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Korg / Synthesizers

Trinity

TheKorg Trinityis asynthesizerandmusic workstationreleased byKorgin 1995. It was Korg's first modern workstation and marked a significant evolution from its predecessors by offering features such as built-indigital audio recording, 32-notepolyphony, an extensive internal sound library, assignable effects, and a largetouchscreenfor advanced control and editing functions, a feature not previously seen on any musical instrument.It also offered modular expansion for not only sounds, but also studio-grade features such asADAT, various sound engine processors, audio recording capability, and more.

Origins

Korg introduced the Trinity in 1995 as the successor to their successful 01/W series, establishing a new flagship workstation platform. The instrument represented a significant advancement in Korg's workstation concept, offering expandable synthesis capabilities, comprehensive sequencing, and an innovative touchscreen interface that simplified sound editing and arrangement.

Design & Technology

The Trinity features AI² (Advanced Integrated Square) synthesis, Korg's evolved PCM-based sound engine offering 32MB of ROM and 62-voice polyphony. The large graphical touchscreen display—unusual for 1995—provided intuitive access to synthesis parameters and sequence editing. The 16-track sequencer supported comprehensive arrangement capabilities.

Expandability was a key Trinity feature. The EXB-MOSS option added physical modeling synthesis from the Prophecy. SCSI and digital audio interfaces expanded connectivity. Available configurations included 61-key synth-action, 76-key weighted, and 88-key weighted variants.

Production History

Korg manufactured the Trinity from 1995 until 1999, when the Triton superseded it. Multiple revisions added features and improved specifications. The Trinity V3 added sampling capability, while the Trinity Plus offered enhanced specifications. The instrument competed successfully against the Yamaha EX5 and Roland XP-80.

Notable Users

The Trinity became a staple in professional studios and among touring keyboardists during the late 1990s. Its comprehensive capabilities and intuitive interface made it popular for diverse applications from film scoring to pop production.

Cultural Impact

The Trinity helped establish the touchscreen interface as a viable control method for complex synthesizers, influencing subsequent workstation designs across the industry. Its expandability concept demonstrated a modular approach to workstation design that Korg would continue developing.

Market & Collectibility

Trinity workstations command modest prices, typically $300-$600 depending on configuration and condition. The MOSS-equipped versions and V3 sampling models command premiums. The touchscreen, while innovative, can suffer from calibration issues and degradation in older units. The Trinity represents an affordable entry into Korg's professional workstation lineage.

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