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Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core is the latest rack mount audio interface from Antelope Audio and compared to the previous version (without “Pro” in the name) brings new converters, Thunderbolt 3, and some other new features.
The 1U rack mount provides a total of eight analog combo inputs (XLR/jack), which are equipped with eight discrete 6-transistor preamps modeled on classic consoles. Six of them are on the back and are intended for microphone and line signals, two on the front are for microphones, line, and Hi-Z signals.
On the digital side, there are also four ADAT ports (for up to 16 channels in/out) as well as input and output for S/PDIF. Word clock is considered one input and three outputs. There is an 8-channel output via D-Sub 25. Two pairs for 6.35 mm jacks are suitable for connecting monitors and additional alternative output that can also be used for re-amping. In addition to a footswitch connection, there are two headphone outputs with separate controls.
The converters offer a resolution of 24 bits and 192 kHz, and the manufacturer specifies a dynamic range of up to 130 dB. The audio interface USB contains the Synergy Core platform with two DSPs and an FPGA chip. To make assigning the inputs and outputs more convenient, the manufacturer has completely revised the control software. With the routing matrix, Antelope Audio uses the design of high-end interfaces such as the Galaxy 32.
In addition to a connection for Thunderbolt 3, there is also a USB port (2.0). This allows the manufacturer’s real-time effects to be used on up to 16 channel strips (twice as many as on the previous model). 37 effects are included out of the box, with over 60 more available for purchase from the Antelope Audio Store. If you use the Thunderbolt connection, you can use the Synergy Core effects via afx2daw like native effects in the DAW – this is not possible with USB.
The IPS display on the front shows levels and other information, in addition to three function buttons and as a dual footswitch to control both the talkback and dim functions.
Price and availability
Antelope Audio Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core rack mount is already available, the price is $1,995. You can get it here at Amazon.com and Bhphotovideo.com websites.
Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core Features
- 26×32 Thunderbolt 3 & USB 2.0 audio interface with integrated real-time effects
- Six combo inputs mic/line
- Two combo inputs Mic/Line/Hi-Z
- DC-coupled line outputs (8 channels) via D-Sub 25
- Four 1/4″ jack outputs for monitors/re-amping
- Two headphone outputs (6.35 mm jack) with separate level control
- Two ADAT inputs and outputs
- S/PDIF I/O
- Word clock input and three outputs
- Footswitch connector
- Synergy Core onboard platform with two DSP and one FPGA chip
- AD/DA conversion up to 24 bits / 192 kHz
- Up to 130 dB dynamic range
- Eight discrete 6-transistor preamps
- EIN: -128 dBu (A-weighted)
- Dynamic range: -122 dB (A-weighted)
- THD: -116 dB
- Max Gain: 65 dB
- 48V phantom power
- 37 analog modeled SC effects
- 64 Bit Acoustically Focused Clocking (AFC) Technologie
- <1 ms latency for real-time monitoring with SC effects
- Digitally expandable via ADAT (16 channels) and S/PDIF (2 channels each)
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 483 x 44 x 220 mm
- Weight: 3.1kg
Recently, Antelope Audio has introduced the Zen Q Synergy Core with USB-C audio interface. The internal converters work at 24-bit/192 kHz and offer a headroom of 127 dB, and is priced at $899.
