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 AFC^TM (Acoustically Focused Clocking) technology with impressive I/O capabilities and an accomplished collection of real-time-processed analog-modeled effects.

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 AFC^TM 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.

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 Thunderbolt^TM 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 Thunderbolt^TM 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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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Computer Audio Hardware TEC Award

The TEC Awards committee and the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) are pleased to announce and celebrate the nominees across the 22 Technical Achievement and seven Creative Achievement TEC Award categories. The annual TEC Awards recognizes and celebrates the individuals, companies and technical innovations behind the sound of recordings, live performances, films, television, video games, and multi-media.

Over 1,000 products and projects were nominated, and final nominees represent those that, in the opinion of the nominating panel, represent superior accomplishment in their respective fields. Nominees include products and technologies from the likes of well-established brands, including Avid, JBL, Native Instruments, Pioneer, Roland, Yamaha and others, and emerging companies, Spitfire Audio, Soyuz Microphones, and United Studio Tech, making the list.

Computer Audio Hardware Nominees

• Antelope Audio – Zen Tour Synergy Core
• Apogee – Symphony Desktop
  Focusrite – Scarlett 3rd Gen USB Interfaces
• Hotone Audio – JOGG
• PreSonus – Quantum 2626
• Solid State Logic – SSL 2+
• Universal Audio – Apollo Twin X
• Universal Audio – Apollo x4

Antelope Audio is proud to announce that its Zen Tour Synergy Core 18 x 26 desktop ThunderboltTM 3 and USB 2.0 audio interface has been nominated for Outstanding Technical Achievement in the Computer Audio Hardware category in the 36th Annual Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards® (TEC Awards), the winner of which will be announced during NAMM® Believe in Music Week — a global online gathering to unify and support the people who bring music to the world — being held as a virtual event on January 18-22, 2021.

Computer Audio Hardware Nominees highlight an Outstanding Technical Achievement recognise innovative product design and excellence in audio and sound production and includes 22 TEC Awards categories that span across the pro audio product spectrum. By being nominated in the Computer Audio Hardware category, the winner of which will be announced during the NAMM® Believe in Music Week virtual event on January 18-22, 2021, Antelope Audio’s Zen Tour Synergy Core 18 x 26 desktop ThunderboltTM 3 and USB 2.0 audio interface with onboard DSP has effectively come full circle, having made a show-stopping splash when introduced to widespread critical acclaim at The 2020 NAMM Show in January.

Antelope Audio’s Zen Tour Synergy Core is all about making it easier to effortlessly enter the creative flow and make album-ready recordings with high-fidelity conversion and sharp transient response typically reserved for professional studios and workflow possibilities usually only achievable with complex setups. Indeed, its nomination in the 36th Annual TEC Awards actively recognises its technical excellence in terms of analogue and digital connectivity, clocking and conversion, onboard real-time effects, and workflow enhancement, with notable key features well worth highlighting here as follows: four discrete ultra-linear preamps with 65dB of gain for studio-quality recordings, all of which work as microphone/line inputs on XLR-TRS combo jacks; four Hi-Z/line instrument inputs on TRS 1⁄4-inch jacks; eight DC-coupled analogue output channels over a D-Sub 25 connector allowing control of modular synthesizers; two reamp outputs on TRS 1⁄4-inch jacks for further amp processing of guitar signals; ThunderboltTM 3 (up to 32 channels) and USB 2.0 (up to 24 channels) ports for native DAW application with custom macOS and Windows drivers; digitally expandable over ADAT (up to eight channels) and SPDIF (up to two channels); two stereo headphone outputs; pair of monitor outputs; collection of 36 analogue modelled effects featuring classic as well as rarely-emulated compressors, EQs, and mic preamps, plus guitar amps and cabs; 4x DSP, 2x FPGA Synergy Core proprietary onboard real-time platform for effects processing with imperceptible latency; up to 112 effects instances per session loaded simultaneously; advanced digital routing matrix enabling complex input/output routing with simple drag-and-drop functionality; four 32-channel mixers for creating individual cue mixes and sub-mixes, allowing headphone mixes distribution to musicians while applying pan, reverb, or other effects, and a stereo link; customisable presets, complete with signal routing, level adjustments, mixer settings, and sub-mixes; direct hardware monitoring with effects, processed in real-time with imperceptible latency; multifunctional touchscreen display for monitoring, operation, and recall of hardware-based presets; front panel- based volume knob with selectable sources and function buttons, plus easily-accessible talkback with built-in microphone via multi-purpose ‘Antelope’ button; optional standalone operation (to work without being connected to a computer); and wireless control of software features from a separate computer connected to the same network.

Needless to say, voting for the 36th Annual TEC Awards is now open — to professionals that make their primary living in the music, sound, and entertainment technology industries. Indeed, the TEC and nominee community are invited to vote, including audio and entertainment technology professionals from studios, venues, houses of worship, audiences of nominated companies, and members of the NAMM retail community that sell pro audio and related gear, with requests to vote being accepted online. Closing on December 30, 2020, voting is powered by Broadjam, a third-party voting service, with winners’ names being kept in confidence until the online celebration is held during the NAMM® Believe in Music Week virtual event on January 18-22, 2021.

Antelope Audio also invites individuals who qualify to cast their vote for Outstanding Technical Achievement in the Computer Audio Hardware category.

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