Take pro-grade conversion, clocking, and preamps anywhere you go with the Antelope Zen Q Synergy Core, a desktop 14x10 USB Type-C audio interface that puts premium sound quality in a convenient bus-powered format that's priced within reach of artists and musicians recording at home, mobile producers, and content creators. In addition to the revealing quality of its hardware, the Zen Q Synergy Core empowers you with 37 analog-modeled real-time effects, which are powered by the onboard DSP and FPGA chips to ensure ultralow latency and no burden on your computer's CPU.
Each of the two Antelope Discrete mic / line / Hi-Z preamps has its own phantom power and up to 65 dB of gain, so the interface is primed and ready for recording all sorts of microphones, instruments, or even line-level signals from outboard gear. Two additional 1/4" line / Hi-Z inputs are provided on the front panel. Equipped with two independently adjustable headphone outputs, two balanced monitor outs, and two balanced line outs, the Zen Q Synergy Core can act as your home studio's hub for multiple sets of headphones, mixes, monitor feeds, and more. Its ADAT optical input and S/PDIF digital I/O ports are perfect for expanding your setup with digital gear such as external converters.
Rise Above the Sound You Know
The Zen Q Synergy Core shrinks the gap in sound quality between artists, with access to premium studios and home creators. The pristine sound is due to a combination of professional-grade AD/DA converters and Antelope Discrete ultralinear preamps that share circuits with legendary American and British consoles. The standout sonic quality of the device would not be possible without the main pillar of the Antelope Audio sound—the 64-bit AFC clocking technology from the company's high-end master clocks. It is employed in prestigious studios around the world and has been trusted with the scoring of Hollywood blockbusters.
Full Production Pack, from the Get-Go
Zen Q Synergy Core comes with 37 premium analog-modeled effects that will help you create stunning, sonically rich productions. Aside from the exclusive compressors, EQs, and preamps, the interface comes with 22 guitar amps and cabs, a guitar tuner, and a signature reverb that are all ready to be applied in real time to your tracking and mixing session. The Synergy Core effects processing allows you to stack up your chain with many effect instances while monitoring through the interface without fear of overloading.
At any time, you can expand your effects collection by purchasing more classic go-to units, true rarities never before recreated in digital form, and 3rd party effects like Antares Auto-Tune Synergy.
Create from Anywhere, Anytime
The Zen Q interface is optimized for ultralow-latency recording, high-resolution playback, creative beatmaking, and podcasting from virtually anywhere. With just the included USB cable, you can power the Zen Q Synergy Core from your computer and use it to its full potential without having to carry a dedicated power supply with you.
Better Recording and Producing Workflow
Every feature available to you in the interface's control panel has been added to improve the important aspects of your workflow. Since DAW monitoring inevitably adds latency, you can monitor directly through the interface to reduce delay to the absolute minimum. With the routing options, you can easily set up a near-zero latency mix and stack it with your favorite Synergy Core effects without fear of overloading the onboard platform. Dedicated signal metering is available for both input and output levels on the front-panel display and in the software control panel.
Smart Connectivity in a Small Package
The two XLR-1/4" combo input jacks give you the flexibility to choose between Antelope's Discrete mic preamps and line / Hi-Z inputs; they are easily configurable via the control panel. The front panel offers two 1/4" inputs, which can be used to record line-level sources or Hi-Z instruments.
The four 1/4" TRS DC-coupled balanced outputs (two monitor and two line) allow you to send the signal from the professional-grade D/A converter to separate destinations. Use one set for your main monitors and the other for a feed to analog outboard gear. Plus, there are two separate 1/4" headphone outputs.
Loopback Function for Streaming
For a convenient online broadcasting setup, use loopback capabilities for streaming and recording OS/DAW playback and interface inputs simultaneously.
Conversion and Clocking
Analog and Digital Connectivity
Workflow-Enhancing Features
37 Real-Time Effects
Collection of 37 Synergy Core effects modeled after classic and rare analog outboard gear, powered by the Synergy Core proprietary onboard platform, which uses two DSP chips and one FPGA chip for real-time effects processing with imperceptible latency.
Channels of I/O | Analog: 4 Inputs / 8 Outputs Digital: 10 Inputs / 2 Outputs |
Maximum Sampling Rate | 192 kHz / 24-Bit |
Number of Microphone Inputs | 2 Preamps |
Built-In Microphone | No |
Input Level Adjustment | 1 x Knob |
Expansion Slots | No |
Signal Processing
Pad | No |
Gain/Trim Range | Mic Inputs: Up to +65 dB |
High-Pass Filter | No |
Solo/Mute | No |
Connectivity
Analog Audio I/O | 2 x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Mic/Line/Hi-Z Input 2 x 1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Line/Hi-Z Input (Front Panel) 2 x 1/4" TRS Balanced Monitor Output (DC-Coupled) 2 x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Output (DC-Coupled) 2 x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output (Front Panel) |
Phantom Power | 48 V, Selectable On/Off (Selectable on Individual Inputs) |
Digital Audio I/O | 1 x TOSLINK Optical ADAT Input 1 x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Input 1 x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Output |
Host Connection | 1 x USB-C |
Host Connection Protocol | USB 2.0 |
USB (Non-Host) | No |
Sync I/O | No |
Network I/O | No |
MIDI I/O | No |
Performance
Maximum Input Level | Mic Inputs: +20 dBu |
Maximum Output Level | Line/Monitor Outputs: +20 dBu |
Dynamic Range | Mic Inputs: 121 dB (A-Weighted) A/D Converters: 122 dB D/A Converters: 127 dB (A-Weighted) |
THD | Mic Inputs: -106 dB |
THD+N | A/D Converters: -116 dB D/A Converters: -115 dB |
EIN | Mic Inputs: -128 dBu A-Weighted |
Digital Audio
Sample Rates | 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz |
Sample Rate Conversion | No |
Bit Depths | 24-Bit (AD/DA Conversion) 64-Bit (Clocking) |
Sync Sources | ADAT, Internal, S/PDIF |
Audio Storage & Playback
Memory Card Slot | No |
Compatibility
OS Compatibility | macOS 10.12 or Later Windows 10 *As of December, 2021: Check with manufacturer for the most up-to-date compatibility |
Included Software | No |
Compatible Software (Not Included) | Any Core Audio (Mac) Compliant Software |
Included Plug-Ins | Preamp & Channel Strip: BA-31 Gyraf Gyratec IX Equalization: Clear Q VEQ-1A VEQ-HLF VMEQ-5 Dynamics: FET-A76 PowerFFC Power EX Power Gate Stay-Levin VCA160 X903 Reverb & Room: Auraverb Tuning: A-Tuner Guitar & Bass: Bass SuperTube VR Bass Tube 1x15 Bluelux 1x12 BurnSphere (DE) Lead Clst 1x12 Caliper 50 1x10 Darkface 65 2x12 Darkface 65 (US) England 4x12 Green 2x12 Green 4x12 Marcus II (US) Lead Modern 4x12 Modern (US) CH3 Overange 120 (UK) Plexi 59 (UK) Rock 22.10 (UK) Rock 75 (UK) Top30 2x12 Top30 (UK) Bright Tweed Deluxe (US) Vintage 4x12 |
Supported Drivers/API & Plug-Ins | Proprietary |
Mobile Device Compatibility | No |
Required Hardware | Available USB-A Port USB Cable (Included) |
Internet Connection | Required for Registration, Software/Driver Download, Plug-In Authorization |
Power
Power Requirements | USB Bus Power |
Physical
Anti-Theft Features | Kensington Security Slot |
Dimensions | 7.8 x 5.4 x 2.26" / 19.8 x 13.7 x 5.75 cm |
Weight | 1.8 lb / 0.8 kg |
Packaging Info
Package Weight | 2.605 lb |
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 10.3 x 8.2 x 3.9" |