Korg Phase8

KORG Phase8 is a professional electro-acoustic eight-voice synthesizer that employs KORG's proprietary Acoustic Synthesis technology. Sound is generated by physically vibrating bodies (called resonators) controlled electronically, combining real mechanical resonance and advanced electronic modeling via envelopes, modulations, sequencers, and parameter automation. This approach makes Phase8 an instrument aimed at sound designers, electronic musicians, and performers who seek direct interaction with sound and a timbral response not reducible to traditional synthesis.
Haptic Acoustic Synthesis
Acoustic Synthesis uses real physical vibrations as a sound source. The eight electromechanical voices with steel resonators respond to panel controls, but also to direct contact, acoustic feedback, and the environment. This allows for shaping sound through gesture, pressure, and physical interaction, opening up expressive possibilities particularly effective in performance and sound research.
Interchangeable and Tunable Resonators
Phase8 includes 13 chromatically tuned steel resonators, with the possibility of installing eight simultaneously. The resonators are interchangeable and adjustable, allowing for the definition of custom scales, dedicated timbral responses, and specific sonic characters. This architecture is particularly useful in designing coherent sound sets for live, installation, and sound design contexts.
Furthermore, those who secure one of the first 40 units, which you can pre-order from selected retailers, will receive 3 exclusive limited-edition resonators. Discover the retailers participating in this initiative: click here!
3 EXCLUSIVE RESONATORS
Polymetric Sequencer
The integrated sequencer supports both step-by-step programming and unquantized live recording. Each voice features a step skip function, allowing for complex polymetric structures. Sequences can be stored and recalled, making the sequencer a central tool for building evolving and rhythmically irregular patterns.
Modulations and Time Control
The modulation section includes three amplitude modulation modes: tremolo and two pitch-dependent audio-rate modulations, one of which is harmonically quantizable. The Trigger Delay allows for introducing controlled time delays on resonator activations, facilitating the creation of articulated grooves and rhythmic layering.
Automation and Physical Interaction
All panel controls can be automated within sequences. In addition to electronic control, phase8 is designed for direct physical interaction: touch, plucking, percussion, and the use of external objects. The AIR slider allows for controlling the acoustic response of elements in contact with the instrument, making gesture an integral part of the compositional process.
Connectivity and Integration
Phase8 features MIDI TRS-A, USB-MIDI, Sync In/Out, and a CV ±5 V input for parameter control. These connections allow for integration into professional hybrid setups, with modular synthesizers, drum machines, DAWs, and synchronized hardware systems.
KORG phase8 Technical Specifications
Voices: 8 electromechanical
Resonators: steel, interchangeable and tunable
Included Resonators: 13 (8 can be installed simultaneously)
Sequencer: polymetric, step and live recording
Programs: 8
Connections:
- MIDI TRS-A In/Out
- USB-C (USB-MIDI and firmware)
- Sync In/Out
- CV In ±5 V
- Line Out ¼”
- Headphone Out 3.5 mm
Power Supply: AC adapter (DC 12 V)
Power Consumption: 4.8 W
Dimensions (W x D x H): 231 x 236.5 x 46 mm
Weight: 1.71 kg
Included Accessories:
- AC adapter
- Hex key
- Quick Start Guide
- Precautions sheet
- 5 additional resonators + 3 Exclusive ones
Retailers where you can pre-order the Korg Phase 8 with the 3 exclusive resonators
Allformusic.it
MartinPas.com
Merula.com
MilkAudioStore.com
MusicalStore2005.com
Newgroove.it
Palma Strumenti Musicali
Piazzo Strumenti Musicali
StrumentiMusicali.net
Your Music Roma
How to update the Korg Phase8 Firmware
Updating the firmware of the Korg phase8 electromechanical synth allows the instrument to remain stable, compatible with the latest operating systems, and aligned with internal software developments. Updates can introduce improvements in MIDI management, sequencer precision, and the behavior of some control and modulation functions. The update procedure is simple and can be performed by connecting phase8 to a computer via USB and using the official KORG System Updater software available for macOS and Windows.
To start the update, you need to put the instrument in "Update Mode":
A) Connect phase8 to the computer.
B) Press and hold the PLAY and RECORD buttons simultaneously while turning on the instrument.
This will put the device into firmware update mode and allow it to be automatically detected by the updater software, which will guide you through installing the new version.
Click here to download the Firmware Updater for Korg Phase8
Korg Phase8: firmware version 1.2 (17/03/2026)
Firmware version 1.2 for the Korg Phase8 electromechanical synth introduces several operational improvements concerning MIDI management, the sequencer, and the instrument's general behavior. The update corrects the handling of some incoming MIDI messages, including Polyphonic Aftertouch, and resolves an issue that could compromise note recording in the sequencer when the REC button was held down. Note length management has also been improved in conjunction with the QUANTIZE function, and a behavior that could cause stuck notes when deleting a sequence with SHIFT active has been corrected. The update also introduces a maximum pressure limit of 12 seconds for the “pluck” touch sensor to prevent possible issues due to environmental variations, and slightly modifies the CV input scale to ensure the full operating range is reached regardless of manufacturing tolerances. Finally, improvements have been made to the factory test mode, used in system verification processes.
Click here to download the Firmware Updater for Korg Phase8