Thomas Shea favoured a ‘scattered workstation approach’ to his home studio. “I like to work in different places. I just like the variety,” he commented. With the ASP4816-SE a significant part of his music production arsenal.
Shea originally trained as an attorney and practised law, until he decided he was going to become a music producer. “Lightning struck me. I closed down my law practice,” he noted. He went about finding local musicians, taught himself songwriting, made connections and bought himself some recording gear.
The Audient brand first came to his attention when looking for a replacement audio interface. His first purchase was the latest iD44. “I liked the quality, the test measurements, the form factor and the metal construction.” Now he uses that as a headphones amplifier with his ASP4816-SE, and has since picked up an iD4 as well.
“First, the sound. I am one of those producers who likes a very clean sound and the ASP4816-SE really delivers on this. Second, the build and finish quality is excellent. I am very fussy about things like that. The quality of the faders and knobs, the beautiful aesthetic redesign and the flawless finish are very satisfying to me. It is a pleasure each time I see it.“
He continued, “Third is the functionality. I am constantly pleased with the way the console functions are designed. The layout and functions make sense and are easy, relative to its many capabilities. It seems to me other consoles are overly complex and confusing to use. Not the ASP4816-SE!” He continued: “It makes it so easy and satisfying. I like to commit. Using the EQ and bus compressor allow me to shape the sound on the way in and I like that. The functionality allows all of the flexibility I need or want. It all makes sense.”
