The Nux Trident NME-5 is a multi-effects pedal: a single floor unit carrying amp models, digital speaker cabs and effects, aimed at players who want a full rig in one box. MusicRadar's Rob Chapman, writing in May 2023, described it as a pedal that builds on Nux's Cerberus by offering amp models like its MG-30, in a one-piece aluminum chassis12.
Amp models and digital cabs
The Trident offers 27 amp models. Chapman's coverage highlighted the tasteful clean and low gain fare from the 27 models on offer, and he noted the unit runs an updated TSAC-4K modeling algorithm1.
For the speaker side, the pedal's digital cabs can be paired with four mic models and three positions. Chapman found that having the option to use four mic models and three positions for digital cabs is good for the stock IRs1.
What the Trident carries, at a glance:
- 27 amp models, with the clean and low gain fare singled out in coverage1
- Digital cabs with four mic models and three positions1
- An updated TSAC-4K modeling algorithm1
- A one-piece aluminum chassis1
How it compares with the Cerberus and the MG-30
The Trident's amp models come by way of the MG-30, Nux's compact modeler and multi-effects unit. For context on that lineage, here is how the two units' modeling figures line up1:
| Nux Trident NME-5 | Nux MG-30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Amp models | 271 | 25 electric plus 2 acoustic1 |
| Cabs | digital cabs1 | 8 guitar and bass cabs13 |
| Mics | 4 mic models, 3 positions1 | 8 mics, 3 mic placement options13 |
| Bass amps | not reported | 5 bass amp models2 |
| Bass cabs | not reported | 8 bass cab IRs2 |
The MG-30 also offers 5 bass amp models and 8 bass cab IRs, per Nux's own product page2.
The Trident's display drew criticism. Chapman wrote that in a world where multi-ex and amp modeler displays are getting bigger, the Trident's seems miserly and, dare we say, dated1.
What reviewers said
Chapman's verdict on the Trident was positive overall. As MusicRadar put it, he seems genuinely impressed, noting even something like the chorus pedal algorithm is good enough for its own standalone stompbox chorus algorithm1. His conclusion was that, yet again, Nux is a brand to watch for affordable but not cheap-sounding effects pedals1.
"yet again, Nux is a brand to watch for affordable but not cheap-sounding effects pedals"
Price and availability
As of MusicRadar's May 2023 coverage, the Trident was available for preorder in Europe, priced at £332 for preorders over at Bax, with a US price of around $450 reported1.
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Questions
How much does the Nux Trident NME-5 cost?
MusicRadar's Rob Chapman reported that the Nux Trident would be around $450 in the US. In Europe, it was seen priced at £332 for preorders over at Bax. Prices are as reported at the time of the May 2023 coverage and are given in the currencies the source used.
How many mic models does the Nux Trident NME-5 have?
The Trident offers four mic models and three positions for its digital cabs. MusicRadar's reviewer found that having those options is good for the stock IRs, letting a player shape the cabinet sound without loading custom impulse responses.
How is the Nux Trident NME-5 different from the Nux Cerberus?
The Trident builds on Nux's Cerberus by offering amp models like its MG30, in a one-piece aluminium chassis. It also runs an updated TSAC-4K modelling algorithm. One difference reviewers flagged is the display: MusicRadar noted that in a world where multi-effects and amp modeller displays are getting bigger, the Trident's seems miserly and dated by comparison.
Is the Nux Trident NME-5 available in the United States?
At the time of MusicRadar's May 2023 coverage, the Trident was available for preorder in Europe, with a US price of around $450 reported. The unit is a pedal-format multi-effects, and MusicRadar's reviewer concluded that Nux is a brand to watch for affordable but not cheap-sounding effects pedals.
Sources (3)
- Will the Nux Trident set the bar for a relatively affordable multi-effects pedal?, MusicRadar, 2023-05-15
- MG-30 - NUX Audio, NUX Audio (nuxaudio.com), 2026-06-22
- NAMM 2021: NUX MG-30, an affordable amp modeller and multi-effects, gearnews.com, 2021-01-22
