Audient

Audient is a British audio equipment manufacturer known for producing high-quality, professional-grade audio interfaces, mixing consoles, and preamplifiers. Founded in 1997 by David Dearden and Gareth Davies, who were previously associated with Soundcraft, Audient has grown to become a respected name in the audio industry. The company’s philosophy revolves around providing premium sound quality and innovative features at a price point that is accessible to both professionals and serious enthusiasts. Audient's product range is designed to cater to the needs of various audio professionals, from recording engineers to musicians and producers.

Company History and Philosophy The origins of Audient trace back to the extensive experience of its founders. David Dearden had an illustrious career as a console designer, working with renowned brands like Soundcraft, while Gareth Davies was instrumental in the business side of audio equipment companies. Combining their expertise, they aimed to create a company that could deliver high-end audio solutions without the hefty price tag typically associated with premium equipment.

From the beginning, Audient has maintained a commitment to sound integrity, ensuring that their equipment offers pristine audio quality, a feature that has become synonymous with the brand. The company’s product line initially focused on analog mixing consoles, but it has since expanded to include a wide range of digital and hybrid solutions.

Audient’s commitment to education and supporting the next generation of audio engineers and musicians is also noteworthy. The company frequently collaborates with educational institutions and offers discounts to students, making professional audio equipment more accessible to those in the early stages of their careers.

Top-Selling Products Over the years, Audient has developed a portfolio of products that have become industry standards in their respective categories. The company’s top-selling products include audio interfaces, mixing consoles, and microphone preamplifiers, all of which are known for their robust build quality, ease of use, and exceptional audio fidelity.

1. Audient iD Series: Audio Interfaces The Audient iD series is perhaps the company’s most successful product line. These audio interfaces are designed for musicians, producers, and engineers who need reliable and high-quality recording solutions for home studios, mobile setups, or professional environments. The iD series includes several models, with the iD4, iD14, iD22, and iD44 being the most popular.

iD4 and iD14: These are compact, bus-powered interfaces that offer 2-in/2-out and 2-in/4-out configurations, respectively. They are perfect for solo musicians or small home studios, providing one or two Audient console mic preamps, JFET DI inputs, and balanced outputs. The iD14 also offers optical input expansion via ADAT, allowing for additional inputs if needed.

iD22: A step up from the iD4 and iD14, the iD22 is a 2-in/6-out interface that includes two Class-A Audient console mic preamps, ADAT expansion, and advanced monitoring capabilities. It’s designed for professional use, offering low latency, high dynamic range, and pristine sound quality.

iD44: The flagship model of the iD series, the iD44 is a 20-in/24-out interface with four Audient console mic preamps, ADAT expansion, dual headphone outputs, and advanced monitoring features. It’s ideal for larger studios or recording setups where flexibility and high input/output counts are essential.

The iD series has garnered widespread acclaim for its combination of affordability, sound quality, and rugged design. The inclusion of Audient’s proprietary ScrollControl feature, which allows the interface’s volume knob to be used for DAW control, is another unique selling point that has resonated with users.

2. ASP Series: Analog Consoles and Preamps Audient’s ASP series of analog consoles and preamps is another cornerstone of the company’s product lineup. The ASP8024-HE console is a flagship model that has become a go-to choice for many studios worldwide.

ASP8024-HE: This large-format analog console is available in various configurations, with 24, 36, and 48 channels. It’s designed to provide the ultimate analog recording experience, featuring Audient’s renowned Class-A mic preamps, flexible routing options, and integrated DAW control. The ASP8024-HE is a hybrid console, meaning it combines traditional analog mixing with modern digital workflows, making it an ideal centerpiece for both analog and digital studios.

ASP880 and ASP800: These are 8-channel microphone preamps designed to expand the input capabilities of any recording system. The ASP880 features eight Audient Class-A mic preamps, along with digital outputs for easy integration with audio interfaces. The ASP800, on the other hand, includes two channels with Audient’s “Retro” channels, which provide tonal shaping options using transformer saturation and harmonic distortion, making it a favorite among engineers looking to add character to their recordings.

The ASP series is renowned for its pristine sound quality, low noise floor, and high headroom, making it a favorite among professional studios and recording engineers who demand the best in analog audio.

3. EVO Series: Entry-Level Audio Interfaces In 2020, Audient launched the EVO series, an entry-level range of audio interfaces aimed at beginners and those looking for an affordable, yet high-quality, recording solution. The EVO series includes the EVO 4 and EVO 8 interfaces, both of which have quickly become bestsellers.

EVO 4: A 2-in/2-out interface designed for podcasters, content creators, and musicians, the EVO 4 features two mic preamps, JFET DI, and a unique Smartgain feature that automatically sets the input levels for optimal recording. Its intuitive design and user-friendly features make it an excellent choice for those new to recording.

EVO 8: A larger version of the EVO 4, the EVO 8 offers 4-in/4-out capabilities, making it suitable for more complex recording setups. It shares the same Smartgain feature and high-quality preamps, making it a versatile and affordable option for small studios and content creators.

The EVO series has been praised for bringing Audient’s high-end audio quality to a more accessible price point, without sacrificing the features and performance that the brand is known for.

Conclusion Audient’s reputation as a leading audio equipment manufacturer is well-deserved, with a product range that caters to a broad spectrum of users, from beginners to seasoned professionals. The company’s top-selling products, including the iD series of audio interfaces, the ASP series of analog consoles and preamps, and the EVO series of entry-level interfaces, all reflect Audient’s commitment to delivering high-quality audio solutions at competitive prices. As the audio industry continues to evolve, Audient remains at the forefront, innovating and expanding its offerings to meet the changing needs of musicians, producers, and engineers around the world.