Trident 24 Series Console

[Jim Williams]

Originally Posted by babbott

Have the opportunity to purchase a Trident 24/36 London that apprears to be in good condition. This is for a studio expansion and additional mic pres come later...so we will have to rely on the Trident built ins. Trident has a great repuation for the quality of pres...do you know how this particular model stands up?
Also, anything I should know about this particular model of board. Can't find squat about it online in searches. I am told the oldest cap is 1990 (probably the original date)..all channels are smooth and working and have been many recently recapped.
What would you guys hypothetically pay for a console like this in good shape?
Thanks!
~Bruce

The pre's are nothing special as they are 70's vintage instrumentation amps with a 4 transistors in front of an opamp. They distort at higher gains. The EQ is pretty good as it doesn't have the interactive mid bands as found on the 80 series. They are worth around $3k in these parts, but the euro or pound may inflate that as it seems to do over there. Do invest in a quality power supply or you will keep the techs busy!

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

[RKrizman]

Originally Posted by Jim Williams

The pre's are nothing special as they are 70's vintage instrumentation amps with a 4 transistors in front of an opamp. They distort at higher gains. The EQ is pretty good as it doesn't have the interactive mid bands as found on the 80 series. They are worth around $3k in these parts, but the euro or pound may inflate that as it seems to do over there. Do invest in a quality power supply or you will keep the techs busy!

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

I had a 24/36 in okay shape that I sold for 6k a couple of years ago. I don't really miss it. Jim Williams had done some mods on it, in fact, adding 8 cleaner mic pres, retooling the eq on 8 channels, and cleaning up the output electronics of the master section. I found the stock eq to be fairly harsh and distorted in the upper bands, but super useful in the lower area. The overall sound of the board, to my ears, was somewhat boxy, but all the distortions and low end bump and brittle highs gave it a certain character that, for better or worse, you don't get with a DAW. Jim's mods were a welcome alternative, cleaner but less vibey, with all the acruing tradeoffs.

I'm happier ITB with a Nicerizer 16 for the analog taste. OTOH, the work I did on the Trident over the years still holds up and sounds great, especially now that I've sort of forgotten what a pain in the butt it was.

-R

[Chris Kress]

I liked mine. I also did considerable upgrades with re-capping, channel fixes, power supply and the entire consoles grounding through John Klett. You really have to think about the cost of these things when you buy a new console. This 36/24 is for sale as well, since I just had John totally re-work a smaller 24 channel Trident 65 (which I plan on keeping forever)

P.M. me if you are interested (you won't find a better one). I'll even help you make a checklist of things to look out for while shopping. I ended up spending another 7k in upgrades and wiring that I didn't plan on (don't be like me)