User Manual V1.3: Connect With Us
User Manual V1.3: Connect With Us
User Manual V1.3: Connect With Us
• ASP880
• Mains IEC Cable (in rear protection tube)
• Quick Start Guide
Please visit:
www.audient.com/products/asp880/
downloads to get the latest version of the
quick start guide and this manual. Watch/
listen to our example video content and grab
useful things like a session recall sheet etc.
NOTES: ____________________
___________________________
SESSION: ____________________ ARTIST: ____________________________
___________________________
___________________________
TITLE: ____________________ DATE: __________ TIME: __________ ___________________________
___________________________
MIC:
RECORDER
INPUT:
MIC:
RECORDER
INPUT:
MIC:
RECORDER
INPUT:
1 2
ASP880 Overview
POWER ON INDICATOR
SOLID ALUMINIUM KNOBS
SWEEPABLE HPF TIP* roll them smoothly between
Bypassable, smooth 12dB/oct variable your fingers for easy operation
60dB of CLASS-A GAIN
from 25 to 250Hz - clean up rumble and mud
VARIABLE INPUT IMPEDANCE Clean, quiet & punchy!
DISCRETE JFET D.I INPUT Triangle of tone for your mics!
Sounds fantastic on guitars & basses! 220, 1200 or 2800 Ω
DB25 ADC INPUTS
DB25 ANALOGUE OUTPUTS Line level input direct to ADC to use as
BNC WORDCLOCK INPUT Use to feed the mic preamps into standalone A-D converter, or return XLR MIC / TRS LINE INPUTS
MAINS SAFETY FUSE Hi-Z or 75Ω Termination outboard for processing outboard here to form an insert point Line inputs are available on combi jacks
T1A Time Delay available on rear panel switch (pressing the front panel A-D switch) (padded into the mic pre) and have access
(replace with same type) to all input functions (except P48)
3 4
Safety Information Safety Instructions
Please read all of these instructions and save them for later reference before connecting 1. Read these instructions
the mains IEC power cable and powering up ASP880. To prevent electrical shock and fire 2. Keep these instructions
hazard follow all instructions on the rear of the ASP880. 3. Heed all warnings
4. Follow all instructions
5. Do not use this equipment near water
6. Clean only with dry cloth
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions
ASP880 does not contain any user serviceable parts inside the internal power supply and in 8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
the event of a power supply failure, please contact audient support so that we can arrange equipment (including amplifiers) that produce heat
suitable service. 9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized
www.audient.com/support plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for
A 1RU ventilation space above the unit is recommended and it is not advised to run the unit your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
in a rack above hot units such as valve outboard and multichannel AD/DA converters replacement of the obsolete outlet
without suitable ventilation space around the unit. 10. Protect power cords from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the equipment
The internal switch-mode power supply design will accept any A.C line voltage from 11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer
90v to 264v @ 47-63Hz. Therefore the unit will work happily anywhere in the world but 12. For products that are not rack-mountable: Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
please ensure your A.C mains line voltage is within this specification and you use an or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the equipment. When a cart is
appropriate cable for the region. Consult a qualified technician if you suspect difficulties. used, use caution when moving the cart/equipment combination to avoid injury from
Do not attempt to tamper with the power supply or mains voltages - HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH. tip-over
13. Unplug this equipment during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time
! WARNING ! 14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the
equipment has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is
TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the equipment, the
RAIN OR MOISTURE. equipment has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally,
or has been dropped
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. 15. For products that are a mains powered device: The equipment shall not be exposed
PLEASE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids (such as vases) shall be
placed on the equipment
5 6
Declaration of Conformities
We, Audient Ltd, declare that the product, the ASP880, to which this declaration
relates, is in material conformity with the appropriate CE standards and directives
FEATURES
for an audio product designed for consumer use.
Audient Ltd has conformed where applicable,to the European Union’s Directive
2002/95/EC on Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) as well as the
in
in depth
depth
following sections of California law which refer to RoHS, namely sections 25214.10,
25214.10.2, and 58012, Health and Safety Code; Section 42475.2, Public Resources
7
Hardware Features
ASP880 features eight impeccably ASP880 features two discrete class-a JFET
optimised class-a micprohone preamplifiers. D.I inputs (Channels 1 & 2). Plugging into
these jacks will automatically select the D.I
Featuring a discrete 8-transistor front end, signal over the signals present at tha rear.
the mic pre is optimised for 0 to 60dB gain
with an EIN (equivalent input noise) of -127.5 Why JFET? BY
dB. The frontend has high-input headroom E J UST
ON
R E AT T IRECT!
and will be happy to accept any level from Junction Field Effect Transistors are known E G G IN D
TUR
CAP LUGGIN
your microphone collection, however for for their sweet tone and tube-like properties P
situations where you reach very hot signal when overdriven. You will often find JFETs
levels such as drum recording, a switchable used in guitar pedals and such for this very
-10dB pad is included on channels 1 & 2 to reason. They sound good and “can” provide
provide a -10 to +50dB padded gain range. just a touch of sweetness and larger than
life tone. JFETs also have a very high input
Microphone inputs are provided on the rear impedance (often approx. 1012 Ω) and
panel using Combi XLR connectors - here this makes them ideal for buffer circuits
the 1/4” Combi Jack connector provides a that do not load down the source device.
padded balanced line input (input impedance
>6kΩ) directly into the mic pre stage. In the case of electric guitars or basses with
vintage style passive pickups, the output We designed the JFET input on ASP880 to
These Combi Jack line inputs run through impedance of the instrument can often be have a 1MegΩ input impedance and thus
the mic preamp, providing a slightly sweeter 6,000 to 40,000Ω, depending upon volume match the loading effect found on classic
tone (due to the 2nd and 3rd harmonic and tone pot positions. Typically we should guitar amplifiers.
distortion in the mic pre) and have access provide a load that is 10 times the source
to all input conditioning functions apart from to create a true bridging system. Therefore This ensures you get the most tone from
phantom power. we need at least a 400kΩ load to get the your instrument and when pushed the JFET
most signal and tone from our instruments. circuit will provide plenty of 2nd and 3rd
Please be aware that the input impedance It should then come as no surprise that harmonic distortion (minimum 0.03% to
switch functions as a variable pad for any most classic valve guitar amplifiers have a lots!) ensuring that your instrument has a
line input signal (a secondary benefit!). very high input impedance - 1MegΩ! rich sound and some c o l o u r!
9 10
Hardware Features
11 12
Hardware Features
Variable Input Impedance The source (microphone) and load (mic pre- Variable Input Impedance - Listening
amplifier) form a bridging voltage divider,
One stand-out feature of the ASP880 is the that contain different values of resistance When listening, this diagram may come in Please be aware that some microphone
variable input impedance (Z) control. for the source at different frequencies - thus helpful if trying to train your ear to hear the types (transformerless condensor types)
creating a varying frequency response (or differences. may not produce audible changes due to
There are three impedance load settings on different output levels for each part of the their electronically buffered output stages
the unit, and these can be used to extract SM57 impedance curve) and thus a change Listen for the following: which have linear output impedances with
various voicings from your mic collection by in tone can be perceived. regards to frequency and therefore are less
loading the mic’s output stage differently. 1. Change in Level susceptible to changes in loading.
MIC - SOURCE 2. Change in Speed (Transient Response)
Notably mics with transformer outputs such 310 Ω @ 1kHz 3. Change in Tone (Frequency Response) If in doubt, consult your microphone
as SM57 / SM7 dynamic mics or Coles Varying at all frequencies 4. Change in Detail datasheet & manufacturer.
4038 ribbon microphones often provide
IN OUT
quite noticeable changes in tone when
operated into various loads. PRE - LOAD
220 Ω
FAST DETAILED
The three settings on ASP880 are: 1200 Ω
2800 Ω
• LO 220 Ω
GND
• MED 1200 Ω HI
• HI 2800 Ω Typically there is some change in level,
timbre, punch and tone when changing Z.
Take the dynamic output impedance of an Ribbon mics are known for liking HI-Z inputs. SOFT MED HARD
SM57 for example (illustration only):
-20
2k
LOAD = 2800 Ω
LO
LOAD = 1200 Ω
dB
Ω LOAD = 220 Ω
GLUED SLOW
310 Ω
∞
0
20
Hz 20k
20
Hz 20k
13 14
Hardware Features
1.
Analogue Line Outputs Digital Outputs - AES - S/PDIF
ASP880 features 8 analogue, cross-coupled The on-board digital card in ASP880 can
line driver outputs on DB25. These fully provide both double speed (96kHz) AES
balanced outputs use the same circuitry and ADAT output signals.
as our proven ASP8024 flagship console
and provide “transformer-like” differential The AES output is available on a 9-pin DSUB
line drive and high headroom with a sturdy, connector and is fully transformer balanced
transparent pair of operational amplfiiers. according the AES specification. The 9-pin
DB9 connector provides eight channels of
Use these outputs to use ASP880 as a balanced AES digital output and the wiring
standalone eight channel analogue mic pre. pinout is as shown to the right.
These outputs are wired as Tascam DB25 Pressing the AES - S/PDIF switch (1) will
standard with 100Ω output impedance and switch the DB9 output stage into consumer
+27.5dBu maximum level. format (lower signal amplitude etc) for
S/PDIF operation. In most cases, you will
AD Converter Direct Access / Inserts likely be using the AES professional output
ASP880 & iD22 - Perfect Harmony
so this switch can remain in the out position
ADC balanced line inputs are available on a until required.
Combining ASP880 with our iD22 USB
rear panel DB25 connector (also Tascam
recording interface via ADAT - you get 10
format). You can use these to directly Digital Outputs - ADAT SMUX
audient mic preamps, 10 top-of-the-range
access the AD converter with +18dBu input
Burr-Brown AD converters and 6 pristine
headroom (0dBFS = +18dBu) for line level The digital card also provides simultaneous
DAC outputs for monitoring! Nice!
signals, allowing you to feed the ADC from ADAT optical output on the rear of the unit
other sources such as alternative mic pres with full SMUX double speed capability.
etc. However this also provides a path in
which you can insert processing outboard For <48kHz operation, a single optical
such as EQ & compression between the mic cable should be connected from the top
pres and ADC - useful!! (1-4) ADAT port. This will provide 8-channels
@ 48kHz. For >48kHz operation, two optical
To activate the direct AD access press the cables should be used, with four channels
front panel A-D switch on each channel. carried on each for full 8ch 98kHz operation.
15 16
Hardware Features
There are two ways to integrate ASP880 You may have a studio master clock source
into your system digitally: such that all digital devices synchronise to
your session sample rate, or perhaps you
• As a MASTER clock source - internal clock would like the ASP880 to follow your DAW/
• As a SLAVE device - external clock recorder session sample rate so that you do
not have to reconfigure the unit when you flip
Master Clock Operation - INTERNAL between sessions at different sample rates.
1.
Assuming that you are connecting the In order to do this, you must set the ASP880
ASP880 digital output to a DAW/recording digital card to SLAVE to an external clock 1.
interface with either AES or ADAT inputs, source.
MASTER CLOCK SOURCE
the ASP880 can be set as MASTER clock BNC OUTPUT
source as follows: Press the SAMPLE RATE switch (1) until it is
3.
flashing green (external clock mode). 2. 75Ω COAX CABLE
Select the appropriate sample rate on the
front of ASP880 by pressing the SAMPLE Ensure that your master clock source is
RATE switch (1). connected via a 75Ω coaxial BNC cable to
the Word Clock input on ASP880 (3) - with
Ensure that your DAW/recorder session is CONNECT DIGITAL OUTPUT (AES or ADAT) a valid clock signal present here, the green
TO YOUR DAW/RECORDER
set to the same sample rate and that clock LED in the SAMPLE RATE switch should
source is set to external digital become solidly lit, indicating external lock.
input (either AES or ADAT).
If ASP880 is the only or last device in the clock
Your DAW/recorder should chain fed from the master clock, go ahead
CONNECT DIGITAL OUTPUT (AES or ADAT)
automatically follow the and press the 75Ω termination switch (2) to TO YOUR DAW/RECORDER
sample rate set on the front ensure that the clock line is loaded properly
of the ASP880. Note that both to stop any transmission line effects.
the AES and ADAT output
simultaneously so you can If using a BNC T-Bar to distribute clock
feed a backup recorder at the signals to various devices - please ensure the
same time on location gigs! last device in the chain is terminated (75Ω).
17 18
ASP880 Block Diagram Troubleshooting & FAQ
Troubleshooting FAQs
19 20
Specifications Dimensions
321mm
MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIERS:
(measured to insert send) ADC LINE INPUTS (Insert Returns):
(measured at AES output under AES-17)
MIC GAIN: -10 to +60dB (-10dB Pad)
LINE GAIN: -16 to +44dB (-10dB Pad)*
MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL: +18dBu
PHANTOM POWER: 48v +/-4v @ 10mA/Channel
DIGITAL REFERENCE LEVEL: 0dBFS = +18dBu
MIC EIN: <-127.5dBu
INPUT IMPEDANCE: >10kΩ Balanced
CMRR: >80dB @ 100 to 10kHz
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: +/-0.5dB 10Hz to Fs/2
MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL: +22dBu (+32dBu with Pad)
CROSSTALK: <-80dBu @ 1kHz & 10kHz
INPUT IMPEDANCE
THD+N @ -1dBFS (1kHz): <0.002% (-94dB)
Mic LO: 220Ω Balanced
THD+N @ -6dBFS (1kHz): <0.002% (-94dB)
Mic MED: 1k2Ω Balanced
DYNAMIC RANGE: 113dB un-weighted
Mic HI: 2k8Ω Balanced
115dB A-weighted
Line (All i/p Z): >6kΩ Balanced
PEAK LED LINEUP: +16dBu (-2dBFS)
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: +/-0.5dB 10Hz to 100kHz
SIGNAL LED LINEUP: -10dBu (-28dBFS)
CROSSTALK: <-85dBu @ 1kHz & 10kHz
THD+N @ 0dBu (1kHz): 0.003% (-90.5dBu)
SNR: >90dB
482mm
440mm
HPF: Sweepable from 25Hz to 250 Hz
2nd Order (12dB/Octave) DIGITAL i/o:
280mm
XLR: Pin 2 (Hot), Pin 3 (Cold) & Pin 1 (Shield) ADAT 8 CHANNELS SMUX: 44.1 - 96kHz
1/4” JACK: TIP (Hot), RING (Cold) & SLEEVE (Shield) AES | S/PDIF 8 CHANNELS: 44.1 - 96kHz
CLOCK: Internal or External
WORDCLOCK INPUT: 75Ω BNC
*Line input level at the combi jacks will be affected by the input Optional 75Ω Termination
impedance switch position, this can be used as a second pad
control to adjust line input ranges on all channels.
POWER SUPPLY:
DISCRETE JFET D.I (Channels 1 & 2): High stability, low noise internal SMPS
(measured to line outputs / insert send) Fanless, quiet operation
Works anywhere in the world without reconfiguring
D.I GAIN: -10 to +60 dB (-10dB Pad)
MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL: +16dBu (typical), +22dBu LINE VOLTAGES: 90 to 264V (a.c)
INPUT IMPEDANCE: 1MegΩ Unbalanced INTERNAL RAILS: +/-18VDC, +48VDC & +5VDC
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: +/-0.5dB 10Hz to 50kHz FUSE: T1A (1Amp Time Delay)
THD+N @ 0dBu (1kHz): <0.03% (-70dBu) CONSUMPTION: Maximum 40 Watts
SNR: 89dB
3mm
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: <100Ω Balanced
44.4mm
21 22
Warranty Service
Your ASP880 comes with a manufacturer’s warranty for one year (12 months) from the ASP880 contains no user-serviceable components, please refer to qualified service personnel
date of despatch to the end user. for diagnosis and repair. Your warranty will be void if you tamper with the device at component
level. If you have any questions with regard to the repair, please contact Audient Ltd.
The warranty covers faults due to defective materials used in manufacture and faulty
workmanship only. In the event your ASP880 needs to be repaired, it is necessary to contact Audient Ltd prior to
shipping, and a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number will be assigned. This number
During the warranty period audient will repair at its discretion or replace the faulty unit will serve as a reference for you and helps facilitate and expedite the return process. When
provided it is returned carriage paid to an authorised audient service centre. We will not the unit is returned please include this RMA number along with a description of the fault inside
provide warranty repair if in our opinion the has resulted from unauthorised modification, the packaging box. Audient requires that shipments be pre-paid (for in-warranty repairs we will
misuse, negligence or accident. cover the return shipping).
We accept liability to repair or replace your ASP880 as described above. We do not accept To request an RMA, access technical support & FAQs, ask for troubleshooting assistance or
any additional liability. This warranty does not affect any legal rights you may have against make an enquiry, please visit: www.audient.com/support
the person who supplied this product - it is additional to those rights.
Warranty Limitations
This warranty does not cover damage resulting from accident or misuse. The warranty is void
unless repairs are carried out by an authorised service centre. The warranty is void if the unit
has been modified other than at the manufacturer’s instruction. The warranty does not cover
components which have a limited life, and which are expected to be periodically replaced for
optimal performance. We do not warrant that the unit shall operate in any other way than as
described in this manual.
Audient Ltd
Aspect House
Herriard
Hampshire
Tel: 0044 1256 381944
RG25 2PN
United Kingdom www.audient.com
23 24
Glossary
A Amperes
ADAT Alesis Digital Audio Tape
ADC Analogue to Digital Converter
AES Audio Engineering Society - AES Digital Audio Format
ASP Analogue Signal Processing
DAW Digital Audio Workstation
DAC Digital to Analogue Converter
dB Decibel
dBu Decibel referenced to 0.775Vrms = 0 dBu
dBFS Decibel Full Scale
DB9 9-Pin DSUB Connector - Digital AES Format
If you make it to the top then this automatically becomes the connector for your
Aston Martin key fob!
DB25 25-Pin DSUB Connector - Analogue Tascam Format
DC Direct Current
D.I Direct Injection (Instrument Input)
DoC Declaration of Conformity
EIN Equivalent Input Noise
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
HPF High Pass Filter
HV High Voltage
Hz Hertz, cycles per second - measurement unit of frequency
i/o Input / Output
JFET Junction Field Effect Transistor
LED Light Emitting Diode
Ohm Ω, Unit of Resistance
RoHS Restriction of Hazardous Substances
S/PDIF Sony Philips Digital Interconnect Format
SMUX Sample Multiplexing
THD+N Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise
TRS Tip Ring Sleeve (1/4” Jack Balanced)
TS Tip Sleeve (1/4” Jack Unbalanced)
USB
V
Universal Serial Bus
Volts USER MANUAL v1.3
XLR Extra Live Return, Extremely Low Resistance,
Z
Canon X Series, Latching, Resilient Rubber Compound... or make up your own!
Ohms, Ω, Input Impedance - can be varied by adjusting Z switch
April 2014