Audient
Audient EVO SP8 8 Channel Smart Preamp with AD and DA
Best studio expansion for producers needing more professional inputs and automation.
Expand your studio's capabilities with the Audient EVO SP8, an 8-channel smart preamp designed for seamless ADAT integration. This unit adds eight professional EVO mic preamps and high-quality 32-bit AD/DA converters to your existing setup. Its innovative Smartgain feature automatically sets optimal input levels for all eight channels in seconds, streamlining your workflow. Featuring an intuitive Motion UI with a color LCD for clear visual feedback and control, the SP8 also includes two JFET instrument inputs for authentic tone. Built with a robust steel chassis, it offers exceptional audio fidelity and efficiency for demanding recording environments.
$378.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
62
/ 87
#62 in Microphone Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-77%
Below average
Who it's for
- Producers seeking pristine, transparent audio for detailed studio recordings
- Engineers needing rapid level setting for complex multi-mic sessions
- Studio owners looking to expand their existing interface capabilities
Who should skip it
- Traditionalists who prefer dedicated physical knobs for every channel
- Artists desiring vintage warmth or distinct analog character
- Mobile recordists who prioritize minimal cable clutter and portability
Performance breakdown
Workflow efficiency
Smartgain technology eliminates tedious manual level setting for all eight channels.
Conversion fidelity
High-performance 32-bit converters deliver pristine, professional-grade digital audio capture.
Expansion capability
Seamless ADAT integration makes scaling your studio setup remarkably straightforward.
Interface usability
The Motion UI provides intuitive, visual control over complex routing tasks.
Build integrity
Robust steel chassis ensures long-term reliability in demanding studio environments.
Instrument versatility
Integrated JFET inputs provide authentic, high-quality tone for direct guitar recording.
Key Specs
8x EVO Mic Preamps
2x JFET Instrument Inputs
8x Line Outputs
2x ADAT Inputs
2x ADAT Outputs
32-bit AD/DA Converters
Smartgain multi-channel setup
Motion UI control system
Features
- Eight intelligent EVO Preamps
- Smartgain for automatic level setting
- High-performance 32-bit AD/DA converters
- Two JFET instrument inputs
- Intuitive Motion UI with color LCD
- Expandable up to 24 channels via ADAT
- Professional-grade audio performance
- Durable steel chassis construction
What customers say
The Audient EVO SP8 earns high praise for its sonic performance and innovative features, establishing strong value in ADAT expansion. Users consistently highlight the eight preamps for delivering clean, transparent sound with excellent headroom and clarity, perfect for detailed recording. The standout feature, Smartgain, is frequently cited as a game changer, simplifying setup by providing rapid, accurate gain staging and boosting user confidence. Conversion quality is described as pristine and reliable, ensuring fidelity when expanding existing setups. Integration is seamless, making the SP8 a true plug-and-play solution. Overall, the unit successfully brings professional grade preamplification and conversion to a wider audience.
Know before you buy
Smartgain listens to your incoming signal and automatically sets the optimal gain levels for all eight channels simultaneously. It is designed to save time during setup, ensuring you get a clean, distortion-free signal without having to manually adjust each preamp individually.
Yes, as long as your current audio interface features an ADAT input, you can connect the SP8 to add eight additional microphone preamps. It effectively turns your existing interface into a larger recording system.
The two JFET instrument inputs are specifically designed to provide a rich, harmonic character for guitars, basses, and other high-impedance instruments. They offer a more authentic tone compared to standard line-level inputs.
No, the EVO SP8 functions as a standalone preamp and converter unit. It connects to your audio interface via ADAT optical cables, meaning it does not require a USB connection or specific software drivers to operate.
Yes, the unit supports 24-bit/96kHz operation, which is the industry standard for high-quality professional studio recordings. Combined with its 32-bit AD/DA converters, it provides excellent audio fidelity and dynamic range.
The unit is designed with a versatile form factor that works well on a desktop or in a rack. If you intend to mount it, you will need to ensure you have the appropriate rack ears, which are typically sold separately.
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