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Post by paulcheeba on Aug 27, 2024 10:28:29 GMT -6
I have an Ocean Ark and I really like it, It doesn't have any of Malcom's Modules part from the built in aux sends and groups. The Centre section was hot rodded by POM and it sounds awesome now the signal to noise ratio is rocking and I replaced all the TL082 op amps for modern quality ones and the difference is very noticeable. I have 40 500 series modules in it like tape saturators and great eq.
I started my career in the late 80's on a TSM40 which was so unreliable it bowed in the middle, I use to mix through the monitor returns that eq was sweet.
Later in my career I bought a knackered series 80 and nothing worked. The tech charged about 5k for a few days work and left without it working. It sounded retro but that was about all, channels went down like dominos so we bought a new desk about 3 months later.
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Post by andersmv on Aug 27, 2024 12:58:12 GMT -6
A lot of people probably know this, but I figured it's worth mentioning in here... The newly made "Trident" gear is WORLDS better than any of the Toft/Oram/Whatever branded stuff and it's remotely comparable. I don't have a tone of experience with the vintage Trident consoles, but from the limited time I've spent around them and heard techs complain, I would say the new Trident brand is better made than a lot of the vintage stuff. If you like the sound and EQ, I think it's worth considering the new Trident consoles. They're not cheap, but crazy affordable for what you get and really well made/easily repairable.
Don't get the Toft stuff confused for the new Trident stuff...
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Post by chessparov on Aug 27, 2024 13:04:00 GMT -6
And the build quality was terrible. ... was always breaking down. That inspired Elton to write "Saturday Night is Alright for Fighting". Right there on top of the Trident Console! At least that's what Sir Elton told me last night, at dinner. At the Honky Cat Cafe.   Chris |
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Post by paulcheeba on Aug 27, 2024 13:51:37 GMT -6
A lot of people probably know this, but I figured it's worth mentioning in here... The newly made "Trident" gear is WORLDS better than any of the Toft/Oram/Whatever branded stuff and it's remotely comparable. I don't have a tone of experience with the vintage Trident consoles, but from the limited time I've spent around them and heard techs complain, I would say the new Trident brand is better made than a lot of the vintage stuff. If you like the sound and EQ, I think it's worth considering the new Trident consoles. They're not cheap, but crazy affordable for what you get and really well made/easily repairable. Don't get the Toft stuff confused for the new Trident stuff... Come back in 20 years and we’ll see. If it’s not made like a Trident it won’t sound like one or survive either. Kind of like a Custom 75 to an 80 series etc. Hyatt just collects famous brands and steers them of a cliff. Nice job with Tonelux. He’ll be making Trident door mats when they realise how much he’s losing. I believe everyone one that sells their company wins a settlement which can’t be cheap. All the consoles in Britain are advertised cheaply as b-stock and they still don’t sell. If on the off chance they can make a durable desk that has a character then good luck to his techs. Apart from a Beatles album etc. Trident is now a toxic brand. |
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Post by andersmv on Aug 27, 2024 14:25:57 GMT -6
A lot of people probably know this, but I figured it's worth mentioning in here... The newly made "Trident" gear is WORLDS better than any of the Toft/Oram/Whatever branded stuff and it's remotely comparable. I don't have a tone of experience with the vintage Trident consoles, but from the limited time I've spent around them and heard techs complain, I would say the new Trident brand is better made than a lot of the vintage stuff. If you like the sound and EQ, I think it's worth considering the new Trident consoles. They're not cheap, but crazy affordable for what you get and really well made/easily repairable. Don't get the Toft stuff confused for the new Trident stuff... Come back in 20 years and we’ll see. If it’s not made like a Trident it won’t sound like one or survive either. Kind of like a Custom 75 to an 80 series etc. Hyatt just collects famous brands and steers them of a cliff. Nice job with Tonelux. He’ll be making Trident door mats when they realise how much he’s losing. I believe everyone one that sells their company wins a settlement which can’t be cheap. All the consoles in Britain are advertised cheaply as b-stock and they still don’t sell. If on the off chance they can make a durable desk that has a character then good luck to his techs. Apart from a Beatles album etc. Trident is now a toxic brand. Ya, I agree. We'll see. The Tonelux situation was sad to watch play out, I've steered clear of the new 500 units and the mic as I don't know what to think. Two of the best techs I know have had to fix some really small issues on the new Trident consoles, both said they were well made and easy to work on (one was fairly impressed). I hope they're moving in the right direction as the 80 style EQ's are some of my favorite tracking EQ's. The ones in the Toft ATB consoles weren't exactly the same, but seemed in the same ballpark and sounded good to me when everything was working well (which was not often). Again, the saddest part to me in a lot of this is that some of the stuff Malcolm has done in the 2000's has actually sounded good. There's no way I'm buying anything he's attached to though. I like not worrying about if my gear is going to work... |
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Post by andtide on Sept 15, 2024 6:28:16 GMT -6
It’s funny- I was really ripped for being “super negative like the purple place” yet here we are hahaha.
The Toft ATB boards like many prosumer products at the time weren’t great. To me it always reeked of a marketing guy running a company. This is coming from a product manager by trade. I haven’t found a board in the wild that didn’t have the same faults due to crap design over anything else (and pots that were the worst- and I’m not obsessive on parts where it’s not needed).
Even the engineer I talked to at PMI seemed super embarrassed to talk retrospectively about the units faults on the phone. To anyone in product development they know how many times bad things get shipped- and it’s always the teams and the “brain child” that get flak yet it’s usually the suits.
Whatever your opinion of Malcom I’m pretty sure the ATB stuff was PMI grossness- and he was really on just to consult..
There are still all kinds of trident desks out there still serviceable and working and useful (65s etc.)
I think it’s weird we’re assuming PMI isn’t the weak point of the chain here.
As usual I’ll actually be trying a unit before blasting it like the purple place.
I’ll post what I think when I bust her open and try her out. Being all
Made and manufactured in the UK II find it unlikely to be of poor build.
I’m aware it won’t meet the standards of certain folks here- but that’s par for the course.
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Post by andtide on Sept 15, 2024 6:50:34 GMT -6
A lot of people probably know this, but I figured it's worth mentioning in here... The newly made "Trident" gear is WORLDS better than any of the Toft/Oram/Whatever branded stuff and it's remotely comparable. I don't have a tone of experience with the vintage Trident consoles, but from the limited time I've spent around them and heard techs complain, I would say the new Trident brand is better made than a lot of the vintage stuff. If you like the sound and EQ, I think it's worth considering the new Trident consoles. They're not cheap, but crazy affordable for what you get and really well made/easily repairable. Don't get the Toft stuff confused for the new Trident stuff... Come back in 20 years and we’ll see. If it’s not made like a Trident it won’t sound like one or survive either. Kind of like a Custom 75 to an 80 series etc. Hyatt just collects famous brands and steers them of a cliff. Nice job with Tonelux. He’ll be making Trident door mats when they realise how much he’s losing. I believe everyone one that sells their company wins a settlement which can’t be cheap. All the consoles in Britain are advertised cheaply as b-stock and they still don’t sell. If on the off chance they can make a durable desk that has a character then good luck to his techs. Apart from a Beatles album etc. Trident is now a toxic brand. This is exactly why I’m dubious about the new Trident stuff. And I HAVE heard from engineers that have had with issues with the new line. Per usual the marketing goons say things like “it’s normal analog upkeep” it was their same nonsense with the ATB fiasco. The crazy thing is that I think people come across their incredible customer service (seriously it’s great) and assume that means the product is great.. As far as I know the new equate is a quality unit. It’s through hole and built to service (so they say. We shall see). So if it sounds good- has a solid design- and is serviceable for regular maintenance or a modification if I see fit- then this is a BARGAIN. |
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Post by andersmv on Sept 15, 2024 7:31:29 GMT -6
I’m probably beating a dead horse at this point, but felt the need to point out one more time… Don’t compare the new Trident stuff with anything remotely related to “Toft”. Completely different companies, completely different price points and in the case of the new Tridents, VASTLY superior build quality. The new Trident stuff and Toft shouldn’t even be together in the same sentence 😂
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Post by andtide on Sept 15, 2024 7:35:29 GMT -6
I’m probably beating a dead horse at this point, but felt the need to point out one more time… Don’t compare the new Trident stuff with anything remotely related to “Toft”. Completely different companies, completely different price points and in the case of the new Tridents, VASTLY superior build quality. The new Trident stuff and Toft shouldn’t even be together in the same sentence 😂 I’m not sure I agree. Are you talking about the new Malcom Toft company that is making most of their money rebuilding console power supplies for A rooms around the world? The Toft brand that was used by PMI is not the current company run by Malcom Toft out of the UK that as far as I know has no affiliation with PMI. However the company that made the ATB Toft audio boards IS THE same company as the ones making the new trident boards. I would look into what’s up with Malcom Tofts new venture. This is also why when I saw the “new tridents” drop I said “hope these aren’t giant ATBs”. As it is the same company and engineering team for the most part. Pretty sure I confirmed this on a call with a PMI engineer. |
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Post by andersmv on Sept 15, 2024 8:37:24 GMT -6
I’m probably beating a dead horse at this point, but felt the need to point out one more time… Don’t compare the new Trident stuff with anything remotely related to “Toft”. Completely different companies, completely different price points and in the case of the new Tridents, VASTLY superior build quality. The new Trident stuff and Toft shouldn’t even be together in the same sentence 😂 I’m not sure I agree. Are you talking about the new Malcom Toft company that is making most of their money rebuilding console power supplies for A rooms around the world? The Toft brand that was used by PMI is not the current company run by Malcom Toft out of the UK that as far as I know has no affiliation with PMI. However the company that made the ATB Toft audio boards IS THE same company as the ones making the new trident boards. I would look into what’s up with Malcom Tofts new venture. This is also why when I saw the “new tridents” drop I said “hope these aren’t giant ATBs”. As it is the same company and engineering team for the most part. Pretty sure I confirmed this on a call with a PMI engineer. I have no idea if PMI is involved with the new Trident, that would be a little concerning though honestly  . All I have been told is that Malcolm is definitely not involved with the new Trident and from what I've seen and heard from techs that have worked on them, they're really well made and not comparable to the Toft stuff. I'm pretty sure their nicer 88 is made here in the USA, and I've seen inside of them. Really well put together and very modular and serviceable on a per channel count. I'll still stand by what I said, because I've owned the Toft crap and talked to Trident a few times and got close to buying one. From what I've seen, it's a completely different venture and mindset from the Toft stuff... |
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Post by ericn on Sept 15, 2024 8:47:41 GMT -6
It’s funny- I was really ripped for being “super negative like the purple place” yet here we are hahaha. The Toft ATB boards like many prosumer products at the time weren’t great. To me it always reeked of a marketing guy running a company. This is coming from a product manager by trade. I haven’t found a board in the wild that didn’t have the same faults due to crap design over anything else (and pots that were the worst- and I’m not obsessive on parts where it’s not needed). Even the engineer I talked to at PMI seemed super embarrassed to talk retrospectively about the units faults on the phone. To anyone in product development they know how many times bad things get shipped- and it’s always the teams and the “brain child” that get flak yet it’s usually the suits. Whatever your opinion of Malcom I’m pretty sure the ATB stuff was PMI grossness- and he was really on just to consult.. There are still all kinds of trident desks out there still serviceable and working and useful (65s etc.) I think it’s weird we’re assuming PMI isn’t the weak point of the chain here. As usual I’ll actually be trying a unit before blasting it like the purple place. I’ll post what I think when I bust her open and try her out. Being all Made and manufactured in the UK II find it unlikely to be of poor build. I’m aware it won’t meet the standards of certain folks here- but that’s par for the course. Of course PMI deserves some of the blame for the ATB, but the points on the Malcom Toft product line between Trident & PMI plus those after point to Malcom as a very weak link. |
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Post by andtide on Sept 15, 2024 16:55:42 GMT -6
It’s funny- I was really ripped for being “super negative like the purple place” yet here we are hahaha. The Toft ATB boards like many prosumer products at the time weren’t great. To me it always reeked of a marketing guy running a company. This is coming from a product manager by trade. I haven’t found a board in the wild that didn’t have the same faults due to crap design over anything else (and pots that were the worst- and I’m not obsessive on parts where it’s not needed). Even the engineer I talked to at PMI seemed super embarrassed to talk retrospectively about the units faults on the phone. To anyone in product development they know how many times bad things get shipped- and it’s always the teams and the “brain child” that get flak yet it’s usually the suits. Whatever your opinion of Malcom I’m pretty sure the ATB stuff was PMI grossness- and he was really on just to consult.. There are still all kinds of trident desks out there still serviceable and working and useful (65s etc.) I think it’s weird we’re assuming PMI isn’t the weak point of the chain here. As usual I’ll actually be trying a unit before blasting it like the purple place. I’ll post what I think when I bust her open and try her out. Being all Made and manufactured in the UK II find it unlikely to be of poor build. I’m aware it won’t meet the standards of certain folks here- but that’s par for the course. Of course PMI deserves some of the blame for the ATB, but the points on the Malcom Toft product line between Trident & PMI plus those after point to Malcom as a very weak link. Some of the blame? It was PMI that has lit their customers when they had bad units it was PMI that allowed their marketing czar to go on forums with concerned customers, slighting them and propagating some myth that they just were inexperienced with “analog gear”. That was so gross/ and the record is there to see. With all due respect- after all maybe you have some insider knowledge that I don’t. I could be wrong but my understanding is that Malcom Toft only acted as a consultant for the ATB up to and beyond the release of the ATB and it wasn’t until 2008 that he was actually designing anything for the company. I work in both digital and hardware development. I’ve never ever seen someone “consult” as a SME and be internally recognized as the brain child. Consulting is so fluff- but it def ain’t engineering design! So other than the ATB- which was a design that had CONSULTING input from Malcom Toft and designed by engineers at PMI- I can’t recall any super suspect gear… I’m sure PMI got better. That’s a guess. But yeah PMI who largely was responsible for not only the design of the ATB products but also the QUALITY OF COMPONENTS (which mind you was the thing wrong with these) is the now designing and overseeing the trident line. Folks- it’s the same design principles lol. Banks of components… if you can’t see the similarities I dunno! Again they may be great and I won’t crap on one until I have first hand knowledge. I’m stunned that that marketing dude I won’t name really has done his job this well! I remember when Rupert Neve had similar troubles being unfairly attested- and his name sullied by poor decisions on his end, and people looking to make coin. But if you can recall other bad gear Malcom has designed I’m all ears and willing to concede. But the people I know with A room consoles that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars- are buying his custom power supplies for their consoles like hot cakes. And these dudes do NOT play with their power supplies. I know you knocked their faders on the integra (which doesn’t make sense to me. The faders are fine. They match the price point and have no reason to have a shorter lifespan as far as I know)… but from what I’m seeing from the internals- and hearing from studio owners paying Toft to rebuild their power supplies I’m hopeful. I promise you I will know the level of crappiness and will happily report back. I wouldn’t bet on that though. |
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Post by andtide on Sept 15, 2024 16:58:05 GMT -6
I’m not sure I agree. Are you talking about the new Malcom Toft company that is making most of their money rebuilding console power supplies for A rooms around the world? The Toft brand that was used by PMI is not the current company run by Malcom Toft out of the UK that as far as I know has no affiliation with PMI. However the company that made the ATB Toft audio boards IS THE same company as the ones making the new trident boards. I would look into what’s up with Malcom Tofts new venture. This is also why when I saw the “new tridents” drop I said “hope these aren’t giant ATBs”. As it is the same company and engineering team for the most part. Pretty sure I confirmed this on a call with a PMI engineer. I have no idea if PMI is involved with the new Trident, that would be a little concerning though honestly . All I have been told is that Malcolm is definitely not involved with the new Trident and from what I've seen and heard from techs that have worked on them, they're really well made and not comparable to the Toft stuff. I'm pretty sure their nicer 88 is made here in the USA, and I've seen inside of them. Really well put together and very modular and serviceable on a per channel count. I'll still stand by what I said, because I've owned the Toft crap and talked to Trident a few times and got close to buying one. From what I've seen, it's a completely different venture and mindset from the Toft stuff... I’m not sure it’s up for debate.. check their website. |
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Post by andersmv on Sept 15, 2024 17:20:46 GMT -6
I have no idea if PMI is involved with the new Trident, that would be a little concerning though honestly . All I have been told is that Malcolm is definitely not involved with the new Trident and from what I've seen and heard from techs that have worked on them, they're really well made and not comparable to the Toft stuff. I'm pretty sure their nicer 88 is made here in the USA, and I've seen inside of them. Really well put together and very modular and serviceable on a per channel count. I'll still stand by what I said, because I've owned the Toft crap and talked to Trident a few times and got close to buying one. From what I've seen, it's a completely different venture and mindset from the Toft stuff... I’m not sure it’s up for debate.. check their website. What do you want from me dude? 😂 I didn’t know that, thank you for informing us. I was being completely up front about what I did and don’t know. I’m not saying you’re wrong about any of this, but I’m going to do my due diligence and check on that stuff rather than believe some random person online. I was not aware they are part of PMI, and I didn’t have time to look until now because I was in the middle of a session all day. Like every other day of my life, I’ve learned something new. You were hesitant about the new Trident, I gave you some of my first hand accounts and experiences. Don’t take my word for it, because I’m also just some random person on the internet. If you get a chance to take a look inside the new Trident 88’s (which are the only ones I’ve had hands on), you’ll see they’re way better and in a completely different league than the Toft stuff (which I had in the first studio I worked in, and have plenty of first hand experience with having loaded/unloaded it in and out of the car constantly over a 3 year period to get it repaired “under warranty” 😂). |
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Post by andtide on Sept 15, 2024 17:50:37 GMT -6
I’m not sure it’s up for debate.. check their website. What do you want from me dude? 😂 I didn’t know that, thank you for informing us. I was being completely up front about what I did and don’t know. I’m not saying you’re wrong about any of this, but I’m going to do my due diligence and check on that stuff rather than believe some random person online. I was not aware they are part of PMI, and I didn’t have time to look until now because I was in the middle of a session all day. Like every other day of my life, I’ve learned something new. You were hesitant about the new Trident, I gave you some of my first hand accounts and experiences. Don’t take my word for it, because I’m also just some random person on the internet. If you get a chance to take a look inside the new Trident 88’s (which are the only ones I’ve had hands on), you’ll see they’re way better and in a completely different league than the Toft stuff (which I had in the first studio I worked in, and have plenty of first hand experience with having loaded/unloaded it in and out of the car constantly over a 3 year period to get it repaired “under warranty” 😂). Sorry not trying to be a jerk just passing on knowledge. I’m sure PMI can design great kit. Just was making a point of clarification- I think it’s a common misconception that I fear is informed by great brand protection from PMI. Creating great products is hard. |
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Post by ericn on Sept 17, 2024 21:38:04 GMT -6
It’s funny- I was really ripped for being “super negative like the purple place” yet here we are hahaha. The Toft ATB boards like many prosumer products at the time weren’t great. To me it always reeked of a marketing guy running a company. This is coming from a product manager by trade. I haven’t found a board in the wild that didn’t have the same faults due to crap design over anything else (and pots that were the worst- and I’m not obsessive on parts where it’s not needed). Even the engineer I talked to at PMI seemed super embarrassed to talk retrospectively about the units faults on the phone. To anyone in product development they know how many times bad things get shipped- and it’s always the teams and the “brain child” that get flak yet it’s usually the suits. Whatever your opinion of Malcom I’m pretty sure the ATB stuff was PMI grossness- and he was really on just to consult.. There are still all kinds of trident desks out there still serviceable and working and useful (65s etc.) I think it’s weird we’re assuming PMI isn’t the weak point of the chain here. As usual I’ll actually be trying a unit before blasting it like the purple place. I’ll post what I think when I bust her open and try her out. Being all Made and manufactured in the UK II find it unlikely to be of poor build. I’m aware it won’t meet the standards of certain folks here- but that’s par for the course. Yeah PMI was already known for being cheap, but Malcom knew that, they had really taken down his former Business partner Ted Fletcher’s Joe Meek designs. Of Course Before his association with PMI he had sold his name, well rented it to the Folks at Soundtech. It was actually probably the best Soundtech Console but that’s like saying 85 is the vintage of Yugo. Malcom the consultant, yeah officially he was on the books as a consultant, great way to hire someone as a contract laborer vs an employee, the guy was working on a console with his name on it!! Think there wasn’t a bit more than the standard Consultant relationship? Now it may not fit your roll as a consultant, but PMI has never really had a design staff, that’s why Ted was brought in for the Joe Meek, Steven Paul was going to do a mic or 2 but he died, Paul Wolf did the Tonelux 500 & the A range Modules after Tonelux was purchased, I’m not sure who did the Tonelux Mics. After the ATB and in the Middle of the large Trident Alan realized to salvage the project he needed to bring in someone who knew what they were doing. As far as open frame faders, sorry but they suck for analog audio. They get dirty, the frames get bent. On a budget give me the Panasonic faders, no they don’t feel like a Conductive plastic P&G or Alps but after years behind 840’s 852’s 820’s and 44 series I ll take them. |
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Post by Ward on Sept 18, 2024 5:56:31 GMT -6
Having recorded and mixed on a Trident A range, 80B and Vector I will say I always hated the EQ. Especially the 80Bs. It did not color the sound badly but was useless for any corrective eq. And the build quality was terrible. I loved their preamps and mixing buss. I remember working at Rainbow studio in Oslo. They had a Trident Vector but we recorded everything through outboard Focusrite modules.The Trident A range I used right here in my town of Aarhus was always breaking down. I'm surprised as all hell that people are still celebrating Trident. Really surprised the hell out of me. The EQ, as you rightfully point out is abrasive at best, and a great source of phase issues to boot! That being said, I still have a Toft ATC2 which stays in the 'big room' on the room mics, and the EQ is not used for much but (although it shouldn't) actually sounds better than a Trident EQ. These are just my findings, feel free to disagree . . . I'll go make some popcorn. |
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Post by andtide on Sept 18, 2024 11:52:27 GMT -6
Edit 9.20.24: I was wrong about them being unsoldered, but they are still trash take a look at the more recent post. Horrendous.
WILD UPDATE
This for some- will be validation of their hypothesis. For me I need a few iterations to see how Toft reacts...
But the unit arrived today. A few notes:
- I never thought I'd complain about faceplate aesthetics.. but this looks like someone printed this on a laser printer from 1997. I can SEE the pixels from a poor graphics job. While I would complain if the kit were pricier- I find this to be a fascinating place to save cash. Not a horrible idea! But...
- A few wobbly knobs (I can't complain too much. Even my best gear has some knob woes... but one of them was just utterly offensive. "somethings not right..." I thought. SO I popped her open.
For an '8 eqs on a single board' the design is neat, and most importantly serviceable. It looked like solid kit. Sure its got opamps that can and likely will be updated. Again- nothing crazy! Then I took a look at the troublesome pot... FOLKS: THEY FORGOT TO SOLDER EVER PCB MOUNTED POTENTIOMETER LOL!
I've never seen anything like it. I see some arent keen on the 80 style EQ, but for me it has worked fine- and for many, more than fine! But we know this aint an 80b. I never had any thought that it should be nor was I wanting that. I just need a lot of quality eq.
Obviously not passing audio today. Will report back!
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Post by andtide on Sept 18, 2024 14:12:37 GMT -6
Someone’s likely eating crow- me! But I adhere to my process benefit of the doubt until my hypothesis is confirmed or invalidated.
Talked to FE audio (good peeps). We’ll see what Toft says when I get my video out to them. Folks not one pot was soldered. Which means if the pins have contact it’ll pass audio until it doesn’t.
I hope for all that have made a purchase to please open it up to check.
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Sept 18, 2024 15:10:34 GMT -6
Ah Malcom and basic QC it brings back nightmares I tell you!
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Post by Ward on Sept 19, 2024 5:46:42 GMT -6
WILD UPDATEThis for some- will be validation of their hypothesis. For me I need a few iterations to see how Toft reacts...
But the unit arrived today. A few notes:
- I never thought I'd complain about faceplate aesthetics.. but this looks like someone printed this on a laser printer from 1997. I can SEE the pixels from a poor graphics job. While I would complain if the kit were pricier- I find this to be a fascinating place to save cash. Not a horrible idea! But...
- A few wobbly knobs (I can't complain too much. Even my best gear has some knob woes... but one of them was just utterly offensive. "somethings not right..." I thought. SO I popped her open.
For an '8 eqs on a single board' the design is neat, and most importantly serviceable. It looked like solid kit. Sure its got opamps that can and likely will be updated. Again- nothing crazy! Then I took a look at the troublesome pot... FOLKS: THEY FORGOT TO SOLDER EVER PCB MOUNTED POTENTIOMETER LOL!I've never seen anything like it. I see some arent keen on the 80 style EQ, but for me it has worked fine- and for many, more than fine! But we know this aint an 80b. I never had any thought that it should be nor was I wanting that. I just need a lot of quality eq.
Obviously not passing audio today. Will report back! Well, we certainly appreciate the warning! Thanks for taking one for the team. |
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Post by andtide on Sept 20, 2024 20:27:55 GMT -6
One more wild update:
Well, it wasnt that they werent soldered. I have been around the block, but what Malcom is saying is that these are solderless pots, never seen anything like this before The pins I'm seeing just jiggling around are just 'anchor points' keeping the pot in place. It doesnt take a rocket scientist to note that this isnt much better!
The solder less contact point, once these pins where down (this is a near new unit almost every knob is wobbly) will eventually either get some crap in there, shorting a PCB shared by the entire unit, or the solder less point will just degrade. Plus- does malcom really think people will pop these open and what, stick some crap in there to bend down these weird clamps?
Also, how do you just put a STICKER of a faceplate, and not even screen it man this is nuts!!!
It makes me wonder what is up. I know these power supplies I'm seeing are legit... but who knows.
My deconstructed console idea is eh at this point, so I'll be scooping one of those little Audients, which are bomb proof, and call it a day.
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Post by ericn on Sept 20, 2024 20:59:41 GMT -6
One more wild update:Well, it wasnt that they werent soldered. I have been around the block, but what Malcom is saying is that these are solderless pots, never seen anything like this before The pins I'm seeing just jiggling around are just 'anchor points' keeping the pot in place. It doesnt take a rocket scientist to note that this isnt much better! The solder less contact point, once these pins where down (this is a near new unit almost every knob is wobbly) will eventually either get some crap in there, shorting a PCB shared by the entire unit, or the solder less point will just degrade. Plus- does malcom really think people will pop these open and what, stick some crap in there to bend down these weird clamps? Also, how do you just put a STICKER of a faceplate, and not even screen it man this is nuts!!! It makes me wonder what is up. I know these power supplies I'm seeing are legit... but who knows. My deconstructed console idea is eh at this point, so I'll be scooping one of those little Audients, which are bomb proof, and call it a day. Solder less pots? Well I hope no one even thinks of taking one on the road 😁 Got to wonder what Toft is Smoking? I do wonder if those Custom PSU’s are actually just Accopian or some other OEM’s modules, but then I run a 500 rack off of a Midas / DDA supply😁 |
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Post by andtide on Sept 20, 2024 21:12:29 GMT -6
One more wild update:Well, it wasnt that they werent soldered. I have been around the block, but what Malcom is saying is that these are solderless pots, never seen anything like this before The pins I'm seeing just jiggling around are just 'anchor points' keeping the pot in place. It doesnt take a rocket scientist to note that this isnt much better! The solder less contact point, once these pins where down (this is a near new unit almost every knob is wobbly) will eventually either get some crap in there, shorting a PCB shared by the entire unit, or the solder less point will just degrade. Plus- does malcom really think people will pop these open and what, stick some crap in there to bend down these weird clamps? Also, how do you just put a STICKER of a faceplate, and not even screen it man this is nuts!!! It makes me wonder what is up. I know these power supplies I'm seeing are legit... but who knows. My deconstructed console idea is eh at this point, so I'll be scooping one of those little Audients, which are bomb proof, and call it a day. Solder less pots? Well I hope no one even thinks of taking one on the road 😁 Got to wonder what Toft is Smoking? I do wonder if those Custom PSU’s are actually just Accopian or some other OEM’s modules, but then I run a 500 rack off of a Midas / DDA supply😁 TBH Eric I would NOT be surprised if its the latter and now am going to be sending birdies out haha |
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Post by Shadowk on Sept 21, 2024 2:35:02 GMT -6
IME it’s not just the toft boards, I’ve always had a cue mixer of some variety in the loop.
Mackie IME has been the most robust, used them live quite a few times as well with no issues and they did get knocked around a fair bit. They’re not bad sounding boards but unless there’s a specific need for one then an audio interface generally sounds better and costs less.
Some of the lower end stuff like Soundcraft or Yammie boards didn’t even last two months. A&H is a bit hit or miss, the GSR-24 was amazing as a concept but for the price I think they bit off more than they could chew.
The SSL big six has been an “interesting” journey, stupid amounts of headroom, TRS inserts and I/O across the board. Preamps sound 9k(ish) and they’re okay, not amazing but not bad but overall, limited in many ways of course but better sounding than some of the LFAC’s I’ve used in the past.
Unfortunately as an early adopter I experienced the brunt of QA problems like switches not working, loose connectors, clicking from the power supply & additional noise. The third board I’ve had well over a year now and touch many pieces of wood I’ve had zero issues plus it’s been used live / knocked around a bit.
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. All I have been told is that Malcolm is definitely not involved with the new Trident and from what I've seen and heard from techs that have worked on them, they're really well made and not comparable to the Toft stuff. I'm pretty sure their nicer 88 is made here in the USA, and I've seen inside of them. Really well put together and very modular and serviceable on a per channel count. 
