Trident 80B MIC PRE 500 Series User manual

L E G E N D A R Y MIC PRE AMPLIFIER
80B MIC PRE 500 Series User Manual

The Mic Pre
Taken from the legendary Trident Series
80B console of the early 1980’s, the 500
Series 80B Preamp provides the user with
the classic mic preamp in a modern 500
Series format.
Features include
• High-quality transformer-coupled
microphone amplifier
• 48-volt switchable Phantom Power
• High-quality Output transformer
• Electronically balanced Line
Input amplifier
• Separate Microphone & Line
level controls
• Front facing (Hi Z) 1/4” Line Input
• Variable Low Pass Filter (LPF)
• Variable High Pass Filter (HPF)
• Switchable Phase control (Polarity)
• Output meter LED VU display
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The 80B MIC PRE amplifier is of a unique
design that is able to handle signal levels
from -60dBu to as high as +15dBu with-
out the use of a separate pad switch. Even
though such a wide range of signal levels is
accommodated, adjustment of the gain is
extremely smooth, particularly at the high
signal levels where other designs tend to
have a cramped level adjustment at the
end of the control.
In addition, it exhibits near theoretical minimum noise figures, has an
extremely fast transient response, and accommodates a wide range of
input levels with a frequency response that extends to above 40kHz.
Naturally, best results will be achieved using a high-quality condenser
microphone. The microphone amplifier will however also bring out the
best in either a dynamic or ribbon microphone. The combination of high
gain with low noise is particularly useful when working with ribbon mi-
crophones as most models have an inherently low output level.

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Operating The Mic Pre
The microphone input is active when the front panel MIC/LINE switch is
in its released state. This will appear white in colour.
When connecting a microphone, set the MIC input level control to mini-
mum (it is good practice to only engage the phantom power +48V switch
with the MIC input set to minimum, as this will help avoid any audible
connection noises through a speaker system).
Once connected, engage the +48V phantom power switch. Allow up to
30 seconds for the microphone to reach its normal operating level and
advance the MIC gain control until a suitable level is achieved. Careful
monitoring of the OUT (VU) meter whilst setting the microphone gain
will help to avoid any overloading and clipping of the signal. However,
the 80B MIC PRE has plenty of overload margin, as the unit is capable
of extremely high output levels (up to +27dBu into a balanced load). So,
by setting the levels as described, adequate headroom is maintained and
there should be no danger of overloading any following equipment.
The phase or polarity (POL) reverse switch is employed when phase in-
terference occurs between multiple microphones. Such interference re-
sults when microphones, at various placements pick up the same sound
source at slightly dierent times. When the output of the microphones
combine, cancellation occurs at certain frequencies. This eect is known
as comb filtering. Switching the polarity on one of the microphones may
serve to minimise this eect.
The polarity reverse switch operates on both the MIC and LINE input.
Operating the Line Input
The line input is active when the front panel MIC/LINE switch is in its de-
pressed state. This will appear green in colour.
Once a signal source is connected to the line input, adjust the LINE gain
control to it’s midway point. At its midway position in line mode, the unit
is designed to give unity, or ‘0’ dB gain. This makes for an easy reference
point when using the line level input and a centre detent is provided at
the centre point of the gain control for this purpose.
As with the microphone input, careful monitoring of the OUT (VU) meter
whilst setting the line input level will help to avoid any overloading and
clipping of the signal.

Operating the Line Input
The Line Input is designed to accept balanced or unbalanced, line level
audio signals.
When used with a Radial Lunchbox, the 80B MIC PRE can take advan-
tage of the Radial Omniport which is designed to deliver module-specific
functionality that can range from an extra output, key input, or eects
insert depending on the module. In the case of the 80B MIC PRE, the line
input is in parallel with the Omniport jack, providing an additional line
input option that can be used on a Radial Lunchbox instead of the front
panel Line jack.
The low and high pass filters
The filter section of the 80B MIC PRE consists of both a variable 30Hz to
350Hz high pass filter (HPF) and a variable 2KHz to 20KHz low pass filter
(LPF). This can be useful for filtering out any unwanted high frequency
sounds or low-end rumble for instance.
Operating the low pass filter
Engaging the LPF switch activates the low pass filter on the 80B MIC
PRE. The LPF switch will illuminate red when depressed and denotes the
filter is on.
Rotating the low pass filter control knob, will select the frequency at
which the low pass filter eects the audio signal. The signal level passing
through the low pass filter will remain at 0dBu until the frequency select-
ed on the LPF control knob is reached and frequencies above this point
will be cut at a rate of 12dBu per octave.
By switching the switching the LPF in and out, a comparison can be made
between filtered and non-filtered audio signal.
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Operating the high pass filter
The high pass filter works in the same way as the low pass filter. Engaging
the HPF switch activates the high pass filter on the 80B MIC PRE. The
HPF switch will illuminate red when depressed and denotes the filter is
on.
Rotating the high pass filter control knob, will select the frequency at
which the high pass filter eects the audio signal. The signal level passing
through the high pass filter will remain at 0dBu until the frequency select-
ed on the HPF control knob is reached and frequencies below this point
will be cut at a rate of 12dBu per octave.
Like the low pass filter, by switching the switching the HPF in and out, a
comparison can be made between filtered and non-filtered audio signal.
Specifications
Microphone Input to Output
Gain: Variable -10dB to +65dB
Bandwidth Min Gain: 12Hz to 120KHz (+/- 0.5dB 15Hz to 90KHz)
Bandwidth Max Gain: 12Hz to 35KHz (+/- 0.5dB 12Hz to 15KHz)
Distortion: THD + Noise = <0.007% 22Hz to 20KHz (+15dBu Output)
EIN: Better than -126dBu @+65dB gain with 150 Ohms input load.
Noise: >-91dBu (22Hz/22KHz at 20dB gain)
Max Output: > +27dBu into 600 Ohms (+29dBu unloaded)
Hi-Z Line Input to Output
Input Impedance: 1MΩBalanced
Gain: +22/- 18dB
Bandwidth at unity: > 200KHz
Bandwidth at Max Gain: >120KHz
Distortion: > 0.018% 22Hz to 22KHz (+15dBu Output) >0.008% (Filtered
400Hz to 22KHz)
Noise: >-82dBu (Filtered 400Hz to 22KHz)
Low Pass Filter: Variable 30Hz to 350Hz, -12db/Octave
High Pass Filter: Variable 2KHz to 20KHz, -12db/Octave

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Warranty
Trident Audio Developments Limited Warranty Statement
The following outlines the warranty periods for all Trident Analogue electronics. All warranty ser-
vice requires Proof of Purchase. Proof of purchase is the original Bill of Sale, or Sales Invoice
from an authorized dealer.
Trident Audio Developments electronics are covered by a limited warranty against defects in
materials and workmanship (parts and labor) for a period of One (1) Year from the date the unit is
sold to the Dealer or original purchaser only.
Acceptable registration is met by registering online
at http://www.tridentaudiodevelopments.com/ product-registration/
The terms and conditions of this limited warranty are:
1. The warranty applies to Trident Audio Developments Electronics purchased from Trident
Audio or authorized Trident Audio dealers.
2. The warranty covers any defects in materials and workmanship and is limited to the repair or
replacement of the original registered product. In its sole discretion, Trident may either repair or
replace the product with a product of the same model or replace the product with a new model of
a similar specification when the same model is no longer available.
3. The warranty does not cover any of the following: damage caused by the user: spillages or
moisture damage; neglect, abuse or misuse, including but not limited to the failure to use the
product(s) for its normal purpose in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Failure to properly maintain the product in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions,
and/or the failure to use the products in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications;
normal wear and tear; use of products with incompatible or faulty equipment; unauthorized mod-
ifications; repairs conducted by unauthorized persons or service center’s; the model and/or
serial number being altered, removed or made illegible; accidents; acts of God or any cause
beyond the control of Trident Audio Developments. It does not cover damage caused by con-
necting to an improper power voltage supply, cosmetic defects, such as paint finish, and gen-
eral wear and tear, as well as certain consumables not covered under warranty such as fuses,
faders, pots, switches and meter bulbs. Mechanical components including but not limited to a
consumable item; potentiometers, faders and switches are covered by a 90-day warranty. Fail-
ure to maintain, damage; neglect, abuse or misuse of any mechanical components in this time
will result in a void warranty. Trident recommends regular service of the product and in particular;
regular service of the mechanical components such as potentiometers and faders.
4. The warranty is applicable to the original purchaser throughout the warranty period as stated
above or until original owner resells product. If a unit is received for warranty repair, and after
complete examination and testing, no problem is found with the unit, customer will be charged
for time labor plus return shipping costs, presuming initial user error falsely caused the unit to
be determined faulty.
5. The warranty does not aect any statutory rights the original purchaser may have in ac-
cordance with the law applicable in the jurisdiction where the product was purchased, or any
rights the original purchaser may have against the authorized dealer pursuant to their original
purchase agreement. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other
rights, which vary from state to state, and or country to country.

Safety - This product is intended for professional use only and it is assumed
that the user is familiar with the 500 Series Modular Rack system. Always
switch o the rack power before inserting or removing this (or any other)
module or damage may occur. Do not expose this product to direct heat,
moisture or mechanical shock.
Environmental - This product complies with the RoHS directive and contains no
lead or other banned hazardous materials. In accordance with the WEEE directive,
this product must be disposed of responsibly at its end of life, by means of local
authority approved recycling systems.
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Trident Audio Developments
1845 W 169th Street, Gardena, CA 90247 | tridentaudiodevelopments.com
For Tech Support and Repair Authorization,
please contact: US Service & Sales 1845 W. 169th Street Gardena, CA 90247
at [phone] or [e-mail]
80B EQ 500 Series is a Registered Trademark of Trident Audio Developments
Features and specifications are subject to change without notice