California State University, Chico has recently upgraded its facilities and installed a 24-channel ASP8024-HE mixing console from Audient.

Dann Sargent, Recording Arts program coordinator explained the setup. “We run 24/7 with two full studios, one mix/dub studio, two mix/edit suites and one electronic music studio, along with a mobile recording studio and live sound system(s). We work every acoustic environment you would want from dry booths to our new chamber concert hall.”

The new Audient desk has been installed in the dub studio, where Recording Arts students start their journey learning the rudiments of audio and signal flow. Sargent described it as a stepping stone: “This console better prepares students to confidently grow into working with more complex systems. It has many of the things you’d expect a console of this size would have. Bus matrix, in-line processing, 2-bus processing, full featured monitoring and foldback. I also like that it’s a large console, which allows multiple students to work at it and learn at the same time. And – it sounds great.”

After a painless install – “Once the console was in the room, it took us less than a day to get up and running” – initial reactions have been positive. “Everyone really enjoys it. It easy to teach and easy for students to learn the fundamentals of signal flow. Students love both the workflow and look of the console. The walnut trim is a really nice touch, as well.”

After nearly 30 years of educating students in music and audio recording, the focus of the Recording Arts program at Chico State remains strong: to build a solid foundation in the myriad of skills necessary to have a successful career in the music industry. “We’re always looking to grow and evolve along with our industry. As faculty, we’re engineers and musicians ourselves. We relish the opportunity to bring in new curriculum such as VR, Dolby Atmos, and the reintroduction of ambisonics into modern workflows.

“At the same time, we pride ourselves on the fact the students learn fundamental, lifelong audio skills that transcend consoles or DAWs. Delivery mediums will always change but great music needs great gear and great ears,” continued Sargent. “We’re looking forward to the ASP8024-HE serving our program for years. The true test for the longevity of a console is to put it in the hands of students!”