Audient ASP8024 Heritage Edition 36 Ch Console w/ PD-VESA, ASP-EXTTOP, ASP-EXTARM

Audient ASP8024 Heritage Edition 36 Ch Console with PD-VESA, ASP-EXTTOP, and ASP-EXTARM is a 36-channel fully analog in-line recording console with 24-bus routing — the definitive version of the ASP8024, originally designed by David Dearden in 1997 and built continuously at Audient's Hampshire factory for over 25 years. The Heritage Edition adds substantive engineering upgrades to the original platform: the Retro Iron mix bus circuit with Carnhill transformer and John Hardy 990C discrete op-amp output stage, revised "Black Raven" aesthetics with vintage-style knobs and chunky fader caps, an improved quiet power supply deployable in the control room, and optional DLC module for hybrid DAW/console automation. The standard 36-channel frame (without patchbay) measures 193 x 106.5 x 99.9 cm and weighs approximately 133 kg.

Retro Iron Mix Bus — Switchable Character on the Stereo Output

The defining addition of the Heritage Edition is the Retro Iron circuit: an American-style output amplifier using through-hole components, paired with a Carnhill output transformer on the stereo bus — a design drawn from consoles Dearden built for Advision Studios in the 1970s. Retro and Iron can be engaged independently or together, each adding a distinct quality: Retro contributes amplifier saturation and width; Iron adds the warmth and low-frequency weight of the Carnhill transformer. The Retro Iron card also includes Low Bump and High Lift, a subtle two-band mastering-style EQ applied to the mix bus before the output faders — referenced to vintage broadcast equalizer curves. The VCA stereo bus compressor with bass expander and gain reduction VU meter, carried forward from the original ASP8024, remains one of the most practical onboard bus processing tools on any console at this price point.

In-Line Architecture and Splittable EQ — 80 Inputs From 36 Channels

In the 36-channel configuration, the ASP8024-HE delivers 80 inputs to the stereo bus: two signal paths per channel (long fader and short fader) plus four stereo returns, with full simultaneous access to EQ and aux on both paths. The four-band Dearden EQ is splittable, meaning it can be independently assigned to the mic/line path or the tape return path, enabling separate tonal shaping on both paths during a single session without recabling. Twelve mono aux sends plus two cue sends cover headphone monitoring, outboard effects, and stem routing simultaneously. Eight subgroups, four stereo FX returns, and five pairs of monitor outputs — main plus three alt plus studio loudspeaker — complete the master section. Penny & Giles 8000 series faders are fitted throughout.

PD-VESA, ASP-EXTTOP, and ASP-EXTARM

The three accessories in this configuration address ergonomics and physical workspace integration. The PD-VESA is a military-grade VESA mount built into the console structure, accommodating screens 15–19" wide with a maximum display width of 460 mm — keeping the DAW monitor in the operator's sightline without a separate stand occupying floor or desk space. The ASP-EXTTOP (Extended Top Trim) deepens the console's top shelf from the standard 180 mm to 300 mm, providing a structurally reinforced surface capable of supporting up to 50 kg — sufficient for larger nearfield monitors such as Yamaha NS10M or Auratone 5Cs in their correct listening position without additional stands. The ASP-EXTARM is an extended keyboard and wrist rest that runs the full working width of the console, improving arm support during long sessions and reducing fatigue during precise fader work.

KEY FEATURES

• 36-channel in-line, 24-bus routing, 80 inputs to stereo bus (36-channel configuration)
• Discrete Class A mic preamp (Dearden design) — identical circuit used across all Audient products
• 4-band splittable EQ — independently assignable to mic/line or tape path per channel
• Retro Iron: Carnhill transformer + John Hardy 990C output amplifier, Low Bump / High Lift EQ on mix bus
• VCA stereo bus compressor with bass expander and GR VU meter
• 14 aux sends (12 mono + 2 cue), 8 subgroups, 4 stereo FX returns
• 5 pairs of monitor outputs (Main + 3 Alt + Studio LS)
• Penny & Giles 8000 series faders throughout
• PD-VESA: military-grade 15–19" VESA screen mount, max display width 460 mm
• ASP-EXTTOP: extended top shelf 300 mm deep (load-bearing to 50 kg)
• ASP-EXTARM: full-width extended wrist/keyboard rest
• Modular construction — each 12-channel bay independently serviceable
• ASP8120 Ultra low-noise power supply with quiet fan for control room installation

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Channels: 36 (80 inputs in in-line configuration)
• Buses: 24-bus, 8 subgroups, 14 aux (12 mono + 2 cue)
• 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
• Dimensions (without patchbay): 193 x 106.5 x 99.9 cm
• Weight: approx. 133 kg (4-module configuration)