Modal Carbon8M Experimental Virtual Analogue Synth Module (Desktop)

Manufacturer's description

CARBON8M introduces radical new ways to create, experiment with and perform next-generation synth sounds. CARBON8M’s sound engine, twice as complex as in our acclaimed ARGON8 and COBALT8 series, embeds complex waveform algorithms and wavetables into an 8-voice superior synth engine with outstanding filter technology and exciting LFO capabilities.

To complement the innovative CARBON8M sound generation, we added unparalleled modulation options, an inspiring real-time / step sequencer, the energising arpeggiator, MPE, studio-quality effects and MODALapp integration. The compact form factor of CARBON8M makes it versatile, allowing you to place it directly on your desktop or mount it into a 19” rack using the included rackmount brackets. CARBON8M is the ideal synth for everyone who wants to leave everyday synth experiences and endeavor the raw and exciting world of contemporary sound dimensions.

• Revolutionary Sound Engine: Two oscillators with 56 cores each, generating 18 high-resolution algorithms and 38 wavetables for an expansive sound palette.
• Advanced Modulation: Three LFOs, three envelope generators, and 12 modulation slots provide deep sound sculpting capabilities.
• Powerful Sequencing & Performance: 512-note real-time/step sequencer, a 32-step programmable arpeggiator, and expressive MPE support.
• Sleek Full Metal Design: Use the included rack brackets to mount CARBON8M into a 19” rack or use the synth on your producer desktop thanks to it sleek tabletop design
• Comprehensive Connectivity: Full-size MIDI, USB-MIDI, 3.5mm sync I/O, expression and sustain pedal inputs, and poly-chain support.
• MODALapp Integration: Intuitive software editor for in-depth sound programming and patch management.

Raw and Bold Sound Sources

CARBON8M provides two Oscillators with 56 Cores each. They generate 18 unique high-resolution algorithms or 38 wavetables for exceptional sounds that range from aggressive and bold to ear-pleasing soft and lush tones. Each patch can contain a combination of any two algorithms or wavetables. Only one parameter is required to contour sonic sweet spots for further sound explorations and shaping.

Mangle and Tweak

The XCore provides a wide range of exciting and sophisticated Oscillator Modifiers, such as Phase Distortion, Wavefolding, and Wave-Shaping, allowing sculpting characterful sound variations for new, innovative synth sounds to be dialled in to taste.

For Filter Gourmets

The massive filter section of CARBON8M contains a wide selection of 34 different filter types. The available collection includes reminiscences of vintage filter models and modern Modal filter adaptations to carve or boost the crucial frequencies in your patch. Some models also offer drive and morph parameters to rough up the spectral spectrum or mangle sound in the most peculiar and spectacular ways.

Reshape and Modulate

Three LFOs with variable pulses width LFOs, variable slope triangles, dual rate ramps and more highlight CARBON8M’s modulation section. Three Envelope Generators allow detailed editing to modulate pitch, filter and amp. Twelve modulation routes offer various ways to mangle the audio shapes and outputs.

Bring in some movement

The integrated 512-note Realtime / Step Sequencer with four powerful Animation Lanes invites you to compose massive and complex melodic patterns. The polyphonic step sequencer mode enables easy step input for note and animation values. Multiple sequencer trigger modes, coupled with the powerful onboard arpeggiator (programmable up to 32 steps) and features such as Chord Hold, Inversions, Transpose, and Sustain Latch, unleash powerful moving patterns for live and studio performances.

Desktop or Rack?

The CARBON8M’s robust steel and aluminum casing highlights its professional-grade design. Its compact desktop form factor fits seamlessly onto any producer’s workspace, while the included brackets make it easy to mount in a studio or live performance rack. For intuitive control, the CARBON8M is equipped with 13 switched encoders, 13 encoders, 9 buttons, and an X/Y joystick for pitch and modulation. Additionally, MPE support unlocks innovative creative possibilities for advanced performers.

Studio-grade FX included

Polish your sounds with the onboard stereo effects engine. CARBON8M comes with a 3-slot FX engine with in-depth FX programming. To round up your synth tone, 26 studio-grade FX algorithms add character and depth, including rich Reverbs, warm Chorus effects, swirling Phasers and Flangers, Tremolo, LoFi, Rotary, wide Delays, Equaliser, Compressor and more.

Looking to connect

CARBON8M has all the physical connections required to embed the instrument in any studio, production or live performance environment. Control the synth using USB, monitor with headphones or dedicated line outputs, sync with external gear using the full-size MIDI in and out or the 3.5 mm Sync in or outputs and take control of your sound using the built-in Sustain and Expression inputs. By poly-chaining any two CARBON8 devices, the number of voices is easily doubled to 16.

Access all Areas

There is plenty of room to store patches, effects and sequence creations. Out of the box, 300 of the total 500 patches are filled with factory patch banks, carefully programmed by some of the most accomplished sound designers in the world. One hundred customised effects configurations and sequences can be stored as well to be applied to any sound while performing.

Enjoy Peace of Mind with Our Extended 3-Year Warranty

At Modal, we stand behind the quality and reliability of our products. That’s why we’re proud to offer an extended 3-Year Warranty on all products purchased after May 8th, 2025—at no extra cost. Simply register your product at modalelectronics.com/register-product/ to activate your coverage. It’s our way of showing confidence in our craftsmanship and commitment to your long-term satisfaction.

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
• 56 complex Digital Core Waveforms per oscillator, incl. 18 Digital Algorithms and 38 sophisticated Wavetables
• Advanced XCore Modifiers, incl. Wave Shape, Wave Fold, Phase Distortion, and others
• Extended Oscillator Drift
• Vintage Parameter
• Digital Core Waveforms

Filter

• 34 resonant Filter types including morphable and static filters
• Cutoff Scaling with two distinctive modes

Modulation

• Three dedicated envelope generators for AMP, MOD and FILTER that can be accessed independently or all three simultaneously, including negative (reverse) versions for MOD and FILTER ENVs
• Three audio-rate LFOs with tempo sync (two poly, one global) with over 15 different shapes
• Eight assignable modulation slots and four additional fixed modulation routings for common assignments with 12 modulation sources and 55 modulation destinations

Sequencer and Arpeggiator

• Polyphonic Real-time sequencer with 512 notes and four recordable/editable parameter animations (Delay FX, LFOs, sequencer and arpeggiator can be either 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 sophisticated programmable arpeggiator of 32 steps with rest capability with up to 2048 steps before repeating

FX

• Three independent and user-configurable stereo FX engines for 26 Effects algorithms, incl. Drive, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Tremolo, LoFi, Rotary, Stereo Delay, Ping-Pong Delay, X-Over Delay and Reverb.

User Memory

• 500 patch memories, all fully editable and ships with 300 factory programs
• 100 sequencer presets that can be linked to any patch for quickly loading arrangements
• 100 FX presets
• 8 Quick Recall slots accessible from the panel for quickly loading your favourite patches

Controls and Performance

• 13 switched encoders, 13 encoders, 9 buttons
• 4-axis joystick that can be assigned to a huge range of modulation destinations and virtually ‘locked’ when desired
• Multiple voice modes, Mono, Poly, Unison 2, unison 4, unison 8, Stack 2 and Stack 4
• Glide/Portamento with both legato and staccato modes
• Chord Invert control to easily create chord inversions and variation

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

• Tabletop-style enclosure, brackets for 19″ 3U rackmount included (requires 1U free space above or right-angled connectors)
• 1.54-inch large OLED display for instant visual feedback at all times of playing/editing

Power

• Power: DC-9.0V – 1.5A centre-positive

Editor Software

• Free MODALapp software editor available for macOS, Windows, iOS and Android
• MODALapp can also be run within your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), with VST3 and AU versions available

• Dimensions: 384 x 127 x 81 mm
• Weight: 2.1 kg