The Toft Audio ATB series came out of a collaboration between Malcolm Toft — one of the original designers behind the classic Trident consoles — and represented a serious attempt to bring genuine large-format console sensibility to a more accessible price point. The ATB is a real analog desk: transformer-balanced inputs, proper channel strips with full EQ and dynamics routing, direct outputs, and the kind of physical workflow that no DAW controller has ever convincingly replicated. It found its way into a lot of serious project and mid-level commercial studios for exactly that reason.
This 16-channel example has been upgraded throughout with the Audio Upgrades PIP Version 2 discrete preamp module — all 16 channels. The PIP v2 is the work of Jim Williams of Audio Upgrades, a designer with deep roots in professional analog circuit work whose discrete replacement modules have earned a strong reputation among engineers who care about what is actually happening at the front end of their signal chain. The PIP v2 replaces the stock integrated circuit preamp chips — the SSM2017, SSM2019, Burr-Brown INA217, and similar — with a discrete design using low-noise Hitachi transistors and an ultra-low-noise Analog Devices op-amp. The specs bear that out: EIN of -132dB at 50 ohms, THD of 5 ppm, IMD of 1.5 ppm, and a slew rate of 60V per microsecond. These are not marketing numbers — this is a meaningfully different preamp than what the console shipped with, and anyone who has compared stock ATB preamps to a discrete upgrade will hear it immediately.
The console itself is in beautiful shape. All 16 faders are present and smooth, all knobs are present and functional, and the frame and surface show the kind of honest wear consistent with careful studio use — nothing dramatic. The left VU meter needs calibration, which is the only known issue and a straightforward service item. Includes the original owner's manual and power supply.
- Make: Toft Audio
- Model: ATB 16-channel analog mixing console
- Configuration: 16 channel strips, analog summing
- Preamp modification: Audio Upgrades PIP Version 2 discrete preamp module, installed in all 16 channels
- PIP v2 specs: EIN -132dB at 50 ohms, THD 5 ppm, IMD 1.5 ppm (0.00015%), slew rate 60V/us, output current 50mA; Hitachi low-noise transistors, Analog Devices ultra-low-noise op-amp
- Modification status: professionally installed, all 16 channels
- Faders: all present and functional
- Knobs: all present and functional
- Meters: right VU meter functional; left VU meter requires calibration
- Condition: very good, console surface and frame in beautiful shape
- Modifications: Audio Upgrades PIP v2 discrete preamp module, all channels
- Includes: original owner's manual, power supply
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value.
International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
Heavy or oversized items may ship freight — we will confirm method and cost before proceeding.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
