Audient, a UK-based company, has earned a reputation for crafting high-quality audio equipment that caters to both beginners and seasoned professionals. But what is it about Audient that sets them apart in a market saturated with options? This article will explore the world of Audient, delving into their company background, core values, and the range of products they offer. We’ll examine their audio interfaces, mixing consoles, and microphone preamps, highlighting key features and innovations like Smartgain technology and their console-grade approach to compact devices. We’ll also compare Audient to its competitors, analyze customer reviews, and discuss pricing and value, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of what makes Audient a compelling choice for audio enthusiasts of all levels.
Key Takeaways
- Audient gear fits various budgets and needs: Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Audient offers interfaces, preamps, and consoles to suit your workflow and budget. Their product line covers everything from portable recording setups to professional studio installations.
- User-friendly designs make recording easier: Audient prioritizes intuitive design, making their equipment accessible to everyone. Features like Smartgain automate complex tasks, allowing you to focus on your creativity.
- Solid performance and value: Audient products deliver high-quality audio at competitive prices. Their durable construction and comprehensive software bundles add extra value, making them a smart investment for your audio projects.
What is Audient?
Company Background
Audient Ltd. is a British company located in Herriard, Hampshire, that designs, manufactures, and sells a range of pro audio equipment. Founded in 1997, Audient remains headquartered in the UK, where they develop products for audio professionals and aspiring musicians. You might know Audient for their acclaimed mixing consoles, but they also produce audio interfaces, mic preamps, monitor controllers, and signal processors.
Core Values and Mission
Audient focuses on providing high-quality, easy-to-use audio equipment accessible to everyone from home studio hobbyists to seasoned pros. Their marketing emphasizes this user-friendliness alongside their commitment to great sound. It’s no surprise that their gear is used by well-known musicians, producers, and recording studios worldwide, including the legendary Abbey Road Studios. This speaks volumes about the quality and reputation of Audient products. They aim to make professional-level audio tools that won’t intimidate newcomers.
Audient Products
Audient makes a wide range of pro audio gear, from compact audio interfaces perfect for home recording to full-blown mixing consoles used in professional studios. Let’s take a closer look at their main product categories.
Audio Interfaces
Audient offers several audio interfaces designed for various needs and budgets. Their lineup includes the iD4, iD14, iD22, iD24, iD44, and iD48, along with the Sono, EVO 4, EVO 8, and EVO 16. They even offer a handy EVO Start Recording Bundle. These interfaces aim to deliver high-quality audio, whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro. The EVO 4, for example, is well-regarded for its compact size and solid performance, making it a great choice for solo musicians recording at home. You can find more details on their audio interface product page. A review of the EVO 4 and EVO 8 interfaces by Sound on Sound provides further insight into their capabilities.
Microphone Preamps
Beyond interfaces, Audient produces standalone microphone preamps, crucial components for capturing high-quality audio. Models like the EVO SP8, ASP880, and ASP800 are known for their clean and transparent sound, suitable for all sorts of recording situations. These preamps are designed to give clarity and reliability to your recordings. Mixdown Magazine’s review of the EVO SP8 preamp highlights its smart features and versatile functionality. You can explore Audient’s full line of microphone preamps on their website.
Mixing Consoles
For professional studios and demanding setups, Audient offers a range of mixing consoles. Their ASP8024-HE, ASP4816-SE, and ASP4816-HE are known for their impressive sound quality and intuitive layout. These consoles are used in prestigious studios worldwide, including Abbey Road Studios, as noted on their Wikipedia page, a testament to Audient’s commitment to quality and performance. You can find more information about their console offerings on the Audient site.
Popular Audient Models & Features
Audient offers several product lines, each designed with specific users in mind. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience under your belt, there’s likely an Audient interface, preamp, or console that fits your workflow. Let’s take a closer look at some popular models and their key features.
iD Series
The iD series of audio interfaces is perfect for home studio musicians and podcasters. These compact interfaces offer high-quality preamps and converters in a small footprint. The iD4 is a great entry-level option with two inputs and two outputs, ideal for solo musicians recording vocals and an instrument. If you need more inputs, the iD14 provides four inputs and six outputs, giving you the flexibility to record drums or multiple instruments simultaneously. Across the iD series, you’ll find features like the intuitive ScrollControl, which allows you to control your DAW directly from the hardware, and monitor mix for blending your input signal with your computer playback.
EVO Series
The EVO series focuses on simplicity and ease of use, making it a great choice for those new to recording. The EVO 4 is a compact two-in/two-out interface perfect for solo recording. Sound on Sound describes the EVO 4 as a “great little lump of an audio interface”–high praise from a respected audio publication. The EVO 8 expands on this with four inputs and four outputs, allowing for slightly more complex recording setups. One standout feature of the EVO series is Smartgain, which automatically sets the input gain for you, saving you time and ensuring a clean recording. For larger projects, the EVO 16 offers a significant step up with 24 inputs and 24 outputs.
ASP Series
For professional studios and demanding applications, Audient’s ASP series of microphone preamps and consoles offers exceptional sound quality and flexibility. The ASP8024 Heritage Edition console is a flagship product known for its pristine preamps and versatile routing capabilities. Mixdown Magazine highlights Audient’s reputation for building “everything you need at the core of your studio,” emphasizing the company’s focus on providing high-quality, essential tools for audio professionals. The ASP series also includes smaller units like the ASP880, an eight-channel mic preamp that delivers the same sonic quality as the larger consoles in a more compact format.
Audient vs. Competitors
When choosing audio equipment, factors like sound quality, price, and user-friendliness are key. Let’s see how Audient measures up against other brands.
Sound Quality
Audient interfaces are known for their clean, detailed sound, often praised for their clear audio reproduction. Users frequently mention the preamps, converters, and overall design as major contributors to this high-quality sound. For instance, one Gearspace user commented on the noticeable improvement when switching from a Focusrite Scarlett to an Audient ID14. Sound on Sound describes the EVO 4’s audio quality as “decent,” ideal for home recording.
Price-to-Performance Ratio
Audient offers high-quality audio equipment at prices that are competitive and accessible to a wide range of users, from beginners to pros. Descriptive.audio notes the EVO 4’s “good value for money” compared to similar interfaces. The availability of extended warranties, as seen on Amazon, adds to the overall value.
User-Friendliness
Audient focuses on intuitive design, making their interfaces user-friendly, even for beginners. The company’s website highlights their commitment to simplicity, making pro-level recording accessible to everyone. A Medium review discusses the EVO 4’s innovative scroll control, which simplifies adjusting gain and other settings.
Build Quality & Durability
Audient products are built to be durable. Mixdown Magazine mentions Audient’s reputation for reliable studio equipment. Audient’s own blog post about choosing an audio interface emphasizes the importance of build quality, highlighting durability and a solid feel. This focus on robust construction means Audient interfaces can withstand regular use and offer long-term reliability.
Who Uses Audient?
Audient’s gear appeals to a broad range of audio folks, from those just starting out to seasoned pros. Let’s take a look at who uses Audient products and why.
Home Studio Musicians
For musicians working from home, Audient interfaces like the EVO 4 offer a simple way to record high-quality audio. They’re known for their clear preamps and easy-to-use design, making them a solid choice for capturing instruments and vocals. The compact size is a plus for smaller home setups, too. Plus, the price point makes them accessible for musicians who are just getting started.
Podcasters & Content Creators
Podcasters and other content creators appreciate Audient’s balance of performance and affordability. The Audient Evo 4 is particularly popular for its clean, professional sound without a hefty price tag. Its user-friendly features make it easy to get set up and recording quickly, which is essential for content creators working on tight deadlines.
Professional Audio Engineers
Even in professional studios, Audient has made a name for itself. Their preamps, consoles, and converters are praised for their reliability and build quality. The ASP8024 console, for example, is a favorite among many engineers for its classic sound and robust design. This high-end console provides the features and performance needed in demanding professional environments.
Music Producers
Music producers often rely on Audient interfaces like the iD48 for their detailed sound and versatile features. The combination of high-quality preamps and advanced converter technology makes them a valuable tool in any production workflow. These interfaces offer a wide range of inputs and outputs, allowing producers to connect all their gear with ease.
Live Sound Engineers
For live sound, the rugged build of Audient interfaces is a major benefit. Durable construction is essential in a live environment, and Audient delivers with its robust metal chassis and high-quality components. This ensures that the gear can withstand the rigors of the road and consistently deliver reliable performance night after night. The compact size of many Audient interfaces is also a plus for live sound engineers who need to travel light.
Audient Pricing & Value
Price Ranges
Audient understands that audio creators work with different budgets. Their interfaces range from affordable entry-level options to higher-end models for seasoned pros. For example, the Audient EVO 4 usually sells for around $129. The Audient ID14 MKII offers more features and typically retails for about $150. This tiered approach to pricing makes Audient accessible to a wide range of users. You can often find used models in great condition for even less on sites like Reverb or eBay.
Current Promotions
Want to save some cash? It’s always a good idea to check for current promotions before buying new gear. Sites like CouponWCode often list discounts on Audient products. AskmeOffers is another resource for coupon codes and deals. Also, check out Sweetwater—they frequently offer recording bundles and deals on Audient gear.
Audient Innovations
Audient consistently pushes the boundaries of audio technology, making pro features accessible to everyone. Here’s a closer look at some of their key innovations:
Smartgain Technology
Setting input levels correctly can be tricky for newcomers. Audient’s Smartgain technology simplifies this process. With the touch of a button, Smartgain automatically sets the gain for up to eight channels simultaneously. This feature saves you time and ensures a clean recording, free from clipping. You can find Smartgain on interfaces like the EVO 8.
High-Quality Preamps
Audient takes pride in its preamp designs. Their preamps, featured in both their interfaces and consoles, are known for their clean, transparent sound and low noise floor. This commitment to quality ensures your recordings capture every nuance of your performance. Whether you’re recording vocals, instruments, or podcasts, Audient preamps deliver professional results. Learn more about Audient’s preamps on their website.
Software Bundle
Audient sweetens the deal with a comprehensive software bundle included with their products. Upon registering your device, you unlock a collection of software and plugins from industry-leading companies like Softube and GForce. This bundle provides a valuable toolkit for mixing, mastering, and creative effects processing. The ARC software page details everything included in the bundle.
Console-Grade Tech in Compact Devices
Audient brings the technology of its high-end mixing consoles to smaller devices, like the iD44. This means you get exceptional audio quality and performance in a smaller, more affordable package. This commitment to bringing professional-level technology to a wider audience is a hallmark of Audient’s design philosophy.
Customer Reviews
Top Features
Users appreciate Audient’s approach to design and function. The Evo 4, for instance, offers a reliable and sleek interface with solid performance and a user-friendly experience at an attractive price point. Reviewers consider it a compelling choice for budget-conscious users seeking a dependable audio interface. Sound on Sound calls the Evo 4 a “great little lump of an audio interface,” particularly well-suited for home recording setups. Beyond specific products, Audient’s reputation as a UK-based pro audio company encompasses a full suite of studio equipment, from preamps and consoles to converters, as noted in this SP8 review.
Areas for Improvement
While Audient generally receives positive reviews, a few areas warrant attention. One discussion point revolves around the Evo 4’s gain knob, which acts as a controller rather than a direct amplifier, as mentioned in this Evo 4 review. Also, some users report a slight dip in dynamic range compared to the ID14. These details offer helpful insights for prospective buyers.
Where to Buy Audient
Ready to add some Audient gear to your setup? Here’s how to find the right retailer:
Authorized Retailers
Buying from an authorized retailer gives you confidence. You’re guaranteed authentic Audient products and a valid warranty. Plus, retailers like Sweetwater often have exclusive deals and bundles on Audient gear, along with expert advice if you have questions.
Online Marketplaces
You’ll find Audient products on online marketplaces like Amazon, which is handy for comparing prices and reading customer reviews. Just make sure you’re buying from a reputable seller by checking their rating.
Audient Direct
Purchasing directly from the Audient website gives you access to their complete product line, including any special edition gear. It’s also the best place to find detailed specs and support information straight from the source.
Audient Alternatives
If Audient doesn’t quite fit your needs, plenty of other manufacturers make similar audio equipment. Here are a few alternatives worth exploring:
Focusrite
Focusrite is popular with beginners and experienced users alike, especially their Scarlett series. If sound quality is your priority, check out their ID14. It features better preamps, DI, and converters than the Scarlett interfaces, making it a worthwhile upgrade. Users on Gearspace often recommend the ID14 for its improved sound.
Universal Audio
Known for their high-end Apollo interfaces, Universal Audio makes products for various budgets. While Audient interfaces like the iD48 aim to be all-in-one solutions, Universal Audio often focuses on particular recording needs, like their Volt series for desktop setups. Think about what features matter most to you when comparing these brands.
PreSonus
PreSonus offers a wide selection of audio interfaces, including the Studio 24c. This interface works well for both beginners and more experienced users, with a competitive feature set comparable to Audient. B&H Photo Video offers a helpful comparison of Audient and PreSonus interfaces.
Apogee
Apogee is known for its high-quality converters and easy-to-use interfaces. Audient is praised for its innovative technology and reliability, but Apogee has a solid reputation, particularly in the professional market. You can find more details on Apogee products at Factory Sound.
SSL
SSL is a respected name in professional audio, known for its high-end mixing consoles and audio interfaces. Audient, a newer company, has become a competitor, especially with its preamps and converters. Mixdown Mag reviewed Audient’s EVO SP8 preamp, discussing its features and performance.
Related Articles
- M-Audio: The Audio Equipment Guide For Beginners – Supermarket Sound
- Best Audio Interfaces With Mixer For Music Production – Supermarket Sound
- Audix Microphones: Your Guide To Great Sound – Supermarket Sound
- Allen & Heath: Exploring The Range Of Mixers – Supermarket Sound
- Digidesign & Pro Tools: Shaping Modern Music Production – Supermarket Sound
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Audient gear suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Audient designs its products with user-friendliness in mind. Interfaces like the EVO 4 and EVO 8 are especially great for beginners due to their simple setup and intuitive features like Smartgain. Even their more advanced products are designed to be approachable, so you don’t need to be a seasoned pro to use them.
What’s the difference between Audient’s iD and EVO series interfaces?
Both the iD and EVO series are excellent choices for home recording, but they cater to slightly different needs. The iD series offers a bit more control and flexibility, making it suitable for musicians who want to fine-tune their recordings. The EVO series prioritizes simplicity and ease of use, making it perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a streamlined recording process.
Where can I find reliable Audient product reviews?
Several reputable sources offer in-depth Audient reviews. Sound on Sound magazine is known for its thorough and unbiased audio equipment reviews. You can also find helpful user reviews on online retailers like Amazon and Sweetwater. For a more technical perspective, check out forums like Gearspace, where audio professionals discuss their experiences with different gear.
Are Audient products a good value for the money?
Audient strikes a good balance between price and performance. While not the cheapest option on the market, their products offer excellent sound quality and features at competitive prices. Consider your specific needs and budget when deciding if Audient is the right fit for you. Remember to check for current promotions and deals to get the best possible price.
What if I need help with my Audient gear?
Audient provides customer support through its website, offering FAQs, user manuals, and contact information. You can also find helpful resources and community support on forums like Gearspace and Reddit. Many authorized retailers, such as Sweetwater, also provide excellent customer service and technical support for the products they sell.
