Korg's new experimental synthesizer combines acoustic sounds with electronic control

"The Phase8 uses a new form of "acoustic synthesis" that combines acoustic sound generation with electronic control. Takahashi says the synthesizer is "beyond analog vs. digital" and "beyond electronics" altogether. It features chromatically tuned steel resonators, which creates an acoustic sound similar to that of a kalimba. These signals can be manipulated via onboard effects and sequenced like a traditional synthesizer. Here's a video of the synth in action."

"Players can mess with the resonators just like they would a guitar string or a piano key. Korg recommends that users physically touch, pluck, strum and tap the resonators to create new textures and tones. The company even suggests that people actually put objects on top of each resonator for additional experimentation. There's a slider that boots or dampens the acoustic response."

"As for the electronics, the Phase8 boasts dedicated envelopes and velocity control for each resonator and there's a polymetric step sequencer. The sequences can be stored and recalled via eight memory slots. All controls can be automated across a sequence. There are a handful of modulation effects, including tremolo and pitch-shift. It features modern connectivity options, including MIDI in/out via 3.5mm, USB MIDI, a standard ¼-inch audio out and a headphone jack, among other options."

Korg's Phase8 is an experimental, purchasable synthesizer that implements a form of acoustic synthesis by pairing chromatically tuned steel resonators with electronic control. The resonators produce kalimba-like tones and invite tactile interaction—players can touch, pluck, strum, tap, or place objects on resonators to alter timbre, and a slider boosts or damps acoustic response. Each resonator has dedicated envelopes and velocity control, and a polymetric step sequencer stores patterns in eight memory slots with full automation. Onboard effects include tremolo and pitch-shift. Connectivity covers MIDI via 3.5mm, USB MIDI, 1/4-inch output, and a headphone jack. Preorders are open; price $1,150; available in April.

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