multiple voice modes including unison, stack & chord
64 high-resolution VA oscillators, up to 8 per voice
2 oscillator groups with classic waveforms and 40 algorithms (PWM, cross modulation, waveshaper, ring modulation, hardsync, bit crusher, Filtered noise...)
Multimode morphing filter with 31 resonant filter types
Modulation matrix with 8 slots
3 ADSR envelopes
3 LFOs with BPM sync and audio rate
X/Y joystick controller
4 assignable controls
3 effect blocks with delay, reverb, chorus, flanger, phaser, rotary...
Complex, fully editable arpeggiator
100 FX presets
500 presets (300 Factory & 200 user)
full MIDI implementation
free MODALapp software editor
headphone output
stereo/mono audio output
Line input (3.5mm jack)
Sync In & Out
MIDI In & Out
USB-C MIDI
Modal Electronics: Element One Synth - Superbooth 2026
The synthesizer for those who just want to play
The ELEMENT One from Modal Electronics is a digital keyboard synthesizer for musicians who just want to play and get results quickly. Unlike most other synthesizers, the ELEMENT One doesn't make a science out of how a sound is created. There are a few knobs for the most important parameters and the joystick controller. This is enough to change oscillators, filters, envelopes and LFOs without delving too deeply into the subject matter. But if you want to do just that, you can use the free MODALapp software editor to change every detail of a preset and create your own sounds using the numerous parameters. The ELEMENT One comes with 300 sounds stored ex works, which can be easily sorted by category. In terms of sound, this synthesizer covers everything from warm vintage sounds of the 70s to wacky sound design and modern cinematic soundscapes.
Synthesis & filter
The sound generation of the ELEMENT One is almost identical to that of the Carbon8 synthesizer. The two oscillator groups offer up to 8 high-resolution VA oscillators. How these are used depends on the selected algorithm and voice mode. The oscillators initially offer the classic "analog" waveforms and 40 algorithms (PWM, Cross Modulation, Waveshaper, Ring Modulation, Hardsync, Bit Crusher, Filtered Noise...). The algorithms also include somewhat exotic oscillator combinations and various noise characteristics. The carefully created sound is then processed by a multimode morphing filter, which is a treasure trove for crazy sound design with 31 resonant filter types.
Modulation & controller
The ELEMENT One never gets boring, thanks to the flexibly assignable modulation sources. In addition to the three dedicated ADSR envelopes for VCA, VCF and MOD, there are three LFOs that can be operated either BPM-synchronized or up to the audio range. An X/Y joystick not only replaces the pitch and mod wheels, but is also an independent modulation source. Modulations that are not permanently connected can be freely assigned in the modulation matrix. A total of eight slots can be assigned with 12 sources and 55 destinations.
Effects
Three powerful and independent stereo effect processors with a total of 11 effect algorithms add the finishing touches to any sound. or delays that make you forget time and space, spacey reverbs, jet-like flangers, pleasantly wafting Phaser and Chorus effects or noisy LoFi effects can be assigned to any Patch. There are 100 memory locations for effect combinations.
Arpeggiator & app
The polyphonic arpeggiator is excellently equipped and offers far more than just the usual and & down schemes. You can program your own patterns or use the pattern memory. In addition, an arpeggio pattern can have a length of up to 32 steps. With 300 factory presets and 200 user patches, you have 500 sounds at your fingertips. The MODALAPP, which is available free of charge, allows the instrument to be fully edited conveniently via iOS, or X, Windows and Android. The app also gives you access to other modulation sources and makes it easy to swap memory locations or load in new sounds.
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