Trident
Trident Series 80B Dual-channel MIC PRE/EQ
Best professional tool for achieving classic studio sound.
Experience the iconic sound of the 1970s with this dual-channel rack unit, faithfully recreating the mic preamp and equalizer circuitry from a legendary console. Renowned for its use on countless hit records, this unit offers transformer-coupled mic preamps with extensive gain and a classic 4-band equalizer. It provides exceptional sonic control, featuring a switchable high-pass filter and compatibility with both microphones and line-level sources. Balanced inputs and outputs ensure high-quality audio capture and processing for your studio.
$399.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
31
/ 314
#31 in Equalizers
Price vs Category Average
-79%
Below average
Input Impedance
1.215
/ Microphone: k ohm transformer balanced, Line: k ohm electronically balanced
Who it's for
- Audio engineers seeking classic analog warmth and character.
- Producers needing flexible input options for stereo sources or multiple instruments.
- Mix engineers desiring nuanced control for polished, professional mixes.
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious home studio owners or emerging engineers.
- Musicians with small home studios or mobile setups.
- Engineers prioritizing absolute sonic transparency.
Performance breakdown
Sonic Character
Faithfully captures the legendary, punchy warmth of the original 1970s console.
EQ Precision
Four-band control offers surgical shaping with a classic, musical response.
Preamp Versatility
Transformer-coupled inputs handle everything from delicate ribbons to high-output line sources.
Build Quality
Robust, discrete transistor circuitry built to withstand years of studio abuse.
Workflow Integration
Dual channels and insert points make routing into modern DAWs seamless.
Noise Floor
Clean performance that keeps unwanted hiss out of your critical recordings.
Key Specs
Input Impedance
Microphone: 1.2k ohm transformer balanced, Line: 15k ohm electronically balanced
Output Impedance
Less than 100 ohm electronically balanced
Gain
Microphone: -15dB to +60dB, Line: -15dB to +10dB
Noise
Microphone: Less than -128dBu ref 150 ohm (20Hz-20kHz), Line: Less than -85dBu (EQ In 20Hz-20kHz)
Maximum Levels
Mic Input: +24dBu, Line Input: +24dBu
Distortion
Mic Input: Less than 0.05% T.H.D., Line Input: Less than 0.05% T.H.D.
Frequency Response
Mic Input: ±1dB 20Hz to 20kHz, Line Input: ±1dB 20Hz to 20kHz
Nominal Operating Level
+4dBu
Know before you buy
Yes, the unit offers up to 60dB of gain on the microphone preamp, which is generally sufficient for most ribbon microphones, though you may need a dedicated inline preamp for very low-output passive ribbons on quiet sources.
Absolutely. The Series 80B features a dedicated line input with 15k ohm impedance, allowing you to run external synths, drum machines, or pre-recorded tracks through the classic console EQ and circuitry.
It is equipped with a 4-band equalizer that includes high and low shelving bands, along with two sweepable mid-frequency bands, giving you precise control over your tone shaping.
No, the Trident Series 80B uses an internal AC power supply, so you can connect it directly to your wall outlet or power conditioner without dealing with external 'wall wart' adapters.
The 50Hz high-pass filter is switchable, meaning you can engage it to clean up low-end rumble when needed or bypass it entirely to maintain the full frequency spectrum of your source.
Yes, the unit features a selectable pre-/post-EQ insert point, which provides flexibility in how you route your signal through the preamp and EQ stages.
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