Trident 80B EQ v2.0.0 [WiN]

Product: 80B EQ
Developer: Trident Audio Developments
Version: 2.0.0
Format: VST3, AAX
Requirements: Windows 10 or later
Source: tridentaudiodevelopments.com/product/80b-eq-plugin

Trident 80B EQ Plugin is a 4-band analog-modeled equalizer based on the classic Trident Series 80B console, designed to deliver warm, punchy, and presence-focused tone shaping inside a DAW. It features low/high shelving bands, two sweepable mid bands, a 50 Hz high-pass filter, and polarity inversion. Positioned as a vintage-style mixing EQ plugin, it focuses on broad, musical adjustments rather than surgical correction.

Key Takeaway

The 80B EQ is about tone shaping, not precision fixing. It works best when you want to push a sound forward, add weight, or carve presence quickly without overthinking exact frequencies.

Classic 4-band console EQ layout with wide musical curves

The structure follows a traditional analog console design: low shelf, high shelf, and two sweepable mid bands. The mid bands overlap intentionally, allowing continuous shaping across the spectrum instead of isolated zones.

This creates broader, more cohesive EQ moves. Instead of carving narrow cuts, adjustments affect larger areas, which keeps the sound natural and connected.

Fixed-frequency shelves that emphasize tone over precision

The low shelf switches between 60 Hz and 120 Hz, while the high shelf operates at 8 kHz or 12 kHz. These fixed points are chosen for musical relevance rather than flexibility.

This limits surgical control but speeds up decisions. Instead of searching for exact frequencies, you’re working with ranges that already sit well on most sources.

Sweepable mid bands tuned for mix-critical ranges

The low-mid band covers 100 Hz to 1.5 kHz, and the high-mid band ranges from 1 kHz to 15 kHz. Both offer up to ±15 dB gain.

These ranges are where most tonal shaping happens—body, presence, and clarity. The overlap between bands allows stacking boosts or cuts to shape character rather than isolate problems.

High-pass filter and polarity tools for quick cleanup

A fixed 50 Hz high-pass filter removes low-end rumble, while polarity inversion is available for phase correction.

These are simple but practical additions, especially during tracking or early mixing stages where quick cleanup matters more than detailed filtering.

Analog-modeled tone with low CPU overhead

The plugin is built using Trident’s AWA (Advanced Wave Analysis) DSP engine, designed to replicate analog behavior while remaining CPU-efficient.

This allows multiple instances across a mix without performance issues, making it suitable for console-style workflows where the same EQ is used on many channels.

Designed for broad shaping instead of surgical correction

The curves and frequency choices are intentionally wide and musical. This makes the plugin less suited for precise problem-solving but strong for enhancing tone quickly.

It fits best on sources where character matters—drums, guitars, vocals, and buses—rather than corrective EQ tasks.

FAQs

Is the 80B EQ good for mastering?

It can be used for mastering, but it’s better suited for mixing. The wide curves make it ideal for tonal shaping rather than precise mastering adjustments.

How does it compare to modern parametric EQs?

Modern EQs offer more precision and flexibility. The 80B trades that for speed and musicality, focusing on broad tonal moves instead of detailed correction.

What kind of sound does it add?

It adds warmth, presence, and punch typical of analog console EQs, especially noticeable on midrange and high-frequency boosts.

Is it CPU-heavy?

No. It’s designed to be lightweight, allowing multiple instances across a session without significant performance impact.

When should I use it instead of a surgical EQ?

Use it when shaping tone or enhancing character. For removing resonances or fixing specific issues, a surgical parametric EQ is still the better choice.

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