# The Battle Of The Ex-Trident Engineers, Round 1 (FIGHT!)

- Site: Analog Industries
- Author: Chris Randall
- Date: 2005-12-04
- URL: https://analogindustries.com/2005/12/the-battle-of-the-ex-trident-engineers-round-1-fight/

![The Battle Of The Ex-Trident Engineers, Round 1 (FIGHT!)](https://analogindustries.com/images/blog/toftdesk1.jpg)

Pictured above is the upcoming console from [Toft Audio Designs,](http://www.toftaudiodesigns.com/) the Trident Series ATB console. The prototype was shown at the recent AES, and according to Toft personel posting on Gearslutz, it will be around $2499. As you no doubt know, Malcom Toft, aside from making some excellent gear in the middle price range, is a former Trident engineer, and one of the 80 or so people that can claim to be responsible for the "British EQ" you hear so much about.

![The Battle Of The Ex-Trident Engineers, Round 1 (FIGHT!)](https://analogindustries.com/images/blog/trident.jpg)

Pictured above is the upcoming console from [Oram,](http://www.oram.co.uk/) the Trident Series 8T console. The prototype was shown at the recent AES, and according to Oram personel posting on Gearslutz, it will be around $2400. As you no doubt know, John Oram, aside from making some excellent gear in the middle price range, is a former Trident engineer, and one of the 80 or so people that can claim to be responsible for the "British EQ" you hear so much about.

Both of these consoles are designed by shortish, balding, plump yet respected British engineers, who have been in the business a long time. Both are 8-buss analog consoles. The Oram one has a pair of analog meters. The Toft one has a digital option. The Oram one is "hand made in England," and the Toft one features some Chinese manufacturing, but has more features.

I'm sure a shootout will occur in one of the many magazines that deals with such stuff, but let me say it here and now: it's a good time to own a project studio, with these two nearly identical products competing for your console dollar. I'm sure I'd be happy with either one.

## Comments (8)

**DaveAA** (2005-12-04):

[Stands. Takes a nervous look around the room. Clears throat. Says, tentatively...]

My name is David and I'm a Mackie user.

**Twlo** (2005-12-04):

i just want a nice, small, 8-in 4 bus to send to the A/D. Mackies have that brittle glassy sound.

**DaveAA** (2005-12-04):

My name is David and I'm a Mackie user.

**Chris Randall** (2005-12-04):

The first step to solving your problem is admitting you have one, Dave. We're here for you.

-CR

**Aenemone Carbuncler** (2005-12-05):

i just want a nice, small, 8-in 4 bus to send to the A/D. Mackies have that brittle glassy sound.

**penzoil washington** (2005-12-05):

Here you go Twylo

http://www.mistyhillaudio.com/images/list%20photos/111038chne%20v.JPG

**penzoil washington** (2005-12-05):

and if the 8 channel neve doesn't cut it, maybe this 12 channel tube EMI will do. i realize neither is 4 bus, but you'll wing it I suppose ;)
http://www.mistyhillaudio.com/images/list%20photos/112203emia.jpg

**jcb11257** (2007-01-23):

If someone had one Whats a vfm worth these days ??