TEST: Audient ASP 800

 But oops, what kind of material was this product made from? When I peeled the Audient ASP 800 out of its packaging for the first time, it felt like I was heaving an anvil onto its work surface. The extremely solid 1U steel housing weighs just under 4.5 kilograms, which also suggests a long service life.

After all, you'll want to use the eight-channel combination of microphone preamplifier, A/D converter and, in some cases, audio processor for a while once you've gotten to grips with the matter. And the product gives plenty of reason to do this, as will become clear in the course of the test.



Conception

The Audient ASP 800 is an eight-channel Class A preamp (gain up to +70 dB) developed in England and manufactured in China, as is also used in the Audient 8024 console. In addition to the fact that all channels have switchable 48 volt phantom power and pre-attenuation, channels 1 and 2 received further special treatment. In addition to an optional phase reversal and a DI input, there are also two special features called HMX and IRON, which have a massive impact on the sound coloring and are intended to offer a touch of the consoles of the sixties and seventies.

The word width of the Burr Brown converters, which extend the signal via two optical Toslink outputs, can also be switched on the front from 44.1 up to 96 kHz at 24 bits.

On the back, a voltage selector switch and a cold device plug enable worldwide use. Eight lockable combination sockets from Neutrik enable a symmetrical connection of XLR and TRS plugs in the input area. Since the Audient ASP 800 has its own word clock, the BNC input is also located here. So far so good.

At this point at the latest, you will be the first to ask the question about the analog outputs. These exist, but they make the user's life a little more difficult than necessary in this area. The corresponding eight analog outputs are only available in Tascam's own B25 connection format. So if you need eight standard XLR outputs or something similar, you will have to use an external breakout cable, which is not included in the scope of delivery. So if you use it appropriately, you need to add another €100 to your budget. The opinions about the scope of delivery vary in this regard. of course, but you should keep in mind that Audient designed this product primarily for digital use, e.g. in collaboration with the in-house ID Interface line.


Saturation to the point of abandonment

Now, what makes the HMX and IRON positions so interesting. The HMX circuit activates a MOSFET (metal oxide field effect transistor), which can create analog distortion. Said transistors are also often used in guitars if no tube circuit is available and have the reputation of being able to generate the “warmest” distortion in the semiconductor sector. The resulting saturation of the signal is intended to be reminiscent of an overdriven tape machine in terms of dynamics and sound shaping, as it was used around 40-50 years ago. The IRON effect, on the other hand, simulates a magnetization effect in combination with tape saturation, as is also known from the decade mentioned above. Accompanying the dynamic processing, there is also a subtle bass and treble boost, which is reminiscent of the classic British consoles from the seventies thanks to a subtle phase shift.



Practice

Starting with channels 3-8, you can give the Audient ASP 800 a very good rating. The inputs only have a two-digit LED display (signal -38 dB, peak -2 dB), but with a little routine you can handle it comparatively well, although there could have been 1-2 more LEDs. The preamps sound excellent. The incoming signal sounds fresh, genuine and allows the respective sound of the microphone to pass through unfiltered. The response of the preamps is very fast and reacts equally well to short impulses as well as to long-lasting signals.

If you now add the HMX and IRON effects, the sound behavior changes significantly. When the HMX effect is added, the signal often experiences an increase in the bass range below 250 Hertz, while the low bass range is significantly reduced from 50 Hertz. The high-midrange is also slightly boosted. If the IRON is activated, however, the treble range initially increases significantly, while the bass range is reduced significantly below 50 Hertz.


sound and more

No matter which input you choose on the Audient ASP 800, be it the microphone, line or DI input, the product always sounds equally good. The basic sound is clean, transparent and open, without the sound getting lost in any boredom. If this is still too “nice” for you, you can use the built-in effects.

For example, if you apply the HMX effects to a vocal recording, the signal experiences a compression, which at the same time brings up the adjective “soft”, but without resulting in a muddy sound. Fortunately, the control range of the effect has been limited so much that the desired effect is never too much, even when turned to the right ("Thick"). Undistorted string instruments also benefit from the effect in the form of a condensation of the sound, combined with a subtle compression effect.

What the HMX effect primarily achieves in the low-mid and bass range is also outsourced to the high range with the IRON effect. This gives vocal recordings the sought-after “expensive” sound that is often associated with the shimmer in the overtone range. Other instruments also experience a pleasant attack and thus increase the assertiveness of the signal in the overall sound as the proportion (“growl”) increases.

The combination of both controls allows for very strong sound shaping, with almost all tones being covered, from heavy-bodied fat to light-footed and fresh. If necessary, you can of course also put the processor in the sum path and use channels 1 and 2 as a sound compressor. In order to perfect this, however, a link switch would be necessary that synchronizes the control paths of the channels with each other.


Conclusion

With the Audient ASP 800, the British manufacturer impresses across the board. In terms of processing technology, concept and, above all, sound, the product has 8 excellent-sounding preamps, where channels 1 and 2 also shine with two extraordinary processors in retro style.

The distortion and saturation circuits labeled HMX and IRON produce a subtle thickening of the signal without compromising the original sound. The design of the preamp is particularly suitable for recording a standard 5-piece drum set, whereby channels 1 and 2 would, as expected, be assigned to the kick and snare.

Highly recommended!

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Additional Informations:

Audient Audio, a distinguished name in the world of professional audio equipment, is renowned for its high-quality audio interfaces, mixing consoles, and microphone preamplifiers. Founded in 1997 by David Dearden and Gareth Davies, veterans in the audio industry with previous experience at Soundcraft, Audient has consistently distinguished itself through a commitment to providing professional-grade audio solutions that are accessible to a broad range of users, from professional studio engineers to home recording enthusiasts.

### Founding and Philosophy

Audient was established with a clear vision: to produce professional audio equipment that delivers exceptional sonic performance and is within reach of a wider audience. Dearden and Davies brought their extensive experience in console design to bear on Audient's products, which have earned a reputation for their robust build quality, excellent sound, and user-friendly interfaces. The company's philosophy centers on delivering premium audio quality without compromising affordability and usability.

### Product Line and Innovation

Audient's product range is diverse, catering to various aspects of music production and recording:

1. **Audio Interfaces**: The ID series, which includes models like the iD4, iD14, and iD44, is highly regarded in the industry. These interfaces are known for their high-quality preamps, comprehensive feature sets, and intuitive software control, making them favorites among home studio users.

2. **Mixing Consoles**: Audient's heritage in console design is best exemplified by their ASP series. The ASP8024-HE, in particular, is a highlight, revered for its classic analog console design combined with modern features. These consoles are used in professional studios around the world.

3. **Microphone Preamplifiers**: The ASP880 and ASP800 are notable additions to any recording setup, offering Audient's celebrated console-grade preamps in a rack-mounted format.

4. **Compact Desks**: For smaller studios and educational institutions, Audient offers compact mixing desks like the ASP4816, providing the key features of their larger consoles in a more compact and affordable package.

5. **Software Integration**: Recognizing the importance of software in modern music production, Audient interfaces integrate seamlessly with popular digital audio workstations (DAWs), and the company often bundles creative software with their hardware.

### Commitment to Education

Audient stands out for its commitment to education. Through initiatives like Audient EduPack, the company provides educational institutions with access to high-quality audio equipment at discounted rates. This initiative reflects Audient's dedication to nurturing the next generation of audio professionals.

### Environmental and Social Responsibility

Environmental sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices are integral to Audient's operations. The company strives to minimize its ecological footprint through responsible sourcing of materials and ensuring that their products are built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacement.

### Challenges and Future Prospects

Like many in the industry, Audient faces challenges such as rapidly evolving technology and intense competition. However, their focus on quality, affordability, and user experience, combined with a strong brand reputation, positions them well for continued success.

Looking ahead, Audient is likely to continue innovating in the digital domain, possibly expanding their offerings in the realms of software and digital integration. The continued rise of home recording and project studios offers significant opportunities for growth, particularly in developing products that cater to these markets without sacrificing the professional quality for which Audient is known.

### Conclusion

Audient Audio stands as a testament to quality, innovation, and accessibility in the professional audio equipment industry. With a product range that appeals to both professionals and hobbyists, a commitment to education and sustainability, and a steadfast dedication to sound excellence, Audient has firmly established itself as a key player in the audio world. As they continue to adapt to the changing landscape of music production, Audient is poised to maintain its position as a leading provider of professional audio solutions for years to come.

Harmonic saturation in the audio realm is a pivotal concept that has significantly influenced the development and application of audio processing, both in music production and sound engineering. This phenomenon, deeply rooted in the history and evolution of audio recording and reproduction, plays a crucial role in shaping the tonal characteristics of audio signals, imparting warmth, depth, and character to sound.

### Understanding Harmonic Saturation

Harmonic saturation refers to the addition of harmonic overtones to a sound signal, which occurs when the signal is processed through certain types of equipment or software. These harmonics are multiples of the fundamental frequency of the sound and contribute to its timbral richness.

In the early days of audio recording, harmonic saturation was a byproduct of the limitations of analog equipment. Vacuum tube amplifiers, tape machines, and early solid-state devices naturally introduced these harmonics, especially when driven beyond their nominal operating levels. This "coloration" of the sound was initially seen as a drawback, but over time, it became valued for the musical qualities it imparted.

### Types of Harmonic Saturation

1. **Tube Saturation**: Tubes, or valves, produce a soft, warm saturation that is often associated with vintage sound. This type of saturation adds even and odd harmonics, but it is the even harmonics (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.) that are more pronounced, contributing to a sound that is perceived as warm and smooth.

2. **Tape Saturation**: Analog tape recorders introduce saturation due to the magnetic properties of the tape. This saturation is dynamic, dependent on the frequency and level of the signal, and can compress high frequencies, adding a unique form of warmth and body to the sound.

3. **Transistor Saturation**: Solid-state or transistor-based saturation tends to be harsher than tube saturation. It predominantly adds odd harmonics (3rd, 5th, 7th, etc.), resulting in a brighter, more aggressive sound.

4. **Digital Saturation**: With the advent of digital audio technology, saturation effects are often emulated through software. These digital saturation algorithms aim to replicate the characteristics of analog hardware, providing the warmth and character of traditional equipment in a digital format.

### Applications in Music Production and Sound Engineering

Harmonic saturation is employed in various stages of audio production:

1. **Recording**: Adding saturation during recording can enhance the sound of individual instruments or vocals, giving them more presence and body.

2. **Mixing**: Saturation is used in mixing to add warmth, glue tracks together, or make elements stand out in a mix. It can also be used to simulate the sound of analog recording equipment.

3. **Mastering**: In mastering, subtle saturation can be used to add cohesiveness to the overall sound of a recording, making it sound fuller and more polished.

### The Role of Saturation Plugins and Hardware

The demand for the unique qualities of harmonic saturation in the digital era has led to the development of numerous plugins and hardware units designed to emulate various forms of analog saturation. These tools range from precise emulations of specific hardware units to more creative and experimental designs that offer new possibilities in sound shaping.

### Conclusion

Harmonic saturation remains a cornerstone in the world of audio production, revered for its ability to impart warmth, richness, and character to sound. From its unintended beginnings in the early days of recording to its purposeful application in modern digital audio workstations, saturation continues to be an essential tool in the arsenal of audio professionals and enthusiasts alike. Whether through the use of vintage equipment, modern hardware, or digital plugins, the art of applying harmonic saturation effectively is a testament to the ongoing fusion of technology and creativity in audio production.