Antelope Zen Q Review: With a Synergy Core FX Processing System! (2023)

Antelope Zen Q Synergy Core USB

Antelope Zen Q Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
  • Compact desktop design
  • AD/DA conversion: 24 bit / 192 kHz
  • 2 x Discrete ultra-linear preamps with 65 dB gain and 48V phantom powering
  • With 37 analog modeled Synergy Core effects

Antelope Zen Q Review

Antelope Audio has introduced the availability of a USB C variant of its Zen Q Synergy Core compact audio interface. Aimed toward home music creators, or mobile recording rigs, it’s a 14 x 10 bus-powered USB-C audio interface with onboard real-time effects and expandable I/O.

This compact design incorporates the identical AD/DA chips, mic preamps, and 64-bit AFC (Acoustically Focused Clocking) system that drive its high-end siblings, such because the rack-mountable Orion Studio Synergy Core and Galaxy 64 Synergy Core flagship. The Monitor and Line Out AD/DA conversion affords a dynamic range of as much as 127dB (A-Weighted), with recording mixing and playback at up to 24-bit/192kHz.

The system additionally affords entry to Antelope’s Synergy Core effects, 37 of that are bundled with the system. These embody analog-modeled effects together with equalizers, dynamic processors, guitar amps, a reverb, and extra. The selection additionally provides over 50 non-obligatory expansions obtainable by Antelope Audio’s Software Store.

Antelope’s strong routing software program lets you have real-time signal buses that allow you to really feel like you might be patching in a well-appointed studio. Since you aren’t tethered to a power supply, the Zen Q is superb for remote recording, or for performing a little mixing out of the studio.

The hardware boasts a powerful quantity of flexibility with two inputs being combo-jacks that use console-grade discrete ultra-linear preamps, 127dB of headroom for the converters, and two DC-coupled line outs, so you may simply integrate computer-based CV tools into your Eurorack setup. The ZEN Q USB from Antelope Audio is a good alternative for small spaces that desire a professional sound with excellent choices to develop later or to simply have a dependable portable interface.

Antelope Audio Logo

Signature Antelope Sound

Zen Q Synergy Core has Antelope Audio’s signature sound high quality, AD/DA conversion, discrete ultra-linear preamps, and 64-bit AFC clocking. Empowered with similar core technologies driving high-end interfaces just like the Orion Studio and the Galaxy 64 Synergy Core, audio engineers and artists can elevate their productions to a brand new level without getting up from their desks.

Zen Q Production Pack

Zen Q Synergy Core comes with 37 premium analog-modeled effects that may enable you to create gorgeous, sonically wealthy productions. Aside from the unique compressors, EQs, and preamps, the interface comes with 22 guitar amps and cabs, a guitar tuner, and a signature reverb that can be used in real-time for your monitoring and mixing session.

The Synergy Core effects processing means that you can stack up your chain with many effect situations whereas monitoring via the interface without concern of overloading. You may develop your effects collection at any time by buying more classic go-to models, true rarities never before recreated in digital form, and third-party effects like Antares Auto-Tune Synergy.

Each function available to you within the interface’s management panel has been added to enhance the necessary features of your workflow. Since DAW monitoring inevitably provides latency, you may monitor straight through the interface to scale back delay to the absolute minimal.

With the routing choices, you may simply arrange a near-zero latency mix and stack it together with your favorite Synergy Core results without concern of overloading the onboard platform. Devoted signal metering is available for each input and output level on the front-panel display and within the software control panel.

Antelope Zen Q Rear Panel

Quick And Efficient Workflow

Customers of Zen Q Synergy Core can profit from a USB-C interface with an optimized audio driver for low-latency playback, streaming, and recording paired with the onboard software program, permitting for seamless management over important parameters such as signal routing sub-mixes and monitoring.

The Zen Q Synergy Core shrinks the gap in sound high quality between artists, with entry to premium studios and home creators. The pristine sound is due to a mixture of professional-grade AD/DA converters and Antelope Discrete ultra-linear preamps that share circuits with legendary American and British consoles.

The standout sonic high quality of the device wouldn’t be possible without the principal pillar of the Antelope Audio sound, the 64-bit AFC clocking technology from the corporate’s high-end master clocks. It’s employed in prestigious studios around the globe and has been trusted with the scoring of Hollywood blockbusters.

Antelope Zen Q Brief Features:

  • Class-leading AD/DA conversion with up to 127dB of headroom.
  • Recording, mixing and playback at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
  • 2 × Discrete ultra-linear preamps with 65dB of gain for studio-quality recordings.
  • 2 × Hi-Z/line instrument inputs over TRS.
  • 2 × DC-coupled line outputs over TRS.
  • USB-C port carrying up to 16 input and 16 output channels in any popular DAW with custom macOS & Windows drivers.
  • Digitally expandable over ADAT IN, with 8 channels available.
  • Digitally expandable over S/PDIF I/O, with 2 channels available.
  • 1 × Stereo DC-coupled monitor output over TRS.
  • 2 × Stereo headphone outputs with separate volume control.

Why You Need the Antelope Zen Q

Antelope Audio interfaces provide loads of highly effective features reminiscent of high-quality conversion and clock, a collection of included real-time effects, and DSP mixing. The Zen Q Synergy Core represents that custom.

The Zen Q is a tabletop unit that’s a shade below 8 inches wide and weighs lower than 2 pounds. If you are in need to get a new sound card that will perform very well and improve your workflow – then this is the one for you!

9.3Expert Score
Antelope Zen Q Review

Antelope Audio has introduced the availability of a USB C variant of its Zen Q Synergy Core compact audio interface. Aimed toward home music creators, or mobile recording rigs, it’s a 14 x 10 bus-powered USB-C audio interface with onboard real-time effects and expandable I/O.

Handling
9
Features
9.5
Sound
9.5
Quality
9
Positives
  • Easy Workflow
  • Nice Plugin Bundle
  • High-Grade AD/DA

Conclusion

Well, Antelope Audio delivered again. In case you are at the stage of getting a new audio interface, this might be the right choice for you. Even though it is not in the budget range, you know what you are paying for with this unit.

If you are having any questions about this audio interface, please let us know in the comment section below or reach out to Antelope for more in-depth questions.

Nikoloski
Nikoloski

Nikoloski is the founder and main content writer and editor of Mixing Tips. With his experience in audio engineering, mixing, and mastering for over 15 years, will provide hands-on experience and expertise in all the matters covered on this website.

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