Antelope Audio Orion Studio Synergy Core Thunderbolt 3 and USB Audio Interface

Get more with this Orion Studio: robust Synergy Core DSP+FGPA FX processing, vast I/O including 12 mic preamps, and pristine D/A with 130 dB dynamic range.

Overview

The Antelope Audio Orion Studio Synergy Core is a major step forward for Antelope's workhorse Orion series of audio interfaces, designed to be the heart of your professional recording studio for years to come. Hot-rodded with Antelope Audio's future-proof Synergy Core FX processing platform, this updated Orion Studio is loaded with 2 FPGA and 6 DSP chips working in harmony to run Antelope's vast library of effects plug-ins. You get 50 of Antelope's top FX bundled with the hardware, including spot-on models of vintage analog gear and a killer collection of guitar amp and cabinet emulations.

With Thunderbolt 3 and USB connectivity, 12 of Antelope's Discrete microphone preamps, extensive analog and digital I/O, upgraded digital-to-analog converters with dynamic range up to 130 dB, and unprecedented FX processing power onboard, the Orion Studio Synergy Core is a well-oiled machine -- up for any recording or mixing project your studio throws its way.

Check out this overview of the Orion Studio Synergy Core from Antelope Audio:

Synergy Core: FPGA + DSP = Future-Proof Effects Processing

With 6 DSP + 2 FPGA chips under the hood running a massive effects library by Antelope Audio and platform partners, the Orion Studio Synergy Core frees up your host Mac or PC to record and playback more tracks strapped with CPU-hungry virtual instruments and effects. Take on big projects, build intricate mixes, reduce latency, shorten buffer size, and keep your system stable -- all thanks to… read more Antelope's state-of-the-art Synergy Core dedicated FX processors. With massive processing potential onboard, this Orion can grow with your studio.

50 Antelope FX Included

The Orion Studio Synergy Core unlocks 50 of Antelope's top real-time effects plug-ins. Right out of the box you get mic preamp emulations, compressors, EQs, reverb, and guitar amp and cabinet models to bring your tracks to life. And thanks to Synergy Core architecture, you've got the processing muscle to run all the simultaneous FX your sessions need.

Thunderbolt 3 + USB Connectivity

A cross-platform audio interface for Windows or Mac, Orion Studio Synergy Core offers both USB and Thunderbolt 3 connection to your DAW host computer. You can even power/charge your MacBook from the Orion Studio Synergy Core.

130 dB Dynamic Range D/A for Critical Listening

Why trust your projects to anything less than the best D/A converters? The Antelope Orion Studio Synergy Core delivers 130 dB dynamic range on both pairs of monitor outs -- which can run simultaneously, or in A/B mode.

12 Discrete Microphone Preamps + Direct Inputs

The Orion Studio Synergy Core gives you 12 mic preamps based on Antelope's ultra-linear Discrete MP standalone preamplifier, with 75 dB of pristine gain. Recording line-level signals? The Orion Studio Synergy Core's Direct In hard-bypasses the mic pres, directly sailing into the A/D converters with 124 dB dynamic range. Get ready to hear the truth.

Digital Patch Bay for Pro Studios

Send audio anywhere you need it with the digital patchbay and latency-free mixer in your Orion Studio Synergy Core's software control panel. As the "brain" of your pro studio, this interface gives you robust, flexible tools for routing and monitoring.

Antelope's 4th Generation Acoustically Focused Clocking

Antelope Audio is renowned for building rock-solid digital audio clocks found in top recording studios and broadcast facilities around the globe. The Orion Studio Synergy Core wouldn't be an Antelope interface if it didn't deliver world-class clocking. With Word Clock I/O, the Orion Studio Synergy Core syncs up your studio with Antelope's 4th Generation Acoustically Focused Clocking, employing 64-bit DDS to keep your audio in lockstep at up to 192 kHz.

Check out the Orion Studio Synergy Core in action:

Features:

- Rackmount Thunderbolt 3 & USB audio interface with 12 Discrete mic preamps
- Synergy Core processing platform with 2 FPGA + 6 DSP chips
- 2 pairs of monitor outputs run concurrently or in A/B mode with 130 dB dynamic range
- 30 simultaneous inputs x 22 simultaneous outputs
- DC-coupled I/O for CV control of analog modular synths
- Hand-built in Europe to be your pro studio's centerpiece for years to come

50 real-time effects included:

- Gyraf Gyratec IX (Tube Mic Preamp)
- VCA160 (Compressor / Limiter)
- Stay-Levin (Tube Compression Amplifier)
- FET-A76 (FET Compressor)
- X903 (Compressor / Limiter)
- PowerFFC (Compressor)
- VEQ-HLF (Passive High/Low Filter)
- BA-31 (Vintage Mic Preamp)
- ALT-436C (Tube Compressor Amplifier)
- FET-A78 (FET Compressor Limiter)
- SMT-100A (Tube Leveling Amplifier)
- VEQ-1A (Tube Equalizer)
- VMEQ-5 (Tube Mid-Range Equalizer)
- BAE-1023 (3-band Vintage EQ)
- NEU-PEV (Passive Vintage EQ)
- NEU-W492 (5-band Vintage EQ)
- NEU-W495 (3-band Vintage Mastering EQ)
- VEQ-4K BROWN (Legendary Vintage EQ)
- VEQ-4K ORANGE (Legendary Vintage EQ)
- VEQ-4K PINK (Legendary Vintage EQ)
- VEQ-STU 089 (Vintage EQ)
- VEQ-STU 169 (Vintage EQ)
- VEQ-STU 900 (Vintage EQ)
- Clear Q (Parametric EQ)
- Auraverb (Reverb)
- Power EX (Expander)
- Power Gate (Gate)
- Master De-Esser (De-Esser)
- 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)
- Clst 1x12 (Guitar Cabinet)
- England 4x12 (Guitar Cabinet)
- Bass Tube 1x15 (Guitar Cabinet)

Specs

ANALOG
Analog Inputs: 8 x Mic / Line Inputs / Direct In
4 x Mic / Line / Hi-Z Inputs / Direct In
Analog Inserts:
2 x Inserts on TRS (inputs 1,2)
Analog Outputs:
- 2 x Monitor Out on TRS 1/4 Jacks: Can work both simultaneously and in A/B mode
- 2 x ReAmp Out on TRS 1/4 Jacks
- 2 x Line Out (16 channels) on DB25, +20 dBu max, impedance balanced
- 2 x Stereo Headphone Outputs
- D/A Monitor Converter
Dynamic Range: 130 dB
THD + N: -115 dB
A/D Converter
Dynamic Range: 124 dB
THD + N: -112 dB
D/A Converter
Dynamic Range: 128 dB
THD + N: -115dB
Discrete Mic Preamps
EIN: -128 dBu
Dynamic Range: -121 dB
THD: -106 dB
Max input: +20 dBu
Max Gain: 75 dB
Digital Inputs
- 2 x ADAT (up to 16CH)
- 1 x S/PDIF on RCA
Digital Outputs
- 2 x ADAT (up to 16CH)
- 1 x S/PDIF on RCA
- USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
- USB 2.0 Type B connector
(up to 24 channels)
- Thunderbolt 3 I/O
- Thunderbolt 3 connector
(up to 32 channels)
CLOCKING
Word Clock Input: 1 x Input @ 75 Ohms 3Vpp on BNC 32 - 192kHz
Word Clock Outputs: 1 x Outputs @ 75 Ohms 3Vpp on BNC 32 - 192kHz
Clocking System: -4th Generation Acoustically Focused Clocking
- 64-bit DDS
- Oven-controlled crystal oscillator
Clocking Stability: <+/-0.02 ppm, oven controlled at 64.5 degrees C/ 148.1 degrees F
Clock Aging: < 1 ppm per year
Clock Calibration: <+/-0.001 ppm
Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 (kHz)

OTHER
Operating Temperature: 0-50 degrees C, 32-122 degrees F
Weight: 3.1 kg/ 6.83 lbs (Approx.)
Dimensions (Approx.):
Width: 483 mm / 19"
Height: 44 mm / 1.7"
Depth: 220 mm /8.6"
Electrical specs
DC Universal input: 18V
Power Consumption: 25 Watts Max

In the box
- Orion Studio Synergy Core Thunderbolt 3 and USB AD/DA Interface with 12 Discrete Mic Pres
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Card
- 1 In-Line DC Power supply
- 1 USB cable

System Requirements: WINDOWS
- PC: Computer with Thunderbolt 3 and/or USB ports
- OS: Windows 10 x64 with the latest updates
- RAM: 4GB minimum (8GB or more recommended)
- CPU: Intel Core i3 or AMD FX and higher

MAC
- Model: Apple Mac 2012 or newer Thunderbolt 3 and/or USB ports
- OS X: macOS 10.12 (Sierra) and higher - Recommended macOS 10.14 (Mojave)
- Memory: (RAM)4GB minimum (8GB or more recommended)
- Additional Info: Internet connection required for product activation.

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Bundle with Edge Solo modeling mic, Bitwig Studio DAW, and Big 13 FX Package: Shipping Weight: 15.25 lbs
Base Item: Shipping Weight: 10.75 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 25 x 14 x 4 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 853744004816

Documents and Manuals

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 916-238-1643
Email: support@antelopeaudio.com
Web: https://support.antelopeaudio.com/

Orion Studio Synergy Core User Manual

Reviews

(18 ratings)

Submitted December 2, 2020 by a customer from gmail.com

"Professional Quality Interface and Modeling"

Overall:

(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

I was perfectly happy with a Universal Audio Apollo 8 Duo with a Dangerous Music Dbox Summing box until one day I went over to a friends house and heard his Orion Studio Synergy Core unit along with his Edge Duo microphone. I was honestly blown away, to the point where I immediately began to research this product and finally could not resist any longer with their promo which gave me tons of plugins and a free solo modeling microphone. Once I received the unit and plugged it in, played back some music through it, i was amazed at the quality upgrade that I was hearing. It actually felt like it was giving my speakers somewhat of an upgrade. I could hear more depth, separation and details. Enough to say that I quickly unplugged my Apollo, my Dbox, and my ADA8200, and sold it all. I have not looked back since. I did keep my Apollo Satellite unit which gives me access to all of the plugins I've invested in UAD but I do not miss the interface itself. The patching capabilities through the Antelope Control Panel is amazing, just when I thought UA was good, this thing is ridiculous in what it can do. I was able to track 3 different vocal tracks at once, one unprocessed, one with preamp and compressor modeling, and a third with real time auto tune. What!?! Limitless feels like a good word to describe it. I spend so much money buying separate items for my needs (apollo, ada8200, dbox, rode k2) but was able to reconcile and achieve even better quality with this single unit and a modeling… read more microphone. I do want to clarify that I also bought the Antelope Edge Duo microphone and that is what I've used since day one, never actually used the solo. The only thing I wish for was a larger variety of plugins in the software store such as preamps, reverbs, delays, etc. but I imagine they'll get to UADs library size eventually. Also their pricing has gone up enough to where UAD is now beating them whenever their stuff goes on sale and additionally that is one thing I always hated, having to spend hundreds to thousands of additional dollars on plugins when you've already spend thousands on the interface. I could only hope they keep them affordable. I can go on and on about this unit so I'll stop myself here. Give this a try, you won't regret it.

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Bundle with Edge Solo modeling mic, Bitwig Studio DAW, and Big 13 FX Package

What you get...

	1	Antelope Audio Orion Studio Synergy Core Thunderbolt 3 and USB Audio Interface ($2,795.00 each)	$2,795.00
	1	Antelope Audio Edge Solo Modeling Microphone ($695.00 each)	$695.00 Free