Korg Unveils Phase8: Innovative Eight-Voice “Acoustic Synthesizer” Beyond Digital Evolution

Taylor Keatsman

ago 2 hours

Korg Unveils Phase8: Innovative Eight-Voice “Acoustic Synthesizer” Beyond Digital Evolution

Korg has introduced the Phase8, a groundbreaking eight-voice acoustic synthesizer that blends analog and digital elements. After years of development, this unique instrument was unveiled at NAMM 2026 by esteemed engineer Tatsuya “Tats” Takahashi, celebrated for his work on the Minilogue and Volca series.

Innovation in Acoustic Synthesis

Phase8 represents Korg’s foray into “Acoustic Synthesis,” created at the company’s creative facility in Berlin. According to Tats, the instrument aims to provide an organic feel in a saturated market of synthetic instruments. He stated that the Phase8 is “beyond analogue vs digital” and transcends traditional electronics.

Design and Sound Generation

This innovative synthesizer is essentially a fusion of a synthesizer and an electric kalimba. At its core, Phase8 features eight chromatically tuned steel resonators, with an additional set of 13 that users can swap and tune. These resonators generate sound through electromagnetic stimulation and can be interacted with physically—touched, plucked, strummed, or tapped.

Unique Features

Air Slider: Modulates the acoustic response based on tactile interactions.
Dedicated Envelopes: Provides velocity control for each resonator.
Polymetric Step Sequencer: Supports step programming and unquantized live recording.
Memory Slots: Store and recall sequences using eight available slots.
Shift Knob: Allows delayed triggers relative to tempo.

Automated Control and Modulation Effects

Users can automate all controls across sequences. The Phase8 includes three modulation effects, such as traditional tremolo and two audio-rate pitch-dependent styles, one of which can be harmonically quantized.