Published
Thu, May 11, 2023, 14:40
- The Acoustic Synth Phase 5 uses magnetic resonators to create and shape sound.
Korg is working on a new approach to synthesis, premiered this week at the Superbooth synth show in Berlin.
The company showed the first prototypes of a technique that uses physically vibrating metal forks to produce tones. The forks are manipulated using magnetic coils, and then modulated using a bank of controls. The technique has been used in the past on old electric pianos, but this is the first time it's been applied to modern synths.
The prototype, called Acoustic Synthesis Phase 5, was demonstrated to Resident Advisor at Superbooth. It produces warm, rich analogue drones and pulses that could create drums or pads.
Korg Berlin doesn't expect to market the Phase 5, but it built the prototype to gauge interest in the technology and start a conversation about how it could be developed into a finished instrument.
Korg's Berlin office was set up a few years ago as an R&D offshoot of the Japanese company. It's run by Korg's former chief engineer, Tatsuya Takahashi, and aims to explore new approaches to sound design and synthesis. The team is working on numerous projects, but the Acoustic Synth Phase 5 is the first thing they've shown publicly.
Watch a video of the Acoustic Synthesis Phase 5 in action.