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At the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant creative scene, SAE University College is busy shaping the future of the Australian music industry. Since 2013, the campus has relied on a consistent ecosystem of Audient technology to guide hundreds of students through the intricacies of professional audio production.
With a setup designed to take learners from their very first fader push to high-end mastering, the Melbourne campus provides a seamless transition between foundational skills and advanced engineering.
A Consistent Learning Ecosystem
The campus currently houses two ASP4816 consoles and one flagship ASP8024, ensuring that students remain within a familiar sonic environment as they progress through their studies. According to Gareth Parton, a Senior Lecturer at SAE University College, Australia, this consistency is a deliberate choice for the curriculum.
“Our Audio and Music students learn in professional-level studios equipped with industry-standard technology. We upgraded our core teaching spaces with Audient consoles to create a consistent, hands-on learning environment that supports students from foundational skills through to advanced production workflows,” Gareth explains.
The two ASP4816 desks serve as the workhorses for introductory studios, while the larger ASP8024 is reserved for higher-level sessions where complex, multi-input tracking is required.
Why Audient for Education?
In a busy educational environment where gear is in constant use by hundreds of students annually, reliability and ease of use are paramount. Gareth notes that the Audient range hits the sweet spot for both tutors and learners.
● Intuitive Layout: The clear signal flow allows students to grasp core concepts without getting lost in technical complexity.
● Reliability: Despite heavy student use over more than a decade, the consoles require minimal maintenance.
● Transparent Sound: The consoles provide a clean, honest canvas for recording and mixing across any genre.
The feedback from the front lines is equally positive. Gareth observes that it is these spaces that are often the most sought-after on campus. “Our Audient rooms are the most popular amongst our student cohort,” Gareth says. “They appreciate the clean, transparent sound and intuitive workflow, and truly enjoy the flexibility of working on a large-format console.”
Mastering the Workflow with Nero
The campus recently expanded its Audient inventory by introducing the Nero desktop monitor controller into the Mastering Suite. The goal was to refine the monitoring process in a space where critical listening is the priority.
“We introduced the Audient Nero to enhance our Mastering Suite, specifically to streamline monitoring and manage multiple inputs more efficiently in a critical listening environment,” says Gareth.
Since the installation, the Nero has become a valuable asset for students focusing on the final stages of production, offering seamless control and a more fluid workflow.
Looking to the Future at SAE University College
Whether they are working on basic tracking exercises or complex studio sessions, students at SAE Melbourne are graduating with a deep understanding of the tools used in world-class facilities. By providing access to the same preamps and architecture found in professional studios, SAE ensures their graduates are ready for the industry from day one.
To see more of what the students are up to or to explore the facilities, visit the SAE Melbourne website.