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With the launch of its ambitious new Studio 1, the University of Leeds is making a bold statement about the future of music technology education. At the heart of this high-spec teaching space sits the Audient ASP8024-HE, a console chosen to bridge the gap between complex technical routing and intuitive creative flow for over 150 students each year.
A Versatile Hub for a Campus-Wide Network
The ASP8024-HE isn’t just a mixer here; it’s a sophisticated traffic controller. Studio 1 is uniquely networked via a Dante system that links the control room to the University’s Concert Hall, Foyer Venue and two other recording studios.
“The ASP8024-HE has to be able to deal with signals from a wide range of sources all over the building and route these into our DAW,” explains Ben Mosley, Lecturer in Audio Technology and Programme Lead. Whether capturing a full band in the 140sqm Rehearsal Hall via analogue tie lines or recording a lunchtime concert from the other side of campus, the Audient provides the essential flexibility required for such a diverse environment.
Why Audient? Flexibility and Performance
When it came to selecting the right desk for a high-traffic university setting, the criteria were clear: performance, price and ease of use.
“There is really nothing on the market that gives such great performance and flexibility at the price point of the ASP8024-HE,” says Ben. “We needed something with lots of channels and lots of flexibility that would be easy for students to use, and the ASP8024-HE gave us all of this and more.”
Specifically, Ben highlights the console’s monitoring capabilities as a standout feature. “The flexibility in generating cue mixes is fantastic, especially when we have musicians in several different rooms,” he notes, adding that the control room monitoring is both “super flexible and intuitive.”
Empowering the Next Generation
While the technical specs are impressive, the primary goal of Studio 1 is education. The console serves students across a variety of disciplines, from BA Music & Music Technology to BSc Music, Multimedia and Electronics and even those exploring Music Psychology and Enterprise.
“The ASP8024-HE is a great desk to teach routing and mixing with,” Ben explains. “All the features are really intuitive and straightforward, and there are no ‘quirks’ to learn. The desk is well-laid out and easy to navigate.” While the inline architecture offers a healthy challenge for newcomers, Ben observes that students progress to a high level of proficiency remarkably quickly once they grasp the workflow.
Investment in Innovation
The arrival of the ASP8024-HE coincides with the rapid growth of the University’s BSc Music and Music Technology course, its newest undergraduate offering. For the students, seeing this level of significant investment in their facilities has been a “huge hit.”
“The investment in Studio 1 and the ASP8024-HE will help these students become ready for the industry,” Ben concludes. “It helps them to produce some really creative and innovative work during their course.”
To find out more about the music technology department at the University of Leeds, visit ahc.leeds.ac.uk/music.