AudioFu

Best Modal General Synthesizers 2025

Premium Modal general synthesizers - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $50 Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Electronic For Pop For Rock For Ambient For Film Score For Sound Design
BRANDS: Korg Behringer Yamaha Roland Arturia Sequential SOMA Moog Sonicware Stylophone Novation Modal Mellotron Waldorf UDO Audio Teenage Engineering
Modal Cobalt8 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Modal Cobalt8

by Modal
Electronic Pop Rock
Key Feature:
• Good all-around synthesis capability
✓ PROS
  • • Wide variety of synthesizer sounds
  • • Versatile for multiple music styles
✗ CONS
  • • Can be overwhelming with too many options
  • • Jack of all trades, master of none

Modal Cobalt8Virtual Analog Synthesizer8-Voice polyphonicVelocity sensitive 37 key keyboard with aftertouch (Fatar TP9...

⭐ 4.4/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 506277
$747
Buy at Thomann View Details
Modal Carbon8 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Modal Carbon8

by Modal
Film Score Ambient Sound Design
Key Feature:
• Good all-around synthesis capability
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile for multiple music styles
  • • Often includes preset banks
✗ CONS
  • • May not excel at specific synthesis methods
  • • Jack of all trades, master of none

Modal Carbon8Digital Synthesizer8-Voice polyphonicTouch-sensitive FATAR keyboard with 37 keys and channel aftertouch2...

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 603352
$1,088
Buy at Thomann View Details
Modal Argon8X - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Modal Argon8X

by Modal
Pop Electronic Ambient
Key Feature:
• Often includes preset banks
✓ PROS
  • • Often includes preset banks
  • • Versatile for multiple music styles
✗ CONS
  • • Can be overwhelming with too many options
  • • May not excel at specific synthesis methods

Modal Argon8XWavetable synthesiser8 Voices polyphonicVelocity-sensitive 61-key keyboard (FATAR TP9 / S) with...

⭐ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 483325
$879
Buy at Thomann View Details
Modal Argon8 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Modal Argon8

by Modal
Pop Rock Ambient
Key Feature:
• Suitable for both studio and live use
✓ PROS
  • • Suitable for both studio and live use
  • • Wide variety of synthesizer sounds
✗ CONS
  • • Jack of all trades, master of none
  • • Can be overwhelming with too many options

Modal Argon8Wavetable synthesiser8-Voice polyphonic37-Key velocity sensitive keyboard (FATAR TP9 / S) with...

⭐ 4.8/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 473936
$769
Buy at Thomann View Details
Modal Carbon8X - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Modal Carbon8X

by Modal
Rock Sound Design Electronic
Key Feature:
• Versatile for multiple music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Good all-around synthesis capability
  • • Wide variety of synthesizer sounds
✗ CONS
  • • Can be overwhelming with too many options
  • • May lack specialization in any one area

Modal Carbon8XDigital Synthesizer8-voice polyphonyFATAR TP9/S keyboard with 61 keys16 oscillators with 56 core...

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 617753
$1,253
Buy at Thomann View Details
Modal Cobalt8X - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Modal Cobalt8X

by Modal
Sound Design Film Score Ambient
Key Feature:
• Good all-around synthesis capability
✓ PROS
  • • Often includes preset banks
  • • Suitable for both studio and live use
✗ CONS
  • • May lack specialization in any one area
  • • Jack of all trades, master of none

Modal Cobalt8XVirtual Analog Synthesizer8-Voice polyphony61-Key keyboard with velocity sensitivity (FATAR TP9 / S) with...

⭐ 4.6/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 507771
$875
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best General Synthesizers

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced general synthesizers typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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