The Triton Studio
by Korg

Korg Triton Studio Music Synthesizer Workstation Keyboard

The Korg Triton Studio, the next generation workstation, combines synthesis, effects, sampling & sequencing in an intuitive package, and with the addition of a built-in hard drive and internal CD-R/W burner, it even lets you create an audio CD! The 88-key version features the new RH2™ keyboard, providing an action that varies in touch as you move up the keyboard, just as on a grand piano. Triton Studio also employs a new lightning-fast processor and Korg’s exclusive TouchView graphical interface – you’ll love how fast it draws screens. Triton Studio offers 16MB of ROM devoted to a single, stunning new stereo acoustic grand piano. Its 48MB of PCM ROM offers a staggering 429 instrument multisamples, with an additional 417 drum samples. From this data, Korg’s award winning voicing team has created 512 pre-loaded Programs and 512 pre-loaded Combinations. Triton Studio accommodates up to 7 EXB-PCM expansion boards. Each one offers an additional 16MB of sample ROM, giving a fully-expanded unit 160Mb of waveforms. Triton Studio features Korg’s new Open Sampling System, which allows direct access to sampling functions from the Program, Combination or Sequencing modes, as well as from the Sampling Mode. Triton Studio also has the ability to “resample” and can also “rip” from an audio CD using the CD drive. Triton Studio provides powerful dual polyphonic arpeggiators, with five preset and 507 user patterns (365 user patterns come pre-loaded). Digital I/O options include 6-channel ADAT output (EXB-DI), 6-channel mLAN audio & MIDI I/O (EXB-mLAN).

From sound design to expressive performance, from initial recording to final audio CD, the TRITON STUDIO brings your ideas, materials and music together. It’s the one instrument that encompasses all the functionality needed to make and mix your music. The new TRITON STUDIO is the ultimate expression of where all music workstations have been heading, and where only Korg can take you. With a new CPU system that boasts several times the processing speed of the TRITON “Classic,” this is the most powerful music workstation available. The TRITON STUDIO is also available in three sizes: 61 and 76-key synth action versions, and an 88-key weighted action model.

Superb sounds, and incredible expandability

The TRITON STUDIO features Korg’s HI (Hyper Integrated) synthesis system and best PCM sounds. Its high-capacity 48 Mbyte PCM ROM, with 429 multisamples and 417 drum samples, covers every need imaginable. And, in addition to the “classic” TRITON’s complete ROM, the TRITON STUDIO also includes a new 16 Mbyte stereo acoustic piano with two levels of velocity switching. With room for up to seven PCM expansion boards and up to 96 Mbytes of sample RAM, you can expand the TRITON STUDIO to a whopping 256 Mbytes of waveform data.

The TRITON STUDIO delivers a staggering assortment of high-quality programs created by Korg’s acclaimed voicing “team.” Programs that range from piano, guitar, organ, synth and drums to the latest synth and sound effects. An amazing 1,536 Program locations are provided in user-writable memory (512 preloaded), as well as 256 sounds and 9 drum kits in ROM for GM2 compatibility. For drum Programs you can choose from 144 user drum kits (20 preloaded) and 9 ROM drum kits for GM2. User-writable memory also provides 1,536 Combination locations (512 preloaded), each of which allows you to use up to 8 timbres (8 sound programs) simultaneously. Open memory locations can be used for sounds that you edit/create, load from expansion board packages or get from other sources.

A sampling powerhouse

The TRITON STUDIO provides high-grade mono/stereo 16-bit sampling at a stunning 48 kHz sampling frequency. It comes with 16 Mbytes of sample memory (RAM) and you can add 72-pin SIMM boards* to expand the sampling memory to a maximum of 96 Mbytes (three 32-Mbyte SIMMs). Samples in RAM can be used in Programs or in drumkits. You can even sample directly to the internal hard disk to create a mono or stereo .WAV file. This is perfect for capturing large files that you wish to move to a computer-based system, and is used for the audio CD recording feature we’ll talk more about later. Samples you record to hard disk can be loaded into sample memory for editing and use in Programs and drumkits**.

The TRITON STUDIO supports both analog and digital input sampling. AIFF, .WAV, AKAI (S1000/S3000 samples and mapped multisamples), and Korg format data can be loaded into sample memory. Your sample data can be exported as AIFF or .WAV format sample files. When using the CDRW-1 option (internal ATAPI connection) you can sample any audio CD played on the drive with no other cables needed.

The sample editing functions include essential commands such as Normalize, Truncate, Cut, Copy, and Reverse. The graphic waveform display provides a grid function that displays vertical lines to indicate resolution and tempo. There’s even a Rate Convert function that changes the sampling frequency to create lo-fi sounds. Sophisticated editing capabilities such as Time Slice, Time Stretch, Crossfade, and Link are provided, giving you the music production power you want.

*User installable. Use either 16 Mbyte or 32 Mbyte 72-pin SIMM boards that support Fast Page or EDO, with 11-bit addressing and have an access speed of 60 ns (nanoseconds) or faster. ** Hard disk samples up to 16 Mbytes (mono) or 32 Mbyte (stereo) can be loaded into sample memory (if sample memory has been expanded to 32 Mbytes or more).

Open sampling system

The TRITON STUDIO allows you to sample in Program, Combination and Sequencer modes as well as in Sampling Mode. In Sampling mode, you can apply insert effects to one or more samples and internally resample the result to create more complex sounds. In Program, Combination, and Sequence modes, a performance using the full functionality of each mode (filters, effects, arpeggiator, sequencer, etc.) can be resampled, as well as sampling external audio sources from the input jacks. This enables you to make new performance loops using the TRITON STUDIO itself, and to expand your polyphony by resampling polyphonic sections as stereo or even mono voices. Polyphony “limitations” disappear as you take advantage of this exciting new feature!

In Sequencer mode you can use the “In-Track Sampling” function to sample external audio (like vocals or guitar) while the song plays, and the system will automatically create the appropriate note “trigger” in the track. You can edit the samples and even Time Slice them if you want complete control over tempo and pitch at a later date.

A synergy of sampling and synthesis

The PCM samples from internal memory (or your own samples) can be assigned to an oscillator and sent through the filter, LFO and amp sections to process the sound in a variety of ways. For each oscillator, the TRITON STUDIO provides two types of filters (Resonant Low pass or Low Pass + High Pass ), powerful multi-stage envelope generators, and two MIDI-syncable LFOs (with a choice of 21 different LFO waveforms). In addition, its modulation routing system gives you an amazing 42 sources and 55 destinations for controlling parameters in realtime using velocity, key range, the various knobs and switches and more.

High-quality effects with flexible routing

The TRITON STUDIO delivers 102 studio quality effects. Its effect section provides five insert effects, two master effects, a three-band master EQ and a mixer section that controls the routing between them. Many of the effects can be synced to MIDI or the internal sequencer, and Dynamic Modulation allows you to control effects parameters in realtime. The TRITON STUDIO provides four individual outputs and you can assign any oscillator to any individual output, with or without effects processing. The insert or master effects can even be applied to external sounds, allowing you to use the TRITON STUDIO as a 6-in / 6-out MIDI-controlled effect processor.

Up to six channels of audio I/O

The TRITON STUDIO comes with two channel analog and digital (S/PDIF) audio inputs. The S/PDIF inputs supports both 48 kHz and 96 kHz audio sources, ensuring compatibility with digital recording systems. The optional EXB-mLAN interface adds two more input channels, for a total of six. The six channels of audio output consist of the main stereo audio outputs, plus four individual outs. You can also use stereo S/PDIF output, and add both six channel ADAT optical (EXB-DI) and six channel mLAN (EXB-mLAN) digital outputs. Oscillators, drums, timbres/tracks, and the sound from the insert effects can all be easily routed to any output.

Powerful polyphonic arpeggiators

The TRITON STUDIO provides powerful dual arpeggiators that can develop polyphonic phrases based on the notes you play. In addition to five basic presets, internal memory contains hundreds of different arpeggio patterns. The arpeggiator even provides a Fixed Note mode that is ideal for drum and percussion sounds. Arpeggios can be synchronized to MIDI Clock, or to the internal sequencer. You can apply two different arpeggio patterns to selected sounds in a Combination or Song, or use velocity to switch between them. You can even record their output into the sequencer.

RPPR, Realtime Pattern Play/Recording

Phrases (patterns) can be played in realtime simply by pressing keys on the keyboard. You can play a different pattern from each key (up to 74 keys per set), and even press multiple keys to play different phrases simultaneously. You can set up the TRITON STUDIO to play patterns from one key range while using another area of the keyboard to play “conventionally”‘for sophisticated realtime performances.

Versatile sequencing

The 16-track sequencer is powerful yet easy to use, has a mammoth capacity of 200 Songs/200,000 notes, and features the “In-Track Sampling” function for seamless integration of samples into sequences.

Speed up your music production by using the 16 preset template songs (along with 150 associated preset rhythm patterns), which include programs, track settings and effects suitably voiced for a specific musical style. You can also create and store 16 of your own templates.

Patterns make it easy for you create music. Sequenced phrases of up to 99 measures can be joined to quickly build a track. Each song can store 100 patterns that you create (including arpeggiated riffs), and can also use the preset rhythm patterns. You can even extract parts from your own sequences and SMF files and convert them into patterns.

In addition to realtime and step recording, the TRITON STUDIO offers overdub and looped recording, and extensive track editing features. Independent track looping is perfect when repetitive phrases are called for. Combinations can easily be copied and recorded in the sequencer including their arpeggiator-generated data. Realtime knob and other controllers can be recorded and a Master Track can be used to control tempo changes.

Cue Lists are a great way to build up songs from smaller sections (verse, chorus, bridge etc.). Up to 99 song steps (each containing 16 tracks) can be arranged in any order you want. Each Song step can be repeated as needed, and you can audition different arrangements by modifying or creating a new Cue List. Up to 20 Cue Lists can be stored in internal memory and can even be converted back into a single linear song if further track editing or additional recording is needed.

SMF (Standard MIDI File) formats 0 and 1 are supported for both loading and saving. A Direct Play function can play song data directly from disk, and the Jukebox function lets you specify a setlist of songs to playback automatically.

Create audio CDs

The TRITON STUDIO makes it easy for you to create original audio CDs or data backup CDs without using any external equipment. After your song is finished, just sample the output to the internal hard drive and the resulting .WAV files can be written to the optional CDRW-1 (or a SCSI-connected CD-R/RW) to create an audio CD. From initial inspiration to final CD – what could be easier?

Korg’s exclusive TouchView interface

The easy-to-read 320 x 240 pixel screen of the TRITON STUDIO features Korg’s exclusive TouchView graphical user interface, letting you operate the instrument by directly touching the screen. Large, responsive and faster than ever, this display provides visual waveform editing for samples, a clean mixing layout for sequencing and a logical, category-based system for finding sounds, effects and even waveform data.

Controllers extend your performance potential

The TRITON STUDIO provides a joystick, ribbon controller, two assignable switches, a value slider, four realtime control knobs and three arpeggiator control knobs. Along with optional foot switches and pedals, they can be used to control a broad range of synthesis and effect parameters.

Three models and superior keyboard feel

The TRITON STUDIO is available in three sizes: 61 and 76-key synth action versions, and an 88-key weighted action model. The 88-key version features the newly developed RH2 (Real Weighted Hammer Action2) keyboard. With a weightier feel in the low register and a lighter, more sensitive feel as you move upward, this piano-touch keyboard will respond to every nuance of your playing.

Expand your potential

A wide range of user-installable options is available for the TRITON STUDIO. You can install a 6-voice DSP MOSS synthesis engine (EXB-MOSS, adding 128 more Programs), up to 7 PCM expansion boards (16 Mbytes each), add a 6-channel ADAT output connector (EXB-DI), add 6-channel support for the new mLAN digital audio/MIDI network (EXB-mLAN), increase the sample memory, and install an internal 8x CD-RW drive
(CDRW-1).