Doctor Mix at NAMM 2026: Korg Phase 8 & Black Panther System – Synths and Stands That Actually Slap

Doctor Mix kicks off the NAMM 2026 floor by stumbling straight into the Korg Phase 8—a synth that doesn’t just pretend to be different, it actually is. Forget your usual digital trickery: this beast makes sound by vibrating real metal tines, like a Fender Rhodes that’s been dragged through a physics lab. The result? An acoustic synthesizer that spits in the face of virtual analog and does its own thing.

The Phase 8 isn’t just a novelty for the display case. With eight voices and a pickup system that captures the raw movement of those tines, it’s a hands-on, physical experience. If you’re bored of lifeless presets and want something that literally shakes the air, this is the synth you need to poke. Doctor Mix’s reaction says it all—this isn’t just another box with blinking lights, it’s a proper sonic street weapon.

The Korg Phase 8 doesn’t just stop at being weird and wonderful. It packs eight voices, a built-in sequencer, and onboard effects, making it a serious contender for both live and studio setups. This isn’t some fragile show pony—it’s ready to be thrown into the heat of a gig or the chaos of a home studio.

Doctor Mix gets hands-on, and the instrument’s blend of tactile, acoustic sound with modern sequencing is immediately obvious. It’s not just about the novelty; the Phase 8 is a tool for real performance, letting you blend physical resonance with digital control. If you want to hear what it actually sounds like when you push those tines, you’ll have to watch the video—no amount of text can do justice to the weirdness and warmth this thing spits out.

After the synth fireworks, Doctor Mix heads over to Black Panther System, where keyboard stands get the modular treatment. These aren’t your average wobbly racks—they’re engineered for the kind of weight and abuse only a real studio or live rig can deliver. We’re talking new support struts, feet that can handle 176 pounds, and stability that makes most stands look like cheap coat hangers.

The design is clearly aimed at those who stack gear high and play hard. If you’re running three layers of synths or more, these stands won’t flinch. Even Doctor Mix admits the old design was already sturdy, but the new version is next-level. It’s the kind of gear you want if your setup looks more like a spaceship than a piano lesson.

Black Panther System doesn’t just stop at brute strength. Their stands are modular playgrounds, letting you bolt on trays for speakers, laptops, drum machines, or whatever else you can dream up. Angles are adjustable, VESA mounts are ready for your screens, and if you want to roll your entire bunker onto a stage, just add casters.

You can reconfigure these stands for two, three, or more tiers, drop things down for foot controllers, or swing out a prototype sidearm for mics and gadgets. And if you’re picky about colours, they’ll powder-coat your rig in anything from standard black to Doctor Mix Red. This is furniture for synth maniacs, not IKEA refugees.