Antelope Discrete 8 Synergy Core

Thunderbolt & USB Audio Interface integrated hardware-based FPGA and DSP effects

The new frontier in FX processing

Introducing Synergy Core – Antelope Audio’s next generation signal processing platform. Using FPGA’s massive parallel computation capabilities and industry-standard DSP power combined, Synergy Core frees up your CPU while processing your FX with extremely low latency.

2x DSP + 1x FPGA chips let the Discrete 8 Synergy Core handle up to 8 FX channel strips X 8 FX slots each for a maximum of 64 FX instances at any sample rate. That’s eight times the processing power of the Discrete 8 Basic.

FPGA + DSP – THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

• Offload FX processing to reduce buffer size, record with sub-millisecond latency & monitor in real-time.
• FPGA dynamically recreates studio effects & mic models on the circuit and component level.
• Industry-standard DSP brings a wider variety of effects to an efficient real-time, low-latency platform.
• Improves your computer’s stability when handling CPU-heavy synths, samplers and FX.
• Future-proof and configurable architecture lets us design each product for optimal performance.
• FPGA eliminates the issue of latency stacking which is common with DSP-only units.

REAL-TIME LIVE MONITORING

Auto-Tune Synergy

Built from the ground-up for the Synergy Core platform, Auto-Tune Synergy adds live pitch correction to the Antelope Audio experience.

• Industry-leading pitch correction anytime you need it – live, during recording, and at mixdown
• Fully adjustable Retune Speed, Flex-Tune, and Humanize parameters with Auto-Key automatic key and scale detection
• Real-time, low latency performance with the Edge Go modeling microphone and any Antelope Audio Synergy Core interface
• ‘Classic’ mode pays homage to the legendary “Auto-Tune 5 sound” heard on countless hit records

EXPANDABLE FX LIBRARY

36 Synergy Core FX Included

Adding further value to your investment, the Discrete 8 Synergy Core includes a compelling library of 36 real-time studio effects, meticulously modelled after their hardware originals. It’s all happening inside your audio interface with the lowest latency possible thanks to FPGA’s massive parallel computing capabilities, DSP processing, and fast Thunderbolt™ connectivity. The library can be expanded to include any effects you choose from our web store.

SEE ALL FX

SIGNATURE SOUND QUALITY

8 Discrete transistor preamps

The Discrete 8 Synergy Core features unique 6-transistor discrete preamps for console-grade sound quality. The circuit is the outcome of an extensive study of legendary microphone preamps that shaped the sounds of countless records. We consider it a “modern classic”. It is crafted with our Edge & Verge family of modeling condenser mics in mind. With their characteristics perfectly complemented by the preamp design and Synergy Core technology, a new level of microphone recording is achieved.

ACCUSONIC 3D MODELING

Mic modeling ready

The Discrete 8 Synergy Core’s Accusonic 3D modeling engine lets you transform the Antelope Audio Edge and Verge modeling microphones into expensive-sounding vintage replicas. Shape the final sound with complete control over proximity effect and change polar patterns during or after recording. Choose from a collection of classic and rare microphones as you monitor and record live, bringing out the musician’s finest performance.

130dB DYNAMIC RANGE

Class-leading monitor DAC

Instead of recycling outdated technology, we strive to use the latest innovations. With up to 130dB of dynamic range at the monitoring stage you can mix with confidence, enjoying exceptional detail and instrument separation. Combined with a state-of-the-art preamp design and our acclaimed clocking technology, recording with the Discrete 8 Synergy Core makes your voice and instruments sound lush, bold, and expansive.

JITTER MANAGEMENT

Acoustically focused clocking

The pioneer of atomic clocking in pro audio, Antelope Audio incorporates 20+ years of clocking expertise in its audio interfaces. With the proprietary 64-bit AFC jitter management algorithm, the Discrete 8 Synergy Core delivers the kind of artifact-free audio once accessible only to the most prestigious studios.

• Eliminates signal jitter for pristine and artifact-free digital audio.
• Increases width, separation, and detail in musical performances.

SUPREME WORKFLOW

Eliminate latency

For Windows users, Antelope Audio offers a very fast and stable custom Thunderbolt driver which achieves true sub-millisecond roundtrip latency.

ANALOG & DIGITAL I/O

Unparalleled connectivity

With an abundance of analog & digital connectivity, as well as both USB & Thunderbolt ports for computer connection, the Discrete 8 Synergy Core presents more options than any DSP-equipped interface out there. Eight mic/line inputs, two instrument inputs, eight DC-coupled line outputs on DB25, a pair of monitor outputs, two reamp outputs, two headphone outputs and S/PDIF are at your disposal. Digital expandability is possible via 2 × ADAT I/O chaining. A Word Clock input allows for syncing the Discrete 8 Synergy Core with other gear, while three Word Clock outputs let you distribute the interface’s highly stable clock signal across your studio.

HAND-BUILT IN EUROPE

Attention to detail

Housed in a machined aluminum chassis, each unit is hand-built in our European facility to strict standards, component choices and quality control. This kind of attention to detail is typically reserved only for boutique-class products.

afx2daw

Taking advantage of high-speed Thunderbolt, the AFX2DAW * plug-in lets you use Synergy Core effects as inserts inside your chosen DAW. This simplifies workflow and enables easy, immediate effects automation.

*Available as a separate purchase for Mac Thunderbolt.

Specifications

• Premier Synergy Core FX processing
• 36 included real-time audio effects + optional additions
• 8 Console-grade Class A mic pres with discrete transistor design
• Class-leading DA monitor outs with 130dB DNR
• 4th Generation 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking
• 8 Analog line outs over DB25 (DC Coupled)
• Thunderbolt™ & USB connectivity
• A pair of monitor outs on TRS
• 2 Stereo headphone outs
• 3 Word Clock outputs
• Create & share custom presets
• Intuitive software control panel

ANALOG

Analog Inputs

• 6 x Mic / Line Inputs
• 2 x Mic / Line / Hi-Z Inputs

Analog Outputs

• 1 x Monitor Out (Pair) on TRS ¼ Jack, +20 dBu max
• 2 x ReAmp Out on TRS ¼ Jack
• 1 x Line Out (8 channels) on DB25, +20 dBu max
• 2 x Stereo Headphone Outputs

Mic Preamp

• EIN: -128 dBu (A-weighted)
• Dynamic Range: -121 dB (A-weighted)
• THD: -106 dB
• Max input: +18 dBu
• Max Gain: 65 dB

D/A Monitor Converter

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

A/D Converter

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

D/A Converter (Line Out)

• Dynamic Range: 121 dB
• THD + N: – 100dB
• DC Coupled

DIGITAL

Digital Inputs

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

Digital Outputs

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

USB 2.0 I/O

• USB 2.0 Type B connector
• 24 channels I/O

Thunderbolt™

• Thunderbolt™ connector
• 32 channels I/O

CLOCKING

Word Clock Input

• 1 x Inputs @ 75 Ohms 3Vpp on BNC 32 – 192kHz

Word Clock Outputs

• 3 x Outputs @ 75 Ohms 3Vpp on BNC 32 – 192kHz

Clocking System

• 4th Generation Acoustically Focused Clocking
• 64-bit DDS

Sample Rates (kHz)

• 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192

OTHER

Operating Temperature

• 0-50°C, 32-122°F

Weight (Approx)

• 3.0 kg/ 6.61 lbs

Dimensions (Approx)

• Width: 483 mm / 19”
• Height: 44 mm / 1.7”
• Depth: 220 mm /8.6”

Power Consumption

• 20 Watts

System Requirements

WINDOWS

OS: Windows 10 x64 Bit with latest Microsoft Updates
Disk Space: Available Hard Drive Storage Space
Ports: Available Thunderbolt™ & USB 2.0
CPU: Intel Core i3™ or AMD FX or Higher
Memory (RAM): 4GB Minimum (8GB or more recommended)

MAC

Model: Apple Mac 2012 or newer
OS X: Minimum macOS 10.12 (Sierra) and higher – Recommended macOS 10.14/10.15 Mojave/Catalina
Disk Space: Available Hard Drive Storage Space
Ports: Available Thunderbolt™ & USB 2.0
Memory (RAM): 4GB Minimum (8GB or more recommended)