Thanks Andrew. I asked for this in your last video, and you have delivered. I'm using an Orion Studio (Synergy Core) so this is super helpful. If you want to make a trip to Asheville NC for some "EPIC Home Studio Tours" hit me up - we've got a bunch around here!
Jumping into a new interface software can be intimidating at first so let's dig in to the control panel software for the antelope audio interfaces. Check out my friend Fady's youtube channel in the description.
I bought a Orion Studio last year. It is expensive but worth every penny. A big jump from a Focusrite 18i20. The only issue I been having so far is in knowing how to use the outputs correctly. I'm glad you made this video. I wish they had done more mixers for personal monitoring. If I have a band with more than 4 members on my studio recording a live set I won't be able to have enough individual mixes.
Love this Andrew. I have the synergy core and for some reason I’ve noticed that the headphones monitor volume isn’t as loud did you have the same issue with this one?
This is really cool! I'd never seen a deep-dive on how these units function regarding their routing and the ability to capture those multiple audio streams. Can see why that'd be useful! FWIW - While you can't do a lot of these things w/ an Apollo system (like pulling DSP from unit to unit for auxes and inserts), the tradeoff is a fixed roundtrip latency figure with the hardware monitoring even when tracking through plugins. Might just be my age but that's still pretty cool :) Its really cool that there are so many options out there! If I had the space/budget for a lot of pres and hardware processing, this would be a consideration for sure.
For a cheaper entry into the Antelope world I can really recommend a second hand Zen Tour, which I have. It comes with all AFX bundled so you don't have to pay for them as you do in the later Synergy Core version. It also features dual monitor outs, unlike the SC, so it works fine as a basic monitor controller, and with dual adat inputs you can really get a huge multi input unit for a very decent price. On a side note to Andrew (or anyone else), are you using AFX2DAW? There's been some thrash talk about it which held me back from shelling out for it, but it really seems rather handy.
I use a Zen Q and enjoy it so far. My only gripes are that some of the plugins don't work unless you downgrade the bundle firmware/driver, and I haven't got afx2daw to work for me.
Right now I have a RME UFX III with rock solid drivers and about to pair a Ferrofish A32 pro for more I/O using MADI. I then will have 40 pairs of I/O. I just hope the converters are good enough. The good ole analog patch bay is the way to go. Not all this conversion the signal goes through or having to worry about the product not being supported due to software not being updated in the future making my box a paper weight. I am glad technology is moving forward but it needs to be future proof.
A patch bay is great, but even the cost of cables is prohibitively expensive for some people! Not to mention the time in re-patching constantly. This allows total recall in just seconds.
@@timgosden5519 That is very true. Cable cost is expensive. I had to resort to making cables from supplies I buy from Redco. It is time consuming but I did save a lot of money. Re-patching can be a pain. Maybe being too concerned of conversion may not be an issue. I am happy technology is moving forward.
Hi Andrew I'm curious why you chose this over RME? number of inputs possibly--but you may could have 2 units to get the same number of inputs? I've just heard RME is super solid.
I was recommended it by a handful of really great friends who use them and talked with me through all my needs! Shout out to Jared, Zane, Fady, and Eric Valentine. I don't see RME in studios that often in my visits, and only know 1 friend who uses it and he just switched away from it so I guess it's just based on those two factors. I don't have anything against RME, and am happy that they make good stuff.
RME absolutely IS rock solid. Way more reliable and much better support. But it's expensive. IMHO you get what you pay for, but to get all the same features and i/o present on the Galaxy 32 in RME world, you're looking at double, maybe even triple the price. I went with the Galaxy 32 after my trusty old Fireface finally gave up the ghost. I have an RME Digiface Dante in case the Antelope thunderbolt option doesn't want to work.....I've heard some nightmares about these interfaces. Fingers crossed.
I’m glad you did this. But damn, that interface looks confusing and inhospitable. Sticking with UAD and console for now. As confused as UAD is as a company at this point in the game, console is amazing.
I thought so too before I used it, you know me - I came from 3 apollos. The control panel really is much more usable at the end of the day. It takes a second to know where to look when you’ve never used it, but requires much less intervention than console does.
@@itsstudiotime do you use it as a digital patchbay? like can you replace a patchbay and use the software to run signal in series through outboard gear and then bring it back?
What monitor switcher are you using to achieve direct monitoring? I have the galaxy32 and want to hear my synths dawless.. I got lost when you were explaining that part with the input routing
I'm curious about the ProTools delay compensation if you're using this unit via Thunderbolt, rather than HDX. I'm assuming that since you have all of the HDX i/o hidden, you are not using HDX. Are there any problems with the delay compensation calculating properly via Thunderbolt? I've got the Orion Studio HD, but I've only ever used it via the HDX rather than USB.
Nice walkthrough! How’s the Stealth chair holding up? I was thinking of getting one soon because of your video a while back. Would you still recommend it?
@@JimCardoza i find the ad/da conversion and the driver stability on RME Devices second to none and the Pre amps are transparent and stunningly detailed.
The new studio is fire..... I just got the Orion Studio and for $2k no other interface can compare with the I/O... as far as the software think of sources and destination.... and it is simple after that. AA does need a better GUI in my opinion. The definitely need a better group of software designers and end user testing because it is not user friendly.
YYou might also want to check out the RME Fireface UFX III. This gives you upto 94 inputs into your DAW and has an even better driver / audio ontrol panel in my oinion.
RME makes fantastic products and is outstanding on many levels. Their achilles heel though is that they're a German company, and most of their client base is in Europe. I switched to RME after Mackie bought Soundscape (I had two of their interfaces), and bought the original Fireface when it came out. No one else in my circle of friends or professional relations had an RME though. About half had Metric Halos, a few had Apogees or Auroras, and the others had Universal Audios. All American companies. All but MH within driving distance of my house. So I ditched the Fireface for an Apollo 8 and a Twin Quad to sit on my desktop, with a couple of Satellites to supplement the built-in processors, and gave my Fireface to a fellow producer friend in NY. It's about the same thing with Logic (mostly US) and Cubase, or Samplitude: higher rate of adoption in Europe.
Oh yeah... herer is a tip with the software LABEL YOUR SOURCES (input) so when you move it to output you can actually see where they are going vs leaving the numbers... that is part of the confusion with the software.
Hey there, amazing video this was. I have a question tho, regardless of software problems in the past and a lot of hate around antelope audio’s reliability you still seem to be doing really really good. I wanna ask if these issues still happen or they are a thing of past for this brand? I’m looking to get Descreet 8 pro synergy core from them but the software complaints are holding my decision back. So just wanna know from someone who is using them today and seems happy with it.
Thanks for a great channel and video!! Question regarding ADAT inserts vs analogue. I have a hybrid studio and have both analogue and digital inserts for hardware. Does inserts via ADAT sound less dynamic/punchy than analogue inserts due to the maybe lower levels and less pushing the units??
That's gonna depend on the specs of your AD/DA in whatever ADAT expander you've got on the other end. If the dynamic range and THD+N are both of similar spec (and even then we're probably talking about Line Level inputs and not Pres) to your main interface and can send/receive proper signal level for whatever gear you've got, then the only thing affecting transients and frequency response should be clocking.
@@nkozi THANKS! The main interface is the Antelope Galaxy 32 (just upgraded from an Apollo X8) and the ADAT signal comes from a bunch of 500 series units (Pultecs, SPL & AMS NEVE) in a Cranboune Audio ADAT500 lunchbox/unit. Master clock is from the Galaxy. And yes line levels.
I back to RME after 10 years with Apollo eco system. Rme ufxiii u can do any thing. !more easy and faster and the best drivers in the world sold ! And top quality. Rme make your. Life so easy especially for big studio. I have 16 mixes. Stereo for headphone for 16 player ! And u can make any think you dream about . And the. Lowest latency !!in out the Apollo will never some day will be. Like this.
Yes the issue is lack of connectivity with RME I HAVE 32 INPUT 32 OUTPUTS on DSubs and then connect to patch bays I think the only comparable device to this is a linx
You should have seen how that control panel looked on my Orion 32 about 10 years ago. YUCK. It's much better, it was a solid piece of hardware. I originally owned an Aadvark Q10 back in 2001, before they went bust and came back as Antelope.
Fady the guy in this video can you find me his videos also so I can see so,e more advanced routing videos he talks about that’s in depth I have the 32+ we have no tech support so we have to work this out 😂
My understanding of this unit (antelope) is that there is too much conversion using the onboard patch bay. signals constantly have to be converted to patch instead of just going analog to analog making a chain you have to go DA to AD. With a normal patch bay you do not have all that conversion. I think the Flock and Wolff audio use actual relays. I do not trust software. At this time the good ole patch bay is my choice.
@@itsstudiotime I do think that the technology they are coming up with is great. I suppose I am being too hard on it or the countless post and things I have read about Antelope and their driver issues and the units breaking down within a couple of years has made biased. I will try and be more open minded and see how they do. This was a great video.! The future looks promising.
I got an Antelope Audio interface pretty recently but it stopped working and I haven’t heard from support in 2 weeks. I’ve opened 3 tickets. Run away from this company man
That used to be the consensus - years ago (before the Rona). Stunned to see that's still the case. The company (or the principles) started out as Aardvark. Went under. Re-emerged as Antelope. I wouldn't touch them with a ten-foot pole, or any pole for that matter. Sorry for your troubles - hope you can get your money back.
Thanks Andrew. I asked for this in your last video, and you have delivered. I'm using an Orion Studio (Synergy Core) so this is super helpful. If you want to make a trip to Asheville NC for some "EPIC Home Studio Tours" hit me up - we've got a bunch around here!
Antelope fam represent!
Jumping into a new interface software can be intimidating at first so let's dig in to the control panel software for the antelope audio interfaces. Check out my friend Fady's youtube channel in the description.
Thanks guys! sub for both your channels and stoked for these videos... I just bought Synergy 8 pro, cant wait to put it full use, Thanks!
I bought a Orion Studio last year. It is expensive but worth every penny. A big jump from a Focusrite 18i20. The only issue I been having so far is in knowing how to use the outputs correctly. I'm glad you made this video. I wish they had done more mixers for personal monitoring. If I have a band with more than 4 members on my studio recording a live set I won't be able to have enough individual mixes.
Love this Andrew. I have the synergy core and for some reason I’ve noticed that the headphones monitor volume isn’t as loud did you have the same issue with this one?
This is good, I’m actually looking at the Orion in the galaxy right now. Thanks for the video, Andrew!
Hi Andrew - Great video! Will you be showing how you setup your hybrid hardware with the Antelope interface?
Which version of the Apogee Symphony were you using?
This is really cool! I'd never seen a deep-dive on how these units function regarding their routing and the ability to capture those multiple audio streams. Can see why that'd be useful!
FWIW - While you can't do a lot of these things w/ an Apollo system (like pulling DSP from unit to unit for auxes and inserts), the tradeoff is a fixed roundtrip latency figure with the hardware monitoring even when tracking through plugins. Might just be my age but that's still pretty cool :)
Its really cool that there are so many options out there! If I had the space/budget for a lot of pres and hardware processing, this would be a consideration for sure.
For a cheaper entry into the Antelope world I can really recommend a second hand Zen Tour, which I have. It comes with all AFX bundled so you don't have to pay for them as you do in the later Synergy Core version. It also features dual monitor outs, unlike the SC, so it works fine as a basic monitor controller, and with dual adat inputs you can really get a huge multi input unit for a very decent price.
On a side note to Andrew (or anyone else), are you using AFX2DAW? There's been some thrash talk about it which held me back from shelling out for it, but it really seems rather handy.
I use a Zen Q and enjoy it so far. My only gripes are that some of the plugins don't work unless you downgrade the bundle firmware/driver, and I haven't got afx2daw to work for me.
Right now I have a RME UFX III with rock solid drivers and about to pair a Ferrofish A32 pro for more I/O using MADI. I then will have 40 pairs of I/O. I just hope the converters are good enough. The good ole analog patch bay is the way to go. Not all this conversion the signal goes through or having to worry about the product not being supported due to software not being updated in the future making my box a paper weight. I am glad technology is moving forward but it needs to be future proof.
A patch bay is great, but even the cost of cables is prohibitively expensive for some people! Not to mention the time in re-patching constantly. This allows total recall in just seconds.
@@timgosden5519 That is very true. Cable cost is expensive. I had to resort to making cables from supplies I buy from Redco. It is time consuming but I did save a lot of money. Re-patching can be a pain. Maybe being too concerned of conversion may not be an issue. I am happy technology is moving forward.
Antelope rules! Been using them for the past 8 years ..
Hi Andrew I'm curious why you chose this over RME? number of inputs possibly--but you may could have 2 units to get the same number of inputs? I've just heard RME is super solid.
I was recommended it by a handful of really great friends who use them and talked with me through all my needs! Shout out to Jared, Zane, Fady, and Eric Valentine. I don't see RME in studios that often in my visits, and only know 1 friend who uses it and he just switched away from it so I guess it's just based on those two factors. I don't have anything against RME, and am happy that they make good stuff.
@@itsstudiotime Thanks! very helpful comment!
RME absolutely IS rock solid. Way more reliable and much better support. But it's expensive. IMHO you get what you pay for, but to get all the same features and i/o present on the Galaxy 32 in RME world, you're looking at double, maybe even triple the price. I went with the Galaxy 32 after my trusty old Fireface finally gave up the ghost. I have an RME Digiface Dante in case the Antelope thunderbolt option doesn't want to work.....I've heard some nightmares about these interfaces. Fingers crossed.
Im thinking on going with Antelope from uad !
Did the same myself!
I’m glad you did this. But damn, that interface looks confusing and inhospitable. Sticking with UAD and console for now. As confused as UAD is as a company at this point in the game, console is amazing.
I thought so too before I used it, you know me - I came from 3 apollos. The control panel really is much more usable at the end of the day. It takes a second to know where to look when you’ve never used it, but requires much less intervention than console does.
@@itsstudiotime do you use it as a digital patchbay? like can you replace a patchbay and use the software to run signal in series through outboard gear and then bring it back?
What monitor switcher are you using to achieve direct monitoring? I have the galaxy32 and want to hear my synths dawless.. I got lost when you were explaining that part with the input routing
You can use any monitor controller that has multiple inputs
How can we ring your friends videos
I'm curious about the ProTools delay compensation if you're using this unit via Thunderbolt, rather than HDX. I'm assuming that since you have all of the HDX i/o hidden, you are not using HDX. Are there any problems with the delay compensation calculating properly via Thunderbolt? I've got the Orion Studio HD, but I've only ever used it via the HDX rather than USB.
Nice walkthrough! How’s the Stealth chair holding up? I was thinking of getting one soon because of your video a while back. Would you still recommend it?
It’s really great, still in perfect condition. Only complaint is the back rest gets squeaky and needs to be greased fairly regularly.
@@itsstudiotime Got it! Thanks so much for the reply! Looking forward to more videos in the new place 🙏🏾🙏🏾🤘🏾
RME all the way....will never go back
Same
Are you using it on Mac? Are you using system extensions or kernel extensions?
@@ShimiHalperin using on a custom built PC running XP and 16gb and all on ssd....RME FF800
i run a saphire 56 in standalone mode for the 1073 pre emulations on both the liquid pres
@@JimCardoza i find the ad/da conversion and the driver stability on RME Devices second to none and the Pre amps are transparent and stunningly detailed.
The new studio is fire..... I just got the Orion Studio and for $2k no other interface can compare with the I/O... as far as the software think of sources and destination.... and it is simple after that. AA does need a better GUI in my opinion. The definitely need a better group of software designers and end user testing because it is not user friendly.
YYou might also want to check out the RME Fireface UFX III. This gives you upto 94 inputs into your DAW and has an even better driver / audio ontrol panel in my oinion.
RME makes fantastic products and is outstanding on many levels. Their achilles heel though is that they're a German company, and most of their client base is in Europe. I switched to RME after Mackie bought Soundscape (I had two of their interfaces), and bought the original Fireface when it came out. No one else in my circle of friends or professional relations had an RME though. About half had Metric Halos, a few had Apogees or Auroras, and the others had Universal Audios. All American companies. All but MH within driving distance of my house. So I ditched the Fireface for an Apollo 8 and a Twin Quad to sit on my desktop, with a couple of Satellites to supplement the built-in processors, and gave my Fireface to a fellow producer friend in NY. It's about the same thing with Logic (mostly US) and Cubase, or Samplitude: higher rate of adoption in Europe.
Might be worth starting by saying how a new user finds and opens the Control Panel ?
open applications - click galaxy32
Oh yeah... herer is a tip with the software LABEL YOUR SOURCES (input) so when you move it to output you can actually see where they are going vs leaving the numbers... that is part of the confusion with the software.
is mixer 3 missing drum line 14?
Hey there, amazing video this was.
I have a question tho, regardless of software problems in the past and a lot of hate around antelope audio’s reliability you still seem to be doing really really good. I wanna ask if these issues still happen or they are a thing of past for this brand?
I’m looking to get Descreet 8 pro synergy core from them but the software complaints are holding my decision back. So just wanna know from someone who is using them today and seems happy with it.
How do you find the guys video who he brings into to help wouldn’t mind checking out his videos
In the description, next to where it says Fady's Channel
Thanks for a great channel and video!! Question regarding ADAT inserts vs analogue. I have a hybrid studio and have both analogue and digital inserts for hardware. Does inserts via ADAT sound less dynamic/punchy than analogue inserts due to the maybe lower levels and less pushing the units??
That's gonna depend on the specs of your AD/DA in whatever ADAT expander you've got on the other end. If the dynamic range and THD+N are both of similar spec (and even then we're probably talking about Line Level inputs and not Pres) to your main interface and can send/receive proper signal level for whatever gear you've got, then the only thing affecting transients and frequency response should be clocking.
@@nkozi THANKS! The main interface is the Antelope Galaxy 32 (just upgraded from an Apollo X8) and the ADAT signal comes from a bunch of 500 series units (Pultecs, SPL & AMS NEVE) in a Cranboune Audio ADAT500 lunchbox/unit. Master clock is from the Galaxy. And yes line levels.
RME has been doing this since like 8 years ago? 🤷🏻
So have Antelope tbf…
I back to RME after 10 years with Apollo eco system. Rme ufxiii u can do any thing. !more easy and faster and the best drivers in the world sold ! And top quality. Rme make your. Life so easy especially for big studio. I have 16 mixes. Stereo for headphone for 16 player ! And u can make any think you dream about . And the. Lowest latency !!in out the Apollo will never some day will be. Like this.
Yes the issue is lack of connectivity with RME
I HAVE 32 INPUT 32 OUTPUTS on DSubs
and then connect to patch bays
I think the only comparable device to this is a linx
Everyone telling me to sell back the interface now I understand why
Why sound is so quiet ?
increase the level with your volume knob. lol
You should have seen how that control panel looked on my Orion 32 about 10 years ago. YUCK. It's much better, it was a solid piece of hardware. I originally owned an Aadvark Q10 back in 2001, before they went bust and came back as Antelope.
I love my Goliath
Andrew, Is this a paid advertisement ?
Nope, I do ad reads and mention who is sponsoring the video if there is a paid sponsorship. This one’s for the homies.
Fady the guy in this video can you find me his videos also so I can see so,e more advanced routing videos he talks about that’s in depth I have the 32+ we have no tech support so we have to work this out 😂
My understanding of this unit (antelope) is that there is too much conversion using the onboard patch bay. signals constantly have to be converted to patch instead of just going analog to analog making a chain you have to go DA to AD. With a normal patch bay you do not have all that conversion. I think the Flock and Wolff audio use actual relays. I do not trust software. At this time the good ole patch bay is my choice.
Eric Valentine did a test on this. He did about 100 round trips and still struggled to discern much difference in quality from the original audio.
Whatever works for you is the move!
@@timgosden5519 I will look up his videos. I appreciate the info.
@@itsstudiotime I do think that the technology they are coming up with is great. I suppose I am being too hard on it or the countless post and things I have read about Antelope and their driver issues and the units breaking down within a couple of years has made biased. I will try and be more open minded and see how they do. This was a great video.! The future looks promising.
I got an Antelope Audio interface pretty recently but it stopped working and I haven’t heard from support in 2 weeks. I’ve opened 3 tickets. Run away from this company man
That used to be the consensus - years ago (before the Rona). Stunned to see that's still the case. The company (or the principles) started out as Aardvark. Went under. Re-emerged as Antelope. I wouldn't touch them with a ten-foot pole, or any pole for that matter. Sorry for your troubles - hope you can get your money back.