Audient ASP4816 – Compact Analogue Inline Recording Console
The ASP4816 is a fixed-format, small-footprint inline console built around the same circuit boards as the ASP8024 – not a cost-reduced derivative, but a deliberate repackaging of identical proven circuitry into a compact frame. David Dearden retained the core preamp and EQ topology from the larger desk and reduced the channel count to 16 and trimmed the aux bus count to fit the physical format. At approximately 1m x 1m, the ASP4816 is a genuine large-format console experience without the room commitment, making it a practical centrepiece for production studios, post facilities, and teaching environments.
Inline Architecture: 48 Inputs on Mixdown from 16 Strips
The inline design gives each of the 16 channel strips two independent signal paths: a mic/line record path on the long fader and a DAW return path on the short fader. On mixdown, all 16 channels double up to 48 inputs without any re-patching. The 4-band EQ is splittable across both paths simultaneously – two fully parametric mid bands covering 40 Hz to 20 kHz with ±15 dB range and adjustable Q, flanked by high and low shelving bands with an Air switch for top-end lift. This means EQ can be applied independently to the tracking input and the DAW return on the same strip at the same time. The 16 record buses and 8 subgroups handle complex multitrack routing without compromise.
Monitor Control and Studio Communication
The console's monitor section manages four stereo loudspeaker outputs with source selection, solo in front, and footswitch-controlled talkback – replacing the need for a separate monitor controller unit. Six auxiliary buses and two cue sends handle outboard integration and headphone mix builds for musicians simultaneously. With over 40 insert points across channel strips, subgroups, and the master bus, the ASP4816 supports a fully loaded analogue outboard chain. Paired with an external patchbay, the routing depth scales well beyond what the physical size suggests. The internal PSU keeps the desk self-contained and avoids an external power brick cluttering the rack.
KEY FEATURES
- 16 inline channels with 48 inputs available on mixdown
- 16 discrete hybrid Class A mic preamps – up to 60 dB gain, ultra-low noise
- 4-band splittable EQ: 2x fully parametric (40 Hz–20 kHz, ±15 dB, variable Q) + 2x shelving with Air switch
- 16 record buses + 8 subgroups
- 6 auxiliary buses + 2 cue sends
- Stereo VCA mix bus compressor – adjustable ratio, threshold, auto-release
- 4 stereo monitor outputs with source selection and solo in front
- Footswitch-controlled talkback
- Over 40 insert points
- Internal PSU (no external power supply required)
- Footprint approximately 1m x 1m
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: small-format analogue inline console
- Input channels: 16 mic/line
- Inputs at mixdown: 48
- Faders: 40 (long and short)
- Record buses: 16
- Subgroups: 8
- Auxiliary buses: 6 + 2 cue sends
- Stereo returns: 4
- Insert points: 40+
- Preamp: discrete hybrid Class A, up to 60 dB gain
- EQ: 4-band splittable – 2x parametric + 2x shelving + Air
- Parametric EQ range: 40 Hz – 20 kHz, ±15 dB, variable Q
- Mix bus compressor: stereo VCA, variable ratio/threshold, auto-release, gain reduction meter
- Monitor outputs: 4 stereo
- Power supply: internal PSU
- Dimensions: approx. 1000 x 1000 mm
