The 16-channel 88C-16 Series 88 Analog Recording Console with Meter Bridge from Trident Audio is a classically styled, in-line, eight-bus analog console that is artfully constructed for ease of use and workhorse reliability for recording applications. It is designed to fit the modern, high-end facility—whether private, institutional, or professional.

Along with the familiar routing and feel of a classic Trident desk, are the modern refinements that serve to improve functionality, workflow, and performance specifications. For example, integration with outboard processors and mic pre's like the 500 format, is provided by means of a switchable input. This bypasses the channel preamp circuitry and allows for insertion of external signal sources directly to the channel equalizer.

The Trident's equalization is plentiful. It is available on the channel, monitor, effects returns, and group sections. Other features include: options for VU metering, transformer I/O, automation, short loading, and channel configurations exceeding 40 inputs. In addition, features found throughout the 88 console makes for a straightforward and powerful sound. With many styles, preferences, and methods of recording, this board can be pushed hard.

With 27 dB of headroom, the 88 console is built to be pushed hard and to sound huge. This is a feature found in the series 80 consoles and the 88 carries that tradition forward. Finally, the 88C-16 Series 88 Analog Recording Console with Meter Bridge was created with all of this in mind, so that you can use it to make great sounding tracks.

16 x Class-A Discrete Mic Preamps    Split/Inline Console    4-Band Fully Sweepable Trident EQ    8 Subgroups    8 Stereo FX Returns with EQ    8 Aux Master with Solo AFL/PFL    Monitor Section, Aux Section    XLR/1/4" Combo Inputs and 1/4" Outputs    Integrated Talkback Microphone

The Trident 88 is built from the ground up to be a rugged and reliable console, easy to build, and equally easy to maintain. The 88 is designed so that the entire console can be serviced with a single screw driver. Motherboards are shock-mounted with rubber standoffs to isolate them from the chassis and provide additional protection from structure born stresses. A channel can be swapped in a matter of minutes and the console will continue to function if one or more channels are removed.

• Faders, channels, groups, and master section are individually removable
• All rear connections are also removable

Having a split/inline console doubles the inputs to your stereo bus. This is a common configuration for recording consoles in today’s market. This console added an EQ to the monitor path that can also be swapped with the main channel EQ.

• Dual inputs to the channels—line and monitor
• Four-band, sweepable channel EQ, is switchable with monitor tilt EQ
• Dual inserts to each channel at the preamp or at the main channel EQ
• 8 auxes: 6 mono and 2 stereo
• 27 dB of headroom

Incorporating a discrete Class-A preamp to the 88 gives the console a higher quality stock preamp from the start and also incorporates the option to add a Lundahl input transformer to any channel desired.

• Discrete Class A
• 65 dB gain
• Balanced inputs, with optional Lundahl transformers
• Full bypass insert
• Input reverse switch
• Mic/line switch
• Phantom power switch

Taking the highly regarded 80B EQ from the 80 Series console and improving on it with the 80C EQ gives you more control. Adding more EQ offers a more versatile analog recording console progression. Having EQ on the vast majority of the inputs on the 88 console means more analog controls at your fingers.

• High and low shelving
• Low/high mid peaking
• 4 sweepable bands boost/cut to +/-15 dB.
• 50 Hz high pass filter
• Insert pre/post EQ
• Monitor in: Tilt EQ
• Group FX returns: 12 kHz and 80 Hz shelving
• Group monitor returns: 12 kHz and 80 Hz shelving

Keeping control of your workflow with ease and speed is the core function of an analog recording console. Your time spent setting up a mix and the ability to have tactile control with immediate effect over your work is essential and time saving.

The 88 console is designed to give you maximum control and routing options at your fingertips. This can make your creative process more effective and save you time in the process.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. 1.) Would this work well to use as a line mixer to bring synths into DAW interface? Is this mixer quiet, both in audio path as well as in a control room (i.e.: fan noise)?

A: This is an excellent low-noise analog mixer very suitable for your proposed application with synths.

Q: 2. Does this cover fit the 16.4.2 AI mixer?

A: Yes, the PreSonus StudioLive 16 Series III Console Cover should also fit the PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2 Console.

Q: 3. Does the USB in this mixer allow for recording direct digital to a DAW, or is the output purely analog?

A: thank you for your question. You are able to use the USB output as a direct recording out to a DAW and also as an audio input into the console. The USB output will only be a 2 channel mix and not multitrack.

Q: 4. Does this have USB Type PC Connectivity ?

A: The Yamaha MGP32X will not interface with a computer. The USB connector is to record to a flash drive or playback from an iPhone iPad.

Q: 5. I need to know if there are anymore case choices other than the large Gator slant top case that will fit our Soundcraft GB2R-16 - 16 channel rackmountable mixers?Thank youThanks,

A: Unfortunately that is the only case we have that will fit that mixer. Dimensions (WxHxD) 17.36 x 8.20 x 21.05 . It is a rather odd depth as its for a rack. You may want to have something built so it is secure.

Q: 6. How many rack spaces does this unit take up?

A: This fits a 12U rack case:Dimensions (WxHxD) 17.36 x 8.20 x 21.05 (441 x 208.42 x 534.79mm) A rack unit, U or RU as a unit of measure describes the height of electronic equipment designed to mount in a 19-inch rack or a 23-inch rack. The 19 inches (482.60 mm) or 23 inches (584.20 mm) dimension reflects the width of the equipment mounting-frame in the rack including the frame; the width of the equipment that can be mounted inside the rack is less. One rack unit is 1.75 inches (44.45 mm) high.While the rack unit describes the height (or number of Units) for both 19 and 23 wide racks, it is 19 wide racks that are the most common.

Q: 7. Does the 48V phantom power get sent to All mic inputs? Limiting to use of Dynamic & Condenser Mics?

A: Yes, phantom power does get sent to all XLR mic inputs on the Mackie Onyx16 16-Channel Premium Analog Mixer.

Q: 8. if I use the inserts can I match this with a Focusrite Pro 40 for multitrack recording? Also is there a rackmount option?

A: The ZED inserts can be used as direct outs to your Pro 40 firewire unit. However, you will need specially wired cables. A regular TS or TRS cable connected to the insert will interupt the signal flow through the channel and nothing will reach the fader. You will need to use TRS cables where the TIP and RING are connected.The rack-mount kit for the ZED-16FX is model AH-ZED18-RK19.

Q: 9. Can I record each of the pre-amp channels individually while playing a live show in Sonar Software LE? Cheers

A: the USB output on the ZED 16FX is only able to output 2 channels simultaneously. Main Mix (Post-fade), the Main Mix (Pre-Fade), Auxes 1-2, or Auxes 3-4. Unfortunately there are no individual outputs available on this unit.

Q: 10. why do you recommend this particular mixer?

A: The question would be better posed as why would you recommend this particular mixer ? This is a desk made for live work and is well suited for the job. With 32 in's and 8 sends these can be especially useful when dealing with multiple cue mixes and several EFX sends. Most of the dynamic parts of the desk such as the one knob compressor and auto ducking, will save you a lot of set up time which is very valuable in a live situation. There is a Stereo Image function that will help narrow the stereo spread which can be useful for live work. Along with both a standard type (Comp) and a 3-band divided (Multi-band) compressor across the 2 mix output bus. I would recommend this desk for the numerous options it has along with a very straight ahead design.