Trident Mk III Synthesizer by Cherry Audio synth plugin interface

Trident Mk III Synthesizer: Multitimbral Synth by Cherry Audio

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (49 ratings)

Trident Mk III Synthesizer is a virtual instrument from Cherry Audio that recreates the Trident Mk I and Mk II hardware synths, with Synthesizer, Brass and Strings sections, a step sequencer and effects chains.

StandaloneWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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01Overview

Cherry Audio developed the Trident Mk III as a software revival of the original 1981 and 1982 Trident Mk I and Mk II hardware synthesizers. Each of the three sections has been recreated and expanded with more voices, velocity and aftertouch support, and additional modulation. The instrument is available as a standalone application and as a plug-in.

Best for

Vintage analog synth sounds
Layered orchestral-style patches
Sequenced arpeggio basslines
Brass and string pads
Multitimbral split and layer setups

Developer: Cherry Audio
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Synthesizer, Brass and Strings sections with up to 16 voices each
Velocity and aftertouch support, including polyphonic aftertouch with compatible controllers
Two VCOs and SSM 2044-based VCF per voice in the Synthesizer section
16x2 polyphonic step sequencer with DAW clock synchronization
Two assignable dynamic arpeggiators with Swing, Chance and Feel controls
Four effects chains with 17 selectable studio effects
Over 370 presets in 14 categories with a preset browser
Complete MIDI learn, mapping and DAW automation

03In depth

Sound Engine and Sections

The Synthesizer section is polyphonic, with two VCOs, a per-voice VCF based on the original's SSM 2044 filter, two envelope generators and a syncable LFO. Its voice modes include monophonic, two polyphonic modes, and 2, 4, 6 or 8 unison.

The Brass section has its own filter, vibrato and envelope intensity controls, with silence note and multi-trigger options. The Strings section adds a dedicated filter, an equalizer, bowing control and vibrato. Each section supports up to 16 voices and has its own mixer.

Sequencer, Arpeggiators and Effects

A 16x2 polyphonic step sequencer records real-time notes or steps, with ties, accents and Pattern A and Pattern B variations. Two dynamic arpeggiators offer Arp, Leap, Order and Random modes, and Swing, Chance and Feel controls add randomness to both the sequencer and arpeggiators.

Four customizable effects chains, one for each section plus a global chain, hold any of 17 effects, including the BBD Flanger, Lushverb, Tape Echo and a Seven Band EQ. Each effect has a mini UI for on/off, solo, modulator amount and dry/wet mix.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Cherry Audio
Type	Plugin
Category	Synth
Formats	Standalone
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is the Trident Mk III Synthesizer?

It is a virtual instrument by Cherry Audio that recreates the 1981 and 1982 Trident Mk I and Mk II hardware synthesizers, with three sections and expanded features.

What operating systems does Trident Mk III support?

It runs on Windows 7 or later, including Windows 11, and on macOS 10.13 or later. It requires a 64-bit system.

What do I need to use Trident Mk III?

The system requirements call for a 3.4 GHz quad-core processor or Apple Silicon CPU with 8 GB of RAM recommended, 110 MB of disk space, and an internet connection for product activation.