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Description
Unleash your creativity with the Modal Electronics CRAFTsynth 2.0, a powerhouse in a compact form. This portable monophonic wavetable synthesizer is perfect for DJs and electronic musicians seeking an expansive sound palette without the cumbersome setup. Despite its small size, the CRAFTsynth 2.0 boasts an impressive eight-oscillator configuration, allowing you to layer two different waveforms from a selection of 40, ensuring every note you play is rich and textured.
The built-in 8-note touchpad and compatibility with external MIDI devices via USB or 5-pin DIN make it adaptable to various performance styles. For those who love to tweak and experiment, this synth offers three envelope generators, two audio-rate LFOs, and a 2-pole resonant filter to shape your sound with precision. Whether you’re crafting cinematic stabs, luscious pads, or gritty leads, the modulation matrix and 16 oscillator modifiers provide endless possibilities to explore.
Perfect for the nomadic musician, the CRAFTsynth 2.0 can be powered by USB or three AAA batteries, making it ideal for spontaneous jam sessions or outdoor gigs. Enhance your experience with the optional software editor, available on all major operating systems, to dive deeper into sound design and preset management.
Key Features:
- Portable monophonic wavetable synthesizer with eight-oscillator configuration
- 40 waveforms and 16 oscillator modifiers for versatile sound design
- Three envelope generators and two audio-rate LFOs
- 2-pole resonant filter with morphable low pass, band pass, and high pass options
- 8-slot modulation matrix for complex signal processing
- USB or battery-powered for ultimate portability
- Onboard 8-note touchpad with custom scales and root note selection
- Optional software editor compatible with macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android devices
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
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Is the Modal Electronics CRAFTsynth 2.0 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the CRAFTsynth 2.0 is suitable for live performances due to its portable design, built-in sequenced arpeggiator, and MIDI clock sync for LFOs and Delay, allowing for dynamic and synchronized live sound manipulation.
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Can the CRAFTsynth 2.0 be powered without a computer?
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Yes, the CRAFTsynth 2.0 can be powered by 3 AA batteries, making it highly portable and suitable for use without a computer or external power source.
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What type of synthesis does the CRAFTsynth 2.0 use?
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The CRAFTsynth 2.0 uses digital virtual analogue wavetable synthesis, providing a wide range of sound design possibilities with a single monophonic voice.
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Does the CRAFTsynth 2.0 have an external software editor?
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Yes, there is an optional software editor available for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android, allowing for deeper sound design and parameter control.
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How is the CRAFTsynth 2.0 connected to other devices?
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The CRAFTsynth 2.0 offers class-compliant MIDI over a USB connection, as well as traditional MIDI input and output, allowing for easy integration with computers, tablets, and other MIDI-compatible devices.
Videos
AudioPilz
Bad Gear - Modal CraftSynth 2.0
Reviews
PROS
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More portable and easier to get good sounds out compared to Monologue and Microfreak
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Less expensive with superior features like daisy chaining for polyphony and more oscillator waves
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Oscillator Modifiers add unique sound sculpting capabilities
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Includes voicings from the higher-end MODEL 002
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Great array of sounds with deep control through the app
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Programmable arpeggiator and built-in delay for enhanced sound design
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Versatile for a wide range of uses beyond its price point
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Compact and battery-powered for mobility
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Can save presets and banks on both device and computer
CONS
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Requires app for deep functionality and preset management
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Non-pressure sensitive touchscreen keybed can be overly responsive
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MIDI setup can be cumbersome and not intuitive out-of-the-box
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Build quality and knobs feel cheap and lack durability
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Limited physical controls require software to access full features
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Programmable arpeggiator may work incorrectly, shifting notes
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Modal Electronics CRAFTsynth 2.0.
Use cases and applications
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EWI USB users recommend mapping the bite sensor to the mod wheel for enhanced expression.
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The CRAFTsynth 2.0 excels in creating organic and brass-like sounds, offering a wide range of expressive possibilities for wind controller users.
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Mapping cutoff to breath control enhances dynamics, making it ideal for expressive wind controller performances.
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Value and pricing
User experience
Comparisons
Software and compatibility
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The editor app is standalone, allowing patch editing without a DAW, overcoming the front panel's limitations.
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Anders Bostrom's preset packs come pre-configured with aftertouch settings, simplifying the setup process for new patches.
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The Modal app's preset window is essential for controlling waveform and filter settings, crucial for customizing sounds.
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The Modal app is crucial for accessing hidden settings and is available on both iOS and Android.
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Features and functionality
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Despite the lack of a display, the synth allows control of any parameter with the mod wheel, offering unique sci-fi sound creation not easily replicated by other synths.
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Combining wave 1 (carrier) and wave 2 (modulator) allows for nuanced sound design, with wave 1's character tempered by wave 2's volume.
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The spread knob and tuning on Oscillator 2 enable unique chord voicings despite being a monosynth.
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Build quality
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings
130
Amazing power and range with a sleek portable design
Seriously powerful and versatile monophonic synth with programable arpeggiator and built-in delay. Although I bought it to use for bass parts (and the low rumbling sound it produces does not disappoint!) I have ended up applying it to a much wider range of uses. The built in distortion and delay really add considerable heft to the already impressive sounds this beast can produce. Extremely pleased with the textured and noisy territory these led me to explore and what was meant to be a secondary part of my sound assumed the center stage. After a bit of tweaking and exploration of the software included the potential for an "experimental" approach I hadn't expected this to have became apparent. That said, some people may balk at the need to employ a PC or tablet to fully utilize the amazingly flexible features of this synth. For size and cost sake the physical controls are limited and most of the knobs are doing triple duty. The same consideration led to the simplistic key layout which allows for quick scrolling to access the full range of octaves but lacks touch sensitivity and may be off-putting to keyboard players (a friend of mine who is one looked confused at first but quickly found his footing with some trial and error), although there is a midi in to bypass this issue if desired. For this price I don't think there's a better synth on the market and, provided you are willing to hook it up to a screen (and/or keyboard) then you will absolutely get more than you paid for.
41029
sell this, buy the big brother... ARGON 8 KILLS
99
Отличный монофонический вэйвтэйбл синтезатор.
Использую его для написания различных мелодий, будь то пэды, лиды, бас и всевозможные звуки. Удобное и понятное программное обеспечение, как на PC, так и приложение на смартфон. Пресеты и банки можно сохранять в самом устройстве, так и на компьютере, если их количество превышает 64 патча. Недостаток у него в том, что программируемый арпеджиатор работает некорректно - сдвигает ноты.
Artist usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Modal Electronics CRAFTsynth 2.0, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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