Trident Series 88 Console 88-24 is a fully modular, 24-channel, in-line analog recording console with eight subgroups — a direct descendant of the Series 80 mixing desks. The architecture carries forward the same signal topology as the 80B/80C, with a discrete Class A mic preamp per channel, the expanded 80C four-band EQ, and 27 dB of headroom engineered to handle the kind of gain-staging that collapses lesser consoles long before the mix bus.
EQ Access Across the Entire Signal Path
On most mid-tier consoles, full parametric equalization stops at the channel input. On the 88-24, the 80C four-band sweepable EQ — with shelving at the top and bottom and two peak filters covering mid-low and mid-high — is available not only on every input channel but also on monitor returns, FX returns, and group sections. The monitor path additionally carries a Tilt EQ, with a dedicated switch to swap the full EQ and Tilt EQ between the input and monitor paths. A separate EQ insert allows bypassing the onboard EQ entirely in favor of outboard gear — or running both in series — without interrupting any other part of the signal chain. Each EQ band offers ±15 dB of boost or cut.
Serviceability and Outboard Integration
Every channel occupies its own module with a shock-mounted motherboard on rubber standoffs, isolating the circuitry from chassis-borne vibration. A channel swap takes minutes with a single screwdriver, and the console keeps running with one or more modules removed. The discrete Class A preamp includes a full bypass with a switchable input routed directly to the EQ section, enabling insertion of external preamps — including 500-series units — without passing through the internal gain stage. Lundahl input and output transformers are available as a per-channel option. The master section delivers 8 Aux Masters with AFL/PFL solo, two independent ALT Monitor outputs each with level control, and an integrated talkback mic that routes to aux pairs or directly to the group buses.
KEY FEATURES
- 24-channel in-line split architecture, 8 subgroups — inline configuration doubles inputs to the stereo bus
- Discrete Class A mic preamp per channel — 60 dB of gain, full bypass to EQ section
- 80C EQ: 4 fully sweepable bands, ±15 dB, available on channels, monitors, FX returns, and groups
- Tilt EQ on monitor section, switchable with full channel EQ
- 27 dB headroom
- 8 Aux Masters with AFL/PFL solo; 2 independent ALT Monitor outputs
- 8 stereo FX returns with EQ
- Full modularity — each channel, group, and master section individually removable
- Options: Lundahl I/O transformers, automation, VU or LED metering, configurations beyond 40 channels
- Integrated talkback microphone
- Rackmount power supply included
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Channels: 24 (short-load configurations available in 32-channel frame)
- Architecture: in-line split, 8-bus
- Mic preamp: discrete Class A, 60 dB gain
- EQ: 4-band fully sweepable (80C topology), ±15 dB per band
- Headroom: 27 dB
- 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)
- Bus noise (24 inputs, equivalent to 64 inputs): below -77 dBu
- Connectors: XLR / 6.35 mm jack combo (optional DB25 + XLR)
- Power: rackmount power supply included
