KORG TRITON CONTROLLER

Please note that this is a demo of an earlier version has various features disabled and the ability to save edited PCG files is not available. The following modes are available in the Demo version:-

Program Edit, Combination Play, Midi Settings, Composer, PCG Reader (read only) and Help. The remaining buttons are not available.

There are also many new features in the Full Version not on the Demo version. You cannot send data from an opened PCG file to the synthesizer to audition it on the Demo version. NB. Users of the Demo version can use it for 2 weeks only, after which they must either delete it or subscribe to the full version. Note - The demo is usage limited.

The Full Version has the Demo’s disabled features restored plus all of the latest features. Please read conditions of use.

CURRENT FULL VERSION 5.13 – 2^nd April 2004

1. Triton Extreme – Support for Korgs new synth added.

2. Bug fix in PCG Reader – Moss PCG’s – Now lists/pastes Moss programs properly. For all Triton series & Karma.

3. Extra error trapping added.

4. Bug fix for Triton Studio PCG files when loading into Librarian

5. Bug fix for Triton Studio PCG files when creating Master PCG files

6. Improved formatting when transferring ‘List Box’ contents to ‘File Viewer’.

7. Bug fix for Karma and LE when displaying – Combinations Dependent on Current Program – The correct Combinations are now listed.

VERSION 5.12 – 6^th December 2003

1. New graphical interface for the Mandelbrot Set. Just click on the picture of the Mandelbrot Set to select values for X and Y and create new sequences rapidly. The value chosen will be marked by a small white circle on the picture of the Mandelbrot set and the sequence will begin playing. This is a quick way to try different real and imaginary constants for both note values and not timings. Also works for Julia Sets as well.

2. Improved Mandelbrot Set sequencer engine.

3. Added ability to fill ‘file viewer’ in PCG reader with note list generated my fractal sequencer. Button added to arranger window on composer form (Fractal sequencer section). ‘Paste sequence to PCG reader’ – this fills the file viewer with the list of midi note numbers separated by , to create a comma separated file csv. Thus 76,74,62, etc.

4. Added ability to save Mandelbrot Sequencer settings to ‘file viewer’ as a comma separated file for later recall during the session. Also the ability to save as a text file for a permanent record of the sequencer settings and ability to annotate the file.

VERSION 5.11 – 23^rd August 2003

1. Fractal Sequencer – Ability to visualise note series evolution graph – Frame at a time or as a movie.

2. Facility to allow generated notes to produce user defined chords, arpeggios and chord shells on replay.

3. Arranger facility added – This allows motifs to be used from a Fractal Sequence and stitched together into a tune.

4. Bug fix which properly forces note to scale defined on the right hand ‘keyboard’ on the sequencer window.

5. Right hand ‘keyboard’ on the sequencer window shows current note being played.

1. Added ability to quantise notes – specify time in seconds.

2. User can vary probability of notes sounding outside of note range defined on right hand ‘keyboard’ on the sequencer window. If the slider is at 0 only notes defined will sound. If slider = 1 then any note will sound.

3. The user can now utilise the Julia Set as well and specify both real and imaginary seed values for both notes and timings.

4. Auditioning of Moss files using PCG reader now allows a small delay to enable Moss Board to reconfigure when program changes.

5. Improved second librarian window can now display large triton studio PCG files properly and edit expansion board PCG files.

VERSION 5.10 – 14^th MAY 2003

1. All models - Major new feature added in the Composer Section – Ability to generate sequences using Fractals. This provides the ability to use Mandelbrot equation to control note timings as well as note number and produces ‘human’ like compositions.

2. Update for Triton Studio –Librarian now displays complete bank description for programs and combinations when opening a Triton Studio PCG file. So for instance, program banks appear as I-A to I-E for Internal multisample programs and E-A to E-G for External sample programs. Moss is still accessed via separate button – bank I-F.

3. Update for Karma users only – New Feature - ability to Merge Combinations Generated Effects. GE’s. So you can easily create new GE’s by merging existing ones !

4. Update for Karma users – New Feature - ‘Randomise GE’ button added at Combination Play mode. Press button to randomise GE’s on any or all of the 4 karma modules or input values manually. You can also auto addition GE’s and control the frequency at which they change. Tooltips added to help user – tip appears when cursor hovers over feature.

5. Update for Karma users – New Feature - ‘Randomise GE’ button added at Program Play mode. Press button to randomise GE on the Karma module or input values manually. Works for both PCM and Moss programs. You can also auto addition GE’s and control the frequency at which they change. Tooltips added to help user – tip appears when cursor hovers over feature.

6. Update for Karma Users – Bug fix to allow Combination Banks E and F to be displayed properly.

VERSION 5.05 – 19^th April 2003

7. Update for all Models - Bug fix and error trap to stop program crashing if incorrect values entered in sysex manual entry for all T.C. pages.

8. Update for Karma users with the Moss board installed. Users can now Load and Write to Bank F in Combination Edit mode.

9. Update for Triton Studio Users who can now Load and also Write to Banks Ext A-G in Program Play window.

10. Update for Triton Studio – Bug fix so that Librarian functions work properly when a T.S. PCG file is opened.

11. New button added to main form to enable the Tutorial to be displayed within the program – download Tutorial and save as Tutorial.htm and place it in your program installation directory (same directory as triton.exe file) – same procedure as for the help file.

Version 5.04 – 19^th March 2003

1. Update specifically for Karma users with the Moss board installed. Karma users can now control all of the features of the optional Moss board and also preset the T.C. software’s Moss controls on the PC when opening a PCG file containing Moss data. Thanks to Hermanto for testing.

Version 5.03 – 20^th January 2003

1. Update specifically for Karma users who can now access all program banks – only 4 were available before.

Version 5.02 January 2003

1. Ability to access Korg PCM Expansion Boards multisamples.

2. Multi Samples listed by name.

3. The software now works on older PC’s or laptops with a maximum screen resolution of 800x600 pixels.

Version 5.01 January 2003

Program now has the ability to read PCG files properly for Triton Studio and Rack when there are more than 5 program banks, 4 combination banks and 4 drum kits. Multi bank Arps and drum kits now also read properly.

1. PCG Reader can now display the full 12 program and combination banks – display modified. Banks Z-6 to Z- 12 for Programs refer to Triton Studio/Rack EXB banks E-A to E-G and Banks Z-5 to Z-12 for Combinations refer to Triton Studio/Rack EXB banks E-A to E-F. These are extra banks for EXB loaded synths. For other synths these banks remain at 0 programs each.

2. Triton Controller can now pick up settings (ie. Preset its controls) from a PCG for:- Combination Play, Combination Edit, Program Play, Program Edit, Moss Edit and Arps. (Not karma or LE)

3. Ability to pick up Effect settings (ie. Preset T.C. controls) from a PCG for ALL models except LE.

4. Ability to Merge - Programs, Combinations, drumkits and Arpeggios. Create brand new sounds by merging existing ones. Now with the ability to select width ‘x’ of Merge (program, combination etc). Previously x was fixed at 1. The value of x can be input in the text box lower left – “First x Char./Merge Width”. Preset at 1 at program load.

5. Auto Merge – Software automatically cycles through all possible merge widths. User can stop when a sound is liked and it can then be stored. User can restart at any point and can vary the note on time. This is a very rapid way of generating totally new sounds !

6. Auto Random – generate new Programs, Combinations, Drum Kits & Arps using existing PCG data as a seed.

7. Ability to take Highest, Average or Lowest byte value from programs/combinations selected by merge to generate yet more programs/combinations!

8. Automatic auditioning of PCG by software. Sit back and listen to the programs/combis etc. 1 by 1 !

9. The software now has full support for the Triton Studio & Karma Synthesizer ( with Operating System Ver. 2.0 or higher loaded) (NB. Karma O.S. 1.6 or earlier will NOT work). Thanks to Laughing Bear for all of his support.

10. Composer now works properly when notes are played rapidly – improvement in midi code.

11. Ability to audition Karma PCG (OS 2.0 format only) – Programs (PCM and Moss), Combinations and Drum Kits. The audition features are now more refined.

12. Full Librarian functionality added for Triton Studio & Karma.

13. Renaming function in Librarian routine improved.

14. Ability to immediately Audition Sound when program of a PCG selected in Program List Viewer.

15. Play note button added so you can re-audtion sound

16. Mode changes automatically when used in Librarian mode with ‘Send Data to Triton’ check box checked. This feature was a popular request !

17. Category of program/combination now reported correctly for Karma.

18. ‘Transfer List To Viewer’ in Edit Menu and ‘Combinations Dependent on Current Program’ in tools menu – both in Librarian – have had their Formatting improved (Tabs added) so that exports to excel and word etc. are properly formatted,

19. Individual Help for each window – opens internet explorer window and loads help at relevant page. Context sensitive.

20.Ability to toggle PC Midi Port On/Off – this also flushes the midi buffer.

21. Ability to set midi channel for each program in a combination – combination play mode.

22.A lot of Bug Fixes – too numerous to mention ! Thanks to all of the testers J

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QUICK START

NB. A tutorial is also available on my website covering musical synthesis with the Korg Triton series...

Midi Setup….Connecting the Synthesizer to the P.C…..If you want to get up and running quickly and prefer to read the detailed instruction later, then this is what you need to do:-

1. Connect the Korg Synth to the PC using midi leads ( Midi out from the synth to midi in on the PC, and midi in on the synth to midi out on the PC) or a Korg PCIF serial lead (you will need to load the Korg PCIF driver for the latter to work).

2. Load and run the Triton Controller software. Click Midi Set Button (Red midi symbol main toolbar). Set model to the model of synth you use, set midi channel to correct channel – default on synth/software is 1. Select PCIF for midi in and midi out in the text boxes if you are using PCIF cable.

3. On the synth goto ‘Global Mode – Midi settings and set Midi receive for sysex, bank change etc. Tick boxes to enable. If you use PCIF make sure data rate is set to 38kb/sec for the PC.

4. Also make sure that the Triton bank map is set to Korg and not general MIDI. (Otherwise you will only have access to general Midi.) To do this - On the Triton, Goto global mode - system preferences (page 2) , and set bank map there to Triton.

If you click between ‘PCM edit’ and ‘Combi play’ on the T.C. for instance, the mode on the synth will change. (See lights above mode buttons). You should now also be able to goto an edit page in the software, change a parameter on the PC and as you do you should see the parameter change on the Triton/Karma’s screen. You will have to manually goto the particular edit screen on the synth as midi will not alter the screen on the synth automatically - it will however goto the correct mode.

Making your first Edits using the Triton Controller T.C. Software

The Triton Controller Software is designed to make editing sounds on the Korg synth a lot easier than using the small screen that comes with the synth. This is even more true for those models without a touch screen such as the Karma, Rack and LE. The best and simplest page to start with is Program Play. Click the Icon at the top left of the T.C. menu bar. If the synth is not in that mode already, then the T.C. will force the synth to goto that mode and you should see the program play mode button light up and that mode appear on the tritons screen. (If it does not, then the midi connection needs checking. Goto step 1 above – midi setup.). The P.C. screen will display a new window containing various controls. Now this is the fun bit!

1. With almost any program loaded on the synth – slide the octave slider on the T.C. up or down. Play the synth and you will hear the note go up or down an octave. This is true for most programs, but not all. Move the slider again and play the synth again.

2. Next – do the same thing with the pitch slider – notice what happened to the sound.

3. The Osc Balance changes the respective volumes of the 2 oscillators which make up most triton programs. Sliding it will change the timbre or nature of the sound.

4. The amp level slider changes the output level of the synth. Try sliding it up and down.

5. The Attack and Decay time changes the speed at which a sound builds up and dies away – classic controls on synths since the 1970’s

6. The IFX slider refers to Internal Effects and MFX master effects. Changing this slider will alter the filters modifying the synths sound.

You will see that by just changing these few sliders you can create many different sounds !

Tip….If you want to play the synth from the PC keyboard click the mauve button bottom right – Audition sound using the P.C. keyboard – and use the Z-M keys and Q-U to play it. Handy if the synth is out of reach from the PC.

If you want to choose a program/bank – ie. Sound from the synth, just use the Orange - Program/bank select button top right. Select a bank, select a program and press the button below. The synth will then be told by the T.C. to change the program accordingly. You should see the synths display change and when you play the synth the sound will be different.

You can also save a sound – edited in the synths buffer – to a program/bank location of your choice. Use the Red – Write section of the window of the T.C. for this.

Finally you can adjust arpeggio parameters – assuming your model has arpeggios – Karma uses G.E. instead so this section is not visible on the P.C..

PS…The Load PCG file ‘check box’ will be covered later in the tutorial.

Part 2 …..Multi sample synthesis.

NB. When you first open the T.C. you will see a small window in the top left with the various modes of the Triton listed. By clicking on the various radio buttons you can switch modes on the synth. The sub window also allows the user to open and close the midi port, very useful if you use PCIF and you want another application to take over the PC port. Just close the T.C. port first.

The Triton is prepacked with over 400 multisamples – these are mainly digital recordings of instruments which have been assigned to the groups of keys on the synth. You can also sample your own sounds if you own a Triton Classic or Studio. The triton allows the user to combine multisamples – so by pressing one note you can sound up to 2 multisamples in a typical program. By combining Programs you can create Combinations which are rich sounds. So you can see the Triton offers vast numbers of ways of making sounds by addition.

The PCM edit page on the T.C. lays out neatly all of the editing controls – much in the way of earlier synths of the 70’s/80’s did on their control panel. When you want to create a new sound its always easiest to start with an existing one – from one of the Korg PCG files which came with the synth and which sound similar to the sound you want. Just tweak it as necessary. So how do you do that ?

You need to understand what the various controls do. Controls are generally grouped into:-

1. Oscillators – These are Multisamples really, but early synths just had square wave generators, sawtooth, Sine wave etc. Not real samples and you made the sound different by filtering them. Although you can only sound 2 oscillators at once in a triton program you can velocity switch samples. So if you press the key lightly you get one multisample and press harder you hear another. Don’t worry too much about this now but that’s why there are 2 multisample options per oscillator.

2. Filters – Typically high pass or low pass (High pass just let high frequencies through) and resonance accentuates the frequencies around the resonant frequency. Overdoing this will cause feedback – and a whistling sound will be heard.

3. Amplifiers – How loud will the sound be and what will the balance be between the two oscillators 1 and 2.

4. Envelope Generators – an envelope is a graph whose intensity varies with time. You can make sounds amplitude build slowly and end quickly or vice versa. You can also apply envelopes to filters.

5. Effects – ways of further manipulating the sound such as vibrato, overdrive, leslie speaker etc. – these will be covered later.

The best way of learning about these controls is literally to play around. Start by adjusting just one control at a time and observe how it affects the sound.

Tip……A quick way of generating new sounds is to press the ‘Random program’ button in the centre of the PCM edit window – it uses random values to move various controls, you never know what you will end up with and its great fun ! This feature is only found on the T.C. software.

To Load a PCG file...........

1..select file/open at the PCG Reader screen - Librarian menu - open PCG. Choose a Triton or Karma OS 2.0 native format PCG as appropriate for your synth . See the utilities section of my website for a Karma OS 2 PCG...You can generate these yourself by saving any complete pcg on the synth to floppy disc and then transferring into the PC.

2..Press ‘Select programs' to pick out the program data in the PCG. If the pcg does not contain program data – you will get a ‘search string not found’ message pop up.

3..Press list programs to see them listed by name in the PROGRAM LIST BOX. Here you can sort, search etc.

4..Click on the individual program or enter a number to load a single program. In the full licensed version this will send the program settings to the synths buffer via midi. You can then play the synth hearing the program you selected on the PC !

The same procedure works for combinations, moss, drum kits etc...

Tip…If you have any problems please read the detailed instructions below and feel free to e-mail me as I will be happy to help.

See www.pryer.freeserve.co.uk for complete Tutorial. The software is described in full detail below.

TRITON CONTROLLER - INTRODUCTION

This application enables the user to control most of the Korg Triton series Synthesizers (Classic, Rack, LE, Studio and Karma) many parameters from a PC (running Windows 95/98, ME, NT4, Windows 2000 and Windows XP – NB. To install you will need to log on with administrator rights for NT/2000/XP based systems). It has been written in Visual Basic 6 professional SP5. It is a 32 bit application. The program is designed for a screen resolution of 1024x768 or higher* (NB. Also set small fonts - in windows display properties - advanced).

* Note. Although, the program is designed for a screen resolution of 1024x768 pixels or higher, from version 5.02 the software now works on older PC’s or laptops with a maximum screen resolution of 800x600 pixels. What happens is - if the software detects the display is set to 800x600. Then it automatically converts all of the forms to the lower resolution. Whilst it is not as pretty because of the loss in ‘real estate’ it is workable. This enables users with older PC’s and especially laptops to utilise the software. NB. Some of the text and graphics may be more difficult to read or appear truncated at 800x600 pixels. This is unavoidable.

Please read conditions of use.

I wrote the programme because I felt the interface on the Triton could be made more intuitive and be laid out in a more orderly way – like older analogue synths such as the Korg MS10/20 & Mini-Moog. Their sound creation process was done in a ‘linear fashion’ on the control panel. This is particularly beneficial for Program editing for PCM and the Moss board (Bank F if fitted), which inherit the principals of earlier synths – plus much more! I found the small screen of the Triton does not lend itself to a particularly clear layout of the controls, with many of its features hidden behind multiple windows.

The program currently only sends MIDI system exclusive (Sysex) and Control Change information. It does not receive it. So data dumps or having the PC ‘pick up’ the settings on the Triton synth is not possible. However it can read Korg PCG files on the users computer. Once a control is changed on the PC it is retained during the session on the PC and until the program is terminated. You can of course still control the Triton from its controls but they will not be reflected on the PC until you change that control on the PC.

The Triton has hundreds of parameters, which can be altered by the user. I have included just about ALL of the commands documented in the Tritons MIDI implementation. As the program develops other features will be added. I encourage users to give me feedback and I will endeavour to add new features if requested.

The PCG reader allows the user to read PCG files (Korg files which contain program settings etc.) on their PC, extract individual Programs, Combinations, Drum Kits or Arpeggios and send them straight to the synth via Midi. No need to use floppy disks. It cannot pick up PCG data from the synth as that would require midi in.

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LOADING, SETTING UP AND RUNNING

To load the program, download the triton demo software from the link on my web site. You MUST uninstall all earlier versions of the Triton Controller first unless my website permits a quick update. The VB run time files and settings.dat file will then be properly updated. Unzip the contents to a temp file and run the setup.exe file. The package will self install to a directory of your choice – default is C:\program files\Triton Controller.

Users who have a full license will be sent an updated executable file - triton.exe - which needs to replace the demo versions triton.exe file. Just overwrite the old file with the new one. This gives full functionality. Updates will normally consist of an updated triton.exe file.

Your PC should be located adjacent to the Triton. Ideally with the keyboard of the PC at right angles to the Triton. As the software is mouse driven all you really need near the Triton is a screen and mouse - or trackball which I have used and which sat on the Triton case. Connect the two devices using midi cables between the PC’s joystick port and the Triton, or the PCIF connector between the serial port and the Tritons PCIF port. You will need to load the Korg driver first to use the latter one. (You can download the drivers for Windows 3.1, 95, 98, ME or NT4, 2000, XP at www.korg.co.uk

Please note that 3^rd party PCIF cables may not work properly with XP/W2000. Cables must be wired exactly as shown in the Triton Manual otherwise the computer will lock up when the Triton is turned on or accessed. Windows 95/98 will tolerate incorrectly wired leads – W2000/XP will not! I had to re-solder my lead to make it the proper Korg spec. Afterwards it worked perfectly with XP.

1. Turn on the PC, turn on the Triton and run the program. Make Sure that when the Triton is in ‘Global Mode – Midi settings’ that Midi receive for sysex, bank change etc. is enabled. If you use PCIF make sure data rate is set to 38kb/sec for the PC.

The first time you run the program, configure the midi device by using the Red ‘Midi Settings’ button main toolbar – top of the display. (Select the PCIF driver for both input/output if you are using a PCIF lead - ‘Korg PCIF Midi Port’) and then the midi channel the Triton is on (I normally use 1).

2. Then select the model of the Triton you are using. Ive added a drop down box on the Midi settings form where you can select your model. Some functions on the program wont work as the particular model does not support the option. eg. Moss for LE. However most functions are available. Controls which are not appropriate for a particular model will not appear. ( I will refine this with user feedback). Eg. Arps for Karma – which uses GE instead. (See model compatibility list).

The information above will be saved in a settings file at close. Also make sure that the Triton bank map on the synth is set to Korg and not general MIDI. (Otherwise you will only have access to general Midi.) To do this - On the Triton, Goto global mode - system preferences (page 2) , and set bank map there to Triton (not General Midi). If you get a midi error message’ when you run the program then it is probably caused by an incorrect midi set up. Make sure the Midi Port is open – see below. If using the serial port check the PCIF port is selected in the ‘red midi’ button in the program correctly. Also ensure that the cables are properly connected and that they are wired according to the Korg specification. NB. Non Korg PCIF cables may need rewiring for XP/W2000 systems. If the message wont go away just reboot the PC/Triton and try again.

NB. When using the Program. When you move between active windows the relevant mode screen should appear on your synths touchscreen. Note that the sub pages will not change. I.e. when you change a moss filter it will not go to filter sub page automatically (no known MIDI commands for this) – do it manually if you need to. However the parameter will still change whether the sub page is visible or not.

TRITON CONTROLLER – MODE FORM

The small form which appears when the program is launched, with various radio buttons, at the top left, toggles between the Tritons modes. Its heading will change depending on the model of synth you set in (2) above. You can also switch the PC’s Midi port ‘Off’ or ‘On’ from here. So if you want to launch another program which needs to ‘grab’ the port you must firstly close the port in this application. When you want to use the program again, turn off the other application and just turn the port on again by clicking the radio button – Midi Port On. If you have any midi transmitting problems try turning the port Off and then On again. If this fails reboot the PC.

Details on ALL of the Tritons parameters can be found in the Tritons Parameter Manual provided by Korg.

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HELP ?

Important *** This HTML help file should be saved and placed in the same folder as the Triton.exe file. Normally C:\program files\triton controller vxx\ and name it

‘KORG TRITON CONTROLLER.htm’ --- NB. It wont work if you name it ‘KORG TRITON CONTROLLER.html’ with the last l in the file extension.

You will then be able to access it from the program ‘Help’ Button which will automatically open Internet Explorer and then open the file. If not, just navigate to where you placed it!***

MODEL COMPATIBILITY TABLE

Model Compatibility Chart with Triton Controller Software	Triton Classic	Rack	Studio	LE	Karma	Extreme
PCM/ Moss/ Combi/ Drum/ Arp Editing Functions	Y