polyphonic real-time and step sequencers with extensive automation capability
• 32-step programmable arpeggiator supporting up to 2048 steps before repeat
• Three-slot stereo FX engine with 26 studio-grade algorithms
• FATAR TP9/S 61-key keybed, rugged steel and aluminium 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.