Pictured above is the very first recording/mixing console made by LOFT (Loft Modular Devices, Inc.). It is a model 440. LOFT was a manufacturer of Pro Audio equipment in Manchester Connecticut active in the 1970s. In 1980 LOFT became Phoenix Audio.
Here’s a close up shot of a Loft model 440 console. From the first picture, the Tascam 80-8 mounted in the desk to the right tells us that these were boards aimed at the professional project studio/demo studio market.
Another close-up image of a 440, this time a series 2. These images, and all that follow in this post, come courtesy of LOFT founder Peter Nimirowski. Peter got in touch with PS after we ran this earlier post which mentioned some of the LOFT outboard gear. Peter has this to say about LOFT’s consoles:
“Loft … made two series of mixing desks. The 440 Series used a Microtran Transformer in the mic pre-amp. This console was probably one of the first low cost professional desks. My understanding is one is in use in CT another in Calif. (Regarding) the 800 Series: we only made a handful of these boards. This was at the crossover point from Loft Modular Devices to Phoenix Audio. (We) tried to make the leap into the pro studios. The first console used Allison’s Trans-Amp in the pre-amp circuit. Consoles after that used our own transformerless pre-amp design. John Roberts was responsible for all Loft and later Phoenix Audio circuit designs. A truly brilliant designer. The consoles were manufactured mid to late 70’s. By 1980 LMD had become Phoenix Audio which did not manufacturer any consoles. When I together with Richard Federman started LMD it was a result of wanting to build a recording studio, not a manufacturing company. At that time except for API, Quad 8 and Maybe Neve, there really wasn’t much of a choice in affordable mixing desks. As far as technology, the first IC op-amp the 709 had just been developed. PC boards where just coming into existence. LMD manufactured all PCB in house. I designed and built the etching system. Everything was done in house.
Thanks for getting in touch Peter. Here are some images of the later 800 series console, again from Peter’s archive.
