Big thank you to Modal and Voltage & Co. for getting me hooked up with the Argon! Very excited to dig into the Cobalt soon as well! 😁 Wanna grab a Argon8 for yourself? Use my affiliate link and support the channel in the process! bit.ly/3nwp4PL What synths should I check out next? 🤔
I’ve actually been looking at this one, especially since the Virus is no longer supported or being made I’ve been trying to decide on a desktop synth, really don’t think there’s any difference between digital and analog, any longer, and these caught my eye about 6 months ago, maybe longer Thanks for doing a review Also thinking if a bloefeld, but think that might be redundant Another on my list is the Kyra
Good morning Cameron, first of all, let me tell you that your introduction music is spectacular. I love the warm pads, the layering of sounds, the rhythm, well, as you can tell, I have been listening to it on a loop lots of time!!! Very well done. We are in 2024, and even with the sad news for Modal (and hopefully they’ll recover), this didn’t stop me from buying the Argon8X after watching your and a bunch of other YT videos. Let me start with the built quality. All aluminum and stainless steel. That machine is a tank. I have a Korg Wavestate and you are absolutely right, with the Argon8, we are in a whole different space. I am actually having a lot of fun and let me tell you that it has been a while since I truly enjoyed a piece of hardware. I will end my quick comment with the plug-in. That piece of engineering is a master piece. It is so well built, so intuitive. I think the big players have a lesson to learn. Well built hardware and software, software included with the hardware at no extra cost. Yep, not that many offers this deal. So to conclude, I have this Argon8X, a magnificent piece of engineering that I plan to use for many years, and not swap for something else. Cameron, so many thank for this review. As usual, your videos are top notch and it’s always a pleasure to watch them. Modal, thank you very much for making such a beautiful instrument. Please, continue to produce more equipment and hopefully release a firmware 3.5 or 4.0 with Cameron’s suggestions?😊 Cheers to all of you!
I use it as a waveshaping synth more than as a wavetable synth. By that I mean that I see the wavetables as a source of huge variety of wave shapes to choose from rather than as a target for LFO or envelope modulation. And the wave mods and cross mod provide an even larger palette of sounds to create instruments that don’t exist in the real world. As a result, my favorite mod sources are velocity and note (Argon’s term for key tracking). Worth noting that because of the number of oscillators per voice and the spread function, you can use note modulation to create different patches on each side of your keyboard if you want a sort of a pseudo multitimbral feel. Just have Note target Mix at full amount and your right hand will play the 2nd osc bank and your left will play the first.
I've had mine for about 6 months now and found it can really make some sounds that you wouldn't expect from a wavetable synth, and the sequencer, animation lanes and app really are the stand out for me, I've made some examples, feel free to have a listen.
Got this a week or so before your live stream and needed, for some reason, to feel validated in my purchase (nothing to do with the synth itself, but I've only recently got into hardware so still a little shaky about the whole thing). In fact, it is what made me subscribe to your channel and check out a lot of your previous videos, so double bonus! I'm really pleased with the little fella so far; though from my background in academic electronic music (electroacoustic... but there's only so much Cage and Xenakis I can stomach), I did have some delusions in thinking I was a sound designer at one point... Nope, I'm a preset-hunter-who-tweaks, which works OK with the Argon8 I think. As you mention, a really strong aspect to this synth is the software side, and it is especially so for my workflow. Yes, it could be argued that it is then just a glorified plugin, but I like the two sides; something physical to mess with should the need or want arise, and maybe take it to the next level and go DAW-less. I probably won't, to be honest, but the potential is there. I'm curious to see your take on the Cobalt8... maybe it'll be terrible or a poor fit, and I won't make any rash purchases at 3am... though I doubt it.
Hi first. Thanks for the video. I'm really impressed with everything you show there. The intro is amazing. I wanted to buy a synth, but couldn't decide. Minilougne XD, Cobald8 or Argon8. Then I discovered your video and my decision was made suddenly after several days. I ordered the Argon8. Without the video, I still wouldn't have made a decision. Thank you and keep it up. Very high quality!
Getting the 8X next tuesday. Super excited. I've only ever had mono/poly analog or VA synths so time to explore wavetable synthesis. Though I've had 'classic' FM synths which were really a pain to program especially some twenty years ago. Good luck back then. Every demo I heard with the Argon synth sounds like a banger. The pad possibilities oh yes.
Just want to pop in here and emphasize for anyone looking for their first *keyboard* synth - while this is a great demo of the desktop module, the two Modal 8x synths (61 key variants) are absolutely, unequivocally the best deals in keyboard synths right now. 61 key semi-weighted, velocity sensitive FATAR TP9S with after touch. For $819, not $1,819. "it's a VST in a box" - said some kid who can't play the keys, while sitting at his tiny one octave POS MIDI controller with shitty action, probably.
The wonders of digital. I think for what they can do those are really worth the money. The problem is that you essentially pay for a dedicated controller for a VST. That creates a little bit of a dissonance for me.
Right? Crazy good deal for what you get, and the App/Plugin really seals the deal I think. Hope to see some more features added in future updates, but in the meantime I'm super happy with this thing and find myself playing around with it quite a bit!
@@VenusTheory Its actually a really competent VST controller in its own right.... My keys rig is chocked full (as a live player) but its not easy to play a VST when Im working in the box (larger keyboards But most importantly on a stand on a different wall). The 37 key Argon8 is just perfect on the desk, great keybed with aftertouch. Each knob sends independant CCs, and when in different modes (the 3 envs or the shift function) sends more still. OK might get a bit confusing mapping to omnisphere or a VST modular - but for Repro, Obsession, The Legend and other similar VSTs you can pretty much map 1-1 every function. Even for the more complex VSTs you can still map a lot of really useful real knobs. I dont have a dedicated Wavetable synth (I have Peak and a Virus both of which HAVE wavetables, but they dont really have the manipulation of the tables needed to get where Argon can go). Really happy with its duel role.
@@florianrachor7796 the problem with all analog for me is that I'm essentially paying for a box of components that synths like Diva and RePro do a fantastic job of emulating for a fraction of the price. The main advantage of hardware, especially desktop modules for home studios is something to interact with, analog vs digital is kind of irrelevant. The DX7 is a purely digital synth, a VST in a box, if you will and it's one of the best selling synths of all time.
@@BappinProductions Yea absolutely, you are right, that's the other view on that. And it seems they did a fantastic job on the hardware part, though for looks alone I prefer the Cobalt :D
I love this machine. At first I was underwhelmed as I fiddled with presets for some weeks, but once I started to get the hang on it, making my own patches and so on, I found it fantastic. Easy and fun to program, easy to live tweak. After the update it got even better, simple but great sequencer and so on.
For sure - the factory presets do a good job showing some ideas but I found once I started to really dive in and make some patches the 'wow' factor started to kick in a lot faster. Despite its restrictions, it's super easy and immediate to program and I think a pretty decent 'pick up and go' hardware synth with enough features to keep you from getting bored. Hopefully Modal keeps up with the updates - with a few added twists I think this would easily be one of the best budget synths out there. I'll be interested to see how the Cobalt compares!
@@mrnobody2222 Think of the synth as a computer It doesn't have a screen or a (alphanumeric) keyboard. But yes it can remember all of the settings you make. This is the same as 'programming; a computer.
Got mine a few months back. The 8M Version and literally just pulled it out of its box and hooked it to my rk008. Seems to me that this thing has a lot of potential? Much different than my other synths and I’m looking forward to messing about. Cool vid.
great overview. wavetables sound good. I think DAW modulation via the app makes up for a lot of built-in gaps (mod matrix, LFOs, etc), but totally agree on not being multi-timbral - that would be big. I guess the price point is on par for that though too. There's a reason why the Iridium is 3x the cost. :) thanks for all that you do!
Agreed. For all its shortcomings, it's just incredibly easy to use and get some cool sounds out of. The App/Plugin is killer though, I would LOVE to have a proper plugin like that for my Blofeld or Peak. I suppose for all the other features, there's always the Modal 002. Might look and see if I can find an 002r somewhere to play with to see what their more high-end stuff offers!
I have had the Argon 8 for a few months I like it. I have 2 other Model products also. I find that Modal has a sound unique to the brand not unlike the Waldorfs
Agreed - love the sounds I'm able to get out of it and definitely reminds me of the Blofeld with that 'character' which is always great to hear from a digital synth. Modal did a really great job with the engine. What other Model synths do you have out of curiosity?
Bro your dog is awesome it's very similar to mine, I have a Mini fox terrier X Chihuahua and he looks a lot like yours in the face, such amazing dogs they really are.
I picked up the Argon 8M and Cobalt 8M over the last 3 to 4 weeks... Got both used off Reverb... Both are rather sweet... Sounds really good and lots of options...
@@AlekseiDroganov Hello... They are both pretty nice. I dont really have a favorite among them. I like both... So its hard to sorta choose 1 over the other... Or suggest 1 over the other... Im guessin u will like whatever unit u end up getting if thats the route u end up going...
@@GearHedd I saw many pro reviews of them, but If it's not very difficult for you, please send me links of your little shows of these synths. I will be very grateful to you
Some says Argon8 and Hydrasynth have actually the same synthsis which is more a wavemorph synthesis . Here what a guy from the net said about Hydrasynth and seams reall y to relate on the Argon8 too : "Technically the Hydrasynth is not a wavetable synth, but a wavemorphing synth. You can select up to 8 waves for OSC 1/2 and morph between them with high resolution, which essentially gives you the same effect as scanning through a wavetable which has much more waves in it"
Another great video....and of course we should mention that, sadly, the Blofeld has well documented problems with their rotary encoders........which always fail, and make the unit almost useless.......
I just sold mine. It’s truly an amazing synth (for certain genres) but the lack of a 4-pole filter killed it for me, with other options out there at a similar price point, with more filter options and then some.
Yeah at first I thought the dog eating peanut butter was just a short little gag, but it just kept going and now that I’m 46 minutes into it I can say that there’s no other thing I’d rather be doing in my life right now.
Strangely, another pseudo - comparable synth in terms of architecture only would be the M-Audio / Avid Venom. While the Venom is touted as a VA synth and, in spite of being multitimbral, is generally inferior to Argon 8 (as far as my ears go) in just about every other way, the Venom is a form of wavetable synth (indeed, most VA synths are, to some extent) and therefore is at least a kissing cousin to the superior Blofeld and this new kid in town. Arguably, even the Korg R3 (little brother of the multi-engined Radias) has some similarities…though it's also touted as a VA synth (and I'm not sure that those can even be found new anymore), it has some of the Radias' waveshaping capabilities and, like the Argon 8, constrains you to the waves it ships with. One final (poor) comparison is the Arturia Microfreak. Here again, the Microfreak is a multi - engine synth with limited wavetable functionality (at least compared to the Argon 8) that is really pitched to a different user class and price point. Oh, and I'll not discuss the Sledge given that it's really just a Blofeld relabeled. These days, it seems that to get true full - out wavetable synthesis, you really need to go with this this guy, Waldorf, or software. Unfortunately, software seemed to have been winning that war until this synth came out. Hope to see more like this from Modal.
Hi Thanks for the demo. This is one of the best and definitely THE best I've heard for MASSIVE sounds from this synth. Does the Argon8 have the ability to scan its waveforms in the same way the Waldorf synths do?
Glad you enjoyed it! Perhaps I'll have to drop some of my patches at some point. Argon 8 isn't really a wavetable synth, but it can have the LFOs tied to morph the oscillator parameters to get some wavetable-esque sounds!
i've been interested in this synth for quite some time now, but decided to get used to the Ableton Live Synths first. I've become quite experienced with the Ableton Wavetable Synth and can make many sounds i desire with it, but the Argon just sounds so nice in sample videos. Would you say that they are somewhat interchangeable, or is the Argon a worthy addition with its Sequencer /Arpeggiator? Also i'm considering it, since i like to work with long, winding ambient sounds and doing those in MIDI on Ableton is pretty heavy on the CPU. I'd be happy for an answer, thank you :)
Yo! Synth sounds were left as-is except for an external reverb (the one on the Argon isn't bad, but didn't really show off the sounds properly IMO) and a few EQs to just remove excessive low end on a few patches. In the demos section though all sounds are 100% internal.
Custom wavetables would be excellent I agree, but quite a lot of dev time to implement. I hope there is a firmware update in the meantime to include a unipolar mode on for the LFOs on both the Argon and Cobalt. For me personally, there's no point to user wavetables if I don't have the option for unipolar index scanning.
But that is exactly what they are. Thats not a terrible thing though. Forget the VST bit as that simply means software, its the "in a box" bit thats important, hands on control! Who cares if its software if it sounds good.
Yeah it can be hard to make the jump into hardware for sure. VST/Plugins will always offer more features and such for the price, that's just a fact. Might do a video about 'hardware vs. plugins' at some point if there's enough interest. That said, a few quick points for hardware: - No worries about the plugin not loading anymore in future OS versions/DAW updates - You can re-sell it and usually get back some cash - Actual physical stuff can be really inspiring to play with and tweak - The restrictions of hardware can make you a bit more creative I find - Some hardware just blows software out of the water with the sound (my Novation Peak is a great example) - You can just boot up hardware to jam around with if you're bored and want to noodle. No need to boot up DAW/plugins/effects/etc. - For the investment, you're basically required to learn it inside and out to get your money's worth. You can learn a whole lot from hardware (this applies to software too though!) - IMO the 'hardware workflow' is just more inspiring. Having actual stuff to tweak and cables to wire and whatnot puts you in a 'zone' that I just don't get from staring at a screen and clicking. In the end though just remember: it's not what the baker uses - it's the cake. Use what you like, because the end listener really doesn't care if it was software or hardware. Other producers will give you loads of unsolicited advice, but IMO the only thing that matters is how the listener enjoys the end product.
If hardware were the exact same experience as using Serum, then hardware would have died off in the mid 2000’s when Massive came out. Don’t let people tell you what’s worth using. If you like how it looks and sounds and can afford it, hardware is super fun.
@@VenusTheory good idea actually. Im the other way lol. Have an RD2000, Fantom 7, Peak, Virus Ti2, DM12, and the argon 8 all in hardware. I have a couple of free VSTs in OBXD, and Zebraletta - and 2 paid ones in Repro and voltage modular. The VSTs only came about when I ran out of space for the hardware....... I am a live player 95% of the time though - and Im an old git who still doesnt trust a PC on stage.
‘Jokes on them because we gonna watch my dog eat peanut butter for an hour’ - cuts scene. Who else jumped to messed up conclusions...and thought he was getting dog head😂
I'm still trying to decide on a hardware synth. This one is pretty neat but one I'm really interested in is the Vector synth. Are you planning on checking it out as I'd be interested in your thoughts.
Really torn between the Cobalt 8m and Argon 8m (and the Korg Minilogue XD module). Frankly, having the Pigments 3.5 I feel that the argon 8m might be redundant, minus the hands-on feel ofc. So I'm inclined to go with the Cobalt 8m. But I can't say if it can do pads as well as the Argon 8m, can it? I'm more towards pads stuffs and cinematic/ambient tracks in terms of genre. And being a beginner in that field, the ease of use is kind of important. What would be your recommendation? Minilogue XDm, Cobalt 8m or Argon 8m? Thank you very much
Great review as always. I keep reading that this synth has low output/volume issues. But most of the video reviews don't mention it. So are the forums exaggerating this issue or if not, how do you handle it when mixing and so forth? Thanks.
If you prefer to use the software rather than working with the actual knobs, I'm not sure what a hardware synth would give you over a VST to justify the extra cash and realestate. Might as well just get a VST for a fraction of the cost.
Nicely done, sir. Your review more or less mirrors my own views, except that I side with the Blofeld when all is said and done. I don't know if you've had a chance to work with the Hydrasynth, but I have one, and it kicks the Argon8 around the block a few times. Would I buy an Argon8? Yes, but if the Blofeld is worth what it goes for used, and the Hydrasynth desktop is worth what it costs new, the Argon8 is overpriced by about $150. I'll wait a while. The Blofeld's crankiness in some changes killing your notes, other changes not registering in sustained notes, and the dead-eye reverb are big downers about it, but what more than makes up for that is just the incredible flexibility it gives the sound designer. As a live performance instrument, it sucks, but with every parameter on the Blofeld 2x-3x broader than what you find on even the newest synths, I'll go with it every time. The mod matrix and number of envelopes is still awe-inspiring. As I see it: Argon8 = polyphonic and slightly fatter Craft Synth2, Cobalt8 = modestly stepped-up Skulpt (which I also own), and both = 002 gateway drugs. 😂 They're all really cool, but somehow across the range below 002, it always feels like they could have easily done more, and chose not to because anything that doesn't start with '00' is just a toy.
I was thinking of picking an Argon until I read somewhere that the oscillators aren't free running and reset instead. I also heard this was the case for the Cobalt as well (which is weird considering its a VA). I was wondering if anybody who has one can confirm this.
Did you find out anything more about that? The Cobalt 8 manual says of the drift function: "Drift: This encoder controls the oscillator drift amount. This is the amount of slop or random detuning of each oscillators *phase* and tune." That would suggest the phase can be randomised, which is not the same thing as free-running but at least it provides some variation?
So.. I guess how does the Argon 8 compare to the Hydra synth? If one already had a Hydrasymth is the sound different enough to warrant picking up the Argon8?
I think in some ways I've gone, looked at more videos , and think it's a bit diffrent of an animal. I do like the compact design, and it would be easy enough to throw the Argon8 in a bag for on the go, and I also like the daw integration a good bit.
Yo! Very hard comparison to make IMO. There is a bit of overlap with some things like the waveshaping tools, but the Hydra is kinda in it's own category really. That said, price wise the Hydra does go up a bit to account for all the extra functionality. Between the 8m and desktop Hydra though I think either would be a good choice. IMO the Argon is much faster to program and get cool sounds out of whereas the Hydra takes a lot of fiddling to add all the modulation and parameters and such (as you would probably expect given how deep it is). I think personally if Modal integrates a couple of extra features (custom waveforms, more LFOs/ENVs, deeper mod matrix being the key points) this would REALLY give the Hydra a run for its money. I will have a Hydrasynth review out here in the next few weeks though!
Had both, kept the Argon8. More limited scope but sounds so much better than the Hydra! The DA converters are top notch on the Modal, but for some reason below average on the ASM.
@@VenusTheory Just checked - it does indeed. 4 animation lanes, very similar to the argon and again can be used "noteless" as a kind of advanced modulator. If I remember correctly, there was some reference (from Modal admittedly) that Korg took their idea from modal in the first place.
I own three Synts with multiple sequencer lanes animation/automation. The Arturia Microfreak, which has four lanes of automation/animation in the sequencer. The (dirt cheap)IK multimedia UNO Synth has four animation lanes. AND it also has a VST-i plug-in to controll it, like the Modal. It is totally analog though, but the Oberheim-inspired filter sounds great! And the Korg Minilog XD. Which also has a third digital oscillator that can do all kinds of crazy stuff since you can load open source DSP software that changes Synthesis methods and adds digital effects. Looking at this video, it strikes me that the MicroFreak is quite similar to the Modal but at a lower price(even lower than the Blofeldt). Although it has real analog filters (LP,HP, Bandpass), it also has loads of digital oscillator options with waveshaping, wavetables, folding, waveshaping etc (I think it's up to 18 different methods after the 3.0 update). It also has a more advanced modulation matrix where 4 of the destinations can be assignable to almost anything. Although it hasn't got any digital effects and is more limited when it comes to polyphony and the number of wavetables (it is mainly more about the vast number of Synthesis methods at the oscillator side of things). And it got a vocoder in the 2.1 update of the firmware. Yes, a freaking vocoder option in a firmware update(The headphone output seemed to be able to works as a microphone input that was available in the hardware)! No MPE option in any of these three Synths though. Besides it not having analog filters, it seems to be a mix of the three with digital effects (Korg Minlog Xd), software plug-in (The UNO Synth), knobs for most parameters (Minilog Xd and Microfreak) , the multiple digital Synthesis methods (the Microfreak and, kind of, the Minilog XD) and the multiple sequencer animation lanes (All of them!).
Big thank you to Modal and Voltage & Co. for getting me hooked up with the Argon! Very excited to dig into the Cobalt soon as well! 😁
Wanna grab a Argon8 for yourself?
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What synths should I check out next? 🤔
Great video! Thanks for going so in-depth.
@@VCOUSA Legends 🙌
Glad you dig the video! Can't wait to try out the Cobalt next!
Dreadbox Typhon
YESSSSSSSSSS I 'm happy, Looking forward to cobalt as I enjoy this one
I’ve actually been looking at this one, especially since the Virus is no longer supported or being made
I’ve been trying to decide on a desktop synth, really don’t think there’s any difference between digital and analog, any longer, and these caught my eye about 6 months ago, maybe longer
Thanks for doing a review
Also thinking if a bloefeld, but think that might be redundant
Another on my list is the Kyra
This needs a Re-Review as there was so much optimized and added by the new firmware 3.0 ❤
Good morning Cameron, first of all, let me tell you that your introduction music is spectacular. I love the warm pads, the layering of sounds, the rhythm, well, as you can tell, I have been listening to it on a loop lots of time!!! Very well done. We are in 2024, and even with the sad news for Modal (and hopefully they’ll recover), this didn’t stop me from buying the Argon8X after watching your and a bunch of other YT videos. Let me start with the built quality. All aluminum and stainless steel. That machine is a tank. I have a Korg Wavestate and you are absolutely right, with the Argon8, we are in a whole different space. I am actually having a lot of fun and let me tell you that it has been a while since I truly enjoyed a piece of hardware. I will end my quick comment with the plug-in. That piece of engineering is a master piece. It is so well built, so intuitive. I think the big players have a lesson to learn. Well built hardware and software, software included with the hardware at no extra cost. Yep, not that many offers this deal. So to conclude, I have this Argon8X, a magnificent piece of engineering that I plan to use for many years, and not swap for something else. Cameron, so many thank for this review. As usual, your videos are top notch and it’s always a pleasure to watch them. Modal, thank you very much for making such a beautiful instrument. Please, continue to produce more equipment and hopefully release a firmware 3.5 or 4.0 with Cameron’s suggestions?😊 Cheers to all of you!
I use it as a waveshaping synth more than as a wavetable synth. By that I mean that I see the wavetables as a source of huge variety of wave shapes to choose from rather than as a target for LFO or envelope modulation. And the wave mods and cross mod provide an even larger palette of sounds to create instruments that don’t exist in the real world. As a result, my favorite mod sources are velocity and note (Argon’s term for key tracking).
Worth noting that because of the number of oscillators per voice and the spread function, you can use note modulation to create different patches on each side of your keyboard if you want a sort of a pseudo multitimbral feel. Just have Note target Mix at full amount and your right hand will play the 2nd osc bank and your left will play the first.
Cool
I've had mine for about 6 months now and found it can really make some sounds that you wouldn't expect from a wavetable synth, and the sequencer, animation lanes and app really are the stand out for me, I've made some examples, feel free to have a listen.
Got this a week or so before your live stream and needed, for some reason, to feel validated in my purchase (nothing to do with the synth itself, but I've only recently got into hardware so still a little shaky about the whole thing). In fact, it is what made me subscribe to your channel and check out a lot of your previous videos, so double bonus! I'm really pleased with the little fella so far; though from my background in academic electronic music (electroacoustic... but there's only so much Cage and Xenakis I can stomach), I did have some delusions in thinking I was a sound designer at one point... Nope, I'm a preset-hunter-who-tweaks, which works OK with the Argon8 I think. As you mention, a really strong aspect to this synth is the software side, and it is especially so for my workflow. Yes, it could be argued that it is then just a glorified plugin, but I like the two sides; something physical to mess with should the need or want arise, and maybe take it to the next level and go DAW-less. I probably won't, to be honest, but the potential is there. I'm curious to see your take on the Cobalt8... maybe it'll be terrible or a poor fit, and I won't make any rash purchases at 3am... though I doubt it.
It might be perfect now. V3 is a killer update.
That intro was magical, watching you makes me want to buy one ASAP. Keep up the great work
Im honestly a sucker for any full featured desktop synth. Such killer sounds and great portability for gigs.
Hi first. Thanks for the video. I'm really impressed with everything you show there. The intro is amazing. I wanted to buy a synth, but couldn't decide. Minilougne XD, Cobald8 or Argon8. Then I discovered your video and my decision was made suddenly after several days. I ordered the Argon8. Without the video, I still wouldn't have made a decision. Thank you and keep it up. Very high quality!
wow! the opening music is AMAZING!
Getting the 8X next tuesday. Super excited. I've only ever had mono/poly analog or VA synths so time to explore wavetable synthesis. Though I've had 'classic' FM synths which were really a pain to program especially some twenty years ago. Good luck back then. Every demo I heard with the Argon synth sounds like a banger. The pad possibilities oh yes.
Just want to pop in here and emphasize for anyone looking for their first *keyboard* synth - while this is a great demo of the desktop module, the two Modal 8x synths (61 key variants) are absolutely, unequivocally the best deals in keyboard synths right now. 61 key semi-weighted, velocity sensitive FATAR TP9S with after touch. For $819, not $1,819.
"it's a VST in a box" - said some kid who can't play the keys, while sitting at his tiny one octave POS MIDI controller with shitty action, probably.
Get one X version and the module of the other. All the wins.. :D
@@Gainn MODAL needs to let the system breakout of Master/slave in polychain. Korg and Modal both doing some little kid thinking in that realm. 🤦🏽♂️
I wish more vst:s had hardware like the modals
MOAR hardware synth vids, pls. I really love how in depth you get with sound design and workflow in your hw synth vids.
Nice intro jam. I love your thought provoking videos and now I might have found out I like your music.
The keyboard on theese is absolutely fantastic! Fatar ❤️
Wake up babe new hour long Venus Theory video
great demo on the pseudo analog pad, I want to get into wavetable synthesis and this one seems pretty cool
That intro is awesome! Thinking of getting one of these and this has been really useful - thanks! And where did you get that cool t-shirt!?
I was expecting this to cost $2000 or more, but was pleasantly surprised when I checked the price 😎
The wonders of digital. I think for what they can do those are really worth the money. The problem is that you essentially pay for a dedicated controller for a VST. That creates a little bit of a dissonance for me.
Right? Crazy good deal for what you get, and the App/Plugin really seals the deal I think. Hope to see some more features added in future updates, but in the meantime I'm super happy with this thing and find myself playing around with it quite a bit!
@@VenusTheory Its actually a really competent VST controller in its own right.... My keys rig is chocked full (as a live player) but its not easy to play a VST when Im working in the box (larger keyboards But most importantly on a stand on a different wall). The 37 key Argon8 is just perfect on the desk, great keybed with aftertouch. Each knob sends independant CCs, and when in different modes (the 3 envs or the shift function) sends more still. OK might get a bit confusing mapping to omnisphere or a VST modular - but for Repro, Obsession, The Legend and other similar VSTs you can pretty much map 1-1 every function. Even for the more complex VSTs you can still map a lot of really useful real knobs. I dont have a dedicated Wavetable synth (I have Peak and a Virus both of which HAVE wavetables, but they dont really have the manipulation of the tables needed to get where Argon can go). Really happy with its duel role.
@@florianrachor7796 the problem with all analog for me is that I'm essentially paying for a box of components that synths like Diva and RePro do a fantastic job of emulating for a fraction of the price. The main advantage of hardware, especially desktop modules for home studios is something to interact with, analog vs digital is kind of irrelevant. The DX7 is a purely digital synth, a VST in a box, if you will and it's one of the best selling synths of all time.
@@BappinProductions Yea absolutely, you are right, that's the other view on that. And it seems they did a fantastic job on the hardware part, though for looks alone I prefer the Cobalt :D
I'm getting one for Christmas/my birthday 🎉
These are great for industrial music!
Ok, but where is the video of your dog eating peanut butter for an hour? That is the content I’m really here for.
I love this machine. At first I was underwhelmed as I fiddled with presets for some weeks, but once I started to get the hang on it, making my own patches and so on, I found it fantastic. Easy and fun to program, easy to live tweak. After the update it got even better, simple but great sequencer and so on.
For sure - the factory presets do a good job showing some ideas but I found once I started to really dive in and make some patches the 'wow' factor started to kick in a lot faster. Despite its restrictions, it's super easy and immediate to program and I think a pretty decent 'pick up and go' hardware synth with enough features to keep you from getting bored.
Hopefully Modal keeps up with the updates - with a few added twists I think this would easily be one of the best budget synths out there.
I'll be interested to see how the Cobalt compares!
Can I ask what you mean by program.
I know nothing.
Do you actually code the synth?
@@mrnobody2222 Think of the synth as a computer It doesn't have a screen or a (alphanumeric) keyboard. But yes it can remember all of the settings you make. This is the same as 'programming; a computer.
FYI: 8:10 the logo hits the bottom left corner
Yasss I've been looking for this comment :) 50:50 is very close too, but not quite there.
Got mine a few months back. The 8M Version and literally just pulled it out of its box and hooked it to my rk008. Seems to me that this thing has a lot of potential? Much different than my other synths and I’m looking forward to messing about. Cool vid.
All the way Blofeld! :D
great overview. wavetables sound good. I think DAW modulation via the app makes up for a lot of built-in gaps (mod matrix, LFOs, etc), but totally agree on not being multi-timbral - that would be big. I guess the price point is on par for that though too. There's a reason why the Iridium is 3x the cost. :) thanks for all that you do!
Agreed. For all its shortcomings, it's just incredibly easy to use and get some cool sounds out of. The App/Plugin is killer though, I would LOVE to have a proper plugin like that for my Blofeld or Peak.
I suppose for all the other features, there's always the Modal 002. Might look and see if I can find an 002r somewhere to play with to see what their more high-end stuff offers!
You should revisit this now that the 2.6 firmware is out and adds many new features.
Love the sound of this synth. Can't wait to eventually get one. What FX were used? only internal?
Let's be honest lots of people would watch your dog (or any dog) eat peanut butter for an hour :D
Should have uploaded this on April Fool's and done that haha.
Patch @ 15:22 is super Lush, great Demo!
I have had the Argon 8 for a few months I like it. I have 2 other Model products also. I find that Modal has a sound unique to the brand not unlike the Waldorfs
Agreed - love the sounds I'm able to get out of it and definitely reminds me of the Blofeld with that 'character' which is always great to hear from a digital synth. Modal did a really great job with the engine.
What other Model synths do you have out of curiosity?
@@VenusTheory I also have a Craft and a Skulpt
Bro your dog is awesome it's very similar to mine, I have a Mini fox terrier X Chihuahua and he looks a lot like yours in the face, such amazing dogs they really are.
I wonder if it’s even closer to perfect now with the major update they just rolled out…
I picked up the Argon 8M and Cobalt 8M over the last 3 to 4 weeks... Got both used off Reverb... Both are rather sweet... Sounds really good and lots of options...
Hello from Tallinn! Could you help me to make a choice what of them get as my first serious synth.?
@@AlekseiDroganov Hello... They are both pretty nice. I dont really have a favorite among them. I like both... So its hard to sorta choose 1 over the other... Or suggest 1 over the other... Im guessin u will like whatever unit u end up getting if thats the route u end up going...
@@GearHedd I saw many pro reviews of them, but If it's not very difficult for you, please send me links of your little shows of these synths. I will be very grateful to you
@@GearHedd thank you
@@AlekseiDroganov If it is your first, then go for Cobalt.
That intro jam is sick
Some says Argon8 and Hydrasynth have actually the same synthsis which is more a wavemorph synthesis . Here what a guy from the net said about Hydrasynth and seams reall y to relate on the Argon8 too : "Technically the Hydrasynth is not a wavetable synth, but a wavemorphing synth. You can select up to 8 waves for OSC 1/2 and morph between them with high resolution, which essentially gives you the same effect as scanning through a wavetable which has much more waves in it"
My favorite synth’s favorite synth is the SunSyn. Nice review, bro :)
Another great video....and of course we should mention that, sadly, the Blofeld has well documented problems with their rotary encoders........which always fail, and make the unit almost useless.......
I love mine (Modal). Use it everyday
I just sold mine. It’s truly an amazing synth (for certain genres) but the lack of a 4-pole filter killed it for me, with other options out there at a similar price point, with more filter options and then some.
I'm tempted by the Argon desktop. It seems the best I've seen for a desktop and at it's price. Which other similar synths would you recommend? Thanks
What genres? Ambient?
Yeah at first I thought the dog eating peanut butter was just a short little gag, but it just kept going and now that I’m 46 minutes into it I can say that there’s no other thing I’d rather be doing in my life right now.
Strangely, another pseudo - comparable synth in terms of architecture only would be the M-Audio / Avid Venom. While the Venom is touted as a VA synth and, in spite of being multitimbral, is generally inferior to Argon 8 (as far as my ears go) in just about every other way, the Venom is a form of wavetable synth (indeed, most VA synths are, to some extent) and therefore is at least a kissing cousin to the superior Blofeld and this new kid in town.
Arguably, even the Korg R3 (little brother of the multi-engined Radias) has some similarities…though it's also touted as a VA synth (and I'm not sure that those can even be found new anymore), it has some of the Radias' waveshaping capabilities and, like the Argon 8, constrains you to the waves it ships with.
One final (poor) comparison is the Arturia Microfreak. Here again, the Microfreak is a multi - engine synth with limited wavetable functionality (at least compared to the Argon 8) that is really pitched to a different user class and price point.
Oh, and I'll not discuss the Sledge given that it's really just a Blofeld relabeled.
These days, it seems that to get true full - out wavetable synthesis, you really need to go with this this guy, Waldorf, or software. Unfortunately, software seemed to have been winning that war until this synth came out. Hope to see more like this from Modal.
Hi Thanks for the demo. This is one of the best and definitely THE best I've heard for MASSIVE sounds from this synth. Does the Argon8 have the ability to scan its waveforms in the same way the Waldorf synths do?
Glad you enjoyed it! Perhaps I'll have to drop some of my patches at some point.
Argon 8 isn't really a wavetable synth, but it can have the LFOs tied to morph the oscillator parameters to get some wavetable-esque sounds!
The opening 1 minute or so is giving me Blade Runner vibes.
i've been interested in this synth for quite some time now, but decided to get used to the Ableton Live Synths first. I've become quite experienced with the Ableton Wavetable Synth and can make many sounds i desire with it, but the Argon just sounds so nice in sample videos. Would you say that they are somewhat interchangeable, or is the Argon a worthy addition with its Sequencer /Arpeggiator? Also i'm considering it, since i like to work with long, winding ambient sounds and doing those in MIDI on Ableton is pretty heavy on the CPU.
I'd be happy for an answer, thank you :)
Just got mine today. The 2.5 firmware and new factory library are a huge improvement.
Are your custom presets from this demo available in any way?
At the moment no, but I may look into releasing them at some point either myself or as a collaboration with MODAL. Cheers!
Very nice track in the beginning! How much post-processing did you make to the sounds when mixing it?
Yo! Synth sounds were left as-is except for an external reverb (the one on the Argon isn't bad, but didn't really show off the sounds properly IMO) and a few EQs to just remove excessive low end on a few patches. In the demos section though all sounds are 100% internal.
@@VenusTheory hey I'm right on the verge of pulling the trigger on one, was the opening demo all coming from the synth live? (minus drums of course)
Custom wavetables would be excellent I agree, but quite a lot of dev time to implement. I hope there is a firmware update in the meantime to include a unipolar mode on for the LFOs on both the Argon and Cobalt. For me personally, there's no point to user wavetables if I don't have the option for unipolar index scanning.
Hey man! Thank you so much for the lectures! 🎉❤
How many sounds can i play in one session? Via daw or build in sequencer?
im so sad the company is shutting down and i want both the argon and cobalt 8 😢
Its so hard because everyone keeps telling me these are just a VST in a box and to just keep using Serum.
But that is exactly what they are. Thats not a terrible thing though. Forget the VST bit as that simply means software, its the "in a box" bit thats important, hands on control! Who cares if its software if it sounds good.
Yeah it can be hard to make the jump into hardware for sure. VST/Plugins will always offer more features and such for the price, that's just a fact. Might do a video about 'hardware vs. plugins' at some point if there's enough interest.
That said, a few quick points for hardware:
- No worries about the plugin not loading anymore in future OS versions/DAW updates
- You can re-sell it and usually get back some cash
- Actual physical stuff can be really inspiring to play with and tweak
- The restrictions of hardware can make you a bit more creative I find
- Some hardware just blows software out of the water with the sound (my Novation Peak is a great example)
- You can just boot up hardware to jam around with if you're bored and want to noodle. No need to boot up DAW/plugins/effects/etc.
- For the investment, you're basically required to learn it inside and out to get your money's worth. You can learn a whole lot from hardware (this applies to software too though!)
- IMO the 'hardware workflow' is just more inspiring. Having actual stuff to tweak and cables to wire and whatnot puts you in a 'zone' that I just don't get from staring at a screen and clicking.
In the end though just remember: it's not what the baker uses - it's the cake.
Use what you like, because the end listener really doesn't care if it was software or hardware. Other producers will give you loads of unsolicited advice, but IMO the only thing that matters is how the listener enjoys the end product.
If hardware were the exact same experience as using Serum, then hardware would have died off in the mid 2000’s when Massive came out. Don’t let people tell you what’s worth using. If you like how it looks and sounds and can afford it, hardware is super fun.
@@VenusTheory good idea actually. Im the other way lol. Have an RD2000, Fantom 7, Peak, Virus Ti2, DM12, and the argon 8 all in hardware. I have a couple of free VSTs in OBXD, and Zebraletta - and 2 paid ones in Repro and voltage modular. The VSTs only came about when I ran out of space for the hardware....... I am a live player 95% of the time though - and Im an old git who still doesnt trust a PC on stage.
Yes, but can you perform with a VST without looking dumb?
NICE!!!!!
I can't decide between this or the Cobalt 8 xD, I personally like to go for the Retro Synthwave stuff
Decisions decisions
Bitwig user demanding more Modulators and LFOs. We are spoiled :D
It's a hard life haha.
‘Jokes on them because we gonna watch my dog eat peanut butter for an hour’ - cuts scene.
Who else jumped to messed up conclusions...and thought he was getting dog head😂
O.o
I'm still trying to decide on a hardware synth. This one is pretty neat but one I'm really interested in is the Vector synth. Are you planning on checking it out as I'd be interested in your thoughts.
clean
Really torn between the Cobalt 8m and Argon 8m (and the Korg Minilogue XD module). Frankly, having the Pigments 3.5 I feel that the argon 8m might be redundant, minus the hands-on feel ofc. So I'm inclined to go with the Cobalt 8m. But I can't say if it can do pads as well as the Argon 8m, can it?
I'm more towards pads stuffs and cinematic/ambient tracks in terms of genre.
And being a beginner in that field, the ease of use is kind of important.
What would be your recommendation? Minilogue XDm, Cobalt 8m or Argon 8m?
Thank you very much
Great review as always. I keep reading that this synth has low output/volume issues. But most of the video reviews don't mention it. So are the forums exaggerating this issue or if not, how do you handle it when mixing and so forth? Thanks.
Never been an issue that I've encountered.
If you prefer to use the software rather than working with the actual knobs, I'm not sure what a hardware synth would give you over a VST to justify the extra cash and realestate. Might as well just get a VST for a fraction of the cost.
Filters sound really tight on this. (13:08 for example)
After all this time, I cannot find a good answer that you might be able to give: How is this as a wavetable synth compared to the Serum VST?
I find the Argon 8 and the Cobalt extremely cold. The Blofeld imho is much more pleasing
I wonder what you can do with a soma Pulsar 23 :)
Novation ultranova x ever
Korg Minilogue can do animation sequencing.
That's one nice looking unit :)
Nicely done, sir. Your review more or less mirrors my own views, except that I side with the Blofeld when all is said and done. I don't know if you've had a chance to work with the Hydrasynth, but I have one, and it kicks the Argon8 around the block a few times. Would I buy an Argon8? Yes, but if the Blofeld is worth what it goes for used, and the Hydrasynth desktop is worth what it costs new, the Argon8 is overpriced by about $150. I'll wait a while.
The Blofeld's crankiness in some changes killing your notes, other changes not registering in sustained notes, and the dead-eye reverb are big downers about it, but what more than makes up for that is just the incredible flexibility it gives the sound designer. As a live performance instrument, it sucks, but with every parameter on the Blofeld 2x-3x broader than what you find on even the newest synths, I'll go with it every time. The mod matrix and number of envelopes is still awe-inspiring.
As I see it: Argon8 = polyphonic and slightly fatter Craft Synth2, Cobalt8 = modestly stepped-up Skulpt (which I also own), and both = 002 gateway drugs. 😂 They're all really cool, but somehow across the range below 002, it always feels like they could have easily done more, and chose not to because anything that doesn't start with '00' is just a toy.
Can you please tell me which genre this music belong to? And how many elements it contains for a beginner to start creating them?
Plz answer.
Has some. Psytrance and acid house elements. But not sure specifically. Experiment and create sounds you like.
@@mmhcreates thanks alot
I was thinking of picking an Argon until I read somewhere that the oscillators aren't free running and reset instead. I also heard this was the case for the Cobalt as well (which is weird considering its a VA). I was wondering if anybody who has one can confirm this.
Did you find out anything more about that? The Cobalt 8 manual says of the drift function: "Drift: This encoder controls the oscillator drift amount. This is the amount of slop or random detuning of each oscillators *phase* and tune." That would suggest the phase can be randomised, which is not the same thing as free-running but at least it provides some variation?
@@PhrygianPhrog you probably already know this, but still maybe helpful for someone reading this: Modal added Oscillator Free Run in version 3.0.
So.. I guess how does the Argon 8 compare to the Hydra synth? If one already had a Hydrasymth is the sound different enough to warrant picking up the Argon8?
I think in some ways I've gone, looked at more videos , and think it's a bit diffrent of an animal. I do like the compact design, and it would be easy enough to throw the Argon8 in a bag for on the go, and I also like the daw integration a good bit.
Yo! Very hard comparison to make IMO. There is a bit of overlap with some things like the waveshaping tools, but the Hydra is kinda in it's own category really. That said, price wise the Hydra does go up a bit to account for all the extra functionality.
Between the 8m and desktop Hydra though I think either would be a good choice. IMO the Argon is much faster to program and get cool sounds out of whereas the Hydra takes a lot of fiddling to add all the modulation and parameters and such (as you would probably expect given how deep it is).
I think personally if Modal integrates a couple of extra features (custom waveforms, more LFOs/ENVs, deeper mod matrix being the key points) this would REALLY give the Hydra a run for its money.
I will have a Hydrasynth review out here in the next few weeks though!
How does it compare to the minologue xd?
Had both, kept the Argon8. More limited scope but sounds so much better than the Hydra! The DA converters are top notch on the Modal, but for some reason below average on the ASM.
What studio monitors are those???
Please pardon my question, but what is “MPE”
Most Pee Ever
re the animation lanes on the sequencer - doesnt minilogue XD do that as well?
I have no idea actually haha. If it does, I stand corrected!
@@VenusTheory lol Wasnt meaning to "correct". Ive almost bought a MLXD 3 times.... Im sure it was one of its pros.
@@VenusTheory Just checked - it does indeed. 4 animation lanes, very similar to the argon and again can be used "noteless" as a kind of advanced modulator. If I remember correctly, there was some reference (from Modal admittedly) that Korg took their idea from modal in the first place.
I own three Synts with multiple sequencer lanes animation/automation.
The Arturia Microfreak, which has four lanes of automation/animation in the sequencer.
The (dirt cheap)IK multimedia UNO Synth has four animation lanes. AND it also has a VST-i plug-in to controll it, like the Modal. It is totally analog though, but the Oberheim-inspired filter sounds great!
And the Korg Minilog XD. Which also has a third digital oscillator that can do all kinds of crazy stuff since you can load open source DSP software that changes Synthesis methods and adds digital effects.
Looking at this video, it strikes me that the MicroFreak is quite similar to the Modal but at a lower price(even lower than the Blofeldt).
Although it has real analog filters (LP,HP, Bandpass), it also has loads of digital oscillator options with waveshaping, wavetables, folding, waveshaping etc (I think it's up to 18 different methods after the 3.0 update). It also has a more advanced modulation matrix where 4 of the destinations can be assignable to almost anything. Although it hasn't got any digital effects and is more limited when it comes to polyphony and the number of wavetables (it is mainly more about the vast number of Synthesis methods at the oscillator side of things). And it got a vocoder in the 2.1 update of the firmware. Yes, a freaking vocoder option in a firmware update(The headphone output seemed to be able to works as a microphone input that was available in the hardware)!
No MPE option in any of these three Synths though. Besides it not having analog filters, it seems to be a mix of the three with digital effects (Korg Minlog Xd), software plug-in (The UNO Synth), knobs for most parameters (Minilog Xd and Microfreak) , the multiple digital Synthesis methods (the Microfreak and, kind of, the Minilog XD) and the multiple sequencer animation lanes (All of them!).
Yes it does.
Nice video but your hands were often in the way; some buttons combo were not exactly clear to figure out without see what you press :)
This or the Hydrasynth
This
A pro for a hardware synth instead of a plugin is that it doesn't need processing power from your pc
Now compare it to the Cobalt8
Coming soon! Just waiting on mine to arrive haha.
@@VenusTheory I was kinda joking, but a welcome surprise. I am eyeing both of them, but for now I need to settle for one