KORG Acoustic Synthesis Phase8

Tajnost · 2024-05-19T23:52:16.469Z

Seems like no discussion on this yet… I quite like what Korg Berlin do on this is and to me it’s like a progressive kalimba, which is of course no joke if using properly with external processing. It can be very essential for song writing, some simple but effective idea generator, it makes sense for creative musician to have one in access I’m sure.

I don’t get 3 things about it:

Is it possible to retune resonators to different pitches? I guess those 3 little screws can help with that and change length of the resonator. Not sure.
Can the sequences for different resonators be different step length? (think it’s must for such device ). And is it possible to chain patterns for longer sequences like 64 / 128 steps?
Can it be triggered externally with midi or cv?

a few interviews from SB24

Tchu · 2024-05-19T23:55:55.016Z

Tajnost · 2024-05-20T00:00:06.223Z

“you can make it slow and record a longer nonquantized sequence”

“rods can be replaced for different tuning”

that’s cool!

Tchu · 2024-05-20T00:06:35.728Z

I can’t wait to see a finished product. I hope it’s not to far from this prototype, I really like the raw look of it.

shigginpit · 2024-05-20T00:18:20.342Z

Musical devices with movement Other Gear

Does this count: [Superbooth 2023: Korg Berlin Prototype Acoustic Synthesizer]

This was the only time that I remember seeing it mentioned before, interested in seeing if they continue with this design aesthetic.

GurtTractor · 2024-05-20T00:19:24.996Z

I’m curious what a scaled up version of this would sound like, presumably much bassier which I’d quite enjoy.

Jeanne · 2024-05-20T00:37:27.511Z

I somehow assumed there were motors inside shortening or lengthening the freely oscillating portion of those metal tongues …

Jindrek · 2024-05-20T00:52:52.758Z

Is it fixed ratios? Because it sounds like my harmonic drone. Pretty cool.

feedback · 2024-05-20T01:18:27.381Z

My understanding based on interviews is that it may never become a finished product. At least not in the form of the current prototype.

But yes, it’s really cool and I wish I could have one.

Edit: I stand corrected after watching the Starky Carr interview. A product will be forthcoming. But who knows when or what it’ll be. That’s fine. All good things take time.

bwo · 2024-05-20T02:36:05.383Z

Yeah it looks pretty rad… would be cool if there was an easy way to tap a harmonic to get a different note or something on a tine. Seems like an incredibly fun device but maybe not something that would make it into much of my music given the more obvious limitations of it. They should make a full EP out of this tech.

Tajnost · 2024-05-20T03:18:32.438Z

If we start to think a bit emmm… more crazy - I wouldn’t mind if each “slot” / “resonator” can be easily tuned to desired note and maybe even physically replaced with different type of “acoustic engine”, they of course thought about springs, strings, different type of “physical modelling” elements. Not sure if it will be presented from the team, but they briefly told about it in those videos. So maybe there will be options to personalise this thing with some add ons…

And so, I’d like to have EP with such a “sound engine per note” device principle… so more like a “prepared electric piano”.

Also I hope the design will be a bit open to some DIY experimentation with different materials, maybe magnets or things like “ebow” or vibro speakers…

I believe it’s a nice trend, this world of electroacoustic sound generation is really adorable and inspiring, nice to see more and more experimental things show up.

jiffybox · 2024-05-20T04:21:48.435Z

Yeah I’m really curious as to how the interface will or will not change. It’s so unconventional for Korg, which is of course appealing to many of us Nauts, but I’m wondering if they’ll have to water it down for mass consumption. Can’t wait to see where it goes either way! Really what Korg needs to shake things up as of late.

jiffybox · 2024-05-20T04:23:47.534Z

Also, think of Korg somehow merging this with the groundwork they laid with the Volca Drum and this could evolve into an incredible percussion instrument waaaaay beyond what the Drumlogue turned out to be.

Azzarole · 2024-05-20T08:23:48.576Z

Isn’t this made by Korg Berlin or some other offshoot that is free to make more experimental stuff? If so, I wouldn’t necessarily assume that they have to „water it down“ and make it into an affordable Korg in the 500-800€ price range.

Tajnost · 2024-05-20T09:58:44.870Z

I wouldn’t call this affordable

For me maybe 400 is the absolute max for this type of thing.

jiffybox · 2024-05-21T02:57:49.975Z

I hope so! Maybe it’s not as bold of a release from one of the big ones as I think it is, but it’s sure out there outside of those small one or two people experimental makers. I mean, if I was head of Korg I’d be like yeah, let Tats and the Berlin crew do whatever the hell they damn well please and leave it at that.

darenager · 2024-05-21T08:45:05.875Z

Technically I find it quite interesting, a novel modern approach to combining acoustic and electronic elements, but sonically it does not do much for me, close your eyes when listening to the sounds and it is pretty underwhelming IMHO.

Obviously it is still in the prototype stage though, so perhaps there will be a bit more to come.

aether · 2024-05-21T09:25:47.507Z

The raw sound may be lacking, but the modulation potential in Kombination with well chosen external effects make it a really interesting instrument… If the price is reasonable. It’s essentially what Al those electroacoustic kits try to achieve in some way… But with the goal to be an instrument instead of an installation.

I’m to of the opinion that 400€ would be a soft “limit”.

FilipNest · 2024-05-21T09:48:28.331Z

Can we all collectively dream of them making a giant 88 key piano version of this?

Jeanne · 2024-05-21T12:27:19.248Z

i just need the lowest 12