The Korg Phase8 is a true 8-voice acoustic synthesizer, a forward-thinking instrument that blends physical resonance, electromechanical innovation, and deep synthesis concepts into something that feels simultaneously ancient, futuristic, and entirely its own.
At the heart of the Phase8 is an octet of individualized electromechanical voices. Each voice features its own slot for a tunable, swapable Steel Resonator, with 13 chromatically tuned options included. These resonators are not passive tone generators; they are living, reactive sound sources that respond to touch, force, and environment.
Strike them, pluck them, scrape them, or leave objects resting on them — every interaction yields a different timbral outcome. Hands, mallets, sticks, or even unconventional tools become part of the synthesis process, shaping sound through physical energy, acoustic feedback, and resonance. Subtle taps can produce delicate textures, while aggressive strikes unleash commanding percussive statements, all with an immediacy that traditional synthesizers simply can’t replicate.
For early adopters, the Phase8 Launch Edition pushes exploration even further. Pre-sale units ship with three exclusive resonators, each featuring a unique shape designed to expand tactile response and tonal complexity. These resonators are only available with the Launch Edition and only while supplies last, offering early users an expanded sonic playground right out of the box.
While the Phase8 begins with physical interaction, it doesn’t stop there. Korg’s deep synthesizer expertise transforms raw haptic input into a vast landscape of sound-shaping potential. Envelope controls allow each resonator’s response to be sculpted, from lightning-fast percussive attacks to long, evolving drones that bloom and decay organically.
A polymetric sequencer adds rhythmic intelligence, supporting both step programming and live, on-the-fly sequencing. Per-voice step skipping introduces evolving rhythmic variation, while eight memory slots make it easy to save and recall complex patterns. Three amplitude modulation modes — Tremolo, Pitch-Dependent, and Dual Audio-Rate — further expand the Phase8’s expressive range, with harmonic quantization enabling pitch-warping textures that feel both musical and otherworldly.
Because resonance and reactivity are central to the Phase8’s identity, spatial control is built directly into the instrument. The dedicated AIR slider allows real-time adjustment of how much the resonators are acoustically boosted or damped, dramatically affecting presence and decay. Trigger delays and per-resonator Velocity controls provide further nuance, letting players fine-tune how each voice responds within a performance.
Despite its deeply physical nature, the Phase8 is no island. A comprehensive connectivity suite allows it to integrate seamlessly into modern setups. MIDI and Sync are handled via 3.5mm I/O, alongside a ±5V CV input for modular environments. A USB-C port enables firmware updates and bidirectional MIDI communication, while dedicated headphone and master outputs make studio and live integration effortless.
Get the Korg phase8 8-voice Acoustic Synthesizer here for $1,149 and keep up with all our Korg coverage right here! Oh, and RedMeansRecording is auctioning off a phase8 with 100% of the proceeds will go to Freedom for Immigrants.
