Trident 78 24 Channel 8 Buss Console is a 24-channel analog recording console in a split/inline architecture with eight subgroups — the mid-size configuration of the semi-modular Series 78 platform, sitting between the compact 16-channel and the full-width 32-channel frame. It shares the identical discrete Class A preamp and meter bridge design with the Series 88; the semi-modular construction groups channels in four-way panels rather than individual modules, reducing cost while maintaining panel-level serviceability. The 24-channel frame measures 110.2 cm wide — a practical footprint for studios where desk surface is limited but full eight-bus routing capability is non-negotiable.
80B EQ and In-Line Architecture — Doubling Inputs Without Extra Cabling
The four-band 80B EQ carries over directly from the Series 80 consoles: two selectable shelving filters (HF and LF) and two swept parametric mid bands (low-mid and high-mid), with a separately switchable 50 Hz high-pass filter operating at 12 dB/octave. The EQ section has a dedicated insert for patching external processors into the EQ loop independently of the channel insert, and a selectable EQ path switch reassigns the full four-band EQ from the input path to the monitor path — useful at mixdown without any recabling. In split/inline operation each of the 24 channels runs two independent signal paths, effectively delivering 48 separately equalized inputs to the stereo bus at mixdown. The monitor section additionally allows monitor channels to function as bus masters, additional line inputs, or monitor returns during mixing.
Aux Routing, Groups, and Master Section
Six auxiliary sends per channel — four mono and one stereo (5/6) — each independently switchable pre or post fader. Stereo Aux 5/6 can additionally route to the monitor section, extending headphone or cue mix management without external hardware. The eight subgroups are split into two four-way panels; each can be used as audio subgroups for bus processing or as additional summing outputs. The master section is a fully independent module serviceable without disturbing the input channels: talkback to aux pairs or groups via onboard or external mic, ALT monitor output with dedicated level, DIM and on/off switching, a top-panel 3.5 mm TRS input for portable devices, mono sum for mono compatibility checks, and AFL/PFL with master level control. All signal I/O runs on DB-25 connectors; mic inputs and main outputs on XLR. The 2U rackmount power supply is included.
KEY FEATURES
- 24-channel split/inline, 8-bus — in-line operation yields 48 inputs to the stereo bus at mixdown
- Discrete Class A mic preamp, 60 dB gain — same preamp as Series 88, capable of driving ribbon microphones
- 80B EQ: 4 bands — selectable HF/LF shelving + 2 swept mids (LM/HM) + switchable HP filter 50 Hz, 12 dB/oct
- Selectable EQ path switch (input or monitor path) and independent EQ insert
- 6 Aux sends per channel (4 mono + stereo 5/6), pre/post fader switchable
- Stereo Aux 5/6 optionally routed to monitor section
- 8 subgroups in two panels of four
- Independent master module: talkback, ALT monitor, DIM, 3.5 mm TRS input, sum mono, AFL/PFL
- DB-25 connectors throughout (channel and group I/O); XLR for mic inputs and main outputs
- Semi-modular layout: channels in 4-way panels, groups in 4-way panels
- Option: LED or VU meter bridge
- 2U rackmount power supply included
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Channels: 24, split/inline
- Subgroups: 8
- Mic preamp: discrete Class A, 60 dB gain; EQ ±15 dB per band
- Input impedance, mic: above 2 kΩ, electronically balanced
- Input impedance, line: above 10 kΩ, electronically balanced
- Output impedance, L/R / monitor / groups / auxes: below 60 Ω
- Output impedance, all other outputs: below 100 Ω
- Frequency response, mic in to mix out: +0 / -0.3 dB, 20 Hz–80 kHz (at 6–40 dB gain)
- Frequency response, line in to mix out: +0 / -0.3 dB, 20 Hz–60 kHz (at 0 dB gain)
- THD+noise at +15 dBu output (mic/line/monitor in): below 0.003%
- Mic EIN (20–20 kHz, 150 Ω source, 60 dB gain): below -128.5 dBu
- Residual bus noise (output fader at minimum): below -96 dBu
- Bus noise (40 inputs continuously assigned): below -83 dBu
- Bus noise (24 inputs, equivalent to 64 inputs): below -77 dBu
- Adjacent channel crosstalk: below -100 dB at 20 kHz / below -110 dB at 1 kHz
- Connectors: DB-25 (channel and group I/O), XLR (mic inputs, main and speaker outputs)
- Dimensions: 110.2 x 79.2 x 31.1 cm (43.4 x 31.2 x 12.2 in)
- Power: 2U rackmount power supply included
