Trident Synthesizer

Description

Overview

The Trident Mk III by Cherry Audio is a sophisticated virtual instrument that meticulously revives and enhances the multitimbral experience of the original 1981 and 1982 Trident Mk I and Mk II hardware synthesizers. Designed as an “orchestra-in-a-box,” it recreates the iconic sonic capabilities of the original hardware while introducing modern innovations that exponentially expand its creative potential.

This powerful plug-in features three distinct sections: the sweeping Synth, bold Brass, and stirring Strings. While maintaining the authentic character of the original hardware, Cherry Audio has increased the voice count to 16 per section and added critical modern performance features, including velocity sensitivity and polyphonic aftertouch, ensuring a level of expressiveness that was impossible with the original hardware.

Beyond simple emulation, the Trident Mk III integrates a virtual studio of tools. From a DAW-friendly polyphonic step sequencer to a massive library of over 370 professionally designed presets, this instrument is engineered to captivate both vintage synth enthusiasts and contemporary music producers seeking authentic 80s textures with modern flexibility.

Key Details

• Multitimbral Architecture: Dedicated sections for Synth, Brass, and Strings, each with 16 voices.
• Advanced Oscillators: Two VCOs featuring sawtooth, pulse width, PWM, and triangle waveforms.
• Flexible Filtering: VCF per voice with LP, HP, Band, or Notch response and keyboard tracking based on the SSM 2044.
• Enhanced Performance: Full support for velocity, channel aftertouch, and polyphonic aftertouch.
• Motion Panel: Includes one-click Quick Split templates, draggable zone controls, and discreet vibrato for each section.
• Sequencing Tools: Transposable 32-step polyphonic sequencer and dual customizable arpeggiators.
• Studio Effects: 17 high-quality effects, including BBD flanger, compressor, lo-fi, phaser, ring modulator, 7-band EQ, and Lushverb.
• Preset Library: Over 370 factory presets across 14 categories created by industry veteran sound designers.
• Flexible Routing: Four effects chains allowing users to arrange and reuse effects for custom sonic shaping.

Use Cases

Vintage Scoring: Perfect for composers recreating 80s film scores or Tangerine Dream-style electronic landscapes using the authentic Brass and String sections.

Modern Production: Ideal for pop and synthwave producers who need thick, multitimbral layers and polyphonic sequences that integrate seamlessly into a DAW.

Live Performance: Utilizing the Motion panel’s quick splits and layers, keyboardists can perform complex, multi-part arrangements in real-time.

Installation

The Trident Mk III is a virtual software synthesizer plug-in. Installation is performed via the manufacturer’s installer, which allows the user to select the desired plugin formats (VST, AU, or AAX) and the standalone version. Once installed, the plugin can be scanned and loaded within any compatible Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or run as a standalone application.

Compatibility

• Supported Operating Systems: Windows, macOS
• RAM: 4GB RAM
• Disk Space: 1GB Hard Drive Space
• Plugin Formats: VST2, VST3, AU, AAX

Audio Demos

Product Demo