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Element One is the 8-voice virtual-analog synthesizer designed to feel like an instrument, not a science project.

Today, Model Electronics launching the first day of Berlin’s Superbooth 2026 show comes the Element One, a diminutive 37-key synth designed for musicians who, in Modal’s words, ‘want to play with sound’ albeit without requiring any deep technical knowledge.

Developed in collaboration with the world-renowned Axel Hartmann Design team, the 4.5kg minimalist steel and polycarbonate-enclosed Element One’s ultra-reactive USP is spotlighted by expressive aftertouch and a versatile 4-axis joystick.

Then, there’s 17 direct-access control knobs for instantaneous sound shaping. It looks like the perfect antidote to tedious menu-scrolling…

The Element One is being posited as more of a responsive instrument, then – an instrument that attendees of this year’s Superbooth can test out with their own hands over at Modal Electronics booth (H101).

“Element One is for musicians and producers who want more sound and more expression without turning into full-time programmers,” says the Modal team. “It doesn’t ask you to learn the rules; it dares you to play.”

But that simplicity belies the fact that, under the hood, the Element One sports some impressive specs: 64 high-resolution oscillators (up to 8 per voice) can provide textured warmth right through to more modern-leaning sounds. Then there’s 30 resonant filter types including morphable and static options.

Then, there’s what Modal describes as ‘studio-grade FX’ – consisting of three independent stereo engines which can conjure reverb, delay, chorus and much more – arrangeable in any order you see fit.

But, if you’d rather leave all the exploring and just dive straight into some staple sonics, Modal has kindly provided 300 factory presets (categorised by character)  will undoubtedly serve you right.
Modal states that the Element One has been designed to fit into any musical ecosystem, spanning a guitarist’s pedalboard to a DJ’s live rig, or the standard DAW-based producer’s home setup.

In terms of ins and outs, the Element One sports USB-C MIDI, MIDI In/Out, Sync I/O, and a stereo audio input that allows external sources to be processed through its internal FX engines. For deeper editing, Modal provide a free app – aka, the ‘MODALapp’ which provides a visual interface (available for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android).

Element One is available through authorised retailers for MSRP 649 €/ or MAP $599. For more information, visit the MODAL Electronics website.

Synth maker Modal Electronics has announced that it has completed its ‘strategic restructuring’, initiated in Sept 2023.

Modal Electronics’ ownership transformation is the result of a strategic collaboration between Alltronics Holding Ltd and the company’s leadership team, which they say give the company a strong financial foundation for the future. With the completion of this step, they say that they can now focus on developing an ambitious plan for their next generation of music instruments and technology.

“The strategic collaboration between Alltronics and Modal signifies a significant milestone for both companies and holds immense promise for the future,” says Alltronics CEO Eric Lam. “By combining the expertise and resources of Modal Electronics and Alltronics, we are poised to deliver a new level of excellence in the products and services we offer. I am confident that this joint venture will lead to remarkable achievements, opening up new horizons and propelling Modal Electronics to greater heights.”

Modal Electronics established a rich lineup of products, since the company was established in 2013, including a wide range of synths, including high-end keyboards like the Modal 002, Eurorack modules, the budget CRAFTsynth  line, the portable SKULPT synthesizer, and the Argon8 and Cobalt8 keyboards.

Details on the company and its product line are available at the Modal Electronics website.

Modal Electronics is back this year at the 2024 NAMM Show, proving that there’s hope for the future of the UK synth maker.

Modal is the company behind high-end keyboards like the Modal 002, Eurorack modules, the budget CRAFTsynth line, the portable SKULPT synthesizer, and the Argon8 and Cobalt8 keyboards. In 2023, the company was in administration for insolvency, according to UK government records.

At NAMM, they are showing their full range of synths and showcasing the Carbon8 8-voice Experimental Digital Synthesizer.

The Carbon8 features over 40 complex digital algorithms and advanced oscillator modifiers to produce contemporary and unusual sounds. On top of that, it offers 34 filter types, shapeable LFO waveforms, a powerful sequencer & arpeggiator section and extensive realtime control.

Features:

• 8-voice digital experimental synth combines advanced digital audio algorithms and hi-res wavetables
• Sophisticated oscillator cross-modulations to enrich or drastically change the harmonic content
• 34 static and morphable filter types including vintage hero emulations, all-time Modal classics and modern filters
• Oscillator freerun and Vintage parameter to introduce organic vintage behaviors
• Shapeable LFO waveforms increase innovative modulation
• Powerful 3-slot effects engine with 26 effects
• Premium 37-note Fatar TP9/S keyboard with aftertouch
• X/Y joystick with 4 assignable axes
• ModalApp compatible

The Carbon8 has a street price of about $1100. Find out more on the Modal Electronics website.