This year sees British audio company, Audient celebrate the success of its flagship
ASP8024 console with the launch of ASP8024: Heritage Edition, the definitive
version of David Dearden’s classic design. Building on the existing features, which
have seen the ASP8024 installed in thousands of studios worldwide, Heritage Edition
comes with a brand new look as well as an array of added enhancements “under the
hood’, giving the renowned console renewed vigour ahead of the company’s 20th
anniversary.
ASP8024-HE features the all new variable mix bus technology RETRO IRON.
Technical Director Tom Waterman explains, “By utilising an all-discrete and warm
sounding output amplifier with Carnhill output transformers, RETRO IRON adds
punch and “vibe’ to the consoles’ mix output. We based this design on two custom
consoles from David’s first job in 1970 at the now legendary Advision Studios in
London. The circuits used are an homage to the finest in late 60’s American &
British console technology, but remain unique to the ASP8024-HE.’
When engaged, the RETRO IRON output card also provides subtle LOW BUMP and
HIGH LIFT Mix EQ’s – inspired by classic mastering equalisers of yesteryear – these
can be switched individually, allowing for wider, more spacious mix bus tones. The
main mix bus has also been upgraded with JOHN HARDY CO. 990C discrete
amplifiers as standard for superior and even quieter, muscular performance.
The classic VCA mix bus compressor now has smoother make-up gain circuitry,
includes a slick gain reduction meter and a high pass filter in the compressor’s
sidechain: BASS EXPAND. “This little tool tightens up mixes and adds punch without
destroying the low end, particularly useful for bass heavy productions,’ continues
Waterman.
As for the new look, the Heritage Edition takes inspiration from the past. “Our
“Midnight Raven’ colourway, vintage knobs, chunky fader caps, premium walnut
armrest and British design theme have all been chosen specifically to create a
visually stunning centrepiece, as well as making the console more intuitive than
ever,’ he says.
Audient prides itself in listening and responding to customer feedback, which has
resulted in further improvements, such as the addition of a monitoring grade
headphone amplifier; latching footswitch triggers for remote hands-free talkback;
ALPS Blue Velvet main monitor pot with custom aluminium knob for that solid
“everyday’ feel; an improved FaderLinkTM plug-in (now 64-bit AAX, AU & VST
compatible) controlling 8 channels of patchable DAW integrated VCA automation for
the Dual Layer Control (DLC) module and an improved, whisper-quiet power supply.
Of course the ASP8024-HE retains all the familiar hallmarks of its predecessor
including: fully featured in-line architecture; simple, intuitive design; flexible,
powerful four-band EQ; renowned Class-A mic pres (used across the entire product
range); comprehensive monitor control and a range of modular options including
DLC, integrated 24 / 36 / 48-ch Patchbays or Producers’ Desks.
