Audient ASP8024 Heritage Edition

• modular analog inline studio mixing console
• Example configuration - for a configuration according to your requirements
• 80+ inputs (configurable in sizes from 24 to 72 channel strips)
• Retro Iron Variable Mix Bus
• discrete John Hardy 990C operational amplifiers and classic line transformers for more clarity, dynamics and punch
• Audient Class-A mic preamps
• 4-band splitable EQ
  
• Mix bus VCA compressor including Bass Expand
• DLC (Dual Layer Control) for creating analog VCA and digital DAW automations
• FaderLink plugin in combination with DLC allows writing and playing out DAW automations
  
• inline architecture
  
• Extensive monitor control section
  
• integrated headphone amplifier for quick and easy monitoring
• 48 volt talkback microphone
• 24-track bus routing (option for 48 channel SPLIT BUS MOD available)
• 14 aux busses
• Walnut armrest
• Cool White metering
• Whisper quiet power supply

The Audient ASP8024 Heritage Edition is an inline studio console with a modular design that can be customized in terms of features and functionality. The example configuration offered here is equipped with 24 inline channels, Dual Layer Control (DLC), for creating analog VCA and digital DAW automations, the complete Master section including VCA bus compressor and the Retro Iron Variable Mix bus, as well as the optional but very practical patchbay for integrating and managing external hardware.

The gain control and the trim for tape return signals are located under the clearly arranged input metering. Each channel strip is equipped with Audient's Class A microphone and line amplifiers and offers an extensive bus routing matrix. 12 aux paths and 2 cue sends also allow easy integration of outboard devices, as well as the simple creation of monitor mixes for musicians, speakers or singers, and each channel is equipped with a 4-band equalizer, which is divided into two dual-band EQs, each of which can be assigned separately to the short or long faders. This means that the EQs can be used before recording to process the signal before recording, or they can be used "behind the tape", i.e. tape return - or both. Last but not least, each channel has the core element of analog inline consoles: a short fader and a long fader. They can be used to create separate mixes for recording and backing band control without the need for additional channels. For even more flexibility, the short and long fader assignments can be swapped for each channel at the touch of a button.

The Master section is where everything comes together. Here you will find 4 separate EFX inputs for feeding back Stereo effects, the master trims for all busses, the cue and aux masters, faders and control options for the 8 subgroups, the controls for the Heritage output card, the master bus compressor, all control options for the control room and artist monitoring, talkback, master metering, signal generator and, of course, the master fader. In response to the wishes of many users, the master module has also been equipped with a headphone amplifier that can be used as an additional monitor path for the engineer or artists in the control room. A high-quality aluminum control room monitor potentiometer has also been added, which is quick and easy to reach thanks to its placement and stands out due to its size, so that it does not have to be searched for long.

Paying homage to the best technologies of English and American mixing consoles, the ASP8024 Heritage Edition features a variable mix bus technology that is unique in its form. "Retro Iron" is an "all discrete", warm sounding output amplifier with two Carnhill output transformers that can give the Mix more low-end push, more openness and a wider stereo stage. This circuit was taken from the first two designs by founder David Dearden in 1970 and was used in the legendary Advision Studios in London, among other places. At the touch of a button, the circuit is integrated into the signal path of the mix bus and delivers a massive +28 dBu of headroom at 600 Ω at the mix insert send output, perfect for driving a vintage mix bus EQ or Fairchild. It can help to switch on the "Retro-Iron" function about halfway through a mixdown to get an extra boost.

There are a total of 4 operating modes for sound shaping, which are controlled using the 3 switches to the left of the master fader. As part of the"retro-iron circuit", a "low bump " and a "high lift" can be switched on. "Low Bump" provides a pleasant boost in the 60 Hz range, which helps Bass and Bassdrum to assert themselves better in Mix and leads to an additional "glue" effect that makes the sum of all the individual signals sound even more like a whole. "High Lift", on the other hand, boosts slightly in the 20 kHz range, giving the overall mix a little "air". The result is shiny cymbals and clear, intelligible vocals. Both functions can be used simultaneously or separately, but only work when the Retro-Iron circuit is activated. So it's up to you how much "bathtub" the Mix can take ;).

The ASP8024 's mix bus compressor is based on the technology of the 80s and 90s and is known for giving mixes a rock'n'roll dynamic. It is often compared to classic analog compressor boards and offers the pleasant VCA "glue" that gives mixes the feeling of "sounding like a record". With improved circuitry and a new VU meter for better visual feedback, it will quickly become one of the most useful tools in your arsenal. If you've ever used the "gentle needle bounce glue trick", you'll know exactly what's what. A switchable high-pass filter in the compressor's Sidechain input, called "Bass Expand", can also add extra punch to your production by letting the low end through in the compressor's detector path.

The Dual Layer Control module (DLC for short) can be used both as a DAW controller and to create analog VCA automations . In DAW mode, it can be used to control not only faders and pots, but also transport functions and plug-ins. In addition, the VCA automations can be saved and edited as MIDI data in the DAW using the included Faderlink plug-in. This turns the ASP8024, which is actually analog, into a hybrid system that enables seamless integration of analog and digital workflows. The DLC is equipped with 8 faders with banking capability, a transport section including record-enable, pan control, aux sends and encoders for plug-in control.

The installation of a DLCis optional. A DLC is installed in this example configuration.