Korg Triton

Back in 1999, this beast doubled the polyphony of its predecessor, the Trinity, jumping to 62 voices and packing 32MB of pristine PCM waveforms that still hold up for everything from lush pads to punchy beats. It quickly became the go-to workstation that defined a generation of producers.

At its core is the HI synthesis system with digital PCM samples at 48kHz, dual filters including 24dB/oct lowpass and highpass options, plus five insert effects, two master effects, and a master EQ for flexible routing across up to eight multi-timbral parts. Hands-on controls include a joystick, two assignable switches, four knobs, three arpeggiator knobs, poly aftertouch keyboard, and a mod matrix, all feeding into a 16-track sequencer with 100,000-note capacity and RPPR for pattern play. Connectivity shines with stereo plus four individual outs, two audio ins for sampling up to 96MB RAM, MIDI in/out/thru, USB, damper pedal input, and even a PC interface—built tough in a hefty keyboard chassis ready for studio or stage.

Players loved its warm, versatile sounds and sampling power right out of the gate, though some noted the monochrome screen felt dated even then compared to emerging touch interfaces. It's a vintage icon that rewards tweaking with depth you won't find in simpler boards.