Modal Electronics Element One is an 8-voice virtual analog synthesizer unveiled at Superbooth 2026, developed by Modal Electronics in collaboration with Axel Hartmann Design. The sound engine is derived from the Cobalt8 architecture — 64 high-resolution oscillators up to 8 per voice, 30+ filter types with morphable behavior, and three stereo effects engines. The interface deliberately simplifies access to that depth: 17 direct-access encoders, a 4-axis joystick, and a 37-key full-size keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch. Steel and polycarbonate enclosure, 4.5 kg. List price: €649 / $599 MAP, shipping summer 2026.
64 Cobalt oscillators across 8 voices and 30 filter types with morphable character
Two independent oscillator groups per voice — up to 8 oscillators per voice, 64 across the full instrument — run virtual analog algorithms inherited from the Cobalt8 architecture, covering sawtooth, pulse, sine, and modulation-based VA variants. Thirty-plus resonant filter types with both morphable and static characteristics go considerably beyond standard VA filtering, including filter types that can be shifted continuously between low-pass, band-pass, high-pass, and combined behaviors. Three envelope generators cover amp, filter, and modulation, alongside three LFOs with tempo sync and multiple waveform shapes. Eight assignable modulation slots handle a wide range of sources and destinations. Three independent stereo effects engines configurable in series or parallel deliver reverb, delay, chorus, and further effect types. Element One is fully compatible with Cobalt8 patches, providing immediate access to an established sound library.
4-axis joystick, aftertouch and MODALapp for deep editing without sacrificing performance
The 4-axis joystick simultaneously controls pitch, mod, and user-assignable modulation destinations — combined with channel aftertouch, the expressive range rivals dedicated controller instruments. Preset navigation uses three category tags covering feel and function, project banks, and a favorites folder, enabling fast live switching without menu diving. Three hundred factory presets ship with the instrument; the Cobalt8 library is importable directly. A stereo audio input routes external sources through the internal effects engines. I/O: USB-C MIDI, MIDI IN/OUT, Sync I/O, stereo audio in, stereo audio out. The free MODALapp editor (macOS, Windows, iOS, Android) provides a full visual interface for in-depth sound design beyond the front panel.
KEY FEATURES
- 8-voice polyphony, 64 high-resolution oscillators (up to 8 per voice)
- Cobalt VA engine: two independent oscillator groups per voice, VA algorithms
- 30+ resonant filter types with morphable and static characteristics
- 3 x EG (amp, filter, modulation) + 3 x LFO (multi-shape, tempo sync)
- 8 assignable modulation slots (multiple sources and destinations)
- 3 x independent stereo effects engines (reverb, delay, chorus, more; series or parallel)
- 37-key full-size keyboard, velocity and channel aftertouch
- 4-axis joystick (pitch, mod, assignable modulation destinations)
- 17 direct-access encoders
- 32-step arpeggiator with extended sequencer mode
- Preset browsing by category tags / banks / favorites
- Cobalt8 patch compatibility
- Stereo audio input (external sources into effects engines)
- MODALapp: free editor (macOS / Windows / iOS / Android)
- Design: Axel Hartmann Design; steel and polycarbonate enclosure, 4.5 kg
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Polyphony: 8 voices
- Oscillators: 64 x high-resolution (up to 8 per voice), Cobalt VA architecture
- Filters: 30+ resonant types (morphable and static)
- Envelopes: 3 x EG (amp / filter / mod)
- LFOs: 3 x (multi-shape, tempo sync)
- Modulation slots: 8 x assignable
- Effects: 3 x stereo engines (series or parallel configuration)
- Keyboard: 37 keys full-size, velocity, channel aftertouch
- Joystick: 4-axis
- Encoders: 17 x direct access
- Arpeggiator: 32 steps + sequencer mode
- Presets: 300 factory; Cobalt8 library compatible
- MIDI: USB-C MIDI, MIDI IN/OUT, Sync I/O
- Audio IN: stereo (external sources into effects engines)
- Audio OUT: stereo
- Editor: MODALapp free (macOS / Windows / iOS / Android)
- Weight: 4.5 kg / 10 lbs
- Enclosure: steel + polycarbonate, Axel Hartmann Design
