Datasheet

Audient’s designers worked closely with
both component designers and
manufacturing companies to optimise the
choice of component types and assembly
methods. Passive components are
generally ‘high tech’ surface mount
devices, allowing a high density component
layout optimised for low noise and
crosstalk. Active components such as
integrated circuits, and also
potentiometers, switches and connectors
are ‘pin in hole’ types to ensure easy
serviceability.
Serviceability in general was a key design
focus. A simple but highly effective
arrangement was developed allowing each
twelve channel wide section to hinge
upwards, while still in an operational state.
Removal of a small number of connectors
allows the entire unit to be easily removed
and replaced if necessary.
The frame design was developed ‘from a
clean sheet of paper’.
The use of a lateral construction reduces
the depth needed in the frame, reducing
weight and the amount of material used.
A welded all-steel structure containing an
innovative internal dual torsion tube
construction, achieves rigidity and torsional
strength without a significant increase in
either depth or weight.
At Audient, quality is the first
commandment. So delivering the desired
feature set for ASP8024 at an affordable
price could not involve compromising audio
integrity. This meant that economies could
not be effected in either circuit topology or
component integrity. Indeed, in certain
areas such as the microphone / input
amplifier a new advanced design was
called for in order to meet our stringent
performance targets of common mode
rejection, noise and distortion.
Major cost reductions could only be
achieved by using efficient manufacturing
methods, innovative design, and
economies of scale.
Traditional analogue consoles typically
utilise single or multiple printed circuit
boards, mounted perpendicular to the
control surface, assembled in individual
metalwork modules, and interlinked by
connectors into either a fixed motherboard
or a floating ribbon cable. While convenient
for maintenance, this is expensive, heavy,
and involves the use of large numbers of
potentially unreliable connectors. Audient
chose an alternative approach for the
ASP8024 with printed circuit boards
mounted parallel to the control surface,
spanning twelve channels. In other words,
the boards are arranged on a functional
basis instead of a channel basis.
Metalwork design was thereby simplified
and handling times during fabrication
reduced, while assembly can benefit by
more efficient use of higher speed auto
insertion and pick/place machinery.
An equally important benefit is a reduction
in the number of interconnections by a
factor of 12, improving reliability and signal
integrity.
Quality
Confidence
John Rivers of Woodbine Street studios, England.
Floating Point studios, Australia.
La Mole studios, Turin.