Korg Trinity
A high-end music workstation that combined sampling, sequencing, and synthesis in one unit, succeeding the legendary M1
Overview
The Korg Trinity, introduced in 1995, was Korg's flagship music workstation and the official successor to the M1. Positioned above the N364/N264 series, it aimed to deliver a comprehensive production environment with an intuitive touchscreen interface, praised for its build quality and powerful sound engine. The Trinity series (1995–1998) included the base Trinity, Trinity Pro, Trinity Pro X, and the Trinity V3 rackmount. It competed directly with the Roland XP-80 and Yamaha EX5 series, combining sampling, sequencing, and synthesis in a single instrument. Though it didn't match the M1’s commercial success—possibly due to its high price and complexity—it remains a respected machine among workstation enthusiasts.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Korg |
| Model | Trinity |
| Type | Music workstation |
| Production years | 1995–1998 |
| Introduction year | 1995 |
| Number of Keys | 61, 76 or 88 with velocity and aftertouch |
| Outputs | 4x audio output, headphones, MIDI in/out/thru, 3x pedal |
| Display | 20-character x 2-line non-graphic display |
| Weight | 11.5 kg |
| Polyphony | 32 voices |
| Multi-timbral Parts | 16 |
| Oscillators | 32 oscillators |
| MSRP | $3,599 / £2,395 / ¥270,000 |
Design
The Trinity featured HDR (Hard Disk Recording), Flash ROM for OS updates, and advanced synthesis options. It allowed users to combine up to eight Programs with independent polyphony, delays, MIDI filters, and effects sends. When equipped with the HDR-TRI Hard Disk Recorder option, it expanded to 64-voice polyphony and added four master effects.
Context
As the direct successor to the M1, the Trinity was positioned as a high-end music workstation, aiming to elevate Korg’s presence in the professional market. It was Korg’s answer to competitors like the Roland XP-80 and Yamaha EX5, offering a more integrated production experience with sampling, sequencing, and synthesis. Despite critical praise for its sound engine and interface, its complexity and cost limited its reach compared to the M1’s mass appeal.
Market
Used Trinity units can be found for around $500–$800 in good condition, with anecdotal reports of units appearing for as low as $50. The unit uses a proprietary power supply and battery-backed RAM, which may require replacement over time. Large, heavy, and fragile displays are a common complaint among owners.
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