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Modal Electronics CARBON8M 8-Voice Experimental Synthesizer Module

BH #MOCARBON8M • MFR #CARBON8M
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Modal Electronics CARBON8M 8-Voice Experimental Synthesizer Module
Key Features
  • True 8-Voice Polyphonic Synth Module
  • 2 Oscillators with 56 Cores Each
  • 3 LFOs, 3 EGs, 12 Modulation Slots
  • 34 Different Filter Types
Step beyond everyday synth experiences and enter the bold, electrifying world of contemporary sound design with the Modal Electronics CARBON8M. This powerful 8-voice synthesizer module redefines sonic exploration, offering groundbreaking ways to create, experiment with, and perform next-generation sounds. Featuring a sound engine twice as intricate as the popular ARGON8 and COBALT8 series, CARBON8M integrates complex waveform algorithms and cutting-edge wavetables into a premium 8-voice architecture—complete with advanced filter technology and dynamic LFO capabilities.
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Modal Electronics CARBON8M Overview

True 8-Voice Polyphonic Experimental Synthesizer Module
Step beyond everyday synth experiences and enter the bold, electrifying world of contemporary sound design with the Modal Electronics CARBON8M. This powerful 8-voice synthesizer module redefines sonic exploration, offering groundbreaking ways to create, experiment with, and perform next-generation sounds. Featuring a sound engine twice as intricate as the popular ARGON8 and COBALT8 series, CARBON8M integrates complex waveform algorithms and cutting-edge wavetables into a premium 8-voice architecture—complete with advanced filter technology and dynamic LFO capabilities.

To match its revolutionary sound engine, CARBON8M delivers a wealth of creative tools: deep modulation options, an inspiring real-time / step sequencer, a high-energy arpeggiator, expressive MPE support, studio-grade effects, and seamless integration with MODALapp. Its compact design adapts effortlessly to your setup—place it on a desktop, or mount it into a 19" rack with the included rack ears.

Revolutionary Sound Engine
At the heart of CARBON8M are two powerful oscillators, each powered by 56 cores. These generate a selection of 18 high-resolution algorithms and 38 unique wavetables, delivering a vast sonic palette—from aggressive, cutting-edge textures to warm, lush timbres.

Each patch allows any combination of two algorithms or wavetables, and with a single macro parameter, you can easily sculpt and explore rich harmonic variations and tonal sweet spots.

Advanced Modulation
Dive deep into creative control with a comprehensive modulation section. Three flexible LFOs offer waveforms like variable pulse width, variable-slope triangle, and dual-rate ramps.

Three Envelope Generators (EGs) provide precise modulation over pitch, filter, and amplitude. With 12 modulation slots, you can route sources and destinations freely to warp and animate your sound in endless ways.

Mangle and Tweak
The XCore Oscillator Modifiers open up advanced sound-sculpting options. Apply Phase Distortion, Wavefolding, and Waveshaping to craft everything from subtle harmonics to radical transformations—ideal for forging new and experimental textures with character and depth.
34 Filter Types to Shape Your Tone
CARBON8M features a vast filter section with 34 different filter types, ranging from vintage analog-style circuits to modern Modal-designed innovations.

Many filters include Drive and Morph parameters, enabling subtle tonal enhancement or extreme sound manipulation—perfect for everything from classic subtractive synthesis to far-out sound design.

Bring Your Patterns to Life
The powerful built-in 512-note real-time/step sequencer features four independent animation lanes for complex, evolving performances. Use polyphonic step sequencing to enter notes and automation data with ease.

Multiple trigger modes, a programmable 32-step arpeggiator, and performance-ready features like Chord Hold, Inversions, Transpose, and Sustain Latch make CARBON8M a powerful tool for both the studio and the stage.

Full MPE support unlocks next-level expressive control for compatible controllers.

Studio-Grade FX Engine
Shape your sound to perfection with CARBON8M’s 3-slot stereo-FX engine. Choose from 26 studio-quality effects including lush reverbs, spacious delays, warm chorus, immersive phasers and flangers, plus tremolo, lo-fi, rotary speaker, EQ, compression, and more. Each effect is fully programmable for detailed sonic customization.
Built for Any Setup: Desktop or Rackmount
CARBON8M is built into a rugged steel and aluminum chassis that speaks to its professional intent. Its compact form factor is perfect for desktop use, while included rackmount ears allow seamless integration into a 19” rack.

With 13 switched encoders, 13 endless encoders, 9 responsive buttons, and an X/Y joystick, it offers intuitive hands-on control for real-time sound shaping.

Extensive Connectivity
Designed to fit into any workflow, CARBON8M includes USB and 5-pin DIN MIDI I/O, headphone and line outputs, 3.5mm sync in/out, and inputs for sustain and expression pedals.

Need more voices? Poly-chain two CARBON8 units to expand to 16 voices effortlessly.

Hundreds of Inspiring Patches
Out of the box, CARBON8M comes loaded with 300 expertly crafted factory patches, with space for up to 500 total user patches. Additionally, you can store 100 custom effects presets and sequences for instant recall—perfect for live sets or on-the-fly experimentation.
MODALapp Integration
Take full control of your sound design with MODALapp, a powerful cross-platform software editor and patch manager that provides deep editing capabilities and effortless library organization.

Modal Electronics CARBON8M Specs

Key Specs
Sound Generation
Digital
Number of Sounds, Kits, or Samples
300x Factory Sound Preset
500x User Sound Preset
Maximum Polyphony
8 Voice (Poly-Chaining Capable with Multiple Units)
Audio I/O
1/4" / 1/8" (3.5 mm) / 1/4" Headphone
MIDI I/O
1x DIN 5-Pin Input
1x DIN 5-Pin Output
CV/Gate I/O
No
Patch Points
No
General
Synth Type
Desktop Synth Module
Kit Components
Sound Generation
Digital
Keyboard
No
Aftertouch
No Aftertouch Support
Expression Controls
1x Joystick
9x Button
13x Knob
Number of Pads
No
Sounds
Display
1.54" / 39.12 mm Monochrome OLED
Number of Sounds, Kits, or Samples
300x Factory Sound Preset
500x User Sound Preset
Number of Song Presets
100x User
Favorites Recall
8x Quick Recall Slot
Maximum Polyphony
8 Voice (Poly-Chaining Capable with Multiple Units)
Built-In Effects
Delay: Crossover, Ping-Pong, Stereo
Modulation: Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Rotary, Tremolo
Reverb
Performance Functions
Arpeggiator, Sequencer, Transpose, Tuning Adjustment
Built-In Speaker
No
Synthesis
Oscillators
2x Variable
Mixer
No
Amplifiers
No
Envelopes
8x Assignable Envelope Generator: Delay, Attack, Sustain, Release, Depth
Filters
Characteristic: Digital
LFOs
Number of LFOs: 2x Polyphonic / 1x Global
Glide/Portamento
Yes: Legato and Staccato Modes
Sequencing & Recording
Sequencer
Number of Steps: 64
Note Memory: 512
Arpeggiator
Number of Steps: 32x Step
Supported MIDI Standards
GM
Media/Memory Card Slot
No
Connectivity
Audio I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Aux Input
2x 1/4" TS Line Output
1x 1/4" TRS Headphone Output
Pedal Support
1x 1/4" Expression
1x 1/4" Sustain
MIDI I/O
1x DIN 5-Pin Input
1x DIN 5-Pin Output
CV/Gate I/O
No
Patch Points
No
Sync I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Word Clock Input
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Word Clock Output
Network I/O
No
USB I/O
1x USB-B (Host Connection)
Bluetooth
No
OS Compatibility
Windows / macOS
Power
Power Requirements
AC/DC Power Adapter (Not Included)
AC/DC Power Adapter
9 VDC (Not Included)
Current Consumption
1.5 A
Physical
Color
Gray
Rackmount Size
3 U (with Non-Included Hardware)
Included Accessories
No
Dimensions
15.1 x 5 x 3.2" / 384 x 127 x 81 mm
Weight
4.6 lb / 2.1 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
5.15 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
17.8 x 8.8 x 4.4"

Modal Electronics CARBON8M Reviews

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