TRINITY
by KORG · Sampler · Workstation synth emulation
Not rated yet
A software version of KORG's 1995 TRINITY workstation, modeled on its ACCESS sound engine.
It has over 2,000 programs and combinations, all the expansion sample options and modeled D/A converters, for $199.
Best for: Keys & Synths, Bass, Drums. Genres: Pop, Electronic & EDM, R&B & Soul.
Keywords: hardware emulation, 90s, basses, digital classic, licensed emulation, pads, strings, polyphonic.
What it does
TRINITY is KORG's software recreation of its 1995 TRINITY workstation, released for the hardware's 30th anniversary. It rebuilds the ACCESS (Advanced Combined Control Synthesis System) engine, the step between the M1 and the TRITON, and adds features the hardware lacked.
- ACCESS engine: four oscillator types and dual filters per program, with the original multifilter that can run high-pass, low-pass and band-pass stages in series or in parallel.
- Multitimbral: 8 parts, each with its own sound and effects, and higher maximum polyphony than the hardware; key splits let you build layered setups without switching.
- Effects: 8 insert effects and 2 master effects, more insert slots than the original allowed.
- Content: 2,000+ programs and combinations, all four expansion packs (TFD-1S Mega Pianos, TFD-2S Orchestral Elements, TFD-3S Dance Waves & Drums, TFD-4S M1 Factory) and samples from the 1998 TR-Rack module.
- Editing: EASY mode for the core oscillator, filter, envelope, pitch and effect settings, or Full Edit Mode for every parameter.
- Browser: a Program Browser with tag search, bank navigation and built-in preview.
- Character: optional modeling of the hardware's D/A converters for its original sound.
It is sold on its own or in KORG Collection 6.
When to use it
TRINITY is the pick for authentic mid-90s workstation sounds: glossy pianos, orchestral pads and strings, dance basses and drum programs. Compared with KORG's own TRITON software, it brings back the Trinity's multifilter, which one reviewer found gives it more sound-shaping range, while TRITON covers the later, more familiar 2000s palette. Against Kontakt 8 or HALion 7, it is a workstation built around its own sound set rather than an open sampler for your own material. Compared with SampleTank 4, its library is narrower and tied to one era, but closer to a single famous instrument.
- Best for: 90s pianos, pads, strings, basses, combinations and drum programs, and recreating records made on the hardware.
- Genres: 90s pop, dance, house, trance and R&B.
- Look elsewhere if: you want an open sampler for your own sounds (Kontakt 8 or HALion 7), modern synthesis, or the 2000s sound of the TRITON.
What producers say
Reviewers praise how close it sounds to the hardware and the size of the library; the main complaints are about the interface and missing hardware compatibility.
- Python Blue rated it 9 out of 10, praising sound close to the hardware, full support of the keyboard and TR-Rack presets, and the serial/parallel multifilters; a slit drum preset stood out.
- Synth Anatomy called it "a great release" for 90s workstation fans, praising the 8-part setup, the browser and the D/A modeling.
- Criticisms: Synth Anatomy noted there is "no way to load TRINITY patches from hardware" and no Prophecy or Z1 board options; Python Blue found some text hard to read and drum kits not yet editable.
Where to buy
- Plugin Boutique: $199
Tutorials and reviews
- Korg Trinity official plugin! Best sounds with very enthusiastic commentary
- Korg Trinity plugin - Import your own Preset Banks and make it sound like a 01/W!
- Korg Trinity Plugin Sound Snacks: The 90s Synthesizer Workstation For Your DAW
- Korg Trinity Plugin 1.1 - did it improve?
- Trinity for Mac/Pc by Korg (No Talking)
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