Unlock Big Analog Sound: Audient ASP4816-HE Console

Hi Everybody,

Hope you’re doing marvellously well!

We’ve got a great video for you today – and it’s about a very important piece of equipment I use in my studio.

As many of you know, we’ve recently made a big move from our beloved old Spitfire Studio to an new location. With every new studio space comes the opportunity to upgrade and refine our gear, and one piece of equipment that has truly transformed our workflow is the Audient ASP4816-HE – Heritage Edition small format analogue recording console.

Why the ASP4816-HE?

The reason we chose the it is rooted in our hybrid mixing approach. I love to tackle the finer details “in the box” using Pro Tools, but there’s something incredibly satisfying about handling the “global” elements on an analogue console. The tactile control and the warmth of analog are irreplaceable, and the ASP4816-HE offers the perfect balance between digital precision and analog richness.

For our demo track, we a Jonah Smith song which was recorded at the iconic Sunset Sound.

Download the multitracks here!

The raw tracks we captured received minimal treatment, allowing us to truly showcase how the ASP4816-HE enhances these raw recordings. What you’ll hear is the pure, unadulterated sound of the console bringing these tracks to life.

What I Personally Like About ASP4816-HE

There are several features of the ASP4816-HE that I absolutely love:

Mic Preamps on 16 Channels

When recording a full band, having 16 high-quality mic preamps at my disposal is a game-changer. The clarity and headroom are exceptional, making it easy to capture every nuance of the performance.

Channel Strip EQ

Each channel strip comes with a 10kHz shelf  “air band” that’s perfect for adding those tasty high frequencies to vocals. The mids and lows are equally flexible, allowing me to make musical, analog adjustments before diving into more detailed work in the DAW.

Routing and Sub-Groups

The ASP4816-HE makes routing to sub-groups incredibly simple. With quick controls for adding effects and routing to the master bus, I can streamline my workflow and stay in the creative zone.

Master Bus Compressor

The console features an SSL-style compressor on the master bus, complete with an auto-release function that requires minimal tweaking. The bass expand low-pass filter is fantastic for enhancing low-end presence, adding that little bump that makes all the difference. Additionally, the built-in mix processing buttons – transistor overdrive, low ‘bump’, and high-frequency lift – provide quick options for injecting real analog color into the mix.

In-Line Architecture

The ASP4816-HE’s in-line architecture is a standout feature. It allows you to start building your mix as you’re tracking. By using the long and short faders, you can create separate “record” and “monitor” paths on one channel strip. This setup, combined with the console’s splittable EQ and aux sends, is ideal for getting everything right from the start. It’s efficient and incredibly effective.

I love having that tactile ability when building out my mix.

Everything you’ll hear in this video will give you a feel for the sonic qualities of the ASP4816-HE and what the console does. It truly combines the best of both worlds, offering the flexibility of digital with the unmistakable warmth and character of analog

A reminder that you can create your own mix with today’s provided multitracks. 

Check out the Audient ASP4816-HE – Heritage Edition here!

Lastly, for all of you who crave more details, here are some manufacturer specs:

 

Many Thanks,

Warren