Antelope Audio offer USB C Zen Q Synergy Core
Posted on: Wednesday 19th of January 2022
Antelope Audio has announced the availability of a USB C variant of its Zen Q Synergy Core compact audio interface. Aimed at home music creators, or mobile recording rigs, its a 14 x 10 bus-powered USB-C audio interface with onboard real-time effects and expandable I/O.
This compact design incorporates the same AD/DA chips, mic pres, and 64-bit AFC (Acoustically Focused Clocking) system that drive its high-end siblings, such as the rack-mountable Orion Studio Synergy Core and Galaxy 64 Synergy Core flagship. The Monitor and Line Out AD/DA conversion offers a dynamic range of up to 127dB (A-Weighted), with recording mixing and playback at up to 24-bit/192kHz. The system also affords access to Antelope’s Synergy Core effects, 37 of which are bundled with the system. These include analogue-modeled effects including equalizers, dynamic processors, guitar amps, a reverb, and more — among them are its Gyraf Gyratec IX (tube mic preamp) and Stay-Levin (compressor). The range also offers over 50 optional expansions available through Antelope Audio’s Software Store.
I/O
Zen Q Synergy Core’s connectivity centres around two Combo XLR jacks with switchable modes to toggle between the discrete console-grade preamps, Line level, or Hi-Z, while the front panel provides two switchable line/Hi-Z inputs — G1 and G2 — for flexibility. Monitoring comes via a stereo Monitor output and a separate Line Out pairing to connect another set of studio monitors or external outboard gear, both backed by their own D/A converter. There is also a separate DAC for the HP1 and HP2 (independent headphone) outputs. A desktop setup can be transformed into a multi-channel configuration thanks to the SPDIF In/Out and ADAT In connections. The USB-C port carries up to 16 channels of I/O to any DAW with custom macOS and Windows drivers
The USB-C interface offers low-latency playback, streaming, and recording paired with onboard software. It allows for seamless control over essential parameters such as signal routing, sub-mixes, and monitoring, while applying Synergy Core effects.
Zen Q Synergy Core USB is available to purchase through Antelope Audio’s growing global network of authorised dealers or online directly from Antelope Audio for $899.00 USD/€899.00 EUR
via the its dedicated webpage, which also includes more info.
Explore Zen Q Synergy Core’s included real-time effects here.
Or check out the video below for a closer look. Our review will appear in Resolution 22.2.