Trident 78 16 Channel 8 Buss Console is a 16-channel analog recording console in a split/inline architecture with eight subgroups — the most compact configuration of the semi-modular Series 78 platform, suited for project studios, educational facilities, houses of worship, and live sound applications where full Trident signal path quality is required within a limited desk footprint. The 16-channel frame measures 84.8 cm wide, the smallest available in the 78 range, and carries the same discrete Class A preamp and 80B EQ as the 24- and 32-channel variants without any reduction in per-channel capability.
In-Line on 16 Channels — 32 Inputs From a Single Console
The split/inline architecture means each of the 16 channel strips runs two independent signal paths: the main input path with the full four-band 80B EQ, and the monitor path. At mixdown, both paths per channel feed the stereo bus, yielding 32 separately equalized inputs from a 16-channel frame. The 80B EQ — carried directly from the Series 80 consoles — provides two selectable shelving filters (HF and LF) and two swept parametric mid bands (low-mid and high-mid), with a separately switchable HP filter at 50 Hz, 12 dB/octave. A selectable EQ path switch reassigns the entire four-band EQ from the input path to the monitor path with no recabling, and a dedicated EQ insert allows external processors to be patched into the EQ loop independently. The monitor section additionally allows monitor channels to function as bus masters, additional line inputs, or monitor returns during mixing.
Routing and Master Section in a Compact Frame
Despite the 16-channel format, the 78-16 retains the full routing architecture of the Series 78: six auxiliary sends per channel (four mono plus stereo 5/6) with independent pre/post fader switching per send, eight subgroups in two four-way panels, and the option to route stereo Aux 5/6 to the monitor section for headphone or cue mix flexibility without external hardware. The master section is a fully independent module — serviceable without touching any input channel — with talkback to aux pairs or groups via onboard or external mic, ALT monitor output with DIM and on/off switching, a top-panel 3.5 mm TRS input for portable devices, mono sum for compatibility checks, and AFL/PFL with dedicated level control. Channels are organized in four-way panels, groups in four-way panels. All signal connections use DB-25 connectors; mic inputs and main outputs are on XLR. The 2U rackmount power supply is included.
KEY FEATURES
- 16-channel split/inline, 8-bus — in-line operation yields 32 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: 16, 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: 84.8 x 79.2 x 31.1 cm (33.4 x 31.2 x 12.2 in)
- Power: 2U rackmount power supply included
