Korg have announced launch details of phase8, an eight-voice acoustic synthesizer built around the company’s pioneering Acoustic Synthesis technology, generating sound through physically vibrating steel resonators under electronic control. The production version of phase8 makes its debut at NAMM 2026, following several years of development and prototype demonstrations.
We witnessed the instrument’s previous appearances in prototype form at the Berlin Superbooth show in 2023, 2024, and 2025, with Korg incrementally refining both the hardware and performance concept year on year. The NAMM 2026 debut marks the first appearance of the finalised production model. See our past coverage of the development process here:
- SUPERBOOTH23: Korg Berlin Prototype Acoustic Synthesizer [VIDEO]
- SUPERBOOTH24: Korg Berlin phase8 [VIDEO]
- SUPERBOOTH25: Korg Berlin phase8 [VIDEO]
At phase8's core are eight independent electromechanical voices driving interchangeable steel resonators to produce genuine acoustic vibration. Thirteen chromatically tuned resonators are supplied, with eight installable at any time, allowing users to configure tuning, scale and tonal character. Envelope control enables sounds ranging from short percussive strikes to sustained tones, while the resonators can be swapped or retuned to suit different musical approaches.
phase8 is designed for direct physical interaction, allowing users to touch, pluck, strike, or otherwise excite the resonators by hand, as well as introduce external objects for additional textures. An AIR slider adjusts the prominence of the acoustic response, balancing electronic control with physical resonance.
An onboard sequencer supports step programming and unquantised live recording, with per-voice step skip enabling polymetric patterns. Eight sequence memory slots are provided, and front-panel parameters can be recorded as automation. Modulation options include tremolo and two audio-rate modulation modes, with optional harmonic quantisation, alongside a tempo-based trigger delay for extended rhythmic control.
Connectivity includes MIDI TRS-A In/Out, USB-C for USB-MIDI and firmware updates, Sync In/Out, CV input (±5V), a ¼-inch line output, and a 3.5mm headphone output. phase8 measures 231 × 236.5 × 46 mm, weighs 1.71 kg, and is powered by a 12V AC adaptor.
Price & Availability
The Korg phase8 is on sale now, priced at a US street price of $1,149.99.
phase8 will be shown at Korg’s display at NAMM 2026, at Booth #6802.
