Cherry Audio Trident [WiN]

• Product: Trident
• Publisher: Cherry Audio
• Version: 1.0.10.84
• Format: VST, VST3, AAX
• Requirements: Windows 7 or later
• Source: cherryaudio.com/products/trident-synthesizer

Cherry Audio’s Trident Mk III is a standout plugin that captures the spirit of the rare Korg Trident hardware and enhances it with modern features. For producers wanting rich layered textures in one tool, it’s a superb option.

The 80s Orchestra in a Box: A Producer’s Deep Dive into Cherry Audio’s Trident

There’s a certain sound that defined the lush, cinematic soundscapes of the early 80s—those massive, layered synth textures that felt like an entire orchestra in a box. The rare and coveted Korg Trident was one of the kings of that sound, combining a polyphonic synthesizer, a brass section, and a string machine into one glorious, multi-timbral instrument.

Cherry Audio, masters of resurrecting vintage classics, have brought this beast back to life with the Trident Mk III. As a producer who grew up on that sound, I had to see if this plugin could deliver that same wall of analog goodness with the convenience of a modern workflow.

Key Takeaway

Cherry Audio’s Trident is a stunning and versatile software synthesizer that masterfully recreates and expands upon the rare Korg Trident. By combining three distinct and simultaneously playable sound engines—Synth, Brass, and Strings—with a suite of modern effects and sequencing tools, it excels as a creative “orchestra in a box” for producers seeking rich, layered, and classic analog-style textures with an intuitive workflow.

The Power of Three: Deconstructing the Trident

The magic of the Trident is that it’s not one synth, but three, seamlessly integrated. Each section can be layered, split across the keyboard, and processed independently.

1. The Synthesizer: This is a true polyphonic subtractive synth and the workhorse of the trio. With two oscillators per voice and a flexible multimode filter, it’s perfect for crafting everything from warm analog pads and punchy basses to soaring leads.
2. The Brass Section: This section delivers a powerful ensemble brass sound. True to the original hardware, it’s paraphonic, meaning all voices share a single filter and envelope. While this limits per-note articulation compared to a modern polysynth, it’s a huge part of what gives the Trident its authentic, unified, and classic sound.
3. The Strings Section: This is a beautiful emulation of a classic string machine, again with a paraphonic architecture. It’s perfect for creating those lush, sweeping string beds that were a hallmark of 70s and 80s electronic and progressive music.

The Modern Upgrades: Where It Surpasses the Original

This is far more than just a 1:1 emulation. Cherry Audio has packed the Trident with modern features that turn it into a creative powerhouse.

• The Effects: Each of the three sections can have its own dedicated effects chain, drawn from a library of 17 high-quality effects like the BBD Flanger, Tape Echo, and a lush reverb. This is a massive upgrade, allowing you to sculpt each layer with its own space and character before they even hit the master output.
• The Motion Panel: This is where the Trident comes alive. The built-in 32-step polyphonic sequencer and dual arpeggiators are fantastic for creating complex, evolving patterns that can be applied to any of the three sections.

In my testing, the workflow was a dream. The “Quick Split” feature allowed me to visually drag and set up keyboard zones in seconds. I created a patch with a synth bass in the low end, a brass arp in the mids, and a string pad in the highs, all from a single instance of the plugin. This is a workflow that, in another synth like UVI Falcon or Kontakt, would require complex, from-scratch building. Here, it’s intuitive and immediate.

My Honest Look: Strengths and Authenticity’s Limitations

The Trident is a sonic powerhouse. The sound is “juicy and pleasing,” and the ability to layer the three distinct sections so easily is incredibly inspiring. The modern enhancements, particularly the deep effects section, are thoughtfully implemented and add immense value.

However, it’s important to understand the limitations that come with its authentic design. The paraphonic nature of the Brass and Strings sections is a core part of its vintage character, but it’s not for everyone. If you need to have individual notes in a brass chord with their own unique filter envelopes, this isn’t the synth for that task. Also, like any synth that’s doing this much at once, I found that very complex, multi-layered patches with lots of effects can be moderately demanding on your CPU, though Cherry Audio’s optimization is generally excellent.

My Recommendation: Who Should Enlist This Orchestra?

This plugin is a fantastic tool for a wide range of producers. I would highly recommend it for:

• Producers of Synthwave, Retro-Pop, and 80s-style music who will be right at home with the Trident’s classic, layered sound.
• Film, TV, and Game Composers looking for a single instrument that can create rich, cinematic beds and hybrid orchestral textures.
• Live Performers who will love the easy-to-use keyboard split and layering capabilities.
• Any producer who is tired of loading multiple plugins and wants an inspiring, all-in-one “wall of sound” instrument.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Verdict

Cherry Audio’s Trident is a standout achievement. It perfectly captures the spirit of a rare vintage classic and thoughtfully enhances it with features that make it incredibly powerful and relevant for modern producers. It truly is an “orchestra in a box,” providing a deep well of sonic inspiration for anyone looking to create rich, layered, and beautifully lush textures. For its price, the value and versatility are simply outstanding.