Cherry Audio has revealed the Trident Mk III, a meticulously crafted software synthesizer that reimagines Korg’s legendary 1981-82 Trident hardware for the modern production environment. Priced at $69, this virtual instrument delivers a thorough “orchestra-in-a-box” experience by combining three distinct sound sections—Synth, Brass, and Strings—in a single interface.
Available across multiple plugin formats including VST, VST3, AU, and AAX, the Trident Mk III supports both macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel) and Windows platforms, making it accessible to virtually any production setup. Users can also test the instrument through a free 30-day demo available on Cherry Audio‘s website.
The instrument greatly expands upon the original hardware’s capabilities, offering 16 voices per section compared to the limited polyphony of its predecessor. The Synth section features two VCOs per voice with multiple waveforms including sawtooth, triangle, and pulse with PWM capabilities. Each voice incorporates an individual voltage-controlled filter modeled after the classic SSM 2044 chip, supporting various filter types with keyboard tracking for expressive sound design.
Cherry Audio’s Trident Mk III dramatically expands polyphony while delivering authentic analog textures through meticulously modeled VCOs and SSM 2044 filters.
Meanwhile, the paraphonic Brass and Strings sections feature dedicated mixers, allowing for intricate layering and textural development. The sound design team includes industry veterans like James Terris and Drew Schlesinger who contributed to the 380 professional presets.
Performance capabilities have been substantially enhanced with velocity sensitivity and both channel and polyphonic aftertouch supported across all sections. The Trident Mk III enables musicians to assign pedal expression independently to volume, filter, or modulation parameters, creating nuanced performance possibilities that weren’t available in the original hardware. Sound designers can also utilize sweeping filters to create underwater-like effects and atmospheric textures similar to those described in basic sound design principles.
Sound designers will appreciate the thorough modulation options, including two envelope generators with scalable velocity response and a syncable LFO with multiple waveforms. This plugin integrates seamlessly into any home studio setup without requiring expensive additional equipment or complicated connectivity solutions.
The instrument’s interface maintains the original’s knob-per-function philosophy while introducing modern workflow enhancements like drag-and-drop key zones for splits and layers.
With over 370 professionally designed presets, a 16×2 polyphonic step sequencer, dual arpeggiators, and 17 studio-quality effects, Cherry Audio has created a versatile instrument that bridges vintage charm and contemporary production demands.
The Trident Mk III represents a great achievement in virtual instrument design, offering both authentic vintage tones and expanded creative possibilities beyond the original hardware’s limitations.
