Antelope Discrete 8 Synergy Core

USB Audio Interface with Integrated DSP

• Uncompromising sound quality – Next-generation AD/DA converters with up to 130 dB of dynamic range, supported by Antelope’s proprietary 64-bit AFC™ technology for increased stereo image precision.
• Professional-grade preamps – Eight discrete 6-transistor preamps with 75 dB of gain, inspired by classic consoles, for extremely clean recordings.
• Real-time Synergy Core effects – Two DSP chips and one FPGA chip manage 37 included effects, including compressors, equalizers, amplifiers, and microphone preamps, with imperceptible latency.
• Advanced signal processing – Four independent headphone outputs, each with X-Feed and calibration options, for precise monitoring and a natural stereo image.
• Advanced routing – Virtual patch bay with simultaneous use of all analog and digital I/O, for over 60 channels of flexible connectivity.

Features

Conversion and Clocking

• Class-leading AD/DA conversion, with up to 130 dB of headroom.
• Recording, mixing, and playback up to 24-bit / 192 kHz.
• Proprietary 64-bit AFC™ (Acoustically Focused Clocking) technology and jitter management algorithm, for greater sound depth, separation, and detail.

Connectivity

• 8 × discrete 6-transistor preamps with 75 dB of gain for extremely clean recordings. All can be used as microphone/line inputs and two are also equipped with an Hi-Z input, featuring combo XLR connectors and 48V phantom power.
• 8 × DC-coupled line outputs on D-Sub 25 and 8 × DC-coupled line inputs.
• 2 × ReAmp outputs on ¼" TRS jacks, for further guitar signal processing via amplifier. They can also be used as an additional stereo monitor output, allowing for the simultaneous use of two pairs of monitors.
• USB 2.0 Type-C port with proprietary drivers for macOS and Windows.
• Digital expansion via ADAT I/O, with 16 channels available.
• Digital expansion via S/PDIF I/O, with 2 channels available.
• 3 Word Clock outputs allow distributing the interface's high-stability clock throughout the studio, while 1 Word Clock input allows syncing the Discrete 8 Oryx with other equipment.
• Footswitch input that can be used with a single footswitch (¼" TS jack) to control the Dim function or with a dual footswitch to control Talkback and Dim.
• 4 stereo headphone outputs with independent gain control.
• Dedicated stereo monitor output on TRS.

Functions for an optimized workflow

• Direct monitoring with Synergy Core effects, processed in real-time with imperceptible latency.
• X-Feed – Crossfeed mode for headphones with calibration, simulating the stereo field of studio monitors.
• Customizable presets with signal routing, level adjustments, mixer, and effect settings.
• Customizable monitor mixes with adjustable volume, pan, and reverb.
• Easily accessible Talkback from the front panel, with built-in microphone.
• Front panel with color display and navigation buttons for direct control of main parameters. Hardware relay gain knobs for each preamp and mode selection (Mic/Line/Hi-Z) by pressing the knob.
• Possibility to use the interface without being connected to a computer (standalone operation).
• Remote control of software functions from a separate computer connected to the same network.

Real-time effects processing

• Library of 37 Synergy Core effects modeled after classic and rare analog outboard gear.
• Integrated proprietary Synergy Core platform, based on 2 × DSP and 1 × FPGA, for real-time effects processing with imperceptible latency.
• Modeling Engine that allows pairing with the Edge series microphones to use vintage microphone emulations in real-time.

Included Synergy Core effects for real-time processing

• 2 preamps (Gyraf Gyratec IX, BA-31)
• 4 equalizers (including VEQ-1A, VMEQ-5)
• 5 compressors and limiters (including Stay-Levin, FET-A76, VCA160)
• 22 guitar amplifiers and cabinets (including Bluelux 1x12, Tube Guitar Amp)
• 2 special processing effects (Expander, Noise Gate)
• 1 reverb effect (Auraverb)
• 1 guitar tuner (A-Tuner)

Technical Specifications

Analog Inputs and Outputs

• 6 × Mic / Line inputs
• 2 × Mic / Line / Hi-Z inputs
• DC-coupled
• 1 × Monitor Out on ¼" TRS jack, +20 dBu max
• 2 × ReAmp Out on ¼" TRS jacks
• 1 × Line Out (8 channels) on DB25, +20 dBu max
• 4 × stereo headphone outputs

Microphone Preamp

• EIN: -128 dBu (A-weighted)
• Dynamic range: -121 dB (A-weighted)
• THD: -106 dB
• Maximum input: +18 dBu
• Maximum gain: 75 dB

Monitor D/A Converter

• Dynamic range: 130 dB
• THD + N: -115 dB

A/D Converter

• Dynamic range: 121 dB
• THD + N: -112 dB

D/A Converters (Line Out)

• Dynamic range: 121 dB
• THD + N: -100 dB
• DC-coupled

Digital Inputs and Outputs

• 2 × ADAT (up to 16 channels)
• 1 × S/PDIF
• 2 × ADAT (up to 16 channels)
• 1 × S/PDIF

USB 2.0 I/O

• USB 2.0 Type-C connector

CLOCK

Word Clock Input

• 1 × input @ 75 Ω, 3 Vpp on BNC, 32 – 192 kHz

Word Clock Outputs

• 3 × outputs @ 75 Ω, 3 Vpp on BNC, 32 – 192 kHz

Clocking System

• 4th Generation Acoustically Focused Clocking
  64-bit DDS

Sample Rates (kHz)

• 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192