Pricing and availability

Average Price: $6,662

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unlock a universe of sonic possibilities with the Modal Electronics 008, a powerhouse eight-voice analog synthesizer that's as much a work of art as it is a tool for creation. Designed for the modern musician who craves both vintage warmth and futuristic flexibility, the 008 combines analog richness with digital precision. Each of its voices boasts two oscillators along with two sub-oscillators, allowing you to craft everything from fat basses to shimmering leads.

Dive into the depths of sound design with 16 unique filter modes, offering everything from classic lowpass to exotic phase and notch filters. The Animator feature transforms your soundscapes with dynamic modulation, making the 008 as expressive as it is powerful. Its semi-weighted 61-key FATAR keybed, complete with aftertouch, ensures a playing experience that's both responsive and inspiring.

Whether you're performing live or sculpting the next big hit in the studio, the 008's dual LFOs and comprehensive modulation matrix provide endless opportunities for creativity. The intuitive interface, highlighted by a 4.3" screen and touch-sensitive knobs, makes navigating its deep feature set a breeze.

Key Features:

  • Eight-voice polyphonic synthesizer with analog signal path
  • Unique multi-mode analog filter design with 16 types
  • Semi-weighted 61-key FATAR keybed with aftertouch
  • Animator feature for sequencing complex modulations
  • Dual oscillators and sub-oscillators per voice
  • Dual LFOs with multiple wave shapes and audio rate capability
  • Easy navigation with 4.3" display and touch-sensitive controls

Product specs

Brand Modal Electronics
Model 008 8-Voice 61-Key Analog Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Polyphony 8 Voices

FAQs

Is the Modal Electronics 008 synthesizer polyphonic?

Yes, the Modal Electronics 008 is an 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer, allowing you to play up to eight notes simultaneously.

What type of synthesis does the Modal Electronics 008 use?

The Modal Electronics 008 uses analog synthesis, featuring 100% analog VCOs and multi-mode filters for rich, classic sounds.

How many keys does the Modal Electronics 008 have, and what is the key size?

The Modal Electronics 008 features a 61-key keyboard with full-size keys, providing a standard playing experience.

What MIDI connectivity options does the Modal Electronics 008 offer?

The Modal Electronics 008 includes MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, and USB MIDI, offering versatile connectivity for integrating with other gear.

Does the Modal Electronics 008 synthesizer have any modulation options?

Yes, the Modal Electronics 008 offers extensive modulation options, including two LFOs and fast envelopes, allowing for deep sound design possibilities.

What are the standout features of the Modal Electronics 008's sound engine?

The standout features of the Modal Electronics 008's sound engine include its 100% analog VCOs and multi-mode filters, which contribute to its rich and versatile sound palette.

Rolf Maier Bode

Rolf Maier Bode

Testing the Modal Electronics 008 Analog Synthesizer

Video thumbnail for Testing the Modal Electronics 008 Analog Synthesizer by Rolf Maier Bode

Testing the Modal Electronics 008 Analog Synthesizer

Rolf Maier Bode

Rolf Maier Bode

Video thumbnail for Modal Electronics 008 - 8 voice analog poly sounds by sonicstate

Modal Electronics 008 - 8 voice analog poly sounds

sonicstate

sonicstate

Video thumbnail for Modal Electronics 008 Part 1 by synthlegends

Modal Electronics 008 Part 1

synthlegends

synthlegends

Video thumbnail for Modal Electronics 008 - Musikmesse 2015 by Sound On Sound magazine

Modal Electronics 008 - Musikmesse 2015

Sound On Sound magazine

Sound On Sound magazine

Video thumbnail for Modal Electronics 008 Analog Synth (Sounds Only) | Gear4music Demo by Gear4music Guitars

Modal Electronics 008 Analog Synth (Sounds Only) | Gear4music Demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2016: Modal Electronics 008 Demo by matrixsynth

NAMM 2016: Modal Electronics 008 Demo

matrixsynth

matrixsynth

Video thumbnail for Modal Electronics 008 Pad tweaking by synthlegends

Modal Electronics 008 Pad tweaking

synthlegends

synthlegends

Video thumbnail for Sound Lab Sessions:  MODAL ELECTRONICS 008 by MajorOSC

Sound Lab Sessions: MODAL ELECTRONICS 008

MajorOSC

MajorOSC

Video thumbnail for Modal Electronics 008 Flash Gordon Into the Space Capsule demo by Sean Christopher Synthesizers

Modal Electronics 008 Flash Gordon Into the Space Capsule demo

Sean Christopher Synthesizers

Sean Christopher Synthesizers

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Modal Electronics 008.

Features and functionality

  • The 008 offers a unique phase-changing 3-pole low-pass filter that stands out in its demos and adds distinct sound shaping possibilities.

    Source
  • The 008's modulation capabilities, especially with the animator, are highly praised for providing extensive sound design possibilities that are not easily matched by competitors.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 008's animator and sequencer are praised for their ease of use, offering more intuitive parameter automation than Elektrons and faster workflow than Ableton's sequencing.

    Source
  • The SE Code Synth is mentioned as a potential competitor, though it's noted that the 008 offers unique features that set it apart in modulation and sound richness.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the 008's modern stable tuning, which is reliable for live gigs, unlike the Andromeda, which can be affected by heat from stage lights.

    Source
  • The 008 is noted for its high build quality, even by those who do not play, indicating robust construction and appealing design.

    Source
  • One owner considers the 008 the richest and most lush sounding synth they've ever owned, emphasizing its superiority over other models they've tried.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Musicians looking for a compact, versatile synth for live performances find the 008's extensive sound palette in a single box appealing for gigging.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some find the $5500 price high for 8 voices and two parts, especially when compared to alternatives like the Andromeda, which offers more voices and similar features.

    Source
  • While the price is seen as high, it's argued that few synths directly compete with the 008's capabilities, making it a unique offering in its price range.

    Source

Build quality

  • A critical connector can be seated incorrectly due to a lack of a one-way connector design, which may cause boot errors if improperly connected.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users have resolved boot errors by reseating a misconnected power line; the red line should align with the number 1 mark, similar to computer hardware practices.

    Source
  • Owners experiencing boot issues are advised to attempt multiple reboots and contact support, though some have fixed issues by checking internal connections themselves.

    Source

Other

  • A user resolved a boot problem caused by a backwards cable, suggesting careful inspection of internal cabling if similar issues arise.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Here’s What The $4,995 Modal 008 Sounds Like – Synthtopia

synthtopia.com

Modal 008 is a high-quality, analog powerhouse with extensive modulation options and stunning design, but its sound may not justify the $4,995 price tag for many. While some praise its unique sound capabilities, others find the demos lackluster and outdated for 2016, questioning its value against more affordable competitors. The lack of pitch and mod wheels, coupled with underwhelming audio demos, further clouds its potential. Overall, a divisive synth that's more likely to appeal to niche users or those appreciating boutique quality over mass-market appeal.

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Artist usage

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See how Peter Baumann (2) uses Modal Electronics 008

Peter Baumann (2)

Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Expose

It's just under his right arm

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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