Photo of Korg Zero 8 and more gear in a studio and synths

Korg Zero 8

4.0 (10)

2 Critic Reviews

2 Reviews

Find out who is using Korg Zero 8

2 community setups

1 wishlisted

12 saved

Page last updated Nov 20, 2025

Pricing and availability

Store

Reviews

Price

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

The Korg Zero 8 is a powerhouse of a mixer tailored for the modern musician who lives at the intersection of live performance and digital production. This all-in-one 8-channel Live Control Mixer seamlessly combines the functionalities of a digital mixer, audio interface, MIDI controller, and effects processor, making it a must-have for remix artists, DJs, and studio enthusiasts alike. The Zero 8 stands out with its ability to connect a diverse range of inputs—from turntables and CD players to microphones and instruments—thanks to its versatile input options. The FireWire connectivity ensures that both audio and MIDI data can be managed with ease, offering unparalleled control and flexibility.

What sets the Zero 8 apart is its innovative EQ Selector, which offers a choice of eleven different EQ simulations. Whether you're looking to correct frequencies or explore creative sound dimensions, this mixer provides the tools for both precision and exploration. With its robust construction, portable design, and illuminated control knobs, the Zero 8 is designed to thrive in any environment from the studio to the stage.

Key Features:

8-channel Live Control Mixer
FireWire interface for simultaneous audio and MIDI control
24-bit/192 kHz high-resolution audio
EQ Selector with 11 EQ simulation types
Integrated effects processor with loop sampler
Versatile input options including Line, CD/Line, Phono, and Mic
MIDI I/O for comprehensive control
Durable aluminum alloy and steel construction
Illuminated control knobs for easy use in low-light settings

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Zero 8.

Setup and maintenance

0 0

The touchscreen issues are often due to a loose connector on the board, not overheating, requiring careful re-soldering for a lasting fix.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Installing a fan on the right side can reduce internal temperatures from 95 to 35 degrees Celsius, potentially resolving touchscreen and headphone amp issues.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

Despite touchscreen problems, the Zero 8 excels as a 16/16 interface with dual stereo send channels, allowing intricate signal routing and integration with external hardware effects.
Source
0 0

The Zero 8 offers different frequency response settings, which can affect audio colorization, and may include a "flat" preset for minimal coloration.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The mixer allows routing a single input to multiple channels, enabling unique effects by combining phono and mic inputs creatively.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners appreciate the Zero 8's extensive connectivity and unique features, lamenting the lack of a more robust hardware revision.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

An A/B comparison between MacBook output and Zero 8's FireWire MIDI option showed similar sound quality, suggesting minimal coloration when using this setup.
Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Korg Zero8 — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

The Korg Zero8 is a versatile powerhouse, seamlessly integrating audio and MIDI functions with impressive sound quality and an intuitive touchscreen interface. Its standout feature is the ability to function as a traditional mixer, MIDI controller, or a hybrid, making it ideal for Ableton Live users. The build quality is solid, but some DJs might find the faders less than ideal. While the effects might not be groundbreaking and the lack of an integrated Kaoss Pad feels like a missed opportunity, the Zero8 remains a unique and desirable option for live performances. However, its hefty price may be a barrier for some.

positive

Full Review

Korg Zero8 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Korg Zero8 is a versatile tool that excels as a performance mixer, audio interface, MIDI controller, and effects processor. With a huge array of inputs, intuitive touch-pad control, and reconfigurable controls, it's a dream for DJs and live performers. The inclusion of Kaoss Pad technology for real-time effects is a standout feature. However, the touch-pad could benefit from being brighter, and the channel faders might be overly responsive for some users. Despite minor criticisms, the Zero8 is well-designed and makes live setups more creative, making it a must-try for studio musicians and performers alike.

positive

Full Review

Add review

4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

jp_belanger

619

over 5 years ago

4 stars for innovation, 3 for execution

Korg... What did you do? This mixer is probably the most necessary mixer one could have on paper: 8 stereo channels, multiple input types, internal Kaoss Pad with touch menu features, built-in audio interface...

The design of this mixer and its little brother, the Korg Zero 4, were seriously flawed. The 8 more than the 4, here's why:

There is no fan in this mixer, and the air flow is too restricted by the Zero8 side plates. The heat generated by the internal power supply makes capacitor burst, and cause damage to the fragile data cable that links the Kaoss Pad to the mixer's PCB.

Further symptoms are Kaoss pad losing features and doesn't respond properly, the power supply's busted caps cause the mixer to light up but only digital noise comes out of it, inputs are tamed... To fix this, people have been drilling through the side plates either to help with air flow dissipation or simply by installing a large computer fan on the side of the mixer near the power supply.

Due to these design flaws, the mixer was soon discontinued. Drivers stopped getting updated, and users started getting worried, rightfully so. I had my psu repaired twice, and had to replace the Kaoss Pad itself. Thankfully, part was still available on eBay.

I never quite understood why Korg wouldn't release an updated version. After all, the heat problems could have been easily fix in factory, and the thing would have worked wonderfully. It paved the way for today's multi channel production mixers like the Pioneer DJM-V10 and PlayDifferently's Model:1. Even if those are all analog and the Zero 8 was obviously digital, they fill about the same need for producers to have a studio mixer they can actually play like an instrument.

Maybe if the DJM-V10 gets enough success, competition will arrive with some new concepts. Even the band Justice played a Zero8 through their "Cross" tour as their main mixer, so the need is definitely there.