Audient ASP8024 Heritage Edition – 24-Channel Inline Console with Patch Bay
The ASP8024 Heritage Edition is a semi-modular inline console designed by David Dearden – formerly of Soundcraft and DDA – first introduced in 1998 and continuously refined into what is now the definitive version of the platform. Every unit is built to order and hand-assembled at Audient's Hampshire facility. The 24-channel configuration with integrated patch bay represents a complete analogue recording hub that handles DAW integration, outboard management, and mix bus coloration without requiring a secondary controller or a separate patchbay rack.
Retro Iron: Variable Mix Bus Technology
The Heritage Edition introduces Retro Iron – a physically variable output stage combining an American-style discrete amplifier with Carnhill output transformers. Unlike software emulations, this is a hardwired circuit sitting across the main mix bus. It provides two selectable colorations: Low Bump, which adds low-end weight and density, and High Lift, which opens up the top end – both inspired by vintage mastering EQ curves. John Hardy CO.990C operational amplifiers reinforce the mix bus with musical saturation and a controlled, muscular transient response. Engineers who need a neutral, transparent mix bus simply bypass Retro Iron; those looking to push the stereo sum into the analogue domain with intent have a dedicated tool to do so.
Routing Depth and Outboard Integration
With 12 auxiliary sends and 2 dedicated cue paths, the console handles complex musician monitoring setups and parallel outboard chains simultaneously. The 24-bus routing matrix with 8 subgroups provides full flexibility for large multitrack sessions and stem-based mixing. The optional Dual Layer Control (DLC) module adds a hybrid automation layer: 8 motorized faders bankable across the entire session, VCA automation on 8 channels, plus transport control, plug-in selection, and track record arming – all compatible with Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, and Nuendo. The included patch bay centralises outboard access, eliminating the need to manually recable hardware between sessions. Each channel strip features Audient's discrete Class A mic preamp, a 4-band EQ splittable across the Mic/Line and Tape paths, and an independent gain trim for tape returns.
KEY FEATURES
- Semi-modular inline architecture – layout configurable at the time of order
- Retro Iron variable mix bus – Carnhill transformers and John Hardy 990C op-amps
- Optional Dual Layer Control (DLC) – 8 motorized faders, VCA automation, DAW integration
- 24-bus routing with 8 subgroups and 4 stereo returns
- 12 auxiliary sends + 2 cue sends
- 4-band EQ per channel, splittable between Mic/Line and Tape inputs
- Discrete Class A mic/line preamp on every channel
- Integrated patch bay for outboard management
- Stereo VCA bus compressor in master section
- Hand-assembled in Hampshire, UK (build to order)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: semi-modular inline console
- Channels: 24 (base configuration; 36, 48, 72 available)
- Bus routing: 24-track with 8 subgroups
- Auxiliary sends: 12 + 2 cue
- Stereo returns: 4
- Mix bus: variable (Retro Iron) – Carnhill transformers, John Hardy 990C amplifiers
- EQ: 4-band per channel (2x dual-band, independently assignable to signal paths)
- Preamp: fully discrete Class A topology
- Automation: VCA (8 channels) + optional DLC with motorized faders
- DAW compatibility: Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Nuendo
- Patch bay: integrated (included in this configuration)
- Finish options: Walnut, Ash Natural, Ash Black
- Power supply: external PSU included (dual PSU required for 72-channel builds)
