TRITON

Name: TRITON
Price: 249 USD
Author: KORG

by KORG · Sampler · Workstation synth emulation

Not rated yet

A software version of KORG's 1999 TRITON workstation, reproducing its HI synthesis system, PCM samples, filters and effects.

The purchase also includes TRITON Extreme, with its Valve Force tube emulation and extra waveforms, for $249.

Best for: Keys & Synths, Bass, Drums. Genres: Pop, Hip-Hop & Trap, R&B & Soul, Electronic & EDM.

Keywords: hardware emulation, arpeggiator, 90s, tube, extreme, Y2K, digital classic, licensed emulation, acoustic drums, basses, pads, plucks, polyphonic, strings, subtle, textures, warm.

What it does

TRITON is KORG's software version of its 1999 TRITON workstation, the sound behind much 2000s pop and hip-hop, and it includes the top-of-the-range TRITON Extreme. KORG says the original TRITON developers supervised it to keep the "subtle sound texture unique to the hardware".

HI synthesis: a full reproduction of the Hyper Integrated synthesis system, using the original 48 kHz PCM samples.
Sounds: over 4,000 ready-to-use programs, with all eight EXB-PCM expansion cards included.
Combinations: eight-part multitimbral combinations for layered and split sounds.
Effects: five insert effects, two master effects and a master EQ.
Arpeggiators: dual polyphonic arpeggiators built like the hardware's, with 307 patterns (melodies, riffs and drum patterns) and adjustable gate and velocity.
Workflow: a hardware-style layout, an Easy Mode with oscillators, filters, effects and EQ on one page, and a sound browser that filters by instrument and sound character.
TRITON Extreme: the top model of the series, with Valve Force vacuum-tube emulation for extra warmth and its extra waveforms.

Source: KORG product page

When to use it

TRITON is the pick when you need the authentic 2000s workstation sound: its own engine, factory programs and arpeggiator patterns. Kontakt 8 and Omnisphere 3 are far broader modern sound sources, but they don't run the TRITON's engine or carry its exact presets. Compared with KORG's own M1 plugin it covers a later era, with more programs, eight-part combinations and dual arpeggiators, but costs more. Compared with SampleTank 4 it is a fixed vintage library rather than an expandable sample workstation.

Best for: 2000s-style pianos, strings, plucks, pads, basses, drum kits and arpeggiated riffs.
Genres: hip-hop, R&B, pop, trance and dance.
Look elsewhere if: you only need late-80s and 90s sounds (the cheaper KORG M1), want to load your own samples (Kontakt 8), or want modern sound design (Omnisphere 3).

What producers say

Reviewers see it as a faithful, easier-to-use TRITON, with the price and some dated sounds as the main reservations.

Computer Music (via MusicRadar, 2020) called it "a Triton, fully recreated in software", praising the 4,000-sound library, the browser and how much easier it is than the menu-heavy hardware.
Criticisms: Computer Music found it expensive as a standalone purchase next to the full KORG Collection, and felt some sounds are dated by modern standards.
Tip: Computer Music suggested comparing it with the instruments already in your DAW before buying, and considering the bundle for better value.

MusicRadar (Computer Music) review

Where to buy

Plugin Boutique: $249

Tutorials and reviews

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