Triaz
by Wave Alchemy · Drum Instrument · Drum sampler and pattern sequencer
Not rated yet
Triaz is a drum production instrument that layers up to three samples per channel and sequences them with a polyrhythmic step sequencer.
It ships with 15,000 drum samples and over 700 presets across 18 genres, plus randomizers and built-in channel and master effects, for £79 (about $104.65).
Best for: Drums, Sound Design. Genres: Hip-Hop & Trap, Electronic & EDM, Pop, Lo-Fi.
Keywords: sequencer, hardware emulation, drum machine, randomize, sample-based, simple, digital classic, undo/redo, 80s, heavy, lo-fi, preset-driven, resizable UI, sound design, vintage.
What it does
Triaz is Wave Alchemy's drum plugin, built to "transform your one shot drums into production ready patterns." The developer's aim is a tool that sits between drum machines that are too simple and ones that are too complex, covering sample choice, sequencing, effects and mastering in one window.
- Library: 15,000 drum samples and more than 700 presets across 18 genres, with official expansions sold separately.
- Channels and layers: 12 drum channels, each blending up to three samples on an X/Y pad (36 layers per kit).
- Sequencer: six editing modes (Step, Repeat, Chance, Offset, Pitch and Motion), per-lane rate, loop length and swing for polyrhythms, and per-step velocity, pitch over two octaves, probability, 1-9 repeats and timing offset.
- Motion Sequencer and Slop: step-by-step modulation of any layer or channel effect, plus a Slop control that adds small random changes to volume, tuning, start point and filter cutoff.
- Randomizers: a Drum Randomizer that builds new kits (with a Similar Sounds option) and a Pattern Randomizer with intensity control, lane locking and genre-based grooves.
- Channel effects: tilt EQ, compressor, transient shaper, OTT, stereo widener, analog-style saturation and an SP-1200 emulation for tuning, bit-crushing and sample-rate reduction.
- Sends and master: an algorithmic reverb, a convolution reverb with over 350 impulses and an analog-style delay, then a four-band mid/side EQ, bus compressor and a maximizer with saturation, exciter, limiter and clipper.
- Import and export: drag in your own samples or folders with automatic tagging, play channels melodically in Keyboard Pitch Mode, use multi-outputs, and export stems, mixes, processed one-shots or MIDI with modulation data.
Version 1.01 has a resizable interface and undo/redo. A 14-day fully working demo with reduced content is available. It is currently on sale.
Source: Wave Alchemy product page
When to use it
Triaz is the better pick when you want kits and patterns from one plugin, with the sequencer, effects and mastering chain built in. Compared with XO it adds three-layer channels, polyrhythmic lanes, a Motion Sequencer and a much larger processing chain, while XO is quicker for browsing your own sample folders by sound. Compared with Battery 4 it is less of an open sampler but far stronger at writing patterns, since Battery has no step sequencer. Unlike Addictive Drums 2, it is built around electronic and sampled kits rather than realistic acoustic drum kits.
- Best for: building electronic kits and grooves quickly in the DAW, then exporting them as MIDI or stems.
- Genres: house, techno, drum and bass, hip-hop, trap, pop and lo-fi beats.
- Look elsewhere if: you need realistic acoustic drums (Superior Drummer 3 or Addictive Drums 2) or a classic drum machine emulation (D16 Drumazon 2 or Nepheton 2).
- Tip: randomize single layers, whole channels or the full kit to find variations, and use Slop for a looser feel (MusicTech, Sound On Sound).
What producers say
Reviewers rate it highly for its library and quick workflow; their reviews cover the original Kontakt-based release, and several gripes are answered in the current native plugin.
- MusicTech (Alex Holmes, 2022) gave it 9 out of 10, praising a "huge library of high-quality drum, perc and foley sounds", good tagging and an intuitive layout.
- Sound On Sound (Simon Sherbourne, 2022) called it "a cracker of a virtual drum machine", liking the X/Y layering, the Elektron-style step controls and the effects.
- Criticisms: switching layers felt fiddly, the X/Y blend could not be sequenced, envelopes had only attack and decay, and that version had no pitch lane or audio export (the native version adds a Pitch mode and audio export).
Where to buy
- Wave Alchemy: $104.65 (regular $157.64) (Listed at £79 (regular £119); converted at £1 = $1.3247 (ECB rate, 29 Sep 2026))
- Best Service: $127
- PluginFox: $149
- AudioDeluxe: $149
- Plugin Boutique: $162
Tutorials and reviews
- Triaz by Wave Alchemy
- Wave Alchemy TRIAZ - Impressive Beat Machine Plug-in - SonicLAB Review
- You WON'T BELIEVE What This Drum Plugin Can Do! TRIAZ by Wave Alchemy
- Building Beats with Wave Alchemy TRIAZ
- Triaz 1.01 Update - New Features
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