Modbap Trinity 2.0: Big Upgrade for the Digital Drum Module
4,3 / 5,0 | 
[22 January 2025] Modbap Trinity 2.0 is a major update for the multichannel Eurorack drum module with more presets, more control, and two completely new sound engines!
Modbap Trinity 2.0
Modbap Modular isn’t at NAMM this year, but the manufacturer will gather with many other modular makers at the concurrent Buchla & Friends event. There, Modbap Modular will unveil the new Trinity 2.0 – the second generation of the ultra-versatile 3-channel drum module. The new version comes with many exciting upgrades, including two new sound engines.
In addition to the Block (virtual analog), Heap (additive), Neon (FM), and Arcade (Noise) engines of the previous version, Modbap Trinity 2.0 features the new Orb and Clang algorithms. Orb is a modal enginefor resonant, tonal percussion sounds. Clang combines FM and ring modulation for metallic, sharp sounds with rich overtones and lots of high-frequency content – perfect for hi-hats, cymbals, and similar sounds.
Furthermore, Trinity 2.0 includes a new preset management system. You can now store up to 12 presets (4 per channel) and select them via MIDI or CV. There’s also a new finger drumming mode that lets you play the 12 sounds using an external MIDI controller. The Cycle (round robin) and Stack (layer) modes are of course also still available.
Moreover, Modbap Modular has replaced the outdated Micro USB connector of the previous module with a USB-C port. You can also now dim the LEDs to adapt the lighting to the rest of your rack and the surroundings.
And here’s the best bit: Owners of the first-generation Modbap Trinity will also get most of the new features! The new firmware is compatible with both modules. Needless to say, however, the USB-C port is only available in the new version.
Price and Availability
Modbap Trinity 2.0 will begin to ship in February 2025. The older version of the module is still available at Thomann* – we expect the new version to show up there very soon. The price should be similar.
More Information
Modbap Trinity: 3-channel Digital Drum Synth Array
[09 September 2022 / Robin Vincent] Modbap has revealed the stunning-looking Trinity. It’s a three-channel digital drum voice with four sound engines and heaps of character. Modbap is calling it a Digital Drum Synth Array – nice!
It’s Trinity because of the three channels of triggerable digitalness, although the module actually has a choice of four algorithmic sound engines. You have the analogue-inspired Block for your traditional 808/909 sounds. Heap brings in 12 partials of additive synthesis for bells, chimes and percussive wood blocks. Neon is all about FM for your clangs and metallics. And finally, Arcade is a quirky noise generator for sizzles, claps, zaps and explosions. This is going to be a riot!
For each channel you can select one of the four algorithms. So you can build the kick, snare and hi-hat of an 808 kit if you like, or go full-on chiptune with Neon and Arcade, or mix and match whatever floats your boat.
Modes and modulations
The module has 24 CV inputs giving you 8 inputs for each channel. You have an input for pitch and of course the trigger, but then you have another 6 controls to shape the algorithm. There’s Character, Shape, Sweep, Grit, Time and Decay and all of them have corresponding knobs. The emphasis is given to the Character knob that sits in the prime tweaking spot.
But we’re not done yet; this thing has some interesting Modes. In Stack Mode you can tie channels together so they all fire on the primary trigger input. In Cycle mode you can switch between drum types with every new trigger either in a Round Robin style or randomly. So you can get some big fat hits going on and skip through multiple sounds giving Trinity a massive scope for sound that belies the modesty of the three channels.
For outputs all three channels get their own but there’s also a master mix and some useful performance switches for live routing changes. To round things off it has a USB-C socket on the front for MIDI.
Dreaming of digital drums
Trinity looks and sounds amazing. Modbap keep coming up with sublime designs and interesting features that set them apart in the crowded modular market. I’m slightly annoyed that the channels and the output don’t manage to pull themselves into symmetry. But otherwise this could be an extraordinarily playable drum synth.
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