Sound doesn’t just come from circuits with the KORG phase8—it’s born from motion, touch and resonance. This eight-voice acoustic synthesizer introduces KORG’s latest Acoustic Synthesis technology, combining physically vibrating steel resonators with precise electronic control to create sound that responds organically to both performance and environment. Featuring eight independent electromechanical voices, swappable and tunable resonators, envelope shaping, polymetric sequencing, pitch-dependent modulation and real-time haptic interaction, phase8 moves beyond traditional analog or digital synthesis. The result is a deeply expressive instrument that bridges physical acoustics and electronic control, designed for musicians and sound designers seeking tactile, evolving sound that feels alive under the hands.

Haptic Acoustic Synthesis With Eight Electromechanical Voices

At the core of phase8 are eight independent electromechanical voices, each built around a physically vibrating steel resonator. Unlike traditional analog or digital oscillators, these resonators generate sound through real-world vibration, which is then captured and shaped electronically for precise control. The result is a rich, organic tone that responds dynamically to envelopes, modulation, velocity and even acoustic feedback, producing textures that feel natural, unpredictable and deeply musical.

Swappable and Tunable Steel Resonators for Custom Scales

phase8 includes 13 chromatically tuned steel resonators, allowing you to install any eight at a time to define the instrument’s scale and character. Resonators can be easily swapped and fine-tuned, making it possible to explore alternate tunings, microtonal layouts or custom harmonic structures. Combined with envelope control that ranges from sharp, percussive attacks to long, sustained tones, this design makes phase8 as much a physical sound instrument as it is a synthesizer.

Polymetric Sequencing With Modulation and Automation

An intuitive polymetric sequencer brings movement and structure to phase8’s organic sound engine. Each voice supports step programming, live unquantized recording and step skip for complex rhythmic interplay, with sequences saved across eight memory slots. Three amplitude modulation modes—tremolo and two pitch-dependent audio-rate effects—add motion and harmonic complexity, while trigger delay and full parameter automation enable evolving patterns that shift over time.

Designed for Hands-On, Real-Time Interaction

phase8 encourages direct physical engagement in ways few electronic instruments do. Resonators can be touched, plucked, strummed or tapped by hand, and even interacted with using found objects to introduce new textures. The AIR slider controls how much acoustic sound bleeds through the pickups, opening the instrument up for more ambient, resonant behavior or tightening it for controlled, sequenced performance. Per-resonator velocity and envelope controls further shape how energy and time interact in every sound.

Flexible Connectivity for Modern Creative Setups

Despite its deeply physical sound engine, phase8 integrates cleanly into modern electronic workflows. MIDI, USB-MIDI, CV and Sync connections allow external devices to trigger notes, automate parameters and synchronize tempo, while the built-in sequencer can also drive external MIDI instruments. With line-level and headphone outputs, compact dimensions and thoughtful connectivity, KORG's phase8 offers a distinctive approach to sound where physical resonance and electronic control converge.