Modal Electronics ARGON8 Firmware v3 supercharges popular Wavetable Synthesisers

Modal Electronics, a leading global synthesiser manufacturer, has just released an all-new firmware update for their critically-acclaimed feature-packed ARGON-Series synthesisers. Never content with a static approach to product development, ARGON-Series firmware v3 redefines the sound and functionality of Modal Electronics’ advanced Wavetable synths and adds a raft of new forward-thinking features that guarantee to supercharge users’ creative output like never before.

New in Firmware v3

The brand-new Vintage parameter helps to alter the organic fabric of the wavetable textures by emulating the behaviour of vintage synths’ technical imperfections, where certain tuning and other variations were introduced into the sound generation. Oscillator Free Run is another new feature known from analogue synthesisers and, when activated, adds to the sonic flexibility of ARGON8. ‘Classic’ Synth sounds are so much more alive with the vintage and free run parameters ensuring every key press is slightly different than the one before.

Firmware v3 adds four new filter types, incl. 4-Pole Ladder Filter, a 1-Pole Ladder Hybrid, a resonant Phaser Ladder Filter and a new 2-Pole Sallen-Key Filter. All new filters come with Pre-Filter drive, and the integrated polesweeping allows seamless morphing through the audio spectrum. The Ladder filter unlocks even more classic synth tones as well as expanding ARGONs experimental capabilities with the more complex filter outputs and the Sallen-Key filter brings a whole new level and character to gnarly, driven sounds, especially when paired with the Drive FX.

Additionally, ARGON8 Firmware v3 includes 15 new powerful effects. Harnessing our flexible processing distribution system, some of the new additions harnessing the power of two effects slots for more sonic power and depth. The V2 Reverb is great for adding a little bit of space to a sound, huge near-infinite reverbs and everything in-between. The new Chorus v2 was brought from our successful COBALT5S and COBALT8 synths and injects vintage Chorus tones to ARGON8. Creative sound gourmets will also enjoy the new Phaser v2, Compressor, Three-Band EQ, Unisoniser, Utility and additional Drive effects, giving enough options to give custom patch creations a final, production-ready touch.

With the new firmware, the programmable Arpeggiator receives new Arp Directions to inspire musicians and producers. Firmware v3 also improves the capabilities of the OLED display, the Audio In quality, the gain staging of the audio output and much more. For a full list of new Features and Improvements, we recommend the Release Notes, available on the product’s web page.

Finally, Firmware v3 launches with the addition of a dedicated new bank of 100 new factory presets to showcase Firmware v3 in action.

Firmware v3 is available as a free update via our MODALapp software.

About the ARGON Series

Leaning on the heritage of Modal Electronics’ legendary OO series synthesisers, the ARGON Series are modern wavetable synths for music performers, producers and sound designers. Fusing a transparent and rich sound, an array of real-time controls, MPE support, a clear structured user interface and integrated performance tools, The ARGON Series are a unique collection of instruments designed to deliver an unmatched sonic experience.

The ARGON Series’ sophisticated wavetable engine generates thousands of different sonic combinations with its seamless waveform morphing feature. Explore ambient evolving textures, classic pads and modern chords, brutal basses, dark drones and psychedelic noise textures – this truly is a sound designer’s playground. Process and cross-modulate the waves using either the 32 static wavetable modifiers and unlock additional wavetable variations. With the ARGON Series, virtually every sonic imagination can be realised with ease.

The free MODALapp brings the comfort of screen-based editing of all ARGON Series parameters to your computer or mobile device. Available as a standalone app for macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS or Android systems and in VST3 and AU plug-in formats, it is the perfect companion for synth enthusiasts looking to deep dive to all sound forming and performance parameters to create their own signature sounds – not to mention a fantastic tool to backup and manage patches and sequences. In tandem with the release of the ARGON-Series’ v3 firmware, MODALapp has also been updated to v2.8.4 to reflect the latest changes in ARGON8’s synth engine.

The ARGON Series are available in 3 models, each tailored to suit your workflow – the ARGON8 37-key variant, the ARGON8X 61-key variant and the ARGON8M desktop module.

About Modal Electronics

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Bristol, UK, Modal Electronics is redefining modern synthesiser technology for musicians, producers and performers. Guided by the philosophy to create “Machines for Musicians,” Modal Electronics combines sophisticated analogue and digital circuitry in their products. Synthesisers from Modal Electronics contributed to countless hit records and top movie scores, and are used in recording studios and on live-performance stages around the world. www.modalelectronics.com