In contrast to a conventional synthesizer that makes use of oscillators, the Phase5 makes use of tuned metallic forks. These forks are particularly designed to provide sure key notes and overtones. And for the reason that primary sound technology right here is an acoustic resonator, it has sure qualities that an abnormal synthesizer doesn’t have. For instance, should you maintain it close to an amp, it offers suggestions like a guitar and rings if you hit it on the facet. Takahashi instructed Reverb’s Fess Grandiose, “we’re attempting to form of seize that rawness of the devices whereas nonetheless being controllable like a synthesizer.”
So that is the “acoustic” half: metallic tines that ring, resonate and decay, nearly like a Fender Rhodes. The synth half comes from magnets contained in the phase5, which permit it to assist simply the basis word, or the basis and overtones, or simply the overtones. The overtones may also be modulated with an LFO, creating a sound that may solely be described because the sound of seasickness.
General, the sound it generates within the quick demo video above is fairly distinctive. It actually has a ringing, considerably Rhodes-like really feel to it. Nevertheless it additionally feels like what you’d count on from a singing bowl patch on a 90s sample-based synth. That is a contact of the opposite world.
Section 5 is simply a prototype proper now, and can most likely keep that approach. Proper now, Korg Berlin is just gauging curiosity within the expertise. And if there appears to be a marketplace for this type of bizarre hybrid acoustic synth, then he’ll be exploring methods to additional develop it into a completed product.
