Antelope Audio Discrete 8 Synergy Core Thunderbolt and USB Audio Interface with FPGA and DSP FX Processing

Bring Antelope Audio's ultra-flexible effects processing power, renowned digital clocking, and pro-level conversion quality to your project studio with the Discrete 8 Synergy Core audio interface. The next generation of Antelope's hit Discrete 8 Thunderbolt/USB interface, the Discrete 8 Synergy Core is loaded with dual DSP chips and an FPGA processor working together to run award-winning Antelope FX, as well as 3rd-party effects joining the Synergy Core platform. Ideal for mid-sized studios, the Discrete 8 Synergy Core features Thunderbolt and USB connectivity, 8 console-grade microphone preamps, 26 total inputs and 30 outputs -- including two dedicated ReAmp outputs. There's even a footswitch jack to speed up your workflow. And with 36 top Antelope effects plug-ins included free, the Discrete 8 Synergy Core gives you a sharp set of creative tools to take your projects from inspiration to final master.

Synergy Core: Future-Proof Effects Processing (DSP + FPGA)
With two DSP chips and an FPGA chip under the hood, the Discrete 8 Synergy Core can run all your Antelope FX -- stabilizing your DAW by offloading effects processing to dedicated chips, without bogging down your host CPU. With the Discrete 8 Synergy Core in your rack, you don't need a latest-spec computer to run your favorite plugs. Antelope effects running on Antelope hardware means you can shorten buffer size, reduce latency, and free up your host Mac or PC to run CPU-hogging VST synths and native time-based effects.

1 FPGA + 2 DSP = More Effects, More Variety
Antelope's unique Synergy Core platform combines FPGA + DSP in one interface. With the Discrete 8 Synergy Core, you get state-of-the-art ARM DSPs with faster clock rates than chips found in lesser interfaces, plus Antelope's proven FPGA platform that delivers lower latency in FX chains. This exclusive hybrid architecture enables a wider variety of Antelope effects than ever -- time-based delays, choruses, flangers, and more. Your Discrete 8 Synergy Core comes with $3,000 of plug-ins: compressors, EQs, reverbs, amp models based on iconic vintage gear -- and all the processing power you need to run them!

Uncompromising A/D and D/A Conversion Quality
Analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters are at the heart of every DAW-based studio -- and your converters can make or break your sound. That's why the Antelope Audio Discrete 8 Synergy Core offers pristine AD/DA with 121 dB dynamic range on the analog inputs and class-leading 130 dB dynamic range on the monitor outputs, so you can capture and play back your audio with Antelope clarity.

More I/O for Your Growing Studio
The Discrete 8 Synergy Core is hand-built by Antelope engineers to deliver impressive analog and digital I/O in one rack space. Plug into two front-panel XLR-1/4" inputs with switchable mic/line/Hi-Z preamps. On the back, you'll find 6 mic/line inputs, monitor line outputs, dedicated ReAmp outputs, 8 more line outputs on a DB25 connector, two banks of ADAT I/O, and S/PDIF I/O.

Antelope Audio's Proven Clocking Technology
Pro recording studios rely on Antelope master clocks to maintain stability and sonic integrity in PCM digital audio. The Discrete 8 Synergy Core wouldn't be an Antelope Audio interface if it didn't offer rock-solid clocking, with Antelope's 4th-Generation 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking (AFC) jitter management algorithm, three 75-ohm BNC Word Clock outputs, and Word Clock input. Add Antelope's industry-leading digital clocking to your studio, and capture recordings with greater clarity, dimension and detail.

Key Features

• Synergy Core - New Milestone Technology & Future-proof FX processing platform
• Pristine AD/DA conversion with 130 dB of dynamic range on monitor outputs
• 36 Synergy Core effects plug-ins included -- a $3,000 value
• Sub-millisecond round-trip latency
• Antelope's 4th-Generation Acoustically Focused Clocking and Word Clock I/O
• USB/Thunderbolt audio interface with 8 console-grade mic preamps
• 26 total inputs and 30 outputs, including 2 dedicated ReAmp outputs
• Footswitch jack
• 35 effects expansions available separately, including AFX2DAW Bridge
• All effects can be automated in DAW without CPU load, thanks to AFX2DAW Bridge (Mac only)

Technical Specifications

ANALOG
Analog Inputs
6 x Mic / Line Inputs
2 x Mic / Line / Hi-Z Inputs
Analog Outputs
1 x Monitor Out on TRS 1/4 Jacks, +20 dBu max
2 x ReAmp Out on TRS 1/4 Jacks
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 Converters(Line Out)
Dynamic Range: 121 dB
THD + N: - 100dB
DC Coupled

DIGITAL
Digital Inputs
2 x ADAT (up to 16CH)
1 x S/PDIF
Digital Outputs
2 x ADAT (up to 16CH)
1 x S/PDIF
USB 2.0 I/O
USB 2.0 Type B connector
Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt connector

CLOCKING
Word Clock Input
1 x Input @ 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
In the box
Discrete 8 Synergy Core Interface
Quick Start Guide
Wart External Power Supply Unit
USB Cable
Warranty Card
36 Synergy Core effects plug-ins included
Plugin: Type
Gyraf Gyratec IX: Tube Mic Preamp
VCA160: Compressor
Stay-Levin: Compressor
FET-A76: FET Compressor
VEQ-1A: Tube EQ
VMEQ-5: Tube EQ
X903: Compressor / Limiter
FeedForward Antelope Compressor: Compressor
Clear Q: Parametric EQ
Power EX: Expander
VEQ-HLF: Passive High/Low Filter
Auraverb: Reverb
BA-31: Mic Preamp
Power Gate: Gate
Plexi 59 (UK): Tube Guitar Amp
Bass SuperTube VR: Tube Guitar Amp
Darkface 65 (US): Tube Guitar Amp
Top30 (UK) Bright: Tube Guitar Amp
Tweed Deluxe (US): Tube Guitar Amp
Overange 120 (UK): Tube Guitar Amp
BurnSphere (DE) Lead: Tube Guitar Amp
Marcus II (US) Lead: Tube Guitar Amp
Modern (US) CH3: Tube Guitar Amp
Rock 75 (UK): Tube Guitar Amp
Rock 22.10 (UK): Tube Guitar Amp
Darkface 65 2x12: Guitar Cabinet
Top30 2x12: Guitar Cabinet
Modern 4x12: Guitar Cabinet
Green 2x12: Guitar Cabinet
Vintage 4x12: Guitar Cabinet
Green 4x12: Guitar Cabinet
Caliper 50 1x10: Guitar Cabinet
Bluelux 1x12: Guitar Cabinet
England 4x12: Guitar Cabinet
Bass Tube 1x15: Guitar Cabinet