Cobalt
Key Features
- 26 digital waveforms resynthesized from classic 80s hybrid hardware including the Korg DW-8000 and Ensoniq ESQ-1
- Two oscillators with pulse width modulation and dual-stage frequency modulation for complex timbres
- Analog-modeled subtractive filter that blends digital clarity with warm analog character
- Two LFOs and two envelope generators assignable to any modulation destination
- Extensive preset library covering pads, leads, bass, strings, bells, and experimental textures
- Skinnable interface with a larger GUI option for high-resolution displays
- Lightweight on CPU with efficient rewritten graphics code in version 2.0
Description
Cobalt is a hybrid-inspired digital synthesizer by Leslie Sanford that captures the distinctive sonic character of 1980s digital/analog hybrid hardware like the Korg DW-8000, Ensoniq ESQ-1, and Kawai K3. It pairs 26 digital waveforms resynthesized from actual vintage hardware with an analog-modeled subtractive filter, delivering a sound palette that sits between bright digital clarity and warm analog coloration.
The synth offers two oscillators, each with access to the full waveform set plus pulse width modulation and two stages of frequency modulation. Two LFOs and two envelopes are available as modulation sources for all parameters, providing expressive movement without overwhelming complexity.
Cobalt ships with an extensive preset collection that showcases its range, from rich pads and evolving strings to biting leads and thick bass patches. Users consistently praise the warmth of its filter and the quality of its included presets, with many comparing its sound favorably to the original DW-8000 hardware.
The single-panel interface keeps every control visible at once, making sound design fast and intuitive. Version 2.0 introduced rewritten graphics code with skinning support and improved CPU efficiency, plus an alternative larger GUI option for high-resolution displays.
Cobalt is available as a 32-bit and 64-bit VST plugin for Windows, with a compact download size of under 5 MB. It was originally a commercial product priced at $35 before being released as freeware in 2016.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What waveforms does Cobalt include and where do they come from?
Cobalt includes 26 digital waveforms, most of which were resynthesized from actual 1980s hybrid synthesizer hardware like the Korg DW-8000 and Ensoniq ESQ-1. These waveforms are processed through an analog-modeled filter, giving Cobalt its distinctive blend of digital and analog character.
How does Cobalt compare to actual vintage 80s hardware synths?
Users frequently compare Cobalt's sound favorably to the Korg DW-8000, with some describing it as essentially a software clone of that hardware. While it is a purely digital plugin, the combination of resynthesized hardware waveforms and analog-modeled filtering closely replicates the hybrid sonic character of the originals.
Can Cobalt handle modern high-resolution displays?
Yes. Version 2.0 introduced completely rewritten graphics code and includes an alternative version of the plugin with a larger GUI designed specifically for modern high-resolution displays. The plugin also supports custom skins.
How many presets come with Cobalt?
Cobalt comes with an extensive built-in preset collection, and the download pack includes five additional sound banks. The presets cover a wide range including pads, leads, bass, strings, bells, and experimental textures, giving a thorough overview of the synth's capabilities.
