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Antelope Audio adds three new Synergy Core Effects

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Antelope Audio announced the availability of Opto-2A (compressor) alongside the self-explanatory Space Flanger and Vari-Speed Tremolo.

Three new Synergy Core effects for the cutting-edge company’s recently-released Discrete 4 Synergy Core and Discrete 8 Synergy Core audio interfaces including its premier real-time effects processing platform anchored around two DSP (Digital Signal Processing) processors paired with a proprietary FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) chip.

Respectively handling up to four effects channel strips with eight effects slots each for a maximum of 32 effects instances at any sample rate and eight effects channel strips with eight slots each for a maximum of 64 effects instances at any sample rate, respectively equalling four and eight times the processing power of their (non-Synergy Core-equipped) predecessors, freeing up host computers from running Antelope Audio’s acclaimed real-time effects.

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Opto 2A

Opto-2A – Compressor

As an authentic-sounding Synergy Core effect, Antelope Audio’s Opto-2A carefully captures all the subtleties and nuances of an iconic Sixties-vintage electro-optical compressor that needs no introduction. Its continued use in broadcast and recording studios worldwide over half a century after its inception is a testament to its audio engineering excellence. Exceptionally warm sound and gentle compression character have endeared it to generations of artists and producers, possibly gracing more hit records than any other outboard unit in hardware history.

Having said that, the key to its unique personality is the T4 optical attenuator, the outcome of time spent developing optical sensors for the US military. Its sonic signature is the two-stage release, greatly contributing to its smooth and musical compression. Clearly, Opto-2A is exceedingly simple to dial in, with only GAIN and PEAK REDUCTION knobs needed to tweak the resultant sound as the user sees fit; flick a switch on Opto-2A and the compressor becomes a limiter. Just like the historic hardware from which it draws its inspiration. Infinitely versatile though it is. In spite of those (misleadingly) minimal controls, Opto-2A works especially well when applied to vocals due to its incredibly pleasant response to the human voice.

Try talking or singing through it to hear its incredible impact on any performance! Talking specifics, the compression ratio varies, depending on the source signal; the average attack time is fixed at 10 milliseconds; the initial release time is around 60 milliseconds for 50% of the release, with the remainder occurring gradually over one to 15 seconds before the signal returns to 100%; the release timing responds to the length and strength of the incoming signal. Slower when under prolonged heavy compression or above threshold signal level, faster if below threshold signal level.

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Thanks to the authentic-sounding Synergy Core effect that is Opto-2A, a new generation of ITB (in the box) artists and producers — recording audio and processing/ mixing in a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) — will be equally endeared with Antelope Audio’s realistic recreation of an exceptional warm sound and gentle compression character that has stood the test of time.

Space Flanger

It has been quite some time since recording innovator Les Paul — one of the pioneers of the solid-body electric guitar — and The Beatles — regarded as the most influential band of all time, integral to the evolution of pop music into an art form as well as pioneering recording techniques — first experimented with flanging in the Fifties and Sixties, respectively. Though the effect itself has not changed much throughout the years, brilliant minds have come up with dozens of different approaches. Antelope Audio’s gives it a distinctly modern twist. Taking advantage of the Synergy Core platform’s unparalleled computational capabilities, Space Flanger is capable of producing phases, sweeps, and swooshes that sound truly out of this world!

With Space Flanger, vocalists and instrumentalists can prepare to blast-off by setting the following controls for the heart of the sound: GAIN — adjust input volume (-12dB to +12dB); WAVE — choose between triangle and sine wave modulation; FEEDBACK — adjust the amount of output signal being fed back into the input (produces resonance); DELAY — adjust the offset between the source and delayed signal (in milliseconds); RATE — adjust the frequency of the modulating wave (perceived as a change in modulation speed); DEPTH — adjust the amplitude of the modulating wave (perceived as volume change); and MIX — blend between the DRY (unaffected) and WET (processed) signal.

Tremolo

Tremolo – the modulation effect that started it all! Before the first tremolo units came built into vintage amplifiers, nobody knew what guitar effects are. A simple concept it may be, but the tremolo went on to define the iconic sound of surf guitar and spurred a wave of innovation among musical equipment builders.

Anterior to the first tremolo units being built into vintage amplifiers, nobody knew what guitar effects were. While it may be a simple concept — creating a change in volume, tremolo went on to define the iconic sound of surf guitar, spurring a wave of innovation among musical equipment builders. But Antelope Audio’s Synergy Core-powered Vari-Speed Tremolo presents a fresh and versatile take on vintage tremolos with its five-position WAVE selector and the addition of a VARI-SPEED RATE knob. Needless to say, by adjusting how quickly the frequency of the modulating wave varies, Vari-Speed Tremolo users can spice up their tremolo effects with a welcome touch of unpredictability.

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Users can quickly set sounds, though, thanks to the following controls: WAVE selector — turn clockwise to choose between sine, triangle, square, sawtooth, and inverted sawtooth modulating waves; RATE — adjust the modulation speed; VARI-SPEED RATE — adjust how quickly the frequency of the modulating wave varies; DEPTH — adjust the amount of amplitude (volume) modulation; and MIX — blend between the DRY (unaffected) and WET (processed) signal.

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Vari Speed Tremolo

Discrete 4 Synergy Core Support

So, with the timely introduction of Opto-2A, Space Flanger, and Vari-Speed Tremolo, the range and scope of real-time effects available to owners of Antelope Audio’s recently-released Discrete 4 Synergy Core and Discrete 8 Synergy Core audio interfaces just became better, thanks to that premier processing platform anchored around two DSP (Digital Signal Processing) processors paired with a proprietary FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) chip. But better still, those three new Synergy Core effects will be becoming available for Antelope Audio’s recently-announced Orion Studio Synergy Core, advancing its acclaimed audio interface series’ workhorse with ‘hot-rodded’ hardware from the ground up to include six ARM-based DSP (Digital Signal Processing) processors paired with two proprietary FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) chips combining to produce phenomenal onboard processing power, freeing up host computers from running Antelope Audio’s acclaimed real-time effects as a well-oiled machine like no other audio interface in its class.

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Space Flanger

Initially available for Antelope Audio’s recently-released Discrete 4 Synergy Core and Discrete 8 Synergy Core audio interfaces. Opto-2A is priced at $75.00 USD/€75.00 EUR while Space Flanger and Vari-Speed Tremolo can be bought together for $55.00 USD/€55.00 EUR directly from here.

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Antelope Audio

Antelope Audio Galaxy 32 Synergy Core

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Galaxy 32 Synergy Core

Antelope Audio, a leading manufacturer of next-level audio recording equipment, is proud to announce Galaxy 32 Synergy Core — setting a new performance standard as a multi-channel audio interface and high-end AD/DA converter, by bringing Dante® audio- over-IP networking, 64-bit AFCTM (Acoustically Focused Clocking) technology, and Synergy Core real-time effects processing to an attractive 1U rack-mountable chassis combining 32 channels of analog line-level I/O with extensive digital connectivity.

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Flexible, full integration is at the core of Galaxy 32 Synergy Core’s design. Discerning users can connect all their gear to an attractive 1U rack-mountable chassis with the audio interface itself handling all routing, recording, and monitoring thereafter. To have Galaxy 32 Synergy Core acting as the hub of an interconnected system is to have an I/O channel count of up to 64 channels of recording and playback via Dante® with all I/O of the audio interface always available.

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32-channel audio interface with Dante, HDX, and ThunderboltTM 3

Galaxy 32 Synergy Core duly delivers as an amazing audio interface, implementing:

  • 32 ANALOG IN (input) channels over four DSub 25 connectors with AD/DC coupling switch
  • 32 ANALOG OUT (output) channels over four DC-coupled DSub 25 connectors
  • PRIMARY 1 and PRIMARY 2 HDX ports providing HD Native or HDX rigs with 64 I/O channels in Pro Tools, even at 192kHz
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With Galaxy 32 Synergy Core, input and output channels are aplenty, thanks to an array of ports for further digital connectivity:

  • ThunderboltTM 3 — 64 I/O channels (supporting 24-bit sample rates between 44.1kHz to 192kHz) with custom macOS and Windows drivers for low- latency performance in native DAW applications
  • Optical MADI — 64 I/O channels (supporting 24-bit sample rates between 44.1kHz to 192kHz)
  • Optical ADAT — 64 I/O channels (supporting 24-bit sample rates between 44.1kHz to 192kHz)
  • S/PDIF — two channels (supporting 24-bit sample rates between 44.1kHz to 192kHz)

I/O is all available at any time and can be used simultaneously without needing to exchange boards or change setups, so it is easy to work on multiple sessions.

Unrivalled sound for the entire studio with 64-bit AFCTM and up to 130 dB dynamic range
The transparent mastering-grade converters and the same 64-bit AFCTM technology found in Antelope Audio’s acclaimed master clocks combine to deliver unrivalled performance for the entire studio setup with up to 130 dB dynamic range. All allow for experiencing a new level of detail in recordings and a wider soundstage for an exceptional stereo image in audio playback.

More processing than you can imagine

Galaxy 32 Synergy Core’s implementation of Antelope Audio’s acclaimed Synergy Core real-time effects processing platform allows up to 128 effects instances available as 32 virtual racks of eight effects each in a single session to be loaded simultaneously and applied in real-time during monitoring, post-production, and live recording with imperceptible latency and no host CPU load to boot.

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Beyond that, the interface comes complete with a collection of 37 Synergy Core effects modeled after classic and rare analog outboard gear, comprising 18 equalizers, 12 compressors, two preamps and channel strips, and five special processing effects. Expanding upon that collection is always possible, thanks to Antelope Audio’s ever-growing effects library encompassing emulations of classic gear and third-party specialist effects, starting from only $55.00 USD/€55.00 EUR.

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With workflow-enhancing features fusing a converter, digital patch bay, Dante® system, and HDX, MADI, and ThunderboltTM 3 interface into a standout single device, Galaxy 32 Synergy Core surely sets a new performance standard in its class in the process.

Pricing and Availability

Galaxy 32 Synergy Core will be shipping in Q2 2021 — at a projected price of $4,895.00 USD/€4,895.00 EUR — and available through Antelope Audio’s growing global network of authorized dealers (https://en.antelopeaudio.com/dealers/). Or order online directly from Antelope Audio via the dedicated Galaxy 32 Synergy Core webpage, which also includes more in-depth info.

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Antelope Audio Zen Q Synergy Core

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14X10 BUS-POWERED THUNDERBOLT 3 AUDIO INTERFACE WITH ONBOARD FX

Zen Go Synergy Core, introduced earlier this year to widespread critical acclaim as the high-end professional audio equipment manufacturer’s first bus-powered, truly portable (4 x 8 USB-C) audio interface, Antelope Audio is proud to announce the upcoming availability of its Zen Q Synergy Core bigger brother — effectively empowering small- to mid-sized studio setups with high-end technology to take the next step in their creative quest for high-definition audio as a 14 x 10 desktop bus-powered audio interface with ThunderboltTM 3 connectivity, combining Antelope Audio’s acclaimed AD/DA converters, Discrete ultra-linear mic pre-amps, and 64-bit AFCTM (Acoustically Focused Clocking) technology with impressive I/O capabilities and an accomplished collection of real-time-processed analog-modeled effects.

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Realizing recording, mixing, and playback at up to 24-bit/192kHz, Zen Q Synergy Core clearly combines all the core performance qualities for which Antelope Audio’s acclaimed audio interfaces are known — class-leading AD/DA converter chips granting (up to) 127dB of headroom with undeniable definition; two ultra-linear pre-amps featuring true console-grade circuitry imparting warmth and capturing the natural details of any recorded instrument or voice; and proprietary 64-bit AFCTM and jitter management algorithm enabling efficient AD/DA conversion with increased sound width, separation, and detail — to achieve a sonically-precise studio sound while reaping the benefits of seamless workflow from any desktop-based setup.

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Signature Auraverb (reverb) included, Zen Q Synergy Core comes complete with a virtual library of 37 free effects for its onboard Synergy Core proprietary platform, with real-time effects processing powered by dual DSP (Digital Signal Processing) chips and a single FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) chip to deliver direct hardware monitoring with imperceptible latency. An abundance of analog-modeled compressors, equalizers, and mic pre-amps, as well as guitar cabs and amps for dialing in the perfect guitar tone — everything needed to capture and process audibly rich and dynamic sound — are always available as a result. It is perfectly possible to expand that creative collection courtesy of 50 optional effects — encompassing emulations of classic gear and third-party specialist effects (including Antares’ Auto-Tune Synergy, Grove Hill’s Liverpool, Gyratec’s esteemed EQs, and Inertia Sound Systems’ Instinct Synergy) — from Antelope Audio’s well-stocked Software Store, starting from only $55.00 USD/€55.00 EUR. Above and beyond that, Zen Q Synergy Core’s modeling engine also allows for pairing with Antelope Audio’s Edge range of microphones for real-time use of vintage microphone emulations.

Equally impressive is Zen Q Synergy Core’s comprehensive connectivity belying its diminutive desktop-friendly footprint. The two Discrete ultra-linear pre- amps with 65dB of gain for studio-quality recordings both work as microphone/line/Hi-Z inputs on rear panel-positioned combo XLR jacks (marked MIC- XLR and LINE / HiZ 1/4” JACK), and supply 48V of phantom power — perfect for those Edge microphones. Moreover, there are two DC-coupled line outputs over TRS (labelled LINE OUT 1 and LINE OUT 2), also allowing the audio interface to transmit CV (Control Voltage) to an analog synthesizer should adventurous users wish to do so. Stereo monitoring comes courtesy of another two TRS outputs (marked MONITOR 1 and MONITOR 2). It is possible to take advantage of (up to) eight additional channels, digitally, thanks to the ADAT IN connection, with further digital connectivity provided by the two- channel S/PDIF IN and OUT connections. Ultimately, ultra-low latency and utmost stability comes courtesy of a bus-powered ThunderboltTM 3 port providing up to 16 input and 16 output channels for any popular DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) with custom macOS and Windows drivers duly installed. Readily record from any location with no need for a dedicated power source since the audio interface itself is powered by that ThunderboltTM 3 connection — and all without the user ever having to question Zen Q Synergy Core’s rock-solid reliability. And as if that was not enough to be getting on with, there are also two (front panel-positioned) line/Hi-Z inputs, ideally suited for recording (lower than line level) guitars — hence being labelled G1 and G2 (with an associated guitar icon), alongside two stereo headphone outputs (HP1 and HP1) with independent gain control over TRS.

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An advanced software control panel for macOS and Windows facilitates further enhancing workflow — with features including I/O routing that is simplified with pre-configured settings to allow for immediate recording and playback; customizable presets with signal routing, level adjustments, mixer, and effects settings; customizable monitoring mixes with adjustable volume, pan, and reverb; loopback capabilities to stream and record playback and interface inputs simultaneously for a convenient online broadcasting setup — while Zen Q Synergy Core’s front panel provides easily accessible controls over input and output levels, plus other settings, bolstered by a multifunctional IPS (In-Plane Switching) display.

Squeezing such an awe-inspiring array of connectivity and operational flexibility out of such a compact-sized audio interface is an appreciable achievement, allowing Zen Q Synergy Core to be easily integrated into any setup or style of workflow. Indeed, its portability effectively enables users to take their studio wherever they need to go, whether recording on location or performing an onstage live set… stream or record and mix with low latency — and no power supply required! 

Pricing and Availability

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Zen Q Synergy Core will be shipping in Q2 2021 — at a projected price of $899.00 USD/€899.00 EUR — and available through Antelope Audio’s growing global network of authorised dealers. Or order online directly from Antelope Audio via the dedicated Zen Go Synergy Core webpage.

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Antelope Audio

Zen Go Synergy Core – Professional Studio-Sound in your Pocket

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The turning point for your recordings

The Zen Go Synergy Core shrinks the sound-quality gap between artists, engineers, and producers with access to high-end studios and those working from home. The core technologies that placed our premium devices in some of the most revered recording studios are now accessible in a much smaller format at your fingertips.

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Antelope Audio new Zen Go Synergy Core is Antelope Audio’s first bus-powered, truly portable (4 x 8 USB-C) audio interface, available as an equally eye-catching and powerful DSP-based desktop design powered by the same Synergy Core onboard effects processing platform found in the trailblazing pro audio manufacturer’s top-tier audio interfaces with which it shares premium technology, albeit attractively priced as a new go-to standard in the sub-$500.00 USD/€500.00 EUR market segment.

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As Antelope Audio’s first bus-powered, truly portable audio interface, Zen Go Synergy Core certainly lives up to its apt appellation, thanks to housing the company’s critically-acclaimed AD/DA (analog-digital/Digital-Analogue) converter technology, namesake Synergy Core onboard effects processing platform, and proprietary 64-bit AFCTM (Acoustically Focused Clocking) algorithm, supporting sample rates of up to 24-bit/192 kHz to deliver the same rock-solid stability and acclaimed sound that has helped its audio interfaces find favor with the most reputable recording studios in the world — without making any compromises. Consummate results are always guaranteed whenever Antelope Audio’s AFC technology is involved, and in that regard, Zen Go Synergy Core is no different to its Synergy Core-badged bigger brothers.

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Zen Go Synergy Core comes complete with a plug and play interface delivering an optimised installation experience that also frees users from unnecessary installations or configuration settings — a perfect pairing with Zen Go Synergy Core’s two ultra-linear discrete transistor-based preamps; two MIC-XLR and LINE / HiZ / 1/4” JACK connections; two independent (HP1 and HP2) headphone outputs with dedicated DAC (Digital-to-Analogue- Converter); stepped analogue rotary encoder for precise gain adjustment; alternative MONITOR line out on RCA connectors directly fed from the main DAC; S/PDIF digital I/O on RCA connectors for expansion; dedicated IPS (In-Plane Switching) display for signal monitoring; direct monitoring mixers for real-time hardware-based monitoring with onboard effects; advanced software control panel for macOS and Windows; and dedicated secondary USB- C connection for external power supply and reverse charging. Simply speaking, plugging in a USB-C cable and a few software clicks is all it takes for Zen Go Synergy Core to be good to go as Antelope Audio’s first bus-powered, truly portable audio interface!

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By being able to choose from 80-plus analogue-modelled real-time effects, transforming tracks with sought-after sounds is the order of the day — during live tracking or post-production, adding a distinctive analogue flavour to the mix. While working ITB (in-the-box), 37 emulations of some of the world’s most coveted and hard-to-find analogue studio gear are accessible for free.

With Zen Go Synergy Core’s collection far from lacking in variety by spanning from a rare Austrian EQ through to legendary British solid-state processing with much in-between. Indeed, Impressor (stereo knee compressor/limiter), Opto-2A (tube optical compressor/limiter), as well as modern-day pitch correction courtesy of Synergy Core platform partner Antares’ Auto-Tune Synergy, represent but a small selection of creative choices available to Zen Go Synergy Core owners as a growing library of expansions from Antelope Audio’s Software Store, starting from only $55.00 USD/€55.00 EUR.

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But better still, since those real-time effects are hosted by Synergy Core as a proprietary processing platform uniting the power of DSP (Digital Signal Processing) and FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) processors, this means that owners of Zen Go Synergy Core can immerse into this experience with imperceptible latency, allowing for direct monitoring of the processed signal in real-time for the most enjoyable recording experience, while also offloading all processing to the audio interface itself — no need, necessarily, to rely entirely on a host computer’s CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory capacity or any external DSP accelerators, in other words.

Far from having to rely on the average-grade preamps found in comparatively-priced competing audio interfaces, Zen Go Synergy Core features the same ultra-linear preamp circuit found in the reputable British and American recording and mixing consoles of the past. Planted firmly in the present, this design’s high-gain structure and transparency make it a perfect match for any type of microphone. Musically vintage sound experiences, of course, can easily be achieved by loading a legendary preamp emulation as a real-time Synergy Core effect, enhanced still further when working in perfect harmony with one of Antelope Audio’s Edge series modelling microphones with real-time use.

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Zen Go Synergy Core duly delivers one of the highest AD/DA specifications with a mastering-grade monitor output boasting a 127 dB DNR (dynamic range) bringing width, separation, and detail to not only new recordings but to all tracks. Being bolstered by Synergy Core readily ranks it as the most powerful onboard effects processing-capable audio interface in its class. It is perfectly positioned, therefore, to bring studio-quality recording to the home — or, indeed, any remote recording location made more easily accessible by the truly portable nature of its implementation — with critically-acclaimed conversion and preamp design plus an array of professional features on hand, helping next-generation producers to take their sound to the next level. Location recording engineers; home-/bedroom-based producers; beat-makers; self-recording artists; traveling musicians; recording engineers needing a second, smaller audio interface; and modern-day ITB mixing and mastering engineers all could conceivably consider Zen Go Synergy Core as a recording match made in heaven. Someone sang the words a heaven is a place on earth as part of a worldwide hit recorded over three decades ago at the world’s most awarded studio complex in Hollywood, CA, USA; ultimately, recording (almost) anywhere on earth is now perfectly possible with Zen Go Synergy Core!

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Pricing and Availability

Zen Go Synergy Core will be shipping in Q1 2021 — at a projected price of $499.00 USD/€499.00 EUR — and available through Antelope Audio’s growing global network of authorized dealers. Or order online directly from Antelope Audio.

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