The Antelope Orion Studio Synergy Core is a state-of the-art Thunderbolt 3 and USB 2.0 audio interface engineered for professional-grade recording and mixing applications. Combining industry-leading AD/DA conversion with advanced connectivity options, it is both Mac and PC compatible and supports up to 32 simultaneous I/O channels via Thunderbolt and 24 via USB, ensuring seamless integration into any studio setup. Its 12 top-tier microphone preamps deliver a precise and transparent sound, while two independent stereo monitor outputs and 16 line outputs ensure versatile routing for complex productions. Housed in a rugged yet compact 1U rack design, the interface also boasts Antelope's exceptionally accurate 64-bit AFC "Oven-Clock" for unparalleled stability. Adding to these impressive specifications are six DSP chips and two FPGA processors, powering real-time AFX plugins for extensive signal processing without taxing the host computer. From project studios to professional setups, the Antelope Orion Studio Synergy Core offers unmatched performance and flexibility.
The Orion Studio Synergy Core is engineered for pristine audio fidelity, utilising Antelope's 64-bit AFC clocking and high-resolution AD/DA converters for up to 192kHz/24-bit conversion rates. The dynamic range reaches an industry-leading 130dB on the monitor outputs, ensuring unmatched detail and clarity, while the onboard control panel simplifies routing to allow users to configure complex setups quickly and intuitively. Each of the 32 available channels can host up to eight Synergy Core AFX plugins, with the ability to run a total of 256 instances simultaneously, regardless of sample rate. The 50 bundled AFX plugins include emulations of iconic studio hardware, such as compressors, equalisers, preamps, and guitar amps, providing an expansive toolset. For seamless DAW integration, the optional AFX2DAW plugin bridges these effects directly into DAW mixing environments.
The Orion Studio Synergy Core 12's ultra-clean microphone preamps can handle a multitude of recording scenarios, including full drum kits, large ensembles, and intricate acoustic performances. The preamps can be bypassed entirely to route signals directly to the AD converters - ideal for users who rely on external preamps for specific tonal character. The control voltage (CV) outputs will appeal to electronic musicians and modular synth users, and integrates fully with analogue systems. The interface's Thunderbolt 3 and USB 2.0 connectivity in turn ensure ultra-low latency and reliable performance across a range of applications, from live tracking to intricate post-production tasks. Designed to handle transient-rich sources, such as percussion and brass, the Antelope Studio Synergy Core captures every nuance with remarkable clarity and detail, and its extensive routing options and scalable design make it an essential tool for audio professionals working in diverse environments.
Antelope Audio is a manufacturer of professional audio equipment that was founded by developer Igor Levin, who invented the famous AardSync clock generator with which his then-company Aardvark made waves in the world of audio engineering at the end of the 20th century. In 2005, Igor Levin went – as he himself put it – back to his roots and continued to develop the AardSync concept. The result of this development work was the "Oven Clock", a word clock generator that is kept at a constant temperature of 64.5°C to provide increased stability and improve jitter performance. The newly founded Antelope Audio caused a similar splash in 2005 with its OCX Clock Generator. Today, Antelope Audio, which is based in Sofia, Bulgaria, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-quality audio interfaces and AD/DA converters and includes big names such as Rihanna, Jay-Z, and the Wu-Tang Clan among its users.
The Orion Studio Synergy Core combines portability and power in a compact 1U rack-mountable design which includes dual headphone outputs that allow for independent submixes - indispensable during tracking sessions - while Word Clock I/O ensures precise synchronisation with external studio equipment. Onboard DSP and FPGA processors handle real-time processing for up to 256 plugin instances, eliminating the need for additional outboard gear. The intuitive virtual patchbay streamlines signal routing, enabling quick customisation of setups for any session. The inclusion of Synergy Core effects, featuring emulations of legendary studio gear, adds immense value, delivering professional-grade results straight out of the box. To fully appreciate its sonic capabilities, pairing the Orion Studio with high-quality monitors and an acoustically treated environment is highly recommended. From tracking and mixing to mastering, this interface defines versatility and precision for today's professional audio engineers.