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

Pictured above is the upcoming console from Toft Audio Designs, 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.

Pictured above is the upcoming console from Oram, 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.