It could be said that manufacturers have “hits” in the same way artists or authors do. Some releases see better commercial success than others. And though we shouldn’t really judge a product’s quality just by its financial returns, it is how we tend to estimate the value of a creative work. However unjust that can actually be.
Let’s take KORG. They have been designing and manufacturing equipment for musicians since 1963. In the sixty years since its founding, it could be said that KORG have had the following major hits:
- MS-20 (1978)
- Polysix (1981)
- Trident (1980-1982)
- Poly 800 (1983)
- DW8000 (1985-1987)
- DDD1 (1986)
- M1 (1988)
- 01/W (1991)
- Trinity (1995)
- N1 (1998)
- Triton (1999)
- Kaos Pad (1999)
- MS2000 (2000-2004)
- Oasys (2005)
- ToneWorks AX3000G (2007)
- SV1 (2009)
- Kronos (2011)
- Pa4X (2015)
The products released by this respected and established company run into the many hundreds. But the ones listed are definitely stand-outs either innovatively or commercially.
Reproduction time!
Released on the 20th anniversary of the original hardware, the Triton / Triton Extreme VST is an admirable rendering of their hardware success story. Used by just about everyone in its heyday, this loyal conversion to the digital sphere is – in my opinion, welcome and to be applauded.
Window shopping at speed
Browsing through the catalogue of sounds is super quick. You can scroll through with your mouse or at the computer keyboard ⬅️➡️. This VST has the fastest patch scrolling I have ever used. The only other comparable for speed is the simply named Sampler by TAL software which is very quick for auditioning audio files.
Considering that the Triton sample footprint will be larger than many of the classic recreations currently on offer, it is a testament to excellent and thoughtful programming.
Take your pick
KORG has crafted the look of these VST’s to replicate the look of the overall hardware, even including the ‘touch view’ legend; which I suppose it will be if you’re using a touch screen monitor or tablet.
Pleasing to look at and well laid out; colour choices and shadow depths are on point with solid border lines and paint texture for a lovely all enclosed feel. Text is clear and readable with six screen sizes available: tiny, small (good for tablets) medium, large, full, extended (good for dual large monitor set ups).
May I recommend…
The completest in me would have liked to have seen the inclusion of the Triton sequencer, especially as the VST functions as a standalone instrument; and the ability to export arpeggiator patterns to DAW á la UVI’s Emulation II+. Lastly, the ability to import and export user patches for those still faithful to their trusty hardware, would have provided a wonderful crossover between digital and hardware realities.
Sounding out
The inclusion of all the EXB PCB expansion cards is a very generous addition to this VST. Something that KORG didn’t necessarily have to do. This also goes for the addition of three DACS for slightly different flavours of Triton: studio, classic, digital. It is as if they wanted this virtual product to be a final and lasting tribute to the hardware in all its glory.
Whether you have ever owned or played the original or not, go and have a look at this release. If you can’t quite pull the trigger just yet, you can download the Triton / Extreme demo version through the KORG Software Pass. With today’s higher standard effects and processing available, the sounds really do standup even today. If you’re after bread-and-butter sounds or you just fancy whiling away some time wandering around a comprehensive and respected library you can’t go wrong.
KORG Triton / Triton Extreme won Best VST in the recent SampleNerd.com 2023 awards! 🏆
High praise indeed…
SampleNerd score 9/10
S P E C S
- Complete factory soundset and all eight expansion cards (Triton)
- Reproduction of the HI (Hyper Integrated) synthesis system (Triton)
- Three DACs: studio; classic, digital
- Arpeggiator
- Eight parameter tabs
- A new ‘EASY’ patch browser
- Comprehensive effects suite and valve recreation (Triton Extreme)
- DAW or standalone
- Release year 2022
- Price $249 (remember you’re getting TWO synths!)
SampleNerd has over 30 years’ experience in sound synthesis and technology. SampleNerd.com has received no remittance for this review