Audient ASP8024 Heritage Edition 48 Ch Console/Patch Bay is a 48-channel fully analog in-line recording console with 24-bus routing, combined with the integrated patchbay (PB) module — a five-bay configuration (four 12-channel bays, master section, and PB bay) measuring approximately 285 cm wide and weighing around 200 kg. The integrated patchbay is available for console configurations up to 48 channels; in the 48-channel version it provides 768 total patch points in Bantam TT format — the equivalent of six to eight separate 19" bantam patchbays — with all internal console wiring already routed, eliminating the need for a separate patchbay rack and the cabling harness that comes with it. All signal path specifications, preamp circuit, EQ topology, Retro Iron mix bus, and VCA bus compressor are identical to the standard 48-channel configuration.
Integrated Patchbay — 768 Access Points Without External Wiring
The PB module occupies one standard bay width and installs directly into the console structure. Of the 768 total points, 144 are user-configurable Bantam TT positions for integrating outboard processors, rack equipment, or live room tie lines; these can be wired through or half-normalled internally at order. The remaining sections handle two 24-track recording devices (designated REC A and REC B — for example Pro Tools and a 2-inch tape machine simultaneously), with playback normalled from the respective D-sub interface to the tape inputs of channels 1–24 and 25–48, and multitrack bus outputs normalled to both machines. All channel inserts on both the mic/line and DAW/tape paths are accessible at the bay, as is the full master section, spare parallels, and a set of level converters. The patchbay includes a walnut scripting tray and uses D-sub connectors on the rear panel for studio system interfaces.
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 signal 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 per channel independently. 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 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
- Integrated patchbay: 768 Bantam TT points (48 Ch configuration) — Neutrik TT connectors
- 144 user-configurable patch points for outboard integration and tie lines; through-wired or half-normalled
- Supports 2 x 24-track recording devices (REC A and REC B) with full playback normalisation to tape inputs
- Front-panel access to all channel inserts (mic/line and DAW/tape), master section, spare parallels, level converters
- Walnut scripting tray included; D-sub rear panel connectors for studio system interfaces
- 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 + PB, each independently serviceable
- Single ASP8120 Ultra power supply (included)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Channels: 48 (112 inputs in in-line configuration)
- Buses: 24-bus, 8 subgroups, 14 aux (12 mono + 2 cue), 48 record buses
- Patchbay: 768 Bantam TT points (48 Ch), Neutrik TT connectors; 144 user-configurable
- Patchbay normalisation: through-wired or half-normalled (specified at order)
- 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 + PB configuration)
- Weight: approx. 200 kg
- Power: 1x ASP8120 Ultra (included)
