Audient Zen - High Resolution Analogue Console

[cynics1207]

Audient is going to release a new console. just wondering how much it's cost?? any more infor??

The Art of Zen

Zen brings Audient's high resolution mixing technology to the
forefront of the modern studio environment with an intuitive blend
of classic analogue audio and flexible DAW integration.

At its heart Zen is a compact, classic analogue recording and mixing
console. Dual inputs provide the mic/line input stage and the DAW
return path, offering a flexible system for connecting to a DAW or
stand alone recorder. With individual DAW record outputs, mono
and stereo buses, auxes, a sophisticated monitor section and an
optional digital output interface, Zen allows simple audio connection
to the rest of the production set-up.

The high resolution signal path is based on the design of the now
classic ASP8024. We've drawn on David Dearden's wealth of
experience and the evolution of his designs going back to the
1970s, combining the benefits of traditional discrete circuitry with
the latest advances in audio design technology. From the unique
topology of the multi-transistor mic preamp to Dearden's renowned
bus compressor, this is a mixer that provides the ultimate in big
console sound and features in a revolutionary, compact form.

The Ultimate Mix- It's in your hands

Audient's newly developed moving fader automation integrates
effortlessly with your DAW software providing precise, fully featured
automation of moving faders, mutes and transport control - taking
advantage of the computer's power for recording and processing
while enjoying the sonic benefits and superior workflow of the
analogue domain.
Zen - redefining the compact console.


Key Features

16 or 32 inputs
2 inputs per channel
DAW record output on each channel
2 stereo buses
2 mono buses
4 auxiliaries/ 2 cue sends
Insert on each channel
Stereo Bus compressor
Stereo digital out option
Moving fader automation
DAW transport control


Preliminary Specifications:

Freq response: +/- 0.3dB 20Hz to 20kHz
THD and noise: <0.005% at 1kHz
Noise: Mic EIN (20Hz -20kHz, 150R source) <-127.5dBu
Bus noise (all inputs routed) <-80dBu
Mic CMRR: 70dB (min gain)
Max input: Mic > +21dBu
Line >+30dBu
Max output: >+26dBu

[pro]

EQ?

[Brad McGowan]

This looks promising. But someone please tell me why only 4 auxes are acceptable. If you use any kind of remote headphone mixer system like the Furman, Axiom, or Hearback then you need at least 6 auxes.

Brad

[redroom]

Cannot see anything about inserts

[theRog]

At last!

Some manufacturer who develops what I have been waiting for... for a long time

Now I can only hope the price is right as well... but Audient usually has that right - and now with the pound so weak this could be a hit

4 headphone mixes (auxes) are easily enough I think - at least it is in my world

Thanks Luke (from Audient)

cheerio
Roger

[JustinAiken]

Originally Posted by Brad McGowan

This looks promising. But someone please tell me why only 4 auxes are acceptable.

If it's like the 8024, each aux has a switch button, so 1-2 becomes 9-10, 3-4 becomes 11-12, etc...

[el cochino]

Originally Posted by redroom

Cannot see anything about inserts

Key Features

16 or 32 inputs
2 inputs per channel
DAW record output on each channel
2 stereo buses
2 mono buses
4 auxiliaries/ 2 cue sends
Insert on each channel
Stereo Bus compressor
Stereo digital out option
Moving fader automation
DAW transport control

[lildrummerboy70]

Originally Posted by Brad McGowan

This looks promising. But someone please tell me why only 4 auxes are acceptable. If you use any kind of remote headphone mixer system like the Furman, Axiom, or Hearback then you need at least 6 auxes.

Brad

If it's like the ASP8024, then it has a number of mono aux sends (in this case 4) and 2 stereo cues called "Foldback A" and "Foldback B". So, with the Zen console you would have 4 mono and 2 stereo auxes, perfect for up to 8 channels of headphone cues.

[redroom]

Originally Posted by el cochino

Key Features

16 or 32 inputs
2 inputs per channel
DAW record output on each channel
2 stereo buses
2 mono buses
4 auxiliaries/ 2 cue sends
Insert on each channel
Stereo Bus compressor
Stereo digital out option
Moving fader automation
DAW transport control

Cool thx my bad

[voiceactor]

It looks like it might be a little on the small side. Maybe it just looks that way in the picture but that hand and arm look pretty big in comparison to the console. Anyone have any more info? How much? How big? When released? Anyone from Audient??

[work2do]

price?

[lildrummerboy70]

Originally Posted by lildrummerboy70

If it's like the ASP8024, then it has a number of mono aux sends (in this case 4) and 2 stereo cues called "Foldback A" and "Foldback B". So, with the Zen console you would have 4 mono and 2 stereo auxes, perfect for up to 8 channels of headphone cues.

After looking at the low res picture of the Zen, it looks like there are 2 mono and 2 stereo auxes. To the OP, do you have a high res pic of the unit? It would be great to be able to see the rear of the mixer as well.

The features of this mixer are pretty much exactly what I have been looking for. I thought I was going to have to sell a kidney to build a Tonelux rig like this.

The info in the first post says "16 or 32 inputs", I wonder if this is referring to its inline architecture or will Audient sell a 16 channel and a 32 channel version? I am really looking forward to getting more info on this thing!

[Coyoteous]

Audient's Steve Flower was through here recently:

To all Audiet users out there!

[steve_flower]

Looks like the cats out of the bag!

I'll try to give you a good run down of the feature set and put up a few visualisations. It will be officially launched at Frankfurt Musikmesse at the beginning of April. Shipping expected to start in July. Pricing will be announced soon.

First off the console will be available in 16 or 32 channel frame sizes. Mic pres and moving fader automation are optional.

[theRog]

Hey Steve

great, can't wait!

Love the 'Analogue World' idea too!


cheerio
Roger
(used to work for J+C Intersonic AG ;-)

[steve_flower]

Meter and Channel IO section

The metering is on 20 segment LED, switchable between channel input and output.

As standard the rear connector panel has 2 inputs - Line and DAW. Adding the mic pre option gives a third input. Each channel has balanced inserts, and a direct output.

Mic pre option provides you with the hybrid discrete + IC Mic pre that is found in the ASP8024, ASP008 and Mico. Gain range of 6-60dB with HPF, polarity invert and individually switchable phantom. The Line switch reverts to the standard line input rather than the Mic in.

The direct output switching allows you to pick up the signal from 4 points:
- Post fader
- Pre fader
- Pre insert
- CH selects the Line(/Mic) input for use when tracking.

The CH/DAW switch selects which signal is routed through to the rest of the channel strip. (CH is the Line(/Mic) input)

The trim gives ±15dB before the signal enters the rest of the channel strip.

The insert in switch is self explanatory I hope...

More soon!

[TRW]

You guys will flip when you see the automation on this thing!

Although small, this is a very powerful and well featured little console, Audient have knocked it out of the part on this one!

Hi Steve! thumbsup

-T

[cynics1207]

how much the price range will be, steve??

[gollumsluvslave]

Wow, it really looks as if the market for the hybrid analog/digital studio is really starting to gain pace.

We've had the Yamah N series
SSL Matrix
A&H Zed R16

I have to say that the Audient Zen is really ticking all the boxes in features I would want to see with the possible exception:-

16 / 24 / 32 would be a better option - 16 is likely to be not enough, but 32 would be too much both in terms of space and cost for me.

Other possible issues, (especially for the more budget-concious - and aren't we all just now!) of course YMMV:-

Converter option? - no issue for people with a decent amount of quality A/D D/A, but one of the things compelling about the ZED R16 is the onboard conversion.
EQ Options - great to see things like Mic Pres and Flying Faders as being optional, again something that the ZED R16 got right IMO is a pretty decent EQ on each channel

I'll be keeping my eyes on this space - it's obviously (at least I think so) going to be more up there with the Matrix in terms of pricing spectrum, however I'd love to be pleasantly surprised.

Congrats to Audient an a new product that really seems to be addressing as long overdue market!

[steve_flower]

Originally Posted by cynics1207

how much the price range will be, steve??

Pricing info will come soon!

[steve_flower]

Hi Tom and Roger!!

Routing, Cues and Auxes

Next up is the channel routing as mentioned above we have 2 mono and 2 stereo subgroups + main mix bus. The top set of 'Bus Assign' routing switches are for the main channel strip.

Below this we come to the Stereo cue section, which is very flexible. During tracking you can use it for H/Phone mixes - you route to cue mix A and/or B.

By hitting the ALT button you can pick up the alternative input, and then use the 'Cue Assign' to route to any of the stereo busses. So you get 32 inputs when mixing.

Next we have the mono auxes. There are 2 aux pots which can route to 4 aux sends (1 or 3, 2 or 4). Pre/Post switchable so can be used for extra h/phone mixes when tracking.

So to respond to Brad McGowan you have 8 available auxes for Hearback/Aviom like systems.

We're only just getting started!!

[andydeckstrous]

Got to agree with Tom- when you try it you will love it! Routing is great and the automation is awesome

See you at messe

Andy

[eternally]

coool, awesome news..

a good reason to go to musikmesse cu there

[inayat]

Now I want to go to musikmesse too.

[ORGANIK]

this looks pretty sweet so far ! cant wait to hear all the details.
hopefully this will be affordable to the average joe

[steve_flower]

Hi Andy!

Look forward to seeing you all at Frankfurt!

Now...

Pan, Fader + Automation

Below the Auxes you get the Pan control. Then on the fader panel- Safe, Cut and Solo.

With the non-automated version Safe is for the solo in place functionality. Everything else speaks for itself.

With the automation option installed you get moving faders and automated Cuts. This is controlled by HUI from your DAW. The idea being you get all the automation features from your workstation software on Zen. If you want to use Latch you have it, if you need Touch you have that etc... And of course you can do any automation edits you need to do in your DAW.

The way we suspect most people to set this up is having 16/32 channels dedicated to the Automation in your projects no audio on them, simply used to control the Faders and Cuts.

With the automation option the Safe buttons perform two functions. Auto safe which disconnects the channel from the Automation, and SIP safe as mentioned above for Solo in place.

You also get a global Auto On/Off switch and a transport section which provides Play, Stop, Record, FF and RW.

One thing I will make clear now - its not a control surface!

[gollumsluvslave]

Steve,

One thing I will make clear now - its not a control surface!

Would I be correct in saying that:-

It's not JUST a control surface - i.e.

From what you are saying the automation is for actually controlling the analog mixer, using HUI - does this mean the mixer could be used as a DAW controller AS WELL, or is it simply automation for the mixer itself?
Cheers

[lildrummerboy70]

Does the HUI automation follow the 16 or 32 left-most faders in the DAW (like Tonelux Shadowmix)? If so, could I keep my Mackie Control Pro and bank around while the Zen would stay stationary at the left-most faders? Great looking product!

[matta]

Hey Steve,

It looks great, look forward to reading/hearing more about it

Since I had a bit of time I mocked up the whole strip in a single image, it helps get a better view of things I think, hope you don't mind.

Regards

Matt

[voiceactor]

Thanks for all the info Steve. Can you give me an idea of the footprint of this? It looks almost like it might be a little on the small side for someone with big hands. Currently I'm using a Mackie 1402 vlz3 it looks like it might be even a little smaller than that. The Mackie size works great for me.