Gieskes 3TrinsRGB+1C Black and gold

3TrinsRGB+JCD

Gijs Gieskes 2013/2016

The 3TrinsRGB+1c (often referred to in relation to its 2013–2016 development period) is a legendary analog audio/video synthesizer and effects processor designed by the boutique Dutch instrument builder Gijs Gieskes.

Highly prized in the glitch art and modular synth communities, this unique device allows artists to generate complex, real-time visual patterns and textures while simultaneously outputting experimental audio.

Key Features & Capabilities

• Dedicated RGB Oscillators: The core of the machine relies on three independent, patchable analog oscillators assigned to the Red, Green, and Blue channels. Each color channel features controls for pitch, volume (brightness), and sync intensity.
• Shape & Range Shifting: Each oscillator can be toggled between forward saw, reverse sawtooth, and triangle waveforms. Furthermore, they can be switched between horizontal and vertical frequency ranges to change the orientation of the generated geometric lines.
• Modular Modulation Matrix: The built-in pin-header patch bay functions like a mini modular synthesizer. Users can route the two internal LFOs to modulate oscillator behavior or cross-patch the color channels themselves (e.g., mixing Red and Blue outputs to generate shifting magenta patterns).
• External Video & CV Processing: The device acts as an audio/video processor. You can run external composite video into it to tweak brightness, inversion, and scroll speeds, or feed external Eurorack Control Voltage (CV) and audio signals to drive the visuals dynamically.
• Format Flexibility: The circuit boards feature hardware jumpers that let users calibrate the internal video clock to function natively with either PAL or NTSC video standards.

History and Availability

The instrument originally emerged around 2013, with revisions stabilizing around 2016 (such as the standard "+1c" iteration). Gieskes offered it both as a DIY soldering kit and as a fully assembled standalone unit.

Because it is produced in small boutique batches, official stockists like Patch Point and Perfect Circuit frequently run out of inventory. Second-hand units are highly sought after by collectors on platforms like Reverb.