Two Audient ASP8024 Heritage Edition consoles and two ASP510 surround sound controllers have recently been installed at the University of Winchester as part of a huge upgrade for its School of Media & Film. “We are incredibly proud of the development, and the Heritage consoles were the perfect choice for us,” says Dr Niall Thomas, Music Production lecturer. “The way they have integrated into the hybrid nature of the studio is seamless.
“the audible qualities of the consoles make them perfect for an institution like Winchester, with students actively pursuing creative approaches to music production and performance”
“Students (and staff) love the bold-sounding EQ and the flexibility of the in-line architecture as well as the Retro Iron features,” continues Niall, heartened by the upsurge in “mixing more traditionally using the consoles. They are a powerful tool with specific regards to teaching, as well as sounding fantastic.
“From an educational perspective, the Heritages work incredibly well. The simplicity of design allows our team to spend less time mapping out the console and more time exploring what it is capable of. The sizes we opted for (24 and 36 channels) enable students to work in productive teams and the audible qualities of the consoles make them perfect for an institution like Winchester, with students actively pursuing creative approaches to music production and performance.”
The new sound recording and post production facilities were created by acoustic architects, Veale Associates (VA) headed up by Eddie Veale. During the 70’s, Audient founder and console designer David Dearden worked for Eddie building studios for the likes of John Lennon. Four decades on, the ‘masters’ join forces once more, with VA specifying Dearden-designed product.
“…a powerful tool with specific regards to teaching, as well as sounding fantastic.”
“Audient’s reputation for building tough, great sounding consoles was an easy sell,” says VA’s technical manager, Richard Liggins. “The fact that other universities have ASP8024 consoles that are well into their second decade of hard work is testament to the build quality. The combination of Audient consoles and Eddie Veale’s innovative acoustic designs means that students at the University of Winchester will be able to record excellent audio for many years to come.”
Niall is very pleased with the results. “Veale Associates have provided us with a very unique set of spaces that are inspiring environments, with plenty of opportunity for collaboration and interactivity.” These opportunities are open to all, as Studio 2’s ASP8024-HE is fully height adjustable, allowing ergonomic operation for wheelchair users and raising the console all the way to a comfortable standing position.
First ever height adjustable Audient console install
“The studios feature step free access and this solution adds to the attraction of the studios for all users,” says Richard. “I have to say that standing to mix is a novel and interesting experience.”
Billed as a small, intimate place to study, the University of Winchester currently has 50 students using the facilities, which helps with collaboration, a core component across all the modules, according to Niall. “I think that is one of the great things about the intimate and inspiring rooms Veale Associates have built, and the size of the consoles makes this simple and effective.
“The combination of Audient consoles and Eddie Veale’s innovative acoustic designs means that students […] will be able to record excellent audio for many years to come.” ~ Richard Liggins
There is a lot to look forward to, too. “We have a number of guest workshops planned with renowned record producers, and we will be live broadcasting our first ever performance event later this year combining the ASP8024-HE, Dante and our onsite TV studio.
“We want to keep intimacy, student-focused teaching, and exciting staff research at the heart of what we do, and the Audients will play a huge part in that,” concludes Niall, believing wholeheartedly in the University’s future. “We hope that Music Production will be the start of a thriving popular musical community at Winchester.”
Find out more about the University of Winchester and its BA(Hons) Music Production & Performance and BA(Hons) Music & Sound Production courses online.
