Antelope Audio Orion Studio Synergy Core Thunderbolt/USB Audio Interface

Product Reviews

Nice upgrade from the Orion Studio Rev. 2017. The synergy core is more stable and easier to use, support from Antelope over the past few years has also improved.

By Christopher B on September 29, 2022

This is my first experience with Antelope products, I’ve decided to upgrade to a higher level interface featuring a specific list of functionality to cover all my current and future needs. All I have to say is WOW! Absolute flexibility of routing (though it was quite complex at first, but didn’t take much time to figure it out), fantastic plugins (which you also can commit to the recording, if you want), versatility of connection options and finally… The Sound. I’ve never heard so pristinely clear high frequencies in my recordings before, this is the first time I’ve realized how AD/DA conversion really affects the sound. So overall highly-highly recommend this interface!

By Cyril O on July 17, 2022

I'm using this interface through Thunderbolt connection with a 2018 MacMini. So far I've had zero issues. I've seen many complaints about Antelope Audio on platforms like Youtube and Gearspace regarding driver issues and customer support. I've submitted multiple tickets with Antelope regarding the Routing Matrix and they've always responded in a timely manner - no complaints there. As far as build quality the interface is built well and feels how you'd want it to feel with a nice weight. Regarding sound and conversion quality the interface is awesome. Just listening to music with lossless streaming through this thing is a treat. While mixing I've noticed I can pick up on details more easily which seems to be due to better imaging and spread between sounds. The clarity is there 100%. Great interface, I probably won't ever need to replace this thing for my small home studio.

By Hugo C on June 13, 2022

This is for anyone looking to buy the latest version of the synergy core with thunderbolt 3.
Not all of the drivers work with the new apple M1 chips yet and as a result, some features are missing from my interface. My first two preamps do not work at all and some of the features are very laggy, which I don’t know if that’s a result from the type of processing or from the software not being updated yet.
Overall I give it 3 stars because to be honest, the preamps, plugins, and converters sound awesome. The preamps are very transparent, the plugins have lots of fun color to them, and the converters are everything I wanted.
However, I’d advise you to wait a couple months before buying due to their latest version of the synergy core not being fully useable on some devices like mine, atleast that’s what antelope audio and vintage king told me over the phone… i run a MacBook Air with the new M1 chip.
Best of luck!

By Aidan R on May 1, 2022

The audio quality is second to none. I'm also very impressed with the quality of the AFX plug-ins. However, the Orion's drivers and operating software have room for improvement. The USB stability seems great, but the Thunderbolt interface took almost a week of troubleshooting and two fresh installs of Windows 10 before it was working reliably. As of writing this (April 2022), Antelope still does not support Windows 11 at all. There's not even a beta driver available, and the support team will just say Windows 11 is not supported and close your help ticket. The highly touted AFX2DAW that allegedly lets you use Antelope's AFX system real-time while editing recorded tracks is EXTREMELY buggy. It is only officially supported in AVID Pro Tools 12 / Ultimate, Apple Logic Pro X and up, Image-Line FL Studio 20, Bitwig Studio, Cockos Reaper, Steinberg Cubase, and Presonus Studio One. That doesn't mean it always works in those DAWs, it only means Antelope will offer troubleshooting. There is no support and it does not work in Adobe Audition.

I gave the unit four stars because I'm very happy with the quality of recordings I have been creating with it. However, you should be aware that there is quite a bit of false hype around the bells and whistles such as the AFX2DAW. If you're buying for that specific feature, you will be disappointed.

By Fred F on April 6, 2022

I continue to be blown away by the sound quality of the Orion. Words can't really express it—I encourage you to try one if you're interested. The quality and I/O can't be beat at this price and the plugins aren't bad either. I like tracking with a little eq and compression. Great piece, glad I made the upgrade.

By Phil H on September 13, 2021

I continue to be blown away by the sound quality of the Orion. Words can't really express it—I encourage you to try one if you're interested. The quality and I/O can't be beat at this price and the plugins aren't bad either. I like tracking with a little eq and compression. Great piece, glad I made the upgrade.

By Phil H on September 13, 2021

I have been an Antelope user for a few years, my previous interface was an Orion Studio HD which I loved, the newer version which is this one Orion Studio Synergy Core is fantastic! Not only the FX's are superb, but it also added support for 8 more channels through ADAT which is great! Awesome job Antelope!

By Marco B on June 17, 2021

I have been an Antelope user for a few years, my previous interface was an Orion Studio HD which I loved, the newer version which is this one Orion Studio Synergy Core is fantastic! Not only the FX's are superb, but it also added support for 8 more channels through ADAT which is great! Awesome job Antelope!

By Marco B on June 17, 2021

Just got this all running and let me say I am not disappointed in the least. The options available on this beast are unreal.
Im sure anyone reading this already knows antelope has top notch clocking, the ad conversion is amazing.
The pres are clean and have plenty of gain. Options for direct were a must for me with external HW pres, no worry about the antelope pre coloring the sound.
The software package is a bit daunting on first view but if you read the manual and watch the videos BEFORE you start turning knobs and pushing buttons I found it relatively easy to use and extremely powerful. The multng feature alone is worth every penny, you can record multiple versions of the same inst with ease. (i.e. with plugs without plugs, with hardware, all off one input.)
My install was a breeze but once again I did watch some videos that antelope provides and was careful about fallowing all the instructions. I highly recommend this, if you were going to have trouble with this unit my guess would be installation related.
And last but certainly not least, VK has gained a new client for life with me by over performing on every aspect of the sale. I had ordered the unit and the standard ship times we're not going to work. I called and immediately they jumped into action to get my needs meet. I received the product the very next day and couldn't be happier with the service. Thank You Mark and the VK team for being awesome!

By Virgil on January 1, 2021

Just got this all running and let me say I am not disappointed in the least. The options available on this beast are unreal.
Im sure anyone reading this already knows antelope has top notch clocking, the ad conversion is amazing.
The pres are clean and have plenty of gain. Options for direct were a must for me with external HW pres, no worry about the antelope pre coloring the sound.
The software package is a bit daunting on first view but if you read the manual and watch the videos BEFORE you start turning knobs and pushing buttons I found it relatively easy to use and extremely powerful. The multng feature alone is worth every penny, you can record multiple versions of the same inst with ease. (i.e. with plugs without plugs, with hardware, all off one input.)
My install was a breeze but once again I did watch some videos that antelope provides and was careful about fallowing all the instructions. I highly recommend this, if you were going to have trouble with this unit my guess would be installation related.
And last but certainly not least, VK has gained a new client for life with me by over performing on every aspect of the sale. I had ordered the unit and the standard ship times we're not going to work. I called and immediately they jumped into action to get my needs meet. I received the product the very next day and couldn't be happier with the service. Thank You Mark and the VK team for being awesome!

By Virgil on January 1, 2021

Next Level! I've made records with and for many artists over the years but since I purchased my Orion Studio Synergy Core my recordings and Mixes have gone to the next level! Using the AFX2DAW plugings has upgraded my whole workflow. Not only do they sound amazing but using the built-in DSP has allowed my large mixes to flow seamlessly and creatively. Add to that the Edge Duo microphone and it's incredible modeling. I'm set for the next level!

By Keath on November 30, 2020

The Orion sounds great, the only reason for 4 stars is the software is not easy to install, you have to get your head around it, then it makes sense,be prepared to call tech support, BUT it is a great sounding interface with very flexible routing,I’m using it with a SSL Six mixer, so the 16 outputs and the SSL make for great summing and as a high end Monitor control solution, very happy with the setup

By Lockett P on October 29, 2020

The Orion sounds great, the only reason for 4 stars is the software is not easy to install, you have to get your head around it, then it makes sense,be prepared to call tech support, BUT it is a great sounding interface with very flexible routing,I'm using it with a SSL Six mixer, so the 16 outputs and the SSL make for great summing and as a high end Monitor control solution, very happy with the setup

By Lockett P on October 29, 2020

Phenomenal Product. One of the most versatile interfaces I've ever worked with. So unique and useful to have 12 pre's in one rack space and have availability of those extra channels without hooking up extra gear. Sounds amazing and the possibilities are endless once you get a hang of the routing matrix. Top notch modeling on the plugins and mic emulations if you pair with and Edge or Verge Mic.

By Jon on October 6, 2020

Phenomenal Product. One of the most versatile interfaces I've ever worked with. So unique and useful to have 12 pre's in one rack space and have availability of those extra channels without hooking up extra gear. Sounds amazing and the possibilities are endless once you get a hang of the routing matrix. Top notch modeling on the plugins and mic emulations if you pair with and Edge or Verge Mic.

By Jon on October 6, 2020

Getting everything registered was easy with the help of the YouTube video, installing the drivers was easy too (once I realized the launcher will install the most recent USB and TB drivers for you). Of course, the sound is amazing, and the features are unbeatable. The AFX sound really nice and having the processing be outboard is super helpful on big sessions. I am extremely satisfied with the Orion Studio Synergy Core!

By Cameron J on October 5, 2020

Getting everything registered was easy with the help of the YouTube video, installing the drivers was easy too (once I realized the launcher will install the most recent USB and TB drivers for you). Of course, the sound is amazing, and the features are unbeatable. The AFX sound really nice and having the processing be outboard is super helpful on big sessions. I am extremely satisfied with the Orion Studio Synergy Core!

By Cameron J on October 5, 2020

Thank you, Bill.

By BIL - on September 23, 2020

Thank you, Bill.

By BIL - on September 23, 2020

The Orion Studio Synergy Core is my second Anyelope purchase in almost five years. My first was the Goliath (silver). The added functionality of Synergy Core is a huge plus. I purchased the AFX2DAW and had zero problems downloading, installing, and instantiating plugins. This is a great feature as the effects all sound fabulous. I bought the Orion Studio Synergy Core mostly because I felt the need to extend my input channel count. After three or four years, my Goliath still presents no negative issues. However, having needed more analog inputs, the added ability to use AFX2DAW, the smaller and more portable form factor, and the beautiful sonic properties of Antelope gear, I made a decision to purchase the OS SC because it “ticks” all of my boxes.

Customer service with both Antelope and Vintage King (before and after the sale) are second to none. My experiences over several years, has been a positive with both companies !

If one is considering a first time interface, I think I can safely say, you will have zero buyers remorse. If one is looking to upgrade their older Antelope purchase, I feel confident that you will find the addition of DSP to the already immaculate FPGA plugins to be a feature which you find to be very rewarding.

A shout out to Dan Ackerman ! His service, dedication to making the customer happy, and knowledge are indeed a credit to Vintage King. Thank You Dan for all of your help !

By Harpstack on July 4, 2020

The Orion Studio Synergy Core is my second Anyelope purchase in almost five years. My first was the Goliath (silver). The added functionality of Synergy Core is a huge plus. I purchased the AFX2DAW and had zero problems downloading, installing, and instantiating plugins. This is a great feature as the effects all sound fabulous. I bought the Orion Studio Synergy Core mostly because I felt the need to extend my input channel count. After three or four years, my Goliath still presents no negative issues. However, having needed more analog inputs, the added ability to use AFX2DAW, the smaller and more portable form factor, and the beautiful sonic properties of Antelope gear, I made a decision to purchase the OS SC because it "ticks” all of my boxes.

Customer service with both Antelope and Vintage King (before and after the sale) are second to none. My experiences over several years, has been a positive with both companies !

If one is considering a first time interface, I think I can safely say, you will have zero buyers remorse. If one is looking to upgrade their older Antelope purchase, I feel confident that you will find the addition of DSP to the already immaculate FPGA plugins to be a feature which you find to be very rewarding.

A shout out to Dan Ackerman ! His service, dedication to making the customer happy, and knowledge are indeed a credit to Vintage King. Thank You Dan for all of your help !

By Harpstack on July 4, 2020

Hey all, my name is Chris Soul, I have been an accredited producer/engineer for a long time, and literally, these Antelope interfaces are the best sounding interfaces I have ever used. Period. Hands down. As soon as I raised my monitor volume for the first time, I could hear the difference. It was immediate. The difference from my old interfaces was almost mystical. I am currently leaning toward there being some type of voodoo involved somewhere here. Or “voodoo like” things going on. I am literally amazed by them so far. Well, the antelope difference? It’s major. And it’s one thing above all else for sure. The clock. It is the clock that separates the quality of interfaces on the highest of levels in the music process. I am getting my feet wet with the plug ins, I have been VERY happy so far! For this studio upgrade I got the Orion Synergy Core and the Discrete 8 Synergy Core. Double the plug ins!!!! I could not be happier with going with Antelope for this upgrade!🤛🏼💥

About: http://www.chrissoul.com/about

By Soul on June 29, 2020

Hey all, my name is Chris Soul, I have been an accredited producer/engineer for a long time, and literally, these Antelope interfaces are the best sounding interfaces I have ever used. Period. Hands down. As soon as I raised my monitor volume for the first time, I could hear the difference. It was immediate. The difference from my old interfaces was almost mystical. I am currently leaning toward there being some type of voodoo involved somewhere here. Or "voodoo like” things going on. I am literally amazed by them so far. Well, the antelope difference? It's major. And it's one thing above all else for sure. The clock. It is the clock that separates the quality of interfaces on the highest of levels in the music process. I am getting my feet wet with the plug ins, I have been VERY happy so far! For this studio upgrade I got the Orion Synergy Core and the Discrete 8 Synergy Core. Double the plug ins!!!! I could not be happier with going with Antelope for this upgrade!🤛🏼💥

About: http://www.chrissoul.com/about

By Soul on June 29, 2020

Have owned an Orion Studio 32+ for a few years and have been really happy with it. Chose the Orion Studio Synergy Core for my mobile rig. Have had it about two months and it's been rock solid via Thunderbolt on Windows 10 1909. Very stable at even the lowest buffer sizes. Sounds great as expected.

By PW on June 12, 2020

Have owned an Orion Studio 32+ for a few years and have been really happy with it. Chose the Orion Studio Synergy Core for my mobile rig. Have had it about two months and it's been rock solid via Thunderbolt on Windows 10 1909. Very stable at even the lowest buffer sizes. Sounds great as expected.

By PW on June 12, 2020

After owning most of the other brands I have replaced them with the Antelope Audio Synergy line of converters.
We are all aware of the clocking quality but the stability of the sound is second to none. . . . . . .

With the added benefit of the FPGA plugin chip quality, and off loaded cpu power I am now willing to start selling my outboard gear. . . . .

With assistance from Jeff Ehrenberg and his expertiese with World Class Studios I have converted our studio to Antelope. . . . .

By StudioRecording on June 11, 2020

After owning most of the other brands I have replaced them with the Antelope Audio Synergy line of converters.
We are all aware of the clocking quality but the stability of the sound is second to none. . . . . . .

With the added benefit of the FPGA plugin chip quality, and off loaded cpu power I am now willing to start selling my outboard gear. . . . .

With assistance from Jeff Ehrenberg and his expertiese with World Class Studios I have converted our studio to Antelope. . . . .

By StudioRecording on June 11, 2020

Best AD/DA conversion on the market. And with the internal mixer and DSP I am no longer bound by HD. I love this unit. Also Antelope Audio has the best customer service. They really care!

Brandon David
FatToneStudio
Grammy Nominated

By Brandon on June 9, 2020

Best AD/DA conversion on the market. And with the internal mixer and DSP I am no longer bound by HD. I love this unit. Also Antelope Audio has the best customer service. They really care!

Brandon David
FatToneStudio
Grammy Nominated

By Brandon on June 9, 2020

First let me start by saying I love this unit. As a producer it gives me great flexibility and all the ins and outs I need. The sound quality is top notch. I sole my Universal X16 to purchase this unit. There are several things that Antelope NAILED on this unit and in my opinion, a few misses (most likely due to technical constraints). Lets started with the nailed. The combo inputs allows me to plug my keyboards right into the unit without the need for an expensive DB25 cable! The db25 outputs allow me to go right into my summing mixer nice and neat!! I LOVE that. Initially I had an issue with the user interface, but then I realized what antelope was attempting to do was emulate how an engineer would PATCH analog hardware in the real world. This is the reason for the colors and all that. In the real world you have patch bays that are labeled with different colors etc. Once I grasped that concept, I was good to go. I love the ability to be able to route any in to any out, BUT I do have an issue with IF I route an analog in to an analog out, the signals will pass thru the converters. I understand that this is the only way to utilize the FGPA plug-ins, BUT I would like the option to go analog to analog bypassing all digital stages. I love the insert jacks on the back of the unit for front inputs 1&2, HOWEVER you cannot use the inserts and mic emulations on input 1&2. that would be nice but that a small issue. A workaround is simple to jus use the AFX2DAW after the vocal is down which is probably a better method anyway. The sound of the unit and the plug ins can't be touched . I feel this unit is far better than anything Universal Audio has and it feels more professional. Antelope tech support are amazing and always willing to help. So far I have a 10M atomic clock (worth every single penny) Pure 2, Edge Duo and the Orion Studio Synergy. Soon I will be investing in the Amari.

By Jerry on March 4, 2020

First let me start by saying I love this unit. As a producer it gives me great flexibility and all the ins and outs I need. The sound quality is top notch. I sole my Universal X16 to purchase this unit. There are several things that Antelope NAILED on this unit and in my opinion, a few misses (most likely due to technical constraints). Lets started with the nailed. The combo inputs allows me to plug my keyboards right into the unit without the need for an expensive DB25 cable! The db25 outputs allow me to go right into my summing mixer nice and neat!! I LOVE that. Initially I had an issue with the user interface, but then I realized what antelope was attempting to do was emulate how an engineer would PATCH analog hardware in the real world. This is the reason for the colors and all that. In the real world you have patch bays that are labeled with different colors etc. Once I grasped that concept, I was good to go. I love the ability to be able to route any in to any out, BUT I do have an issue with IF I route an analog in to an analog out, the signals will pass thru the converters. I understand that this is the only way to utilize the FGPA plug-ins, BUT I would like the option to go analog to analog bypassing all digital stages. I love the insert jacks on the back of the unit for front inputs 1&2, HOWEVER you cannot use the inserts and mic emulations on input 1&2. that would be nice but that a small issue. A workaround is simple to jus use the AFX2DAW after the vocal is down which is probably a better method anyway. The sound of the unit and the plug ins can't be touched. I feel this unit is far better than anything Universal Audio has and it feels more professional. Antelope tech support are amazing and always willing to help. So far I have a 10M atomic clock (worth every single penny) Pure 2, Edge Duo and the Orion Studio Synergy. Soon I will be investing in the Amari.

By Jerry on March 4, 2020

This is by far, the best sounding and performing interface I have used to date. The new Antelope Orion Studio SC interface possesses astonishing sound quality and lifelike imaging that have not heard before. Surely you know the old cliche`s, I heard things I haven't before and I felt like I could reach out and touch...and so on. In this instance, every bit is true and more than you can imagine. Don't let the complexity of this interface put you off, it is complex, but once you get a handle on it, you will be impressed. It is truly powerful and its flexibility is second to none in my opinion. The potential configurations are almost endless. When comparing this interface to others, I would feel it's like comparing a Cessna 172 to a Boeing 747. Windows setup is incredibly simple. If you want world class professional mixes that challenge the top echelon of mix engineers then I strongly suggest you investigate the Antelope Audio Orion Studio SC. Prepare to be amazed.

By Gav W on January 27, 2020

This piece of hardware has a bunch of great features that you get on top of just a great sounding interface. The converters sound fantastic and the d-sub 16 outs work perfectly with my summing mixer (SSL X-Desk). The guitar/instrument inputs and re-amp outs are very convenient. Getting 12 great sounding mic preamps (fantastic for tracking drums) combined with the quality of the converters, for this price made this thing a “no-brainer” purchase and I have not regretted it. Also, the plugins that come with it are extremely useful and kind of icing on the cake! I had a little bit of trouble setting them up (be prepared to pay $195 to buy the AFX2DAW in order to get the plugins working inside your DAW) but I got great help from their customer service, another sign of a great company - thanks Antelope!

By Ed on November 12, 2019

This piece of hardware has a bunch of great features that you get on top of just a great sounding interface. The converters sound fantastic and the d-sub 16 outs work perfectly with my summing mixer (SSL X-Desk). The guitar/instrument inputs and re-amp outs are very convenient. Getting 12 great sounding mic preamps (fantastic for tracking drums) combined with the quality of the converters, for this price made this thing a "no-brainer” purchase and I have not regretted it. Also, the plugins that come with it are extremely useful and kind of icing on the cake! I had a little bit of trouble setting them up (be prepared to pay $195 to buy the AFX2DAW in order to get the plugins working inside your DAW) but I got great help from their customer service, another sign of a great company - thanks Antelope!

By Ed on November 12, 2019

This is an amazing interface !! Sounds really good and is very complete !! Plenty of options , lots of connectivity . Works great on my old Mac Pro via usb and works even better with my Mac book pro via thunderbolt . Thank you Antelope

By Franco c on November 8, 2019

This is an amazing interface !! Sounds really good and is very complete !! Plenty of options , lots of connectivity . Works great on my old Mac Pro via usb and works even better with my Mac book pro via thunderbolt . Thank you Antelope

By Franco c on November 8, 2019

Next Level! I've made records with and for many artists over the years but since I purchased my Orion Studio Synergy Core my recordings and Mixes have gone to the next level! Using the AFX2DAW plugings has upgraded my whole workflow. Not only do they sound amazing but using the built-in DSP has allowed my large mixes to flow seamlessly and creatively. Add to that the Edge Duo microphone and it's incredible modeling. I'm set for the next level!

By keath@gcdigi.com on November 30, -0001

Show More Reviews