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Audient ASP880 8-channel Microphone Preamp

Eight-channel Microphone Preamp/ADC with Burr Brown converters, line inputs, variable highpass filters, insert points, and two discrete JFET DIs
$1,399.00

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Upgrade Your Front End

The Audient ASP880 is an eight-channel microphone preamp/ADC that delivers transparent, world-class audio - with just a hint of analog coloration that sounds stunning on any project. Onboard, you'll find eight of Audient's acclaimed Class A console mic pres (with variable-input impedance), along with high-end Burr Brown converters, line inputs, variable highpass filters, insert points, and two discrete JFET DIs. Your recordings are only as good as your front end. If your mic preamps and converters leave something to be desired, the rest of your signal chain doesn't matter. Upgrade your front end with the Audient ASP880.

Audient ASP880 Eight-channel Microphone Preamp/ADC at a Glance:
  • World-class audio - and incredible value
  • Audient mic pres and Burr Brown converters onboard
  • Versatile functionality to juice your workflow
World-class audio - and incredible value

Do you spend hours EQing, trying to make your recordings sound good? Your front end may be the problem. If your mic preamps and converters are not up to snuff, it really doesn't matter how good the rest of your kit is. A funky front end will degrade everything downstream. If this describes your studio situation, Sweetwater recommends the Audient ASP880. Highly respected for their world-class consoles, Audient gives you their superior technology and sound quality in a one-stop-shop 1U device. And it's an incredible value.

Audient mic pres and Burr Brown converters onboard

The ASP880 features eight of Audient's acclaimed Class A console mic preamps - and believe us - they sound amazing. For the best possible conversion, you also get integral ADC with the highest grade converters from Burr Brown, a leader in converter technology. The result is stunningly transparent sound, with just a taste of coloration. It's the ideal prescription for lackluster studio sound.

Versatile functionality to juice your workflow

The Audient ASP880 is fabulously versatile. It's perfect with ribbon mics, with variable impedance that lets you match the preamp to your favorite mic to maximize frequency response and punch. Variable highpass filters are convenient for eliminating rumble and other unwanted LF artifacts. Insert points let you use your favorite compressor or other analog processor before the converters. The A-D button lets the unit function as an eight-channel mic pre while you use the converters separately in stand-alone mode. And with two great-sounding discrete JFET DI inputs, you can plug your guitar or bass straight in.

Audient ASP880 Eight-channel Microphone Preamp/ADC 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
Upgrade your studio's front end with the Audient ASP880!

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Tech Specs

  • Preamp Type: Solid State
  • Number of Channels: 8
  • Phantom Power: Yes
  • EQ: High Pass Filter (variable)
  • Sample Rate: Up to 96kHz
  • Bit Depth: 24-bit
  • Analog Inputs: 8 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line), 2 x 1/4" (Hi-Z), 1 x DB-25 (return)
  • Analog Outputs: 1 x DB25 (send)
  • Digital Outputs: 2 x Optical Toslink (ADAT, SMUX), DB-9 (AES, S/PDIF)
  • Clock I/O: 1 x Word Clock
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz-100kHz (±0.5dB)
  • Rack Spaces: 1U
  • Power Source: Standard IEC AC cable
  • Height: 1.75"
  • Depth: 11" (not including jacks/controls)
  • Weight: 8.8 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: ASP880

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Feature rich and worth every penny

Upgraded to these preamps from a Focusrite Scarlett 8 channel preamp. One problem I had with the focusrite, was that overheads, and snare would sometimes clip even after turning the gain all the way down. With the audient preamps I set the levels and I have a much more consistent result and without clipping. The sound is clean and clear, the features are far beyond what most interfaces provide. It's a step up or two in price but it's 100% worth it. When I have more money to burn, I plan on buying another one.
Rated 5/5

Best Value 8 Channel Pre

I have had the ASP 880 for a couple of years now and I would say it is the best value 8 channel pre on the market in terms of both quality and features. ...you get a variable impedance and variable high pass filter on all channels, professional quality preamps, two JFET DIs, and good I/O options.

These are not character preamps. I would describe them as clean and transparent. I have recorded a full drum set, vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar cabinets, mandolin, used the DIs for bass, and gotten good results across the board.

Pros:
- Great value
- Clean, professional sounding preamps
- Variable high pass filter
- Two JFET DIs
- Can double as a digital interface for analog inputs
- Sounds good on almost everything
- Very quiet

Cons:
- So far, I haven't found much use for the variable impedance switch. Variable impedance only matters for dynamic and ribbon mics and based on my tests, the different impedances provide a subtle change in EQ and mic response.
- With only 60db of gain, you may find that some dynamic and ribbon mics lack sufficient gain for certain applications. You may need to supplement with an in-line booster, like a Cloudlifter.
- The preamps are very clean sounding but this may come across as sterile or clinical in certain situations.

Don't get me wrong. i am extremely happy with the ASP 880 but I am now looking to supplement it with some additional character preamps that add a little more color or can be driven harder for some saturation.
Rated 5/5

Amazing preamp

Very warm sounding preamp with tons of headroom. So easy to get great sounds with this unit. Sounds so good I had to buy two! For recording drums this unit is top notch.
Rated 5/5

Audient nails it!

I picked up the Audient 880 to expand my Roland VS700 to 16 inputs because the Roland VS Expand had too many driver issues. The Audient 880 was easy just a pair of ADAT cables and bam it works! The sound of these mic pre's is amazing particularly on drums. They reach a nice saturation point around 42db which brings out some nice "warmth" and attack. The selectable impedance is very cool lets my mic's take a little more gain for added pre color. A well laid out front panel with dedicated hands on controls. The two 1/4" inputs on the first two channels are super convenient when recording guitars since I don't have to unplug my drum mic's on the back panel. This makes me want more Audient products in the future for yet more and more inputs! Thanks Sweetwater yet again!!
Music background: Engineer Songwriter
Rated 5/5

Warm Eight Channel Pre Amp

This is the second Audient ASP880 preamp I have purchased from Sweetwater. I purchased my first one following a recommendation from my Sweetwater Engineer Nick LaMendola. I was so impressed with the quality, functionality and warmth of this pre amp that I had to have a second one to get 8 more channels. You get a lot for you money with these preamps. If you are still on the fence, checkout Sound on Sound reviews for this preamp. You will not be disappointed. Thanks for the recommendation Nick!
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