Modal COBALT5S 5 voice polyphonic extended virtual-analogue synthesiser User Manual OS Version - 1.
Important Safety Information WARNING – AS WITH ALL ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS, care and general precautions must be observed in order to operate this equipment safely. If you are unsure how to operate this apparatus in a safe manner, please seek appropriate advice on its safe use.
Index 00. Introduction Specification 6 8 01. Getting Started Basic Functions UI Combinations Screen Map 12 12 16 20 02. Connections 22 03. Synthesis Engine Oscillators Algorithms Filter Envelopes LFOs Arpeggiator Sequencer FX Modulation Keyboard/Voice Audio Output + Gain Touchpad Settings 24 26 27 30 32 34 35 36 42 44 48 49 50 52 04. MIDI MIDI Implementation Chart MPE Polychain 58 62 64 66 05. Update 68 06.
00 Introduction Modal COBALT5S is a five voice polyphonic extended virtual-analogue synthesiser. It features two independent oscillator groups, each containing 40 different algorithms. There is a Mix control between the oscillator groups and an extended Oscillator Drift control for creating huge super-sounds.
Specification Specification Polyphony Sequencer and Arpeggiator • • Polyphonic Real-time and Step sequencer with 512 notes and four recordable/editable parameter animations (Delay FX, LFO’s, sequencer and arpeggiator can be either clocked internally or externally) • Step Sequencer holds up to 64 steps, 5 notes per step, 4 lanes of Parameter-Lock style animation, Step Input mode, multiple playback modes including gate modes and rest function • Built-In sophisticated programmable arpeggiator of 32 s
Specification Inputs and Outputs • 6.35 mm / 1/4” TS line outputs • 6.35 mm / 1/4” TRS headphone output • 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” TS sustain pedal input Enclosure and Display • Durable polycarbonate enclosure • Monochrome OLED display for instant visual feedback at all times of playing/editing Power • Power: DC-9.0V – 1.
01 Getting Started Basic Functions Powering on Connect a power lead or the supplied USB cable to your COBALT5S then connect the outputs of the COBALT5S to your mixer, or if you prefer, connect your headphones. Connect the USB cable from your computer or tablet device to the COBALT5S for MODALapp communication. Then power on. You will see a loading animation on the screen. When the synth has loaded it will change to show the main patch page.
Basic Functions Basic Functions Secondary functions Randomise Preset COBALT5S is a comprehensive and fully featured synthesiser. Therefore there are a number of user interface combinations that are required to access some of the deeper functions of the synth. Press and hold the ‘Rand’ switch, a confirmation message will appear on-screen however the preset will not be overwritten until saved. Randomise is only available for patches.
UI Combinations UI Combinations Quick Recalls Arp COBALT5S has 4 Quick Recall slots for quickly loading presets. Quick Recalls are controlled using the following button combos: • Hold the ‘Arp’ switch, and press keys on the internal or an external keyboard to add pattern notes or press the ‘Edit’ switch to add a rest to the pattern. • Hold the ‘Patch’ switch and turn the ‘Division’ encoder to control Arp Gate.
UI Combinations FX • Press the ‘FX’ switch once (so that the FX LED is statically illuminated) for the ADSR and Depth controls to adjust the Chorus FX parameters. Press the ‘FX’ switch a second time (so that the FX LED is flashing) for the ADSR and Depth controls to adjust the Delay FX parameters. Press the ‘FX’ switch again to return to the Chorus parameters. • When the Delay FX is selected, turn the ‘A’ encoder into the negative range to access synced delay times.
Screen Map Patch Preset Load Patch Save Patch Init Patch Randomise Patch Linked Sequence Keyboard / Voice Voice Mode Glide Octave Transpose Chord Latch Sustain Velo Assign Velo Depth AftT Assign AftT Depth Note Assign Note Depth Osc1 Algorithm Param A Param B Tune Fine Osc2 Algorithm Param A Param B Tune Fine Osc (General) Mix Drift 20 Screen Map Filter Cutoff Reso Morph Type Filter EG Amount / Depth Attack Decay Sustain Release Type Amp EG Amount / Depth Attack Decay Sustain Release Type Mod EG Amount
02 Connections MIDI (In, Out) Clock Sync (In, Out) USB MIDI / Power MIDI In / Out on MIDI 5-pin DIN cable. These outputs can be used to communicate with any other MIDI devices. The MIDI Out can be set to Thru using MODALapp or MODALplugin (See the MIDI section) Clock Sync In / Out on 1/8” mono/TS jack. Simply plug into your clockable gear as desired.
03 Synthesis engine 24 25
Oscillators Algorithms COBALT5S features two independent oscillator groups, each containing 40 different algorithms. There is a Mix control between the oscillator groups and an extended Oscillator Drift control for creating huge super-sounds. The available algorithms on COBALT5S include a variety of complex analogue synthesis techniques, built in cross-modulation (SYNC, RM, and many more), PWM, smooth Morphing between VA waves, bit crushing and filtered noise.
Algorithms Algorithms • Fractal Saw: Complex sync with un-quantised control over ratio (A) and and an asymmetry control (B) that allows every second cycle of the wave to have a different sync ratio to the first • Ring Mod Triangle: Ring mod applied to two triangle waves, with quantised ratio control (A) that snaps through a series of useful ratios, and a fine control (B), which crossfades between these ratios allowing precise control across the whole range • Fractal Square: Complex sync with un-quant
Filter COBALT5S has a 4-pole morphable ladder filter, with switchable configurations • Cutoff: This parameter controls the filter cutoff frequency. This affects the cutoff frequency of the filter, from 0Hz up to 22kHz. • Reso: This parameter controls the amount of resonance of the filter. • Morph: This encoder changes the frequency response of the filter. See below for how this control morphs each of the different filter types.
Envelopes Envelopes COBALT5S provides 3 separate 4-stage Envelope Generators (i.e. envelopes), one for the filter (F), one for the amplifier (A) and one for modulations (M). With negative amounts (F and M) only the attack, decay and sustain levels are inverted, the release phase will still tend to 0. • The envelope generator represented on the encoders can be selected using the 3 dedicated encoder switches. Type: There are 8 envelope types.
LFOs Arpeggiator COBALT5S features two individual low frequency oscillators. LFO1 is global and LFO2 is polyphonic. COBALT5S features an intuitive programmable arpeggiator. The speed of the arpeggiator is controlled by the current clock which can either be received from the sync in port, external MIDI or from the internal clock in COBALT5S.
Sequencer COBALT5S has an extremely powerful sequencer on board, that can be configured in either real-time or step modes. Both modes feature four recordable / editable parameter animation lanes, allowing you to add parameter motion to your sequences over time. Sequencer • NOTE: Most screen only sequencer parameters can be found on the Seq page of the screen menu. To navigate to this, Scroll the Page/Param left screen encoder in Page mode to the Seq page.
Sequencer Sequencer Step Mode Overdub The step sequencer (default mode) is a 64-step, 5 note-per-step sequencer giving you full step-by-step control of your melodies and ideas. It also features a number of Step Modes that add powerful flexibility to deploy your sequences in a variety of setups and situations. Entering notes into the step sequencer can be achieved in three ways: • While the sequencer is playing, press Record to allow notes to be overdubbed into the sequencer.
Sequencer Gate Thru - The same as ‘Gate’ but all MIDI notes are sent to the voices. Great for re-harmonising a sequence - record chords into the sequence, then play it back using a single finger to add a bassline. Also useful for polyrhythms e.g. programming a 7-step sequence, then playing a 3 note arpeggio alongside. Tip: Try gate triggered animation sequences - mute or clear the note lane and play notes to hear just the animation changes.
FX COBALT5S features two powerful stereo FX: Chorus and Delay. Press the ‘FX’ switch once (so that the FX LED is statically illuminated) for the ADSR and Depth controls to adjust the Chorus FX parameters. Press the ‘FX’ switch a second time (so that the FX LED is flashing) for the ADSR and Depth controls to adjust the Delay FX parameters. Press the ‘FX’ switch again to return to the Chorus parameters. Chorus • A - Mod Depth: This parameter controls the depth of modulation for the Chorus.
Modulation COBALT5S has a comprehensive Modulation Matrix with 11 Modulation Sources and 41 Modulation destinations. Mod slots can be used to assign a combination of modulation sources to destinations, 8 modulation sources can be assigned to a single destination, or any other combination thereof. There are also 4 preassigned slots for common modulation routings.
Modulation Modulation Valid combinations are listed here, combinations marked “•” are possible, combinations marked ‘X’ are not possible and combinations marked “— “ are preassigned modulations that do not require a modulation slot: 46 Parameter LFO1 LFO2 EG NOTE VELO AFTT X+ X- Y+ Y- Z Osc1 A • • • • • • • • • • • Osc2 A • • • • • • • • • • • Mix • • • • • • • • • • • Osc1 B • • • • • • • • • • • Osc2 B • • • • • • • • • • • Osc1 F
Keyboard/Voice • Oct -/+: These buttons control the key range available along the keyboard. Tip: You can use this while holding notes to access unavailable notes. Particularly handy when used in conjunction with Sustain and Chord mode. • Transpose: Holding the ‘Mod’ button and ‘Oct-’ button together enters Transpose mode. Here you can directly transpose the pitch of both oscillators using the keyboard. C2 is the default position.
Touchpad Touchpad COBALT5S contains a multi-axis, pressure-sensitive, highly-configurable touchpad for applying modulation and pitch bend. While the majority of the available Touch Modes give you access to all 4 XY axes (bipolar), the ‘Classic XY’ mode gives you access to X+ and Y+ (unipolar) only but behaves like the more traditional XY touchpads that you may be more familiar with.
Settings General • Settings • Clock Source: Sets the clock source for the COBALT5S with the following available options: Internal, MIDI, Sync-In, Auto, Master. If ‘Auto’ is selected then the COBALT5S will automatically use any detected clock source (prioritising Sync-In over MIDI) else it will use the internal clock. If ‘Master’ is selected then COBALT5S will run from the internal clock and constantly output MIDI clock to USB and DIN MIDI ports (dependant on DIN Out setting).
Settings • MIDI-in Monitor: The MIDI-in Monitor is a useful tool to use if needing to verify if the COBALT5S is receiving MIDI messages. It will display the data of any MIDI message that COBALT5S can respond to and will ignore the current MIDI channel and filter settings. Settings Sequencer • Metronome: Enables / disables the metronome click track for sequence recording. Please note that the sequencer pre-roll (if enabled) will always contain the metronome.
Settings Touchpad • Touch Mode: Sets the Global Touch Mode for the touchpad. See the “Touchpad - Touch Modes” section for more info. • Touch ModW Out: Enables / disables the touchpad Y+ axis from transmitting MIDI Modulation Wheel messages (MIDI CC 1) to the MIDI outputs. You may want to disable this behaviour if the COBALT5S is connected to other synthesisers that responds to MIDI Modulation Wheel messages.
04 MIDI MIDI COBALT5S is a fully class-compliant USB-MIDI device, meaning you can plug it into your computer, no drivers required, and gain access to a huge array of extra features. Simply plug in COBALT5S synthesiser to a USB port and it will show up as a MIDI input and output device in any software that supports external MIDI devices. On macOS, COBALT5S will show up in ‘Midi Studio’, found in Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup.
MIDI MIDI MIDI Channel Program Change On COBALT5S the MIDI channel can be set in the on-screen settings, or with the MODALapp. Sending a bank change (0-2) followed by a program change (0-99) to COBALT5S will load the relevant preset. You can also change additional MIDI settings in the on-screen settings pages or in the settings tab of MODALapp. MIDI Output COBALT5S can sequence your DAW or any device that can send MIDI notes over USB, MIDI or CV clock using the keyboard, sequencer or the arpeggiator.
MIDI CC Implemention Chart CC Function CC Function CC Function CC Function 0 Bank Change 32 FEG Amount 64 Sustain Pedal 96 - 1 Mod Wheel 33 Morph 65 - 97 - 2 - 34 Cutoff 66 - 98 - 3 - 35 Resonance 67 Seq Length 99 - 4 - 36 LFO1 Rate 68 Seq Mute 100 ModSlot 1 Source 5 Glide 37 LFO1 Depth 69 Seq Clear 101 ModSlot 2 Source 6 - 38 - 70 Seq Hold 102 ModSlot 3 Source 7 Main Volume 39 LFO1 Shape 71 Seq Loop 103 ModSlot 4 Source 8 40 Octave
MPE MPE MIDI Polyphonic Expression (or MPE) is a method of using MIDI to enable expressive electronic musical instruments to control multiple dimensions of sound polyphonically. In MIDI, channelwide messages (such as pitch bend, CCs, and channel aftertouch) are applied to all notes being played on a single channel; therefore, in MPE each note is assigned its own channel so that those messages can be applied to each note individually.
Polychain You can connect two COBALT5S devices together to give 10 voices using polychain. First, connect the desired master COBALT5S DIN MIDI Out to your desired slave COBALT5S DIN MIDI In. On the master COBALT5S navigate to ‘Settings (General) > Polychain Master’ and turn this on. The slave device should now be showing all voice mode LEDs lit and ‘Polychain Slave’ onscreen. When In Polychain mode, the slave COBALT5S panel is disabled along with the keyboard.
05 Update Update The firmware on COBALT5S can be updated remotely. This means that you will be able to update your COBALT5S to the latest version each time an update is released. You can update COBALT5S using the MODALapp. MODALapp is available for macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android. To find the app on your platform, visit www.modalelectronics.com/modalapp DO NOT run any other MIDI software that could be sending messages to COBALT5S during the update process.
06 MODALapp MODALapp MODALapp adds visual feedback for COBALT5S (and other Modal devices) and access to a handful of extra settings outlined above. All parameters are accessible from a single interface.
Getting Started Main Editor Connecting devices This is the main section for patch design / editing. You will find keyboard / voice, oscillator, filter, and envelopes here. COBALT5S can be attached to an iPad using a Camera Connection kit, or an Android device using a USB OTG (On-the-go) adapter. The currently selected preset is shown at the top. There are also options for previous or next preset, init preset and randomise. MODALapp can only be connected via USB MIDI and not by MIDI DIN.
Preset Manager + Modulation Tab Preset Manager + Modulation Tab In the Preset Manager Tab there are options to curate, move, backup or import presets. There are 100 presets per bank that can be viewed by scrolling in the preset list. You may also right click on a bank button to expose exporting and importing options of the entire bank (as individual .syx files) Presets can loaded with a double click and they can be renamed with two slow clicks.
Sequencer Tab Sequencer Tab In the Sequencer Tab you can choose sequence type, load, initialise and save any of the Seq presets as well access the live sequence controls such as Length, Hold, Loop and Quantise. Edit Mode: To edit notes, ensure the draw button on the top bar is highlighted. When in Step Seq you can also scroll through steps displayed in groups of 16. It’s a lot like you’d expect from any old piano roll, clicking on an untoggled note or dragging over some toggled ones will select them.
FX, Keyboard + Settings Tab In the FX Tab there is access to the two FX engines Chorus and Delay and their respective controls. In the Keyboard Tab there is a MIDI controller that can be used to play notes on COBALT5S from your device. There are pitchbend and modwheels as well as 3 buttons to determine how many octaves are shown on the screen at one time. The piano keyboard can be scrolled using the top scroll bar. There is also access to the Arpeggiator controls and transpose/chord options.
Warranty Information Warranty Information Warranty Statement What is meant by a Manufacturing Defect? • The Modal warranty period for any product purchased is 12 months from the date of the original purchase. • We define this as a defect in the performance or specification of the product as described and published by Modal. • The warranty is not transferable to a second user.
