Triton Le Now Available in 88-Key Version

TRITON Le is now available in an 88-note version featuring Korg's top of the line 4-zone graded hammer action (RH2). To compliment this action, TRITON Le 88 also features Korg's new 16MB stereo, velocity-switched Concert Grand Piano sample set (also available in TRITON STUDIO or as the EXB-PCM08 expansion board). Other models available are the 61-key TRITON Le 61 and the 76-key TRITON Le 76.

TRITON Le 88 shares all the same features as the rest of the Le line. It inherits the main functionality of the "classic" TRITON and delivers it in a streamlined and cost-effective package. It features Korg's HI (Hyper Integrated) synthesis technology, and provides 62-voice polyphony (31 in double mode), and 32MB of PCM ROM containing 425 multisamples and 413 drum samples, all sampled at a high-fidelity 48kHz sampling rate.

Along with numerous classic TRITON Programs and Combinations, TRITON Le 88 contains many new sounds geared toward electronic music. The internal memory contains 512 Programs (456 preloaded), 384 Combinations (each consisting of up to eight Programs), and 24 drum kits -- plus 128 GM-compatible programs and 9 drum kits.

Two master effects, a stereo 3-band master EQ, and one stereo insert effect are available, as well as a mixer for internal signal routing. The 89 different effect types feature the same algorithms and processing found in the classic TRITON. Many feature realtime modulation of effect parameters and the ability to sync to MIDI Clock or to the internal sequencer. Effects can be programmed and saved with each Program, Combination, and Song.

TRITON Le 88 sports the same full-fledged 16-track MIDI sequencer as TRITON, with a capacity of up to 200,000 notes and 200 songs. Sequences can be recorded in real time or via step entry, and a host of powerful editing tools are available. Of particular note, the Cue List feature allows the user to assemble a song from individual elements such as an intro, verse, chorus, and break, then rearrange these different sections and store up to 20 variations of the same Song. A powerful feature for getting started is the Template Song function. Sixteen provided templates contain a palette of programs and effects, appropriate to various styles of music, with 16 additional locations for users to store their own templates. Also included are 150 preset drum patterns that match the provided genres.

Live performance and songwriting can be enhanced using TRITON Le's dual polyphonic arpeggiators, which enable the creation of intricate and expressive pitched patterns and drum grooves. Korg's RPPR (Realtime Pattern Play/Recording) function allows sequenced patterns to be triggered from individual notes on the keyboard. Not only does the RPPR function let the user mix different phrases and grooves "on the fly" and trigger exciting difficult-to-play phrases live, but it also works great for cool DJ-like performances and easy song creation. Arpeggiator memory provides five preset and 232 user patterns (200 preloaded). All patterns can be synchronized to MIDI clock or to the internal sequencer.

Sampling can be added to TRITON Le 88's bag of tricks with the user-installable EXB-SMPL Sampling option. This option adds two audio inputs with mic/line switching and a variable gain knob, and supports 16-bit 48kHz linear mono/stereo sampling. TRITON Le offers all the sample waveform editing functions found in a sophisticated sampler, including graphic waveform display (with a BPM note grid), Crossfade Loop, Truncate, Normalize, Time Slice, Time Stretch, Reverse, and even Rate Convert.

The EXB-SMPL also supplies a SCSI interface for connection to external SCSI hard disks and removable-media drives. TRITON Le supports sample data in AIFF, WAV, Akai S1000/3000 (samples and mapped multisamples), and Korg formats. The EXB-SMPL comes standard with 16MB of SIMM memory. Users can install a maximum of two 72-pin SIMM memory modules and expand the sample memory up to 64MB.

TRITON Le is designed to accommodate compact and high-capacity (up to 128MB) SmartMedia for storing user-created Programs, Combinations, Drum Kits, Sample Data and Songs with almost no load time. Data stored on SmartMedia can easily be imported into a computer via adapters commonly used with digital cameras.

The performance capabilities of TRITON Le are complemented by a selection of realtime controllers including a joystick, two assignable switches, and four assignable knobs. A dedicated Category key makes finding the desired TRITON Le Programs and Combinations simple and quick. There's also a convenient Audition button, which allows the user to preview Programs using a selection of musically-appropriate riffs.

The Korg TRITON Le 88 will be available in late September, with a suggested retail price of $2,399.00.

Other available TRITON Le models and options are:

• TRITON Le 61 $1,600
• TRITON Le 76 $1,800
• EXB-SMPL $260