Audient ASP8024 Heritage Edition 48 Ch Console/Producer Desk is a 48-channel fully analog in-line recording console with 24-bus routing, combined with the Producer's Desk (PD) expansion module — a five-bay configuration (four 12-channel bays, master section, and PD bay) measuring approximately 285 cm wide and weighing around 200 kg. The Producer's Desk adds a dedicated horizontal working surface at console height for keyboard, mouse, or a DAW controller, integrating the hybrid studio workflow into the physical footprint of the console without separate furniture. All signal path specifications, preamp circuit, EQ topology, Retro Iron mix bus, and VCA bus compressor are identical to the standard 48-channel configuration.
Producer's Desk — Consolidating the Hybrid Studio at the Console
The PD module occupies the width of one standard bay — identical to a 12-channel input block — and presents a flat, ergonomically matched working surface at the same angle and height as the rest of the console. In its classical use, the producer would occupy the PD for session notes and score annotation alongside the engineer; in a modern hybrid installation it becomes the mounting point for a keyboard, trackball, or DAW controller, eliminating a separate side table or keyboard stand. Two PD modules side by side (Double-PD) can accommodate larger touch surfaces such as the Slate Raven or Avid S3. The PD bay can be positioned at any point within the console structure — centrally between channel bays or as a side position for an assistant — all determined at order. The module includes a walnut scripting tray consistent with the rest of the console's finish.
In-Line at 48 Channels and Retro Iron Mix Bus
The in-line architecture delivers 112 inputs to the stereo bus at mixdown: two independent paths per channel (long fader for mic/line, short fader for DAW or tape return) plus four stereo returns. 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 independently per channel. Retro Iron on the stereo bus output — Carnhill transformer and John Hardy 990C — delivers +28 dBu into 600 Ω at the mix insert send, with Low Bump and High Lift EQ operating before the output faders. The VCA stereo bus compressor with adjustable threshold, ratio, auto-release, and GR metering operates post-insert, pre-fader. Fourteen aux sends (12 mono plus 2 cue), 8 subgroups, 48 record buses, and Penny & Giles 8000 series faders throughout. Supplied with a single ASP8120 Ultra power supply.
KEY FEATURES
- 48-channel in-line, 24-bus routing, 112 inputs to stereo bus at mixdown
- Producer's Desk module: full-width horizontal work surface in one bay, walnut scripting tray included
- PD accommodates keyboard, mouse, trackball, or DAW controller; Double-PD available for larger surfaces
- 48 discrete Class A mic preamps (Dearden design)
- 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 + PD, each independently serviceable
- Single ASP8120 Ultra power supply (included)
- Built to order: PD position, DLC, patchbay, VESA mount, armrest, top trim all configurable
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Channels: 48 (112 inputs in in-line configuration) + Producer's Desk module
- 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 output into 2 kΩ (mix, bus, aux): above +26 dBu
- Mix insert send headroom: +28 dBu into 600 Ω
- Dimensions: approx. 285.0 x 106.5 x 99.9 cm (48 Ch + PD configuration)
- Weight: approx. 200 kg
- Power: 1x ASP8120 Ultra (included)
