KORG reveals phase8 acoustic synthesizer with vibrating steel resonators
Based on Acoustic Synthesis technology, it generates sound through real resonators paired with analogue wavefolding, audio-rate modulation & a built-in sequencer
KORG has announced phase8, an eight-voice acoustic synthesizer built around a new approach the company calls Acoustic Synthesis.
Instead of relying solely on oscillators, phase8 generates sound through physically vibrating steel resonators, paired with precise electronic control.
At the core of the instrument are eight chromatically tuned steel resonators, electromagnetically excited to produce sound. phase8 ships with 13 resonators in total, and users can install any eight at a time.
Each resonator can be individually enveloped and tuned, allowing a wide range of results, from short, percussive strikes to sustained, evolving tones.
The resonators can also be physically touched, plucked, or damped, allowing direct interaction to influence the sound.
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On the control side, phase8 offers analogue wavefolding, pitch-dependent modulation, and audio-rate modulation options.
A built-in polymetric sequencer supports both step programming and free, unquantised recording. Each voice can run its own rhythmic pattern, and sequences can be stored across eight memory slots.
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Connectivity includes MIDI over USB and TRS, sync in and out, CV input, and standard audio outputs.
phase8 is available for pre-order at selected dealers, priced at US$1,149 with shipping for first units expected in April.
Sign up for pre-order updates here.
Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.
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