Antelope Audio Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core 26x32 Thunderbolt/USB Interface

The Antelope Audio Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core audio interface introduces Antelope’s latest software features, making it even easier to record with legendary sound quality. Featuring ultra-low latency performance, improved effects processing, plus Thunderbolt 3 and USB connections, the Discrete 8 Pro is an impressive upgrade to the original design. Simply put, if Antelope’s last generation of the Discrete interfaces seemed enticing, this new one is an absolute slam dunk.

• High-fidelity conversion for detailed sound when recording and streaming audio, and 64-bit AFC clocking technology delivering spacious stereo image with distinct separation;
• Eight Discrete console-grade 6-transistor preamps on combo XLR jacks for professional recordings. The combo jacks work as microphone/line inputs, and two of them are Hi-Z compatible
• Eight DC-coupled analog output channels (D-Sub 25), two reamp outputs (TRS), ADAT & S/PDIF I/O. All I/O can be used simultaneously in real time
• 37 Synergy Core analog-modeled effects included and over 60 available as optional expansions. Processed in real-time with imperceptible latency
• Two routing options are available – standard routing that lets you switch audio sources per channel via drop-down menu and virtual patch-bay allowing the execution of advanced input/output routing via drag and drop

A 26x32 interface, the Discrete 8 Pro offers eight console-grade preamps, along with eight line-level inputs for outboard gear, all with Antelope’s famous 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking technology. Each preamp features a concise, six-transistor path with no IC’s for big, transparent sound. Plus, dedicated reamp outputs make tracking guitars a breeze. Whether you’re working in a small home studio or a large commercial facility, the Discrete 8 Pro offers versatile IO to meet your needs. Seamlessly sync additional devices with two banks of ADAT I/O, and S/PDIF I/O. Quickly connect to your Mac or Windows PC using USB or Thunderbolt connections.

The new Virtual Patch Bay software allows users to create routing presets and quickly configure signal chains, saving you time while mixing. And with 16 available FX channel strips, there’s enough room to track a full live band, complete with stuidio-quality effects. The Discrete 8 Pro also offers an impressive 37 analog-modeled plug-ins for real-time processing. Record and mix with control room classics including EQs, compressors, preamps and even guitar amp simulators. Capture all of the vintage vibe of the originals without taxing your CPU thanks to advanced Synergy Core software.

FEATURES:

CONVERSION & CLOCKING:

• Class-leading AD/DA conversion with up to 130 dB of headroom
• Recording, mixing and playback at up to 24-bit/192 kHz
• Proprietary 64-bit AFC (Acoustically Focused Clocking) technology & Jitter Management algorithm delivering increased sound width, separation, and detail

CONNECTIVITY:

• 8 × Discrete 6-transistor preamps with 65 dB of gain for pristine recordings, all work as microphone/line and two are also Hi-Z inputs, on combo XLR jacks, and supply 48V of phantom power
• 8 × DC-coupled line outputs over D-Sub 25
• Two reamp outputs on TRS ¼ jacks for further amp processing of guitar signal. They can also be used as an additional stereo monitor output - this allows you to have two pairs of monitor speakers playing together simultaneously
• Thunderbolt 3 and USB 2.0 port with custom macOS & Windows drivers
• Digitally expandable over ADAT I/O, with 16 channels available
• Digitally expandable over S/PDIF I/O, with 2 channels available
• Three word clock outputs letting you distribute the interface’s highly stable clock signal across your studio and a word clock input allowing you to sync the Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core with other gear
• Footswitch input that can be used as a single footswitch (on 1/4” TS jack) to control the dim function and a dual footswitch to control both the talkback and dim functions
• Two stereo headphone outputs with separate gain control
• Dedicated stereo monitor output over TRS

WORKFLOW-ENHANCING FEATURES:

• Direct monitoring with Synergy Core effects, processed in real-time with imperceptible latency
• Expanded routing capabilities - switch audio sources per channel based on a drop-down menu sequence or make use of a virtual routing matrix
• Customizable presets with signal routing, level adjustments, mixer and effects settings
• Customizable monitoring mixes with adjustable volume, pan and reverb
• Easily accessible front-panel talkback with built-in microphone
• Front panel with independent headphone and monitor volume knobs and buttons for sample rate configuration, and hands-on control of core parameters. Hardware relay-based gain knobs for each preamp, plus mode control (mic/line/Hi-Z) via push sequence
• Option to work without being connected to a computer (standalone operation)
• Wireless control of software features from a separate computer connected to the same network

REAL-TIME EFFECTS PROCESSING:

• Collection of 37 Synergy Core effects modeled after classic and rare analog outboard gear
• Synergy Core proprietary onboard platform powered by 2 × DSP & 1 × FPGA chips for real-time effects processing with imperceptible latency
• Modeling Engine allowing pairing with the Edge line of microphones for real-time use of vintage microphone emulations

INCLUDED ONBOARD EFFECTS

Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core comes with 37 effects included:

• 2 Preamps (Gyraf Gyratec IX, BA-31)
• 4 Equalizers (incl. VEQ-1A, VMEQ-5)
• 5 Compressors & Limiters (incl. Stay-Levin, FET-A76, VCA160)
• 22 Guitar Amps & Cabs (incl. Bluelux 1x12, Tube Guitar Amp)
• 2 Special Processing Effects (Expander, Noise Gate)
• 1 Reverb Effect (Auraverb)
• 1 Guitar Tuner (A-Tuner)