KORG phase8 Acoustic Synthesizer Now Shipping Worldwide

8-voice acoustic synthesizer inspires new approaches to sound creation, performance, and experimentation by combining electronic and physical worlds

Tokyo, Japan, June 24, 2026 — KORG announced that its groundbreaking new acoustic synthesizer, phase8, is now shipping worldwide. Originally introduced in April 2026, phase8 combines an organic, tactile work surface consisting of physically vibrating steel resonators with highly flexible electronic control. phase8 invites musicians to challenge their creativity while opening new frontiers in musical expression.

As the first instrument built around KORG's Acoustic Synthesis technology, phase8 bridges the gap between acoustic sound generation and electronic control. Rather than relying on samples or digital modeling, phase8 uses physically vibrating steel resonators that can be sequenced, modulated, tuned, and performed in real time, creating an experience that feels both familiar and entirely new.

"As musicians become acquainted with phase8, we're seeing it used in ways we could never have predicted," said Julien Veillon, Chief Marketing Officer at KORG. "What began as an exploration of Acoustic Synthesis has evolved into an instrument that encourages experimentation, performance, and discovery, opening an array of new possibilities for performers."

Since its introduction, musicians have incorporated phase8 into a wide range of creative workflows, from modular systems and live electronic performance setups to experimental sound design and studio production environments. phase8’s combination of tactile interaction and electronic control encourages exploration while remaining approachable for musicians of varying backgrounds and experience levels.

phase8 ships with 13 chromatically tuned steel resonators, with eight installed at any given time. Musicians can select which resonators to install, shaping the instrument's pitch palette to suit a particular composition, performance, or experiment. Individual resonators can also be tuned using the included hex key, enabling custom scales and alternative tuning approaches.

One of phase8's most distinctive controls is the AIR slider, which governs the instrument's acoustic response to physical touch. As the setting is adjusted, performers can explore new sonic interactions with their hands, mallets, and found objects, making physical engagement an integral part of the sound-creation process.

Beyond its acoustic architecture, phase8 includes a polymetric step sequencer with parameter automation, custom scale support, phase modulation, MIDI, USB-MIDI, CV connectivity, and sync I/O, making it equally at home in modular systems, studio environments, and live electronic performance setups.

Core Features

8 independent electromechanical voices; real steel resonators, not models of them
13 chromatic resonators included (8 installed at a time); individually tunable with included hex key
Launch Edition includes Fishbone, Spook, and Bolt exclusive percussive resonators
AIR slider: controls acoustic response to physical touch and found objects
Polymetric step sequencer with step skip; parameter automation records knob movement in real time
Trigger delay via shift knob
3 modulation modes: tremolo; two audio-rate pitch-dependent modes (one harmonically quantizable)
Custom scale system: define, save, and recall custom tuning scales
Phase modulation: real-time phase interaction between tines
MIDI TRS-A in/out; USB-C (USB-MIDI and firmware); Sync in/out; CV input (+/-5V)
1/4" line output; 3.5mm headphone output

Pricing and Availability
phase8 is available now with a suggested retail price of $1,149 USD.

phase8 is shipping worldwide through authorized KORG dealers. To learn more and find an authorized dealer, visit KORG's website.

About KORG
Today, and into the future. Inspiring instruments that make music fun.

Since it was founded in 1963, KORG's goal has been to create new experiences in music and performance. That was what drove the creation of Japan's first disc-based rhythm machine, the Doncamatic, and then led to the development of Japan’s first synthesizer and the world's first needle-type tuner, followed by numerous unique instruments that have brought the enjoyment of musical performance to many people all around the world.

KORG is resolved to continue to create innovative and uncompromising instruments which maintain the high quality that inspires professional artists and creators, and yet are approachable enough for anyone to play. The musical instruments KORG will deliver are reflections of the ideas and values of the many artists and users who continue to love KORG products - now and into the future.

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