The analogue desk there is wired in line with a ProTools 16 i/o HD system with a range of outboard and full patch-bay, teamed with Adam A8X monitors and various outboard, together with a selection of studio classic mics. "Our requirements were for an analogue signal path to replace a digital control surface that wasn't getting a huge amount of use. It also balanced up the analogue/digital balance in our main teaching studios in Plymouth," Matt continues.
The dBs Music centre in Berlin already had experience of Audient in the shape of an ASP8024, but for dBs Music UK it was a first from the innovative audio manufacturers. Matt is already enjoying the advantages of the Audient: "The layout of the console is very clear and intuitive helping the students get a clear understanding of the signal path, and the comprehensive centre section allows them to get the feel of a large console in a small footprint."
There are plans to develop the HE centre to add new courses in Bristol to start later this year, where the second of the two ASP4816 consoles has been installed, and is already instrumental in teaching HND Music Production students and three different degree courses. It's a busy time for Matt and his colleagues, so the equipment has to be just right.
"The ASP4816 was the clear choice for a pure analogue console at this price point," Matt explains. "I think the flexibility in the routing, balanced inserts and quality of the audio really make it stand out from the competition. We were not looking for built in A/D convertors or any digital processing, so the focus on audio quality was important for us. The ASP4816 is transparent and wide open with plenty of headroom, something we have found lacking in other consoles."
dBs Music prides itself in providing industry standard technology for students, the website underlining the fact that it has "...the wide spectrum of recording, production and performance equipment covered." Which, thanks to educational technology experts in Academia's Audio and Video division is very much the case.
Matt confirms, "We have invested a significant amount of money in kit over the last few years and it's important for us that it will stand up to the rigours of education. Academia were very knowledgeable about the functionality of all the desks we were considering and seem uniquely placed to offer the knowledge and support in this area."
Neil Boia from Academia's Audio and Video division, adds: "The ASP4816 is a solidly built desk, and with so many features in such a compact form is a great choice for dBs Music training centres - especially when it comes in at such an impressive price point."
With its 700 students in the UK alone, and diploma courses bursting at the seams, dBs Music is going to have to hurry up with the expansion of the Bristol HE centre. In the meantime, there's no shortage of technology for students and staff to get busy with. Indeed, Matt's already got his eye on some more Audient kit: "We are also considering some iD22 in the future for Plymouth."
(Jim Evans)
