Discrete 4 Synergy core

Thunderbolt and USB Audio Interface with
FPGA + DSP FX Processing

Features

• Premier Synergy Core FX processing
• 36 included real-time audio effects + optional additions
• 4 Console-grade Class A mic pres with discrete transistor design
• Best-in-class AD/DA conversion with 121dB dynamic range
• 4th Generation 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking
• 4 Analog line outs (DC Coupled)
• Thunderbolt™ & USB connectivity
• A pair of monitor outs on TRS
• 4 Stereo headphone outs
• 2 Word Clock outputs
• Create & share custom presets
• Intuitive software control panel

Specifications

ANALOG

Analog Inputs
2 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
4 x Line Outs on TRS, +20 dBu max
4 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: 121 dB
THD + N: -100 dB
 
A/D Converter
Dynamic Range: 121 dB
THD + N: -112 dB
 
D/A Converter (Line Out)
Dynamic Range: 118 dB
THD + N: - 100dB
DC Coupled

DIGITAL

Digital Inputs
1 x ADAT (up to 8 channels)
1 x S/PDIF (up to 2 channels)
 
Digital Outputs
1 x ADAT (up to 8 channels)
1 x S/PDIF (up to 2 channels)
 
USB 2.0 I/O
USB 2.0 Type B connector
16 channels I/O
 
Thunderbolt™
Thunderbolt™ connector
16 channels I/O

CLOCKING

Word Clock Outputs
2 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)
1.7 kg/ 3.7 lbs
 
Dimensions (Approx)
Width: 261 mm / 10.2”
Height: 44 mm / 1.7”
Depth: 208 mm /8.2”
 
Power Consumption
15 Watts

YNERGY CORE

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 4 Synergy Core handle up to 4 FX channel strips X 8 FX slots each for a maximum of 32 FX instances at any sample rate. That's four times the processing power of the Discrete 4 Basic.

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 4 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.

Discrete preamp architecture

The Discrete 4 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.

Mic modeling ready

The Discrete 4 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.

*Available with Antelope Audio Edge & Verge modeling microphones

121dB DYNAMIC RANGE

Best-in-class AD/DA

Instead of recycling outdated technology, we strive to use the latest innovations. With up to 121dB of dynamic range and sample rates up to 192kHz, our AD/DA converters ensure your meticulous performances are captured with the highest signal quality possible. Combined with a state-of-the-art preamp design and our acclaimed clocking technology, recording with the Discrete 4 Synergy Core makes your voice and instruments sound lush, bold, and expansive.

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 and jitter management algorithms, the Discrete 4 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.

Eliminate latency

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

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 4 Synergy Core presents more options than any DSP-equipped interface out there. Four microphone inputs, four line outputs, a pair of monitor outputs, four headphone outputs and S/PDIF are at your disposal. Digital expandability is possible via ADAT chaining. Furthermore, a pair of Word Clock outputs let you distribute the interface’s highly stable clock signal across your studio. All outputs are DC-coupled.

HAND-BUILT IN EUROPE

Sturdy and portable

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.

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.