Audient
Summary
Abstract
Audient manufactures a range of audio interfaces (iD series) and preamp expanders (ASP series) that are well-regarded for their transparent converters and console-derived preamp design. The community considers Audient a strong value proposition, particularly noting the unique insert send/return loop feature that functions like a “baby Metric Halo ULN-8.” While converters measure as completely transparent, the interfaces lack some bells and whistles compared to competitors, and some users report heat and reliability concerns with the ASP880 preamp expander.
Key Characteristics
- Transparent, measurement-proven converters — described as “completely transparent by all measurements,” converters should not be a bottleneck
- Insert send/return loops on preamps — a standout feature allowing outboard processing inline with the preamp, similar to Metric Halo ULN-8 workflow
- Console-derived preamp design — preamps praised by multiple users; some have console heritage from Audient’s larger ASP consoles
- No-frills approach — deliberately minimal feature set, which can be an advantage for simplicity
- Slightly higher roundtrip latency — uses standard USB drivers rather than custom drivers like RME, resulting in marginally higher latency
- ASP880 runs hot — multiple reports of the preamp expander getting quite warm, raising longevity concerns
- Strong price-to-performance ratio — hard to beat at the price point for what you get
Use Cases
- Home studios needing quality preamps and conversion — the iD44/iD48 offer solid all-in-one solutions
- Studios using outboard gear — the insert loops make hardware integration straightforward
- Budget-conscious upgrades from entry-level — competitive step up from basic interfaces
- Expanding I/O with ASP880 — 8 preamps with ADAT output for adding channels to an existing interface
Settings & Sweet Spots
- The insert loop is particularly useful for tracking through hardware compressors or EQ without additional routing complexity
- If using the ASP880, ensure adequate ventilation due to heat generation
Comparable Alternatives
| Interface | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RME | 2,500 | Better drivers and lower latency; higher price |
| Focusrite Clarett | 900 | Similar tier; clearer preamps per some users |
| SSL Alpha 8 | 700 | Good option if you do not need preamps or a monitor controller |
| Metric Halo | $2,500+ | The “full version” of the insert-loop workflow |
| Universal Audio Apollo | $1,000+ | More features but higher cost; consider rackmount models |
Common Mistakes
- Ignoring the heat issue on ASP880 — rack it with adequate ventilation; multiple users phasing theirs out due to thermal concerns
- Expecting custom driver performance — latency is slightly higher than RME or Apollo; may matter for real-time monitoring
- Overlooking the insert feature — this is the main differentiator vs. competitors at this price; if you do not use outboard, other interfaces may suit better
See Also
Source Discussions
Community Insights
“The converters are completely transparent by all measurements I’ve seen, they should not be the bottleneck.” — Bryan DiMaio
“The main selling point of the Audient is that it has an insert send/return loop after all the preamps, like a baby Metric Halo ULN-8.” — Bryan DiMaio
“I have an audient asp880 that I’m not a big fan of. It gets pretty hot, so I’m concerned about longevity.” — Paris / Blue Butler Studios
“One thing to note with the SSL and Audient is that the roundtrip latency is a tad higher than stuff with custom drivers like RME.” — Bryan DiMaio
“It seems fine enough if your needs line up perfectly with the feature set it offers — just doesn’t really have any bells and whistles, which can be a feature in and of itself.” — Bryan DiMaio
Discord Source
Channel: recording-talk Mentions: 16 Key contributors: hyanrarvey