Audient ASP8024 Heritage Edition 48 Ch Inline Console is a 48-channel fully analog in-line recording console with 24-bus routing — a four-bay configuration of the ASP8024-HE platform, measuring 239 cm wide and weighing 166 kg. It sits between the 36-channel and 60-channel frames and is the most commonly specified ASP8024-HE configuration for studios running full-band tracking sessions with simultaneous mic, line, and DAW return management. Preamp circuit, EQ topology, Retro Iron mix bus, and VCA bus compressor are identical to all other Heritage Edition configurations; the console ships with a single ASP8120 Ultra power supply.
In-Line at 48 Channels — 112 Inputs Without Repatchbaying
The in-line architecture delivers 112 inputs to the stereo bus at mixdown: two independent signal paths per channel (long fader for mic/line, short fader for DAW or tape return) plus four stereo returns in the master section. The four-band Dearden EQ — two fully parametric mid bands spanning 40 Hz to 20 kHz with ±15 dB and variable Q, flanked by low and high shelving bands — is splittable per channel independently, assignable to either the mic/line or tape return path without affecting other strips. Fourteen aux sends (12 mono plus 2 cue) accessible on both fader paths per channel manage studio headphone feeds, outboard effects, and stem routing simultaneously. Penny & Giles 8000 series faders run throughout; each channel carries independent insert points on both the mic/line and tape paths. The console provides 48 dedicated record buses alongside 8 subgroups.
Retro Iron, Mix Bus Headroom, and Modular Construction
The Retro Iron circuit — Carnhill output transformer and John Hardy 990C on the stereo bus output — delivers +28 dBu into 600 Ω at the mix insert send, providing sufficient headroom to drive vintage mastering equalizers or high-threshold bus processors without an additional buffer. Retro and Iron modes are switched independently from the master fader section; Low Bump and High Lift operate on the mix bus signal before the output faders. The VCA stereo bus compressor with adjustable threshold, ratio, auto-release, and GR metering operates post-insert, pre-fader. The console is semi-modular: each of the four 12-channel bays and the master section are independently serviceable and replaceable. Bay order, master section position, DLC, patchbay, Producer's Desk, armrest, top trim, and VESA mount are all specified at order; every unit is hand-assembled at Audient's Hampshire factory.
KEY FEATURES
- 48-channel in-line, 24-bus routing, 112 inputs to stereo bus at mixdown
- 48 discrete Class A mic preamps (Dearden design) — same circuit used across all Audient products
- 4-band splittable EQ per channel: 2 parametric bands (40 Hz–20 kHz, ±15 dB, variable Q) + 2 shelving
- Retro Iron: Carnhill transformer + John Hardy 990C output amplifier, Low Bump / High Lift EQ on mix bus, +28 dBu into 600 Ω at mix insert send
- VCA stereo bus compressor — adjustable threshold, ratio, auto-release, GR meter
- 14 aux sends (12 mono + 2 cue), 8 subgroups, 4 stereo FX returns
- 48 record buses
- 5 pairs of monitor outputs (Main + 3 Alt + Studio LS)
- Penny & Giles 8000 series faders throughout
- Semi-modular layout — four 12-channel bays + master, each independently serviceable
- Single ASP8120 Ultra power supply (included) — control room installation, low noise, low-RPM fan
- Built to order: bay order, master position, DLC, patchbay, Producer's Desk, armrest, top trim, VESA mount configurable
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Channels: 48 (112 inputs in in-line configuration)
- Buses: 24-bus, 8 subgroups, 14 aux (12 mono + 2 cue), 48 record buses
- Frequency response, mic in to mix out: +0 / -0.3 dB, 20 Hz–20 kHz (at 6–40 dB gain)
- Frequency response, line in to mix out: +0 / -0.3 dB, 20 Hz–20 kHz (at 0 dB gain)
- THD+noise at +20 dBu output (mic in): below 0.005% at 1 kHz
- THD+noise at +20 dBu output (line in): below 0.005% at 1 kHz
- THD+noise at +20 dBu output (tape in): below 0.003% at 1 kHz
- Mic EIN (20–20 kHz, 150 Ω source): below -127.5 dBu
- Bus noise (no inputs routed): below -93 dBu
- Bus noise (36 inputs routed): below -78 dBu
- Mic CMRR: 70 dB (min gain) / 75 dB (max gain)
- Crosstalk / mute attenuation (short fader, long fader, mix assign, bus assign): above 90 dB at 1 kHz
- Maximum input, mic: above +21 dBu (min gain)
- Maximum input, line: above +30 dBu (min gain)
- Maximum output into 2 kΩ (mix, bus, aux): above +26 dBu
- Mix insert send headroom: +28 dBu into 600 Ω
- Dimensions: 239.0 x 106.5 x 99.9 cm
- Weight: 166 kg (365 lbs)
- Power: 1x ASP8120 Ultra (included)
