Unlike today, where theres a plethora of monitors to choose from, up until the 1980s there was scant choice and the vast majority of British studios used large Tannoy Dual Concentrics.

A pair of Tannoy Ardens the largest in the range at the time driven by a Quad amplifier, dominated the control room.

The superb sound they delivered was a revelation to my 17-year-old ears and during downtime, Id play my favourite records to discover all manner of detail that my humble home-stereo speakers glossed over.

A coaxial design, the speaker featured a horn-loaded tweeter situated in the centre of the woofer.

This design approach creates a point-source, which effectively eliminates the subtle phase shifts that occur when two or more drive units are placed along a monitors front baffle.

I also have the same-purpose speaker downstairs, so I can play my acetates and records through to make sure theyre cut properly and the standards are well up.

Some engineers, including the Fab Fours Geoff Emerick, found the Tannoys extended frequency response difficult to adjust to and continued to use the lo-fi Altecs whenever possible, knowing that if the mix sounded good on them, it would sound good everywhere.

When the mix was replayed back at Abbey Road Studios, the recording sounded dull, with a lack of top-end sparkle; the Tannoys had flattered the original Trident mix.The Tannoy range was revamped and expanded in 1974 with the introduction of the HPD (High Performance Dual) range.

At this point, the company began offering its monitors fully built and ready to use.

They may not offer the last word in neutrality or accuracy however, Ive yet to hear a more musically engaging loudspeaker, especially when driven with valve amplification.

Tannoy now manufactures a multitude of loudspeaker designs, both active and passive, for pro-audio and domestic use, recently reintroducing some of its classic Dual Concentric designs for the Legacy range, including the magnificent Ardens that dazzled me over 30 years ago.

Tannoy Dual Concentric Drivers