Korg announces “acoustic synthesizer”, phase8

Korg has unveiled a new “acoustic synthesizer” called phase8.

The unit comprises eight independent electromechanical voices with sound generated by swappable steel resonators — metal forks — that resemble a kalimba. 13 chromatically tuned resonators are shipped out with the synth, and you can install eight at once.

Crucially, these steel resonators can be tapped, touched or plucked in real-time to create melodic sounds and rhythmic patterns. You can also place objects on the resonators. There’s a slider that dampens the acoustic response.

The phase8 bridges this acoustic sound generation with electronic control via an onboard polymetric sequencer and modulation. There is also MIDI In/Out over 3.5mm TRS, USB MIDI, sync in/out and a CV input for external devices.

The phase8 ships out in April 2026 and costs $1149/£859. Find out more via Korg here.