Audient ASP8024 Heritage Edition 36 Ch Inline Console is a 36-channel fully analog in-line recording console with 24-bus routing — a three-bay configuration (three 12-channel bays and master section) measuring 193 cm wide and weighing 133 kg. This is the historically original ASP8024 configuration and the source of the model name itself: 80 inputs (two per channel plus four stereo returns) and 24 bus outputs. The 36-channel version is the most widely installed configuration of this console worldwide, combining a manageable footprint with access to the full Heritage Edition signal path — Retro Iron mix bus, VCA bus compression, and the Dearden discrete Class A preamp — without the width and weight requirements of the larger frames.
80 Inputs From 36 Channels — Full In-Line Architecture in a Compact Frame
Each of the 36 channels runs two independent signal paths: the long fader path for mic/line and the short fader path for DAW or tape return. Seventy-two channel paths plus four stereo returns in the master section deliver 80 inputs to the stereo bus at mixdown — the figure from which the model designation is derived. The four-band Dearden EQ with two fully parametric mid bands (40 Hz–20 kHz, ±15 dB, variable Q) and two shelving bands is splittable per channel independently: it can be assigned to either the input or monitor path without affecting adjacent channels and without any recabling. Fourteen aux sends (12 mono plus 2 cue) are accessible on both fader paths simultaneously, alongside 8 subgroups and 36 dedicated record buses. Penny & Giles 8000 series faders run throughout. Each of the three 12-channel bays is serviceable independently of the rest of the console.
Retro Iron, Mix Bus, and Configuration Options
The Retro Iron circuit on the stereo bus output — Carnhill output transformer and John Hardy 990C — delivers +28 dBu into 600 Ω at the mix insert send, sufficient to drive vintage mastering equalizers and compressors directly without an additional buffer. Retro and Iron modes are switched independently from the master section; Low Bump and High Lift EQ operate on the mix bus before the output faders. The VCA stereo bus compressor with adjustable threshold, ratio, auto-release, and GR metering operates post-insert, pre-fader. The monitor section provides five pairs of outputs (Main plus three Alt plus Studio LS) with integrated talkback and headphone amplifier. The 36-channel frame accepts optional DLC, patchbay, and Producer's Desk modules, specified at order. The ASP8120 Ultra power supply is included and can be installed in the control room.
KEY FEATURES
- 36-channel in-line, 24-bus routing, 80 inputs to stereo bus at mixdown — the origin of the ASP8024 name
- 36 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, 36 record buses
- 5 pairs of monitor outputs (Main + 3 Alt + Studio LS)
- Penny & Giles 8000 series faders throughout
- Semi-modular layout — three 12-channel bays + master, each independently serviceable
- Single ASP8120 Ultra power supply (included) — control room installation, low noise, low-RPM fan
- Built to order: DLC, patchbay, Producer's Desk, armrest, top trim, VESA mount all configurable
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Channels: 36 (80 inputs in in-line configuration)
- Buses: 24-bus, 8 subgroups, 14 aux (12 mono + 2 cue), 36 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: 193.0 x 106.5 x 99.9 cm (adjustable feet ±25 mm)
- Weight: 133 kg (293 lbs)
- Power: 1x ASP8120 Ultra (included)
