Each resonator can be swapped and retuned for different sounds, with 13 resonators included with phase8. You can engage in polymetric sequencing and real-time live recording, and you can save up to eight rhythm presets for easy recall. The phase8 offers several modulation modes—including tremolo, audio-rate, and pitch-dependent types—and you can use the shift knob to add delayed triggers to the resonators. You can automate parameters over a sequence. The resonators invite experimentation, being able to be both electronically and physically manipulated, such as by plucking, strumming, tapping, or adding objects like a prepared piano. I/O includes a 1/4" line and headphone outputs, 3.5mm TRS MIDI and sync I/O, MIDI over USB-C, and a 3.5mm CV input. MIDI output from the sequencer can be used to control external hardware. The phase8 includes five additional resonators, a hex key, and an AC adapter.
It is beyond analog vs digital. It’s even beyond electronics. Eight independent electromechanical voices with steel resonators are at the heart of the instrument’s acoustic sound.
External MIDI devices can be used to trigger notes in the acoustic synth, and the sequencer can trigger notes in external MIDI instruments over MIDI / USB-MIDI. These connectivity options allow many possibilities for you to integrate the phase8 into your creative setup.