Modal Electronics has released a free update to the Argon8 line of synthesizers.
Here’s what’s new in firmware 1.2 for the Argon8:
- Arp/sustain latch mode
- Polychain implementation – up to 16 voice polyphony
- Support for ARGON8M and ARGON8X
- Multiple Aftertouch curves
- Improved Patch randomisation
- VST/AU MODALplugin ARGON8 support
See the Modal site for details.
ARGON8 Is the best value digital synth on the market just now IMHO.
Blofeld is way cheaper second hand and roll stands up well.
Argon8 and Blofeld over Hydrasynth 8 voice hype
Both of those together would be pretty solid and not quite the $1800 retail price for the AMS synth. They both lack poly AT & the ribbon section, which differentiate the Hydrasynth from most of the pack. Its up to you to decide if that’s where you want to go musically. I don’t think its hype, because they didn’t even announce until it was ready to ship.
It has a strong signal path with multiple LFOs & the like, plus CV/GATE options. Its pricey, but it’d also make a good master synth for several situations. People diss YouTube demos, but if I watch 10 of them, 3 always show me the basic heart of a synth. If you’re keen on wavetables, I think this is the current hardware leader. If you’re more softsynth-minded, the range of choices is nice at the moment. Check out Serum, Dune 3, Pigments, Ableton’s options, etc.