Audient ASP880 8-channel Microphone Preamp

Audient ASP880 Overview

The ASP880, an 8-channel microphone preamplifier and ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) manufactured by Audient. The ASP880 offers a range of features and capabilities that can significantly enhance your audio recording setup. Here’s a breakdown of the key features and benefits you’ve mentioned:

Mic Preamps and ADC:

The ASP880 is equipped with eight high-quality Class-A console mic preamps and uses Burr Brown converters, known for their high-grade audio conversion technology. This combination ensures that your recordings maintain their sonic quality and fidelity.

Audio Excellence:

By utilizing the ASP880, you can bypass the mic preamps and converters in your existing audio interface, achieving the same level of audio excellence found in top studios. This is particularly valuable for upgrading your recording setup.

Renowned Mic Pre:

The Class-A console mic preamp in the ASP880 is designed by David Dearden and is used by many professional studios worldwide. Its accurate translation of audio sources, versatility, and analog coloration can enhance the detail and excitement of your recordings.

Pristine Converter Technology:

The inclusion of Burr Brown converters ensures high-grade analog-to-digital conversion, providing clarity and accuracy in your recordings.

Plug and Play:

Along with the mic pre and line inputs, the ASP880 features discrete JFET DI inputs. These inputs are suitable for plugging in instruments like guitars or basses directly, without the need for external DI boxes.

Enhancement Features:

The ASP880 includes a range of features designed to enhance your audio. You can insert analog processors before the converters, offering flexibility in adding compression or EQ to your signals. The A-D button allows you to use the mic preamps independently from the converters in stand-alone mode.

Variable High-Pass Filter:

The variable high-pass filter helps eliminate unwanted low frequencies from your recordings, leaving you with a clean and ready-to-record signal.

Variable Impedance:

The variable impedance feature allows you to match the preamp to the characteristics of your ribbon microphones. This helps retain the natural punch and frequency response of the microphone.

Durable Construction:

The ASP880 is built with an all-metal construction and hand-milled aluminum knobs, making it durable enough to withstand the rigors of both studio and road use.

Compact Form Factor:

Despite its powerful capabilities, the ASP880 is designed to fit into a 1U rack space, making it a compact and efficient addition to your recording setup.

In summary, the ASP880 offers a comprehensive package of features and benefits that can enhance the quality of your audio recordings. From its high-grade mic preamps and converters to its enhancement features like variable impedance and high-pass filters, the ASP880 aims to provide professional-grade audio capabilities for your recording needs.

Features:

• Eight superb-sounding Audient Console mic pres with 48V Phantom power
• State-of-the-art Burr Brown AD converter technology
• Variable-input impedance lets you optimize your (ribbon) mics
• Variable highpass filters get rid of unwanted low-frequency artifacts
• Eight insert points between the mic preamps and AD converters
• Two Channels of Class A discrete JFET DI instrument inputs
• Digital outputs: ADAT, AES, and S/PDIF for added flexibility
• Rugged all-metal construction and hand-milled aluminium knobs

For audio professionals and enthusiasts seeking pristine sound quality and versatile connectivity, the Audient ASP880 8-channel Microphone Preamp offers a compelling solution. Whether you are recording a full band, podcasting with multiple guests, or capturing intricate acoustic performances, this preamp ensures every detail is preserved with exceptional clarity and low noise. Its combination of robust build quality and advanced features makes it an indispensable tool for achieving professional-grade recordings in any studio environment.

One of the standout advantages of the ASP880 is its solid-state preamp design, which delivers transparent, natural sound reproduction without unwanted coloration. This means your microphones capture audio with accuracy, allowing your recordings to retain their original character. The unit provides eight channels, each equipped with variable high-pass filters that help reduce rumble and low-frequency noise, enhancing the overall mix clarity. For users, this translates to cleaner tracks and less time spent on corrective equalization during post-production.

Connectivity options are thoughtfully integrated to accommodate a range of recording setups. The preamp features eight XLR-1/4″ combo inputs that accept both microphone and line-level sources, plus two dedicated 1/4″ Hi-Z inputs for direct instrument recording. This flexibility allows you to record drums, guitars, keyboards, and vocals simultaneously without external adapters. Analog output is handled via a DB25 connector, providing easy integration with multitrack recorders or audio interfaces. Additionally, the ASP880 offers digital outputs through dual optical Toslink connectors supporting ADAT and SMUX formats, along with DB-9 ports for AES and S/PDIF outputs. These options enable seamless expansion of your digital recording system while maintaining signal integrity.

The ASP880 supports sample rates up to 96 kHz and 24-bit bit depth, ensuring high-resolution audio capture that meets the demands of modern production standards. Its frequency response ranges impressively from 10 Hz to 100 kHz within ±0.5 dB, meaning it reproduces both the deepest lows and the highest highs with precision—important for capturing the full sonic spectrum of any instrument or voice. Phantom power is supplied on all mic inputs, allowing the use of condenser microphones without additional equipment. Synchronization is simplified via a dedicated Word Clock input/output, which ensures your digital devices remain perfectly in sync, reducing jitter and timing errors.

Physically, the ASP880 is designed for professional studios with a compact 1U rack size, measuring 1.75 inches in height and 11 inches in depth (excluding jacks and controls), and weighing just 8.8 pounds. This means it can be easily mounted alongside other rack gear without consuming excessive space. Power is supplied via a standard IEC AC cable for convenience and compatibility worldwide.

This preamp is ideal for recording engineers, producers, and musicians who demand reliable, high-quality sound from multiple sources simultaneously. Its combination of transparent preamps, flexible inputs, and comprehensive digital outputs make it equally suitable for home studios, professional recording facilities, and live sound applications. Whether you’re tracking a full drum kit, layering vocals, or capturing complex ensembles, the ASP880 provides the sonic fidelity and connectivity to get the job done efficiently.

In conclusion, the Audient ASP880 8-channel Microphone Preamp offers an exceptional balance of audio performance, versatility, and build quality. Priced competitively at ₹119,990 on sale, it presents a valuable investment for those looking to elevate their recording capabilities. With its detailed sound reproduction, extensive input/output options, and user-friendly design, the ASP880 stands as a reliable centerpiece in any modern recording workflow, delivering professional results session after session.