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Average Price: $80

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$500

$1501+

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Description

Dive into your sonic explorations with the Modal Electronics Craft Synth, a compact powerhouse that fits comfortably into any studio setup. Whether you're a seasoned synth enthusiast or just starting your musical journey, this versatile synthesizer offers an engaging hands-on experience with its intuitive interface and powerful sound engine. The Craft Synth is known for its eight powerful oscillators, which deliver a rich palette of sounds, from lush pads to gritty bass lines. With a wide range of modulation options and effects, creativity is at your fingertips.

Crafted for both portability and performance, the Craft Synth is USB-powered and can be easily connected to your computer or mobile device, making it perfect for musicians on the go. It features a robust arpeggiator, allowing for dynamic sequences that can be synced with your favorite DAW. The inclusion of a free app unlocks even more potential, providing deep editing capabilities that let you sculpt your sound with precision.

Whether in the studio or on stage, the Craft Synth is a reliable partner for musicians seeking to expand their sonic horizons. Its sleek design and cutting-edge technology make it a desirable addition to any electronic music setup.

Key Features:

  • Eight powerful oscillators per voice for rich sound creation
  • USB-powered for easy connectivity and portability
  • Robust arpeggiator for dynamic sequencing
  • Compatible with a free app for advanced sound editing
  • Comprehensive modulation matrix for creative sound design
  • 64 ready-to-play patches with space for user presets
  • MIDI connectivity for integration with other gear

Product specs

Brand Modal Electronics
Model CRAFTsynth 2.0 Monophonic Virtual Analogue Wavetable Synthesizer
Finish White
Year 2018 - 2020
Categories Analog Synths, Desktop Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Pads 8 Pads
Polyphony 1 Voice

FAQs

Is the Modal Electronics Craft Synth suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Modal Electronics Craft Synth is user-friendly and suitable for beginners, offering an intuitive interface that makes it easy to explore sound design.

What type of synthesis does the Craft Synth use?

The Modal Electronics Craft Synth is a monophonic virtual analog wavetable synthesizer, offering a wide range of sound possibilities through its digital architecture.

Can the Craft Synth be powered via USB?

Yes, the Modal Electronics Craft Synth can be powered through USB, making it convenient for use with computers and other USB power sources.

How many voices of polyphony does the Craft Synth have?

The Modal Electronics Craft Synth is monophonic, meaning it can play one note at a time, which is ideal for basslines and lead sounds.

Is the Craft Synth compatible with MIDI controllers?

Yes, the Craft Synth is compatible with MIDI controllers, featuring both MIDI input and USB MIDI for integration with various setups.

Does the Craft Synth offer any built-in effects?

The Modal Electronics Craft Synth includes built-in effects such as delay and distortion, allowing for additional sound shaping directly from the unit.

Bruno Kramm

Bruno Kramm

Modal Craft Synth 2.0 Tutorial (deutsch)

Video thumbnail for Modal Craft Synth 2.0 Tutorial (deutsch) by Bruno Kramm

Modal Craft Synth 2.0 Tutorial (deutsch)

Bruno Kramm

Bruno Kramm

Video thumbnail for Modal Craft Synth 2.0 "Sequencer Line" 56 Presets by LFOstore

Modal Craft Synth 2.0 "Sequencer Line" 56 Presets

LFOstore

LFOstore

Video thumbnail for Modal Electronics Craftsynth 2.0 & Strymon Big Sky by 3rdStoreyChemist

Modal Electronics Craftsynth 2.0 & Strymon Big Sky

3rdStoreyChemist

3rdStoreyChemist

Reviews

PROS

  • Highly portable and battery-powered for easy use on the go

  • Affordable price point with features from high-end models

  • Daisy-chaining allows for expanded polyphony with multiple units

  • Extensive sound range with user-friendly preset management via app

  • App integration enhances control and sound design capabilities

  • MIDI syncable delay and resonant filter for diverse sound creation

  • Compact design without sacrificing sound quality

  • Sends MIDI CC messages, useful for DAW integration

  • Versatile and inspiring for both novices and experienced users

CONS

  • Build quality of knobs feels cheap and flimsy

  • Overly sensitive keybed can lead to accidental changes

  • MIDI functionality requires app interaction to fully utilize

  • USB connection may introduce noise without high-end hub

  • Limited standalone use; best with external MIDI controllers

Owner Insights

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

Software and compatibility

  • The Modal app simplifies sound tweaking with a visual interface, essential for users seeking detailed control over waveforms and filters.

    Source
  • The standalone editor app is praised for not being buggy and not requiring DAW, crucial for users discontent with the front panel UI.

    Source
  • The app provides access to additional controls not available on the front panel, enhancing the synth's usability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Craft Synth 2.0 is less ideal for DAW-less setups but excels when played directly with a keyboard.

    Source
  • The EWI can send both CC2 and CC7 for expressive dynamics, though it may slightly mute the breath-to-filter cutoff effect.

    Source
  • Craft Synth excels in creating reedy sounds, and users recommend using pulse waves for flutey tones and sawtooth for brassy textures to explore varied timbres.

    Source
  • With a modulation matrix, it allows mapping aftertouch to a single destination, supplemented by two LFOs and a Mod EG envelope for extensive modulation possibilities.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare the Craft Synth 2.0 to Skulpt, noting a preference for the Craft's sound, and suggest it offers more than models like UNO or Volca for the price.

    Source
  • Considered more powerful than a Volca for its versatility and sound quality, despite its compact size.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite a lack of analog sound, users consistently achieve unique sci-fi tones, making it a keeper even among extensive synth collections.

    Source
  • Switching to battery power can mitigate USB-related noise issues when recording.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Full-size DIN MIDI jacks are appreciated, but the 1/8" line and headphone outputs are less favored.

    Source
  • Using "spread" can simulate polyphonic effects by detuning or splitting sound into thirds, fifths, and octaves, enhancing the monophonic nature of the synth.

    Source
  • The EWI USB can be set to transmit mod wheel with the bite sensor, enhancing dynamic expressiveness.

    Source
  • The synth has two oscillators with four voices each, allowing for interesting chord voicings despite being monophonic.

    Source

Build quality

  • The plastic casing is heavier and stronger than the Skulpt's, surviving multiple tumbles without damage, though the encoder caps feel cheaper than they are.

    Source
  • The Craft Synth's pots are not anchored to the front panel, causing potential wobbling and vulnerability to impacts.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Many users map breath control to aftertouch for dynamic filtering; some prefer mapping to expression for better response, depending on personal playing style.

    Source

Other

  • It's recommended to avoid powering via USB when recording from the same device to prevent ground loop noise, suggesting battery use or an external power bank instead.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
A

It's a toy. Not!

Don't be fooled by the look, this is a real palm size mono synth. It has 2 oscillators per voice and an LFO with six destinations. When you twist the knobs it sends MIDI CC messages to your other gear or DAW. A resonant configurable filter is at your disposal as well (LP, BP, HP). MIDI syncable delay is a god send feature as well. Of course it's class compliant, so you just have to plug in and play. Pair with an effect processor and you'll be blown away how huge can it sound. I use with Zoom CDR and it can produce really lush drone like carpets or screaming lead sounds. The only thing that I might say on a negative side that it can collect noise via USB, so it is strongly recommended to use a high end noiseless USB hub (you've been warned).

john_withers

Cute but not overly useful to me

I ordered this last Christmas as a treat and I do find this to sound much better than you would expect. However I always had trouble getting the iOS app to function properly and found it impossible to practically integrate this with the rest of my stuff. For me it is more like a toy to fool around with than something I would seriously use in music production. Still I don't regret having bought it and may eventually sneak it into a track or two just cause....hehe

Artist usage

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See how Novo Amor uses Modal Electronics Craft Synth

Novo Amor

Singer, Guitarist

...
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Modal Craft Synth can be clearly seen on top of Korg M1

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Modal Electronics Craft Synth, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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