Dave Smith was a groundbreaking synthesizer designer, and when he passed away early in May of 2022, it was a significant loss for the synth community. However, thanks to Sequential releasing the Trigon-6, fans will be able to experience the last synth that Dave has ever worked on. According to a statement by Sequential CEO David Gibbons, David Smith was very excited about the Trigon-6. Gibbons also added that it continues his legacy as a synth creator.

From a design perspective, Trigon-06 is a new 6-voice analog synth that features Sequential’s unique take on classic 3-VCO-plus-ladder-filter tone in a modern polyphonic instrument. It has three newly-designed, discrete voltage-controlled oscillators per voice along with simultaneously selectable waveshapes. Sequential also put its own stamp on the classic transistor ladder filter sound with a 2- and 4-pole ladder filter design with feedback and drive. Completing the analog signal path is analog voltage-controlled amplifiers. David Gibbons stated that Trigon-5 has a tremendous amount of warmth and presence thanks to the new VCOs and filters and that while the classic, big, punchy analog filter tone is still there, it has some unique enhancements too.

It is clear that Trigon-6 has taken inspiration from both the Prophet-6 and OB-06 in terms of form factor as well as the easy-to-navigate knob-per-function panel design. The Poly Mod section is present, and Trigon-6 has filter envelope and oscillator 3, both with bi-polar control, as modulation sources. Oscillator 1, 2, and 3 frequency, oscillator 1, 2, and 3 pulse width, low-pass filter cutoff, and feedback are all included as destinations. In addition, Trigon-6 also has Unison mode, featuring configurable count (1-6 voices) and key modes.

According to David Gibbons, the size was a primary concern of the Trigon-6, and the end result offers the ideal mix of portability and power. Sequential didn’t skimp on the keyboard either, which is a full-size, four-octave, premium, Fatar semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and aftertouch. Other highlights include a multimode arpeggiator and polyphonic step sequencer with up to 64 steps plus rests.

For the complete list of Trigon-6 specifications, visit the official website (https://www.sequential.com/product/trigon-6/). This synth will release at a price of about $3500.