Thanks for this, I’ve been considering the discrete 4 for my home studio, and it’s true that their online reputation has given me pause. I’m glad to hear that this is (hopefully) in the past, because their products seem really good on paper.

I've just started diving into the rabbit hole with Antelope Audio interfaces. I have a 1st gen Apollo Duo, and now that I no longer use outboard gear, I was looking at the Zen Q. With UAD releasing Spark, and (eventually) being able to use the plugins I bought natively without paying for a subscription, buying the Zen Q with better converters and being able to use UAD plugins seems like a best of both worlds approach. But I've also heard the horror stories. Good to hear you've had a good experience overall.

I bought a 32 HD around the same time as you and built my studio around it. It’s an amazing machine, have had a couple of issues with updates, but i never had an issue with support. Everytime I called they picked up, and resolved my issue on the spot,. Even late at night, My unit still has some minor glitches. For example, the fpga compressors, every ratio control works in reverse. Took me a while to figure out wrf was going on, and they wouldn’t fix it when I called because it’s out of warranty. But now that I know, I use them all the time. They sound great and the routing and I/o is amazing. Good company, pushing the boundaries and taking risks.

I bought a synergy last year. I did have some issues, but as you said, the support was awesome. Sorted immedietly

I appreciate the information that you shared, because i was debating getting that interface and now i will be buying one tonight

Hey awesome video.. I have to buy an interface.. And I'm confused between antelope zen go and rme babyface pro fs. What do you think should I go for?

Thanks for your honest opinion. This video was one of the reasons to pull the trigger when I saw a good deal on a new Discrete 8 Pro synergy core. Installation was as pain free as can be (even better then my previous Audient ID44), was up and running in no time. So far it is rock solid, running over usb under Windows 11. The routing possibilities make every physical patchbay in my studio obsolete, just leave anything plugged in and route it anywhere. So afx2daw doess not work on usb, but you can still use the afx channels like hardware inserts, only downside is no automation on the plugins. Overall a pristine piece of gear so far for me 😊

I’ve got the Discreet 4 synergy and love it, I was going to use my old M-Audio 2626 to add 8 more channels in order to record rehearsals but I’ve never taken the time to learn how to do that.

I have a zen go and it's awesome great conversion coming from a rme babyface and all I need is two inputs at the moments just wish they had adat like the babyface did but it's all good if I upgrade it'll be to what ever is new that comes down the line with antelope

Hey thanks for the video, I was on the fence but I’m going to get it tomorrow, one of the Orions. Do you think it’s best to have the mic pre’s or the Orion 32+. I’m only plan on recording my synthesizers and drum machines. Is there a benefit to recording through the mic pre’s? Thanks for your input.

Thanks for sharing your personal experiences with Antelope. Also, your channel is overdue for an update on the Zen Q.

Fully agree I bought my zen go in spring and needed some support in the beginning to set it up and resolve some ground loop humming. I used their chat function on the website and the support they gave was absolutely stellar. And by the way it is also a stellar sounding audio interface,. I never heard such great converters in a prosumer interface.

I have an Orion Studio 2017. I have a LOVE / HATE relationship with it. I love the fact that it has 12 mic pres. This cut down the use of an external ADAT device most of the time for me. The AFX2DAW bridge is awesome, but quickly learned it only works over Thunderbolt. Lastly, it sounds great! However, the routing system is not user friendly. Of course, over all, you get used to it but it is a very frustrating learning experience. Software / Driver updates are not very well tested and they have released some very bad updates, especially the last one. Mine has been in for repair once already, and now one of the mic pres is going out. Only 1 year warranty!!! UUgghhh. Oh and I almost forgot, almost impossible to get some immediate tech support. Have to create tickets and respond to tickets and if you need actual support, they have odd hours. Ive had to contact support at least 6 to 8 times. When I had a UA Apollo, I never called in once.

@CapsuleToCone What do you think about the Zen Go in comparison to the Apollo Solo?

From Spain. I have since September the Discrete 8, two Vergé microphones and an Edge Solo microphone. I have had a problem with the Vergé software. In 48 hours it was solved by the technical service. Very kind and offering to solve any problem that may occur.

Is the unprocessed sound quality any different than apollo twin mkii? which one is better for ambient guitar??

You're right. Their support is great. They helped me instantly with my Orion Synergy Core. The thing with the afx2daw ...it was a little marketing-accident I think that they sold it for this price. A few month later I've got it for free 'cause I bought a little afx package from them (which had the best compressors inside I've ever heard!). The quality of their interfaces is absolutely amazing! Many studio people around me said, that they never heard such clearance and quality in a interface for this price. The routing is ...how should I say it ...a little bit tricky. I needed some time to understand. But when you once have understood it and know what's to do, you would have a beast of an interface!

Can i send the signal to a headphone as a 3/4 channel? With this procedure, I want to insert an external device to record it on input 1-2.

My Zen Tour synergy core was come with 37 plugins, afxtodaw, Edge Solo microphone modeling and a full license for Bitwing Studio.

I can see Dynaudio LYD-48's at the back. How do you find them? Maybe video review?

I've had both ZEN TOUR 2017 and ZEN STUDIO+. No problem whatsoever. Maybe it's because i'm not really into the DSP stuff (which i actually like, but rarely use and only during tracking) nor AFX2DAW, but i really love the ZEN STUDIO as a standalone digital mixer for multitrack recording and monitoring. I think there's still room for a step up, in order to compete with RME or APOGEE in the pro and semi pro field (reliability, customer support, b2b and b2c, upgradability), but as far as audio quality goes, Antelope gear is top notch!

Hey Bro thank you for your sharing your knowledge on Antelope Audio Interfaces🙏So Orion and ZenGo have same clocking technology and same A/D D/A? or just D/A chips are the same but not the A/D?

Hey man, how are you? I’ve a studio in Brazil and I’m looking for a Orion 32 gen 3. My first option was the presonus quantum 4848, but looking at presonus website I’ve founded many customers having problems and with no answers by the company… Do you think Orion 32 is a good option? I’m really afraid to buy something that doesn’t work properly… I’m experiencing some issues with my VRS 8 and I just need something realiable that will give me 32 in and outs… What do you think?

Orion HD32 gen 3. No issues so far. Sound is superb. Patchbay is phenomenal.....I was brought up on old skool GPO and later digital patch systems. All good. 😊♥️

Awesome Video, what do you feel about it after 2 years of use?

Features: 10 Quality: 9 Support: 5 Reliability: 2 As a customer who got a defective $3000+ unit, the truth about Antelope is complicated. Their customer support and follow-up was terrible at the time. When it worked, it was brilliant. BUT, it rarely ever worked properly. Not even close the reliability required by professional, let alone ANY given product out in the market. I spent countless hours/nights with their support staff trying to figure out how to get it working. They weren't able to figure it out. (I'm assuming I'm a customer with a "bad chip") Purchasing a $3000+ unit is a big consideration and after deliberating for a few months, I finally took a risk on Antelope and I wish I hadn't. After 2 years, with the support of wonderful Vintage King, I was finally able to help get a replacement unit. At that point, one of Antelope's high up managers finally helped replace the product and try to patch things up. Great product, unpredictable experience.

I've been using an Orion 32 Gen. 3 for a couple of years and I've never had an issue with it. And their customer service is the absolute best. I've gotten people on the phone at 1 in 2 o'clock in the morning and doing a shared screen. Nobody does that period nobody can. No complaints for me

hi i am about to get a used zentour desktop which is now discontinued and upgraded to zentour synergy core..so does the old version of zentour plugins work with windows?please help me..

I’ll tell you my experience with Antelope. I owned the zen studio which cost $2500 at launch and it did well until it needed Mac computer reboots for it to connect. Then it stopped working with my iPad is when I sold it. I gave them another shot so I bought the zen tour and it too needed the computer to be rebooted every time I would use it. Same with the Pure 2 I purchased, striving for that pristine sound, but Mac needed reboot to work each time. I then sold it and bought the apogee quartet and never looked back. It connects and just works.

Thanks for the review. You happen to be the only Engineer I've found, who's actually used an Apollo and this interface and made a comment about the converters. Would you say the Zen Q Syn Core AD/DA is noticeably "better" than the Apollo Twin, or is this more of a Sideways move? I went from RME Fireface, to Apollo Twin and instantly noticed a degrade in DA, specifically in the Stereo field. The Apollo made it feel more narrow and crowded... and I'm over it at this point. Was gonna go back to RME, but this has a more attractive price point and feature set. Thanks in advance

So for mixing and mastering you think you will get better results? Meaning is more clear and you can hear more detail as your mixing? Or would you say any other interface can do the same?

I sent an Orion synergy studio core back. Had it a few weeks.. win 10 with thunderbolt 3. It kept giving me various problems. In fairness, support was very good, but I just didn't want to risk the thing getting buggy when I was with a client.

My Zen Tour sounds great but has some pops, do you know how to deal with?

How about running HW inserts in Protools? I’ve been experiencing negative latency… it’s a known issue with Orion 32 units for example (I’m using the original Orion 32) with no fixes from Antelope!! It’s a HUGE bummer but not a deal breaker… would be amazing to get it worked out…

I was super excited when I bought my D8 SC. I didn't know about all the history. Just had friends with great experiences. It's been a fairly bad experience for me. The cherry on top is that mine stopped working last week and I can hardly get a response to my messages. I hear lots of good experiences and want to buy in... But I'm currently out $1900 CAD and they're not doing anything to help.

My experience mirrors yours closely. I bought the Orion2017 when it came out and went through a lot of issues that others experienced and it was frustrating. But I stuck through it, recently upgraded to the Orion Synergy Core and I'm really stoked to be in the ecosystem. The support is fantastic now, the plugs are great and I got the Edge Duo as part of their promo and that thing kills. No doubt Antelope had serious issues in the past, but they've really evolved as a company and the products are superb.

I have the original first released Zen Tour, I think it was year 2013 ? )) never had issues, using it professionally, still fully supported , today is 2023 !

Is the clarity of the monitor output of the Zen Antelope better than the Apollo twin?

I have the ZenGo and asked Antelope about selling it on and I was astonished at the reply...you have to give the buyer your account. Wish I would have known before I bought.

What good are their plugins if you can't use them pre-recording in your DAW

Great review bro. I have an Lynx Aurora N but I need more tracks I'm thinking of selling my Lynx and picking one of these Antelope 32 would be perfect...What do you think Matt Thank

How does the software mixer app compare to the uad apollo?

just bought mine 2 weeks ago and i must say this gear is bad ass i’m team antelope forever now the quality is unmatched

I think you’ve sold me on the zen go, I’ve been on the market for a new interface with solid sound that won’t break the bank. Thank you

Can you help me? Does anyone know about The registration? I wanna buy my friend’s antelope (discrete 4) and he doesnt wanna to work with music anymore. What should I do? Do I use his log in and password if he gives it to me or do I Make a new registration? I know that if I make a new registration I wouldnt have the plugins he bought and I would only have the free ones that came with the interface. Right? i would have any trouble or it will be ok to use his user on my DAW (ableton live) and my macbook?

Man, the snare in the intro is dope!

Dude this video just gave me wings. Just bought the Zen Q.

Just subscribed thank you for the video. I am considering this ADDA as well as the Lynx Aurora 24 or 32 ADDA. I do much business with Sweetwater and asked them why they don't sell this brand. They said the reliability and quality issues determined them to drop the line as you said. Not sure if I want to gamble on this based on this knowledge.

Can you use AFX2DAW on the M1?

I have the Orion synergy core!! Upgraded from Pt 192's... I have no complaints.. Works great!! I do miss my DSP plugins, no latency. But working around it...

I've had an Orion Synergy Core for over a year now and I have only had a problem once. A software update didn't work but Antelope support took care of the issue no problem.

i have a discrete 4 and only use it as a analog to digital convertor and it works mint with my neumann tlm103 into focusrite isa one...very clean signal no isssues!

I just bought an Orion 32+ for $1500. I needed a single, consistent, and small interface with 32 analog i/o and no frills. I have a vintage console and treat my computer as a fancy tape machine. Zero cares for plugins, mic preamps, headphone amps, etc. I'm 98% outboard; using computer sometimes for MAX/MSP like things and thats it. Even the UI for routing is mostly a non-issue for me as my patch bay is how I route signals. For the price, it seems great. About the only qualm I have is that I can't figure out if I can use two of these sync'd for 64 analog i/o - but I'll deal with that another day.

Now you know you gotta a do a how to properly install the antelope drive so it make it easy on there users. Love my pure2

Zen Tour owner here.. Fantastic unit and the customer support team in Bulgaria was absolutely amazing getting me up and running. And even though the Zen Tour is now classed as Legacy, they got right on to making sure the interface operating correctly in the machine its connected to. For my money, the Zen Tour is far and away better than Apollo's we use on the W7 rig. The routing on the Apollo is much simpler than the Antelope but the few extra minutes needed to route the Zen pays back in spades, awesome sound quality. The plugins don't mean anything to me, the hardware is my only priority

I've used Antelope now for 6 years. I own the 32+ and the 32+ 3rd Gen as well as the Satori. It's great sounding stuff. I love the 64io I get too. But...damn their drivers are touchy and firmware updates can send your system into a major tizz. Their support has improved though. They work with you closely via chat and Team Viewer. If they can clean up? I believe they become the undisputed kings of AD/DA and interfaces. But that is a BIG if...

4-5 years ago I bought the Discrete 4 with Edge Duo Large Diaphragm Condenser mic in a nice package deal. Beautiful sounding combo. A few months later the Discrete 4 Synergy Core units come out and the updated software routing facilities are not provided to previous Discrete 4 owners. Now the 'Pro' D4 units are out and the connectivity problems with Mac updates are not addressed. Seems my unit and the approx $3k I spent isn't worth software updates.

Bought a secondhand Orion 32+ Gen3 last year. Last week it stopped powering up. I'm hoping it is the PSU board and it is possible to swap out, because a professional repair will be far too expensive.

I’ve had an Orion Studio Synergy Core with a Mac Pro trash can, m1 Mac Pro, and Mac Studio. And although it sounds amazing, it’s integration is awful on all of them. Constant problems. Once a day crashing. Won’t recall settings from AFX2Daw from session to session, unresponsive meters on the afx units, and for over a year now the models of the Edge duo are mis-labeled compared to their counterparts on the Duo plugin.

Thanks for the detailed, informative, and earnest take on them! You've convinced me that it's a rational move to try them out. It's too bad all the negativity on the internet never gets flushed away like sins of the past, but I guess it's fair that there's a record of it for people to see. LOL.

Is worth buy today a Antelope Discrete 8 in discountt?..is like 1100 euros where i live..

How do you feel about the Lyd 48's?

How would you say the Antelope plugins compare to UAs?

My experience with Antelope has been really shitty. I have had massive problems having my computer (new Dell, otherwise functioning perfectly) consistently recognize their unit. Customer service has basically been me uninstalling and reinstalling their launcher over and over again, doing nothing. Having to log in to the server (???) every day. The tech guy finally said that I should just plan on unplugging and replugging in the unit every day and hoping that it would recognize it. I've never had any of these sort of problems on any other piece of equipment before. I asked the tech guy if they were working on solving these problems and he said he didn't think they were. Finally I asked them to take the unit back because it's totally unreliable. 2 weeks ago the tech guy said they were going to RMA the unit but then I have heard nothing from them. I would absolutely not recommend anyone buying anything from them. The unit itself seems well engineered but they still absolutely suck for support. I'm hoping they will take it back so I can be done with it.

Does the Afx to daw is still paid? thx

how does it compare to rme do you think, dilemma in my head at the moment

My encounter with Antelope products was quite short. Got an Antelope Zen Go....the driver was crashing, ending up to use Asio4all without any issues. Then I realized that I was getting a big loud "pop" in my monitors when I was turning off/ on the computer. Searched on the forums about these two issues, and I found a lot of complaints. After 2 days I returned to the store and never look back :) Sooo happy I did this, cuz I got an UAD Apollo Solo instead which costs the same but it's a far more better product.

Discrete 4 Synergy Core user, have never had a single issue with the product and the sound quality of Antelope interfaces is staggering. Their preamps, clocking and AD/DA conversion are the best. When you try it you can't go back. I've tried UA Twin X Quad, but Antelope sounds better. I use ADAM A7X, so I value a really good sounding interface, even because I do alot of sound design and frankly, I won't leave Antelope Audio. I tried, but I've failed. Very very happy with them and their products.

What console in that?

I really wanted a discrete 8- it was exactly the io I wanted, expansion, etc. of course attracted to afx. In the end, as a guy with so little free time to I chose not to roll the dice with antelope. I cannot afford to spend time troubleshooting. Decided to go with another thunderbolt interface because reality is fast computers + thunderbolt make real time processing possible without the afx or dsp processing platforms unnecessary. So far I’m happy with my choice.

What about Windows users? Would you recommend me buy from antelope?

Of Course the AFX2DAW is for free now when you get a new interface, because they've risen the prices about 200€! I bought my synergy core 8 on December 2019 for 1278€ and now it costs 1499€. I have to mention that about 4 months ago two decoders (gain knobs) were broken and I sent my unit back to get it repaired. Just yesterday found out that one of them is broken again! Personally if I would want to spend money on audio gear again, I won't be tempted to buy things because of the promotions again. I would just buy quality things because of their quality build.

I also took a chance and it payed off. They sound better than my trusty RME gear which is more stable and better performing drivers. Using windows and Thunderbolt was a rough at first, but credit to Antelope for getting their drivers where they are today, smooth sailing now. We had the 32HD, but after downsizing, I went the Zen Tour SC and it sounds identical. When i say "better", a clearer / nicer top end and smoother mids, more open sound than my RME's.

Definitely the most controversial interfaces around. Glad to get your take on them :)

I'm going ti buy It soon 😊 thank you

the thunderbolt powered piece is what I don't like. lol. thanks for sharing

Hi very interesting conversation, I’ve just traded in my Apolo 8 duo for a discreet 8 , I’m very happy with it I think it as more clarity than the UA , I was not a ware of the passed issues so its come as a surprise to me , I just know them as a reputable company that makes great ground breaking devises, But let’s be real here, times are always changing new products come and go so at some point there’s gonna be problems who ever the company is, they are all after selling products and making money , All Audio interfaces are great thees days , so its down to personal choices and what features and price meets your needs I would recommend you try before you judge,😁

How does an Antelope interface sound? Anyone? (I have an Apollo Twin Duo Mkii)

Honestly im considering the zen q usb ,but im having trouble getting an answer back from Antelope sales. Do you know if it has loopback?

loved this video!

I don't get the problems people have with these. I'm using an Orion 32+ and its been 99% plug and play. Gives me a ton of I/O for a good price. No crashes or problems. I've barely had to touch the routing. Just plugged it into my console and it seems fine. I'm mostly analog here for processing, so I haven't even tried plugins.

Antelope amari is better then rme adi-2 dac fs pro?

Hmmm, I was thinking about going with Antelope Audio hardware, I don't care about the plugins, but they seem like hit or miss. I'm reading quite a few comments on forums about software/driver and or hardware issues and I'm seeing them on youtube as well. Not just old ones, but current comments as well. Seems like a bit of a gamble from where I'm currently sitting. Also, letting support into my computer is not a plus in my book. It should be easy enough to where I can deal with any issue myself. Ideally, it should be as simple as connect some cables, maybe install a driver, power up and done for years to come. I'm glad it's worked out for CTC but I'm leaning towards RME now. Far less complaints, most people say it just works. "Rock solid" is the common sentiment and I've read about their epic long term driver support, both sound really attractive. Well I'm off to see what else I should consider. ☮ and🐢

I have Zen Tour Synergy Core, it more than I need I normally record one vocal trak and maybe a guitar through Studio one. Ihve had UAD, Presonus, and Foucusrite audio interfaces. Antelope by far is the better quailty mic pre and usability. Dont second guess antelope they make great product.

Yeah, the AFX2DAW release was a complete fumble. One of the employees of Antelope Audio said that AFX2DAW would be free, but then they released it with a ridiculously high price. With that said, I own a Goliath HD, and I have had almost no issues with it. I will throw out the disclaimer that I have never used any of the AFX, because my main focus for buying the interface was channel county and conversion quality. However, it does those things extremely well. I have no plans to get rid of my Goliath HD anytime soon. It is very capable, and it has many features that newer interfaces still don’t have. My mobile interface is a Zen Tour (non-Synergy Core), and I love it. It is not bus powered, but that doesn’t bother me too much.

Good mix in the intro.

I enjoy my product (discreet 4 synergy) but after 4 months of non-abusive use it started to glitch up, an broke. I sent it in for repairs, and it took them 6 months to send it make an with it saying that they found nothing wrong with my product. Well, 5 mins into testing (and video proof) my product it started to do that same terrible glitchy behaviour I was used to sadly. They’re shipping me a brand new one, but just my experience with them and I am not very pleased. I’m tho, very happy with how it sounded i and preferred it to my UAD Apollo sound wise. But damn man, the Apollo is so much less glitchy. Half the time the freakin panel to control the device (D4) in the computer doesn’t even wanna read/see itself on the computer that it’s plugged into. Just an unbiased comment on my experience, if it didn’t have the issues I’ve had I’d give it 5/5

I was informed by the tech department that their AFX2DAW can only be applied post recording. Basically I was told by their tech department that you can't use the AFX2DAW as a real-time plug-in in your DAW. It can only be used post recording.

I have sins a year back a Galaxy 32 Synergy Core an it works flawless. My contact with suport have been strait fovard and good. The interface is just superb, the sound is prestine.

Orion studio 2017 Worked but would not Turn off using shutdown. Later corrected but was issue for a while. Clearly a Bug

Zen Go has to many issues with my M1 Mac Mini. I've given up even after a decent call with tech support. If this is the beginning of me owning Antelope I shiver of the thought of having to deal with a hot mess in the future. Requested a return after 3 days. In 2021 it's incredible that a USB audio unit can be such a disaster. I'm 7 years strong with my Duet 2 and sorry I even thought about giving it up. lol

My Zen Tour Synergy Core interface is great. I got it mostly because Universal Audio's stuff seemed dated and had far fewer features; like, my ZTSC came with a nice touch screen that lets me jam wihtout my Mac turned on.

oooh, not gonna lie, got Zen Tour SC, and it was a breeze at the start, but then got an update I think it was to Monterrey or high Sierra, and the interface was never recognized again, for like... 4 months, had to buy another alternative interface in the meantime, although it was advertised to be supported. after this got a windows pc (did not work, apparently it needs a 3.2 gen 2 usb c connection with enough power to run data) bought the io for that, did not work either, which was not gonna lie a bit frustrating although it was working on my Mac for that time, so I was not left out, but I had some audio modding to do on PC, so I had to move all files over (which sucked) fast forward to today, my interface works only with usb 3 type a to type b cable, which is a bit unfortunate for my windows, but at least it works.... not great experience, when UA just gave me a interface which worked out of the box with the pc and the Mac quickly (sounds not as great) but does the work

Support is truly the BEST but my Zen Tour, after a couple of years started acting erratically and then all of a sudden got real bad and gone. Only other interface with same issues were Digidesign back in the day. No other interface had given me problems and I have gone through Digidesigns, Tascam, Motu, Uad, Focusrite, MAudio and Presonus. Headed back to the Uad conspiracy.

I use a Focusrite 8i8 interface works really well

Nice Review and honest I was looking at RME Baby face then reviewed the specs the chips 2 small aparantly and there no dynamics control WHAAAAT. I been watching antelope audio for Several months and reading plus watching reviews seems (I Hope as just purchased zen go)they got there act together and add ons for this promotion are including auto tune and afx2daw which is now windows USB compatible. Bit the bullet! I order yesterday as they seem to be ironing out there glitches I am UK based. I dont really mixes much just take midi songs/files edit with decent samples but I hated the fact audio/singing keyboard/guitar had echo( while monitoring live) and vocals just seemed well dull. Was using a behringer FCA 1616 and basicly the pre,s are what you pay 4. Heard good things about the sound capture as nearly as good as RME but there out of my league and price wise if i had the money I could not justify it to my loved one( she would kill me verbally/hopefully.

Had the synergy core 4 and it was ok with usb but nothing but problems once I tried to upgrade to thunderbolt .😡

I felt the same with the afx to day, went to download it and nearly shit myself. But I got a good deal after both the store and the company screwed up, got a bundle with 2 solo and 4 verge mics in a nice case for just a couple hundred more than the Orion 32 rev 2017. I love Antelope clocks, for the money they are a steal. So yes, some good and some bad. But getting sick of the "synergy core exclusive" thing. Still, as a drummer getting 12 decent console grade preamps was a nice option, that and the clock steered me way from UA, as well as the cost of their nice effects at about $400CAD/each.

question bro....does it sound good? and isit stable? im in asia....all products has bad support...hahaha

Why did Sweetwater drop them?