Audient ASP800 8 Channel Microphone Preamp

Audient ASP800 overview

A detailed description of the Audient ASP800, which is an audio interface and mic preamp unit designed to enhance your recording setup. The ASP800 offers several features that can help improve your audio recording and processing capabilities:

8 Channels of Mic Preamps:

The ASP800 features 8 high-quality microphone preamps that are designed to provide professional-grade sound. These Class-A mic preamps are known for their smooth and versatile tonal characteristics.

Burr-Brown Converters:

The unit includes Burr-Brown AD converters that offer high-performance audio conversion, allowing you to capture audio with clarity and accuracy.

JFET D.I Inputs:

There are two JFET D.I (Direct Injection) inputs, which are designed to emulate the input stage of classic valve amplifiers. This makes it easy to directly connect instruments like guitars, basses, keyboards, and drum machines for recording.

Retro Channels:

The ASP800 includes two Retro channels that provide additional tonal shaping options. These channels offer variable harmonic generation controls (HMX & IRON) that allow you to add warmth, color, and character to your audio signals, emulating the vintage tones of different eras.

HMX (MOSFET Drive):

This control adds asymmetrical harmonic distortion to your audio, similar to the sound of vintage tube preamps from the 1960s. It can add richness and thickness to various sources, such as drums and electric guitars.

IRON (Magnetic Transformer Drive):

The IRON control is a British transformer saturator that can add sparkle, growl, and other characters to your audio. It’s designed to replicate the sound of 1970s recordings with its unique combination of drive, impedance, bass response, and other parameters.

Expandability via ADAT:

The ASP800 can be used to expand your existing audio interface setup via ADAT. This allows you to add more input to your recording system, making it suitable for recording both acoustic and electronic instruments.

Durable Construction:

The ASP800 is built with a sturdy metal construction and ergonomic design. It’s designed to withstand the demands of studio and on-the-road use.

Plug and Play:

With its high-quality mic preamps and instrument inputs, the ASP800 is designed to be easy to use. Just plug in your microphones, instruments, or other gear and start recording.

Overall, the Audient ASP800 aims to provide a range of features that cater to both professional and home studio environments, offering clean and transparent audio as well as the option to add character and color to your recordings through its Retro channel controls.

Audient ASP800 8-ch Mic Preamp Features:

• Eight world-class Audient Console mic preamps
• Two Retro Channels with Dual Stage COLOUR Saturation Controls – HMX & IRON
• Two Discrete JFET instrument inputs
• Pristine 118-dB Burr-Brown A-D converters
• Balanced analog line outputs
• Word clock input
• iD ScrollControl mode
• All-metal enclosure

For audio professionals and enthusiasts seeking pristine sound quality and versatile connectivity, the Audient ASP800 8 Channel Microphone Preamp offers a powerful solution that elevates your recording setup. Whether you are tracking multiple instruments simultaneously, building a home studio, or enhancing your live sound rig, this preamp provides the clarity and control needed to capture every nuance of your performance with exceptional fidelity.

One of the primary challenges in recording is maintaining the integrity of your source material. The ASP800 addresses this with its solid-state preamp design, which ensures low noise and high headroom for clean, transparent amplification. With eight individual channels, you can connect multiple microphones or instruments at once, streamlining your workflow and reducing the need for additional gear. Each channel also includes a polarity switch, allowing you to correct phase issues on the fly—critical for achieving a natural and cohesive sound when recording multiple sources.

The inclusion of -10 dB pads on each input means that even the loudest sources can be managed without distortion, giving you the flexibility to capture everything from delicate vocals to powerful drum kits. Phantom power is available on all channels, making the ASP800 compatible with a wide range of condenser microphones. This versatility ensures that you can adapt your setup to any recording situation with confidence.

In terms of digital integration, the ASP800 supports sample rates up to 96 kHz and 24-bit depth, providing professional-grade audio quality that meets modern production standards. The unit features eight XLR-1/4” combo analog inputs, two additional 1/4” Hi-Z inputs for direct instrument connections, and a DB-25 analog output for streamlined routing to your audio interface or mixer. Digital outputs via an Optical Toslink connector (ADAT/SMUX) allow you to expand your system digitally, connecting directly to compatible interfaces and converters for seamless workflow integration. The BNC clock input helps maintain precise synchronization across your digital setup, reducing jitter and improving overall sound quality.

Physically, the ASP800 is designed to fit neatly into a standard 19” rack, occupying just 1U of space. With a height of 1.75 inches, a depth of 11.27 inches, and a width of 19 inches, it offers a compact footprint that suits both professional studios and portable rigs. Weighing under 10 pounds, it is easy to transport and install, making it an ideal choice for mobile recording engineers and live sound professionals. The unit is powered by a standard IEC AC cable, ensuring reliable and consistent operation.

Whether you are tracking a full band, recording vocals, or setting up a multi-mic drum kit, the Audient ASP800 provides the tools you need for superior sound capture. Its combination of high-quality preamps, flexible connectivity, and user-friendly features make it a cornerstone for any serious recording environment. The ability to handle various input types and deliver pristine audio with minimal noise means you spend less time troubleshooting and more time focusing on creativity.

Confidence in your gear is essential, and the ASP800 delivers on that promise. Priced competitively at ₹79,990 with a recent sale price that undercuts the regular ₹89,100, it offers exceptional value for a professional-grade preamp. Backed by Audient’s reputation for quality and innovation, this unit ensures your recordings are accurate, detailed, and ready for any production challenge. Invest in the Audient ASP800 to bring clarity and control to your audio projects, knowing your sound is in expert hands.