Professional Workstation with Affordable Price Tag

The Korg Triton Le represents a significant milestone in Korg's music workstation lineup, offering many of the powerful features of the original Triton at a substantially more affordable price point. Available in both 61-key and 76-key versions, this sleek workstation features a brushed silver metal finish that exudes quality and style. At approximately £700 less than the original Triton, the Le manages to retain much of what made its predecessor a hit while making strategic feature compromises to achieve its lower price point.

Design & Build

The Triton Le is notably lighter and more slender than the original Triton, partly due to its external power supply. While the velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive keyboard feels lighter than the original Triton's, the overall construction remains solid. The brushed silver metal finish gives the instrument a premium appearance, though the plastic edge trimmings are somewhat flimsy and require careful handling.

Sound Engine

The Triton Le preserves the core sound quality that made the Triton series popular. It includes the same 32MB of base ROM waveforms as the original, but with programming more specifically geared toward dance music. The sound palette is comprehensive, featuring warm strings, highly playable electric pianos, superb organs, and a wide range of synthesizer sounds including inspired bass patches, atmospheric pads, ethnic instruments, and general synthesizer tones.

The synthesis engine employs Korg's Hyper Integrated Synthesis, utilizing multisampled sound sources processed through digital filters (including a 24dB/octave resonant low-pass filter and a 12dB/octave low-pass filter plus high-pass filter), amplifiers, and effects with extensive modulation options throughout the signal path.

Effects

While scaled down from the original Triton's effects section, the Le still offers impressive processing power with one stereo insert effect, two global master effects, and a master EQ section. Users can choose from 89 different effect types for both insert and master effects, divided into categories including Filter and Dynamics, Pitch and Phase Modulation, other Modulation and Pitch effects, Early Reflections and Delays, Reverb, and Mono chain effects. Despite the reduction in insert effects, the quality remains outstanding.

Performance Features

The Triton Le features two polyphonic arpeggiators that provide rich creative possibilities, especially in Combination mode where different patterns can play over different keyboard zones or be velocity-switched. With 216 user patterns and five presets available, this arpeggiator implementation is exceptionally versatile.

The joystick controller is retained from the original Triton, though the ribbon controller has been omitted. Two user-programmable buttons above the joystick can be assigned to drastically alter patches, transpose, lock joystick values, add effects, and more—with the ability to function either momentarily or as conventional switches on a per-patch basis.

Combinations & Programs

The Triton Le's factory Combinations showcase the instrument's capabilities, offering layered arrangements of up to eight Programs with velocity splits. Many of these Combinations function almost as complete tracks, filled with movement and engaging arpeggiation patterns. The instrument includes 384 user memory combinations (384 preloaded), 512 user memory programs (448 preloaded), and 128+9 drum ROM programs compatible with the GM sound map.

Sequencer

The 16-track sequencer offers impressive capacity with 200,000 notes (double that of the original Triton), 200 songs, and 200 cue lists. Features such as individual track looping, cue lists, and song templates facilitate efficient arrangement creation. The sequencer includes Real-time Pattern Play/Record (RPPR) functionality for triggering patterns and phrases via single keys, with 150 supplied factory patterns and space for 100 user patterns that can be recorded in either real or step time.

Expansion & Storage

Unlike the original Triton, the Le lacks expansion slots for Korg's PCM cards or the MOSS board. However, it introduces a SmartMedia slot (supporting cards up to 128MB), offering greater storage capacity than the floppy drive found on the original Triton. This provides an efficient means of transferring data between the instrument and computers equipped with SmartMedia interfaces.

The optional EXB-SMPL sampling board adds 16-bit 48kHz stereo sampling capability, SCSI connections for external storage, and two audio inputs with level control and Mic/Line switching. Once installed, this adds comprehensive waveform-editing functions including crossfade looping, truncation, normalization, time-slicing, time-stretch, and sample-rate conversion. The sampler is compatible with various formats including AIFF, WAV, and Akai S1000/3000 samples.

User Interface

The Triton Le's interface is streamlined but intuitive, with a 240x64-pixel display that, while smaller than the original Triton's and lacking touchscreen functionality, remains sufficient for most tasks. Real-time parameter adjustment knobs are arranged in a 3x4 matrix incorporating arpeggiator controls, simple edit parameters, and user-assignable functions.

Two buttons not found on the original Triton enhance usability: Category allows selection of patches from 16 categories for quick location of specific instrument types, while Audition plays appropriate demonstration riffs for each patch. A dedicated Menu button provides access to more detailed settings while keeping the panel uncluttered.

Connectivity

The rear panel includes a main stereo output pair and two individual outputs (reduced from the four individual outputs of the original Triton). The Triton's assignable pedal, switch, and damper inputs are preserved, as are the standard three MIDI sockets. The dedicated PC/Mac interface found on the original has been omitted.

Conclusion

The Korg Triton Le successfully delivers much of the original Triton's power and versatility at a significantly lower price point. While certain features have been trimmed—notably the ribbon controller, expansion slots, and some insert effects—the core sound quality, sequencing capability, and overall functionality remain impressive. With the optional sampling upgrade, the Triton Le becomes an even more powerful creative tool capable of replacing multiple studio components. For musicians seeking a comprehensive workstation at a mid-range price point, the Triton Le represents an excellent value proposition.

Technical Specifications

Tone Generator

• Polyphony: 62 notes
• HI (Hyper Integrated) synthesis system
• Waveform memory: 32 Mbyte PCM ROM (425 multisamples, 413 drumsamples)
• Combination, Program modes
• Sample data RAM (with EXB-SMPL): 16 Mbyte included (expandable up to 64 Mbyte)

Combinations/Programs

• Three banks of combinations (A‑C) - 384 user memory combinations
• Four Banks of Programs (A‑D) plus a GM sound set - 512 user memory programs (448 preloads)
• 128 + 9 drum ROM programs (GM sound map compatible)
• 383 audition riffs

Drum Kits

• 24 user drum kits (16 preloads)
• 9 ROM GM drum kits (GM2 sound map compatible)

Sampling (with EXB-SMPL option)

• 48 kHz, 16 bit linear
• Maximum sample data memory capacity: 64 Mbyte (with SIMM expansion)
• 4000 samples, 1000 multisamples (128 indexes for each multisample)
• Time Slice, Time Stretch, and various other editing functions
• Compatible with AIFF, WAVE, AKAI (S1000/3000), Korg format sample data
• Sample data can be exported in AIFF or WAVE formats

Effect Section

• 1 insert effect (stereo in/out)
• 2 master effects (mono in/stereo out)
• 1 master EQ (3-band stereo), all usable simultaneously
• 89 effect types (available for insert effects or master effects)
• Effect dynamic modulation function

Dual Polyphonic Arpeggiator

• Use two arpeggiators simultaneously (Combination, Sequencer modes)
• 5 preset arpeggio patterns
• 216 user arpeggio patterns (200 preloads)

Sequencer

• 16 timbres, 16 tracks + 1 master track
• Maximum capacity: 200,000 notes
• Resolution: 1/192
• 200 songs
• 20 cue lists
• 150 preset patterns, 100 user patterns (for each song)
• 16 preset/16 user template songs
• Supports TRITON Le format and SMF (formats 0 and 1)
• RPPR (Realtime Pattern Play/Recording) function (One set available for each song)

Media Mode

• Load, save, utility
• Data filter function (save/load MIDI exclusive data)
• Loading from CD-ROM (ISO 9660 level1) supported (with EXB-SMPL option)
• Compatible with combinations, programs, drum kits, user arpeggio patterns (.PCG) created on TRITON/TRITON Pro/TRITON ProX or TRITON-Rack via convert-load
• Songs (.SNG) created on TRITON/TRITON Pro/TRITON ProX can be convert-loaded

Keyboard

• 61 unweighted synth-action keys
• Velocity and aftertouch sensitive

Controllers

• Joystick
• [SW1]/[SW2] keys
• REALTIME CONTROLS knobs [1]–[4] and [SELECT] key
• [ARP ON/OFF] key

User Interface

• Graphical user interface: 240 × 64 pixel LCD display
• Mode keys: [COMBI], [PROG], [SEQ], [GLOBAL], [MEDIA], [SAMPLING]
• Value controllers: [VALUE] dial, [INC]/[DEC] keys, numeric keys ([0]...[9], [–], [./ HOLD]
• Cursor keys, [MENU/PAGE +/–] keys, [EXIT] key, [ENTER] key, [COMPARE] key, [F1]…F8 key, [TIMBRE/TRACK] key
• BANK keys:
  • PROG BANK: [A], [B], [C], [D], [GM]
  • COMBI BANK: [A], [B], [C]
• SEQUENCER control keys: [PAUSE], [REW], [FF], [LOCATE]
• SEQUENCER/SAMPLING control keys: [REC/WRITE], [START/STOP]
• Other: [AUDITION] key, [CATEGORY] key

Audio Outputs

• 1/4" AUDIO OUTPUT (MAIN) L/MONO, R
• 1/4" AUDIO OUTPUT (INDIVIDUAL) 1, 2
• 1/4" AUDIO OUTPUT HEADPHONE

Audio Inputs (with EXB-SMPL option)

• AUDIO INPUT 1, 2
• LEVEL [MIC/LINE] switch, [LEVEL] knob
• Input impedance: 10 kΩ
• Nominal level:
  • LINE: +3 dBu @ [INPUT] knob = min, –30 dBu @ [INPUT] knob = max
  • MIC: –18 dBu @ [INPUT] knob = min, –53 dBu @ [INPUT] knob = max
• Maximum level:
  • LINE: +13 dBu @ [INPUT] knob = min, –20 dBu @ [INPUT] knob = max
  • MIC: –8 dBu @ [INPUT] knob = min, –43 dBu @ [INPUT] knob = max
• Source impedance: 600 Ω

External Control Inputs

• DAMPER (half-damper supported)
• ASSIGNABLE SWITCH/PEDAL

Other Connections

• MIDI IN, OUT, THRU
• SmartMedia slot: Usable media: 3.3V SmartMedia (4M–128Mbyte, including cards with ID)
• AC power inlet, switch

Optional Expansion

• EXB-SMPL (Sampling upgrade, includes one 16Mbyte 72-pin SIMM)
• 72-pin SIMM memory slots x 2 (for sample data RAM)

Dimensions&Weight

• W1045.2 × D302.3 × H95.3 (mm)
• 7.8kg

Power Consumption

• 12W (if the EXB-SMPL option and two 32Mbyte SIMM are installed)

Factory Included Items

• AC/AC power supply 9VAC 3.0A

Optional Accessories

• Expansion board: EXB-SMPL Sampling upgrade
• Expression/volume pedal: XVP-10 EXP/VOL pedal
• Foot controller: EXP-2
• Damper pedal: DS-1H
• Pedal switch: PS-1
• Other: MIDI cable

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