The Korg Triton Extreme represented in its time a bold evolution in workstation synthesizer design from Korg, departing from the traditional silver finish of its predecessors with a striking deep metallic-blue casing that harks back to pre-Trinity era Korg instruments. This comprehensive workstation repackages the essence of the Triton Studio at a significantly lower price point while introducing substantial enhancements that make it a formidable competitor in the modern workstation market.

At its core, the Triton Extreme is built around Korg's proven HI (Hyper Integrated) synthesis architecture, maxed at peak, but maintaining the operational familiarity that has made the Triton family so successful among musicians and producers. The instrument retains the flagship touchscreen interface that has been a centerpiece of Korg's premium instruments since the Trinity, providing immediate access to all functions and parameters.

Key Enhancements and Features

The most significant upgrade comes in the form of a massive expansion of waveform ROM, jumping from the Studio's 48MB to an impressive 160MB. This enhancement incorporates samples from previously optional PCM expansion cards, including the complete Piano, Orchestral, Trance Attack, and Vintage Archive collections, plus "best of" selections from Dance Extreme, Studio Essentials, and Pianos/Classic Keyboards cards. Additionally, new sample material sourced from Korg's PA1X Pro arranger keyboard adds further sonic diversity.

A standout visual and sonic feature is the Valve Force tube circuit, housed behind a prominent blue-LED-backlit plastic blister on the front panel. This real vacuum tube processing adds warmth and character to the digital output, functioning as either an insert or master effect. The tube operates efficiently without the traditional bright glow, prioritizing longevity while still providing authentic valve coloration.

Modern connectivity is addressed through dual USB ports and a Compact Flash/Microdrive slot, replacing the Studio's SCSI connectivity. One USB port enables seamless computer interfacing for MIDI communication (automatic in Mac OS X, with Windows XP drivers provided), while the other hosts external USB devices such as hard drives or CD burners.

Synthesis and Architecture

The synthesis engine maintains the classic Korg architecture that will be familiar to users of instruments dating back to the M1. Programs can utilize one or two multisamples as oscillators, with two-oscillator programs consuming double polyphony. The signal path follows traditional subtractive synthesis principles, featuring dual multi-mode filters, comprehensive envelope generators for filter, amplitude, and pitch, and two MIDI-syncable LFOs per oscillator.

The effects system provides extensive processing capabilities with five insert effect slots, two global send effects, and master three-band EQ, all drawing from a pool of 102 effect and processor types. Twenty-four-bit processing ensures high-quality results throughout the signal chain.

Performance and Sequencing

The dual polyphonic arpeggiators represent a significant performance enhancement, offering 507 user patterns (489 factory-filled) ranging from basic chord arpeggiation to complex drum patterns, bass lines, and guitar strums. These can operate simultaneously in Combination mode, creating sophisticated one-finger performances.

The 16-track sequencer rivals computer-based MIDI software in functionality, offering comprehensive recording, editing, and mixing capabilities. Features like Auto Song Setup, RPPR (Real-time Pattern Play/Record), and Cue List functionality streamline the composition process from initial inspiration to finished arrangement.

Sampling Capabilities

The integrated sampling system operates at 16-bit, 48kHz quality with 16MB of RAM standard (expandable to 96MB). The sampler supports multiple format compatibility including AIFF, WAV, Akai S1000/S3000, and Korg formats. Innovative "In Track Sampling" allows direct audio recording into sequencer tracks with automatic trigger data creation, effectively providing an integrated digital recorder experience.

Available Configurations

The Triton Extreme is offered in three keyboard configurations: 61-note and 76-note synth-action versions, plus an 88-note model featuring Korg's RH2 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 2) keyboard that simulates grand piano touch response with lighter resistance in higher registers.

Technical Specifications

Synthesis Engine

• Architecture: HI (Hyper Integrated) synthesis
• Maximum Polyphony: 120 voices (condition-dependent)
• Multitimbrality: 16 parts
• Oscillators: 1 or 2 multisamples per Program
• Filters: Dual multi-mode filters per Program
• Envelopes: Filter, Amplitude, and Pitch envelopes
• LFOs: 2 MIDI-syncable LFOs per oscillator

Sound Memory

• Waveform ROM: 160MB of 16-bit, 48kHz PCM samples
• Multisamples: 962 multisamples
• Drum Samples: 1,175 drum samples
• Programs: 1,536 Program memories (1,344 factory preloaded)
• Combinations: 1,536 Combination memories (1,280 factory preloaded)
• Drum Kits: 144 editable drum kits + 50 factory presets
• GM2 Programs: 256 GM2 Programs + 9 GM2 drum kits
• MOSS Programs: 128 additional Programs (with optional MOSS board)

Sequencer

• Tracks: 16 tracks
• Resolution: 1/192 note resolution
• Songs: 200 song memories
• Cue Lists: 20 cue lists
• Maximum Notes: 200,000 notes
• Features: Real-time and step recording, comprehensive editing, Auto Song Setup, RPPR, Templates

Sampling System

• Sample Quality: 16-bit, 48kHz
• Sample RAM: 16MB standard, expandable to 96MB (via standard SIMMs)
• Sample Formats: AIFF, WAV, Akai S1000/S3000, Korg format
• Recording Time: Nearly 3 minutes mono with standard RAM
• Features: In Track Sampling, time-slicing, time-stretching, DSP tools (normalize, reverse, resample)
• Storage: RAM or Compact Flash/Microdrive card

Effects System

• Processing: 24-bit effects processing
• Insert Effects: 5 slots (flexibly assignable)
• Master Effects: 2 global send effects
• Master EQ: 3-band parametric EQ
• Effect Types: 102 effect and processor types total (89 available as master effects)
• Special Feature: Valve Force vacuum tube circuit (insert or master effect)

Arpeggiator

• Type: Dual polyphonic arpeggiators
• Patterns: 507 user patterns (489 factory-filled) + 5 preset patterns
• Range: Up to 4 octaves
• Features: Variable note resolutions, key range assignment, tempo sync

Keyboard Options

• 61 semi-weighted keys
• Channel aftertouch

Connectivity

Audio I/O

• Main Outputs: 6 individual audio outputs
• Audio Inputs: 2 audio inputs (mic/line switchable with gain control)
• Digital I/O: S/PDIF optical input/output
• Headphones: Dedicated headphone output

MIDI

• MIDI Ports: In, Out, Thru
• USB-MIDI: Type B connector for computer interface (Mac OS X automatic, Windows XP drivers included)

Control

• Foot Controllers: 3 foot controller sockets
• Expression: Real-time control knobs and sliders

Storage & Expansion

• USB Host: Type A connector for external USB devices (hard drives, CD burners)
• Memory Card: Compact Flash/Microdrive slot
• Expansion: Optional EXB-MOSS synthesis modeling board
• RAM Expansion: Standard SIMM slots (accessible via top panel)

Physical Specifications

• Finish: Deep metallic blue
• Display: Touchscreen LCD (central control interface)
• Front Panel: Valve Force tube circuit with blue LED backlighting
• Control Interface: Program selection buttons, real-time controls, sequencer/sampler operation buttons

Compatibility

• File Formats: Standard MIDI Files, various audio sample formats
• Computer Interface: Mac OS X (automatic), Windows XP (with drivers)
• Sample CDs: Akai-compatible CD-ROM support

Special Features

• Valve Force: Real vacuum tube processing circuit
• In Track Sampling: Integrated audio recording into sequencer tracks
• Auto Song Setup: Instant sequencer setup from Programs/Combinations
• CD Burning: Via external USB CD burner and Compact Flash storage
• USB Device Host: Support for external storage and recording devices

Tags: , ,