Trident A-Range Console

Lore & Background

The Trident A Range console was born from the expertise of Trident Studios' own chief recording engineer, Malcolm Toft, and maintenance engineer Barry Porter. They designed and built it as an in-house project, and its reputation quickly spread. Other studios began placing orders, leading to the formation of Trident Audio Developments with Toft as managing director. Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles became an early adopter, purchasing three new consoles from Trident and later acquiring a fourth from a broker. Early hit records by David Bowie, Rod Stewart, and Frank Sinatra were recorded on Cherokee's first 'A' Range console. Though it had a very limited run, the console gained a reputation for its very distinct and pleasant sound with a very 'musical' EQ section. Original Trident A Range modules have kept a healthy resale value and are much sought after by engineers who like to combine old-school analogue gear with cutting-edge digital recording technology.

In Their Own Story

The Trident A Range console's story begins not in a factory, but within the walls of Trident Studios itself. Chief engineer Malcolm Toft and maintenance engineer Barry Porter took on the project of designing and building a new mixing desk for the studio. The result was so impressive that word spread, and other studios began placing orders. This demand led to the formation of Trident Audio Developments, with Toft as managing director. Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles became a notable customer, purchasing three new consoles from Trident and later a fourth from a broker. It was on Cherokee's first 'A' Range console that David Bowie, Rod Stewart, and Frank Sinatra recorded hit records. Despite its limited production run, the console's distinct and pleasant sound, particularly its musical EQ section, made it legendary. Today, original modules are highly sought after by engineers who value the blend of vintage analogue character with modern digital recording.

Reader's Guide

The Trident A Range console was an in-house project at Trident Studios, designed and built by chief recording engineer Malcolm Toft and maintenance engineer Barry Porter. Its reputation led to outside orders and the formation of Trident Audio Developments, with Toft as managing director. Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles was an early recipient, buying three new consoles and later a fourth from a broker. Early hit records by David Bowie, Rod Stewart, and Frank Sinatra were recorded on Cherokee's first 'A' Range console. Though it had a very limited run, the console gained a reputation for its very distinct and pleasant sound with a very 'musical' EQ section. Original Trident A Range modules have kept a healthy resale value and are much sought after by engineers who like to combine old-school analogue gear with cutting-edge digital recording technology.

Did You Know?

• The Trident A Range console was designed and built as an in-house project by Trident Studios' own chief recording engineer Malcolm Toft and maintenance engineer Barry Porter.
• Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles purchased three new Trident A Range consoles from the manufacturer and later acquired a fourth from a broker.
• David Bowie, Rod Stewart, and Frank Sinatra were among the early artists who recorded hit records on Cherokee Studios' first 'A' Range console.
• Though it had a very limited run, original Trident A Range modules have kept a healthy resale value and are much sought after by engineers.