Antelope announces availability of DISCRETE 8 Thunderbolt & USB Interface and EDGE and VERGE modeling microphones
High-end professional audio equipment manufacturer Antelope Audio has announced the availability
of its DISCRETE 8 Thunderbolt & USB Interface with 8 Discrete Mic Preamps, plus accompanying
EDGE and VERGE modeling microphones.
Antelope Audio’s DISCRETE 8 Thunderbolt & USB Interface with 8 Discrete Mic Preamps comes complete
with eight console-grade, six-transistor, fully-discrete design preamps; 121 dB dynamic range
conversion; and rock-solid clocking. It includes all Antelope Audio’s premier real-time FPGA FX,
including authentic models of iconic gear from BAE, Gyraf Audio, LANG, and many more besides.
Being based on Antelope Audio’s AFX platform — a rapidly expanding hardware modeling
engine — enables DISCRETE 8 to add Accusonic microphone and preamp models, guitar amps,
transformer and tube effects alongside a huge selection of classic vintage gear to its recording
roster.
When working, DISCRETE 8 users can create custom presets to set up various tracking scenarios
easily and speedily. The front panel features a large monitor volume knob and dedicated HP knobs
for each output. On top of that, the talkback microphone is also built into the front panel right
above the TBK (talkback) button. Talkback can be engaged via the assignable FOOTSWITCH on the
rear, in the EasyPanel software, or via the iOS/Android app. Meanwhile, metering is viewable
on the front panel display, inside the EasyPanel, and via the remote app.
With a 26-input/32-output audio interface with eight analogue inputs (A1 through to A8), eight
analogue outputs (on a standard 25-pin D-SUB connector), a pair of MONITOR outputs, two REAMP
outputs, and a pair of headphone outputs, with additional digital connectivity courtesy of S/PDIF
IN and OUT alongside dual ADAT I/O, DISCRETE 8, was developed after extensive research of
legendary microphone preamp circuitry. Engineers and performers alike can instantly hear the
authentic blends of 10 different mic preamps — without any latency or annoying comb filtering.
The microphone source can be recorded with or without Accusonic modelling, allowing engineers
to choose between preamp models during mixing. Moreover, the entire signal path has been designed
for optimal sound with any microphone, yet really shines when working with Antelope Audio’s new
EDGE and VERGE modelling microphones, which are both specially designed for DISCRETE 8’s preamps,
featuring matching discrete electronics.
EDGE and VERGE are both ideally suited, to Antelope Audio’s realtime mic preamp modelling.
Creatively combined with the company’s already-acclaimed FPGA vintage hardware-based effects
encompassing ever-expanding compressors and EQs, these new modelling microphones usher in a
new era for modern recording.
EDGE
EDGE features dual edge-terminated capsules for a smooth/natural sound, reproducing the
expressiveness and character of costly classic microphones — albeit without excessive expense.
Antelope Audio CEO Igor Levin has designed groundbreaking fully-discrete electronics especially
for the job at hand while hand-selected capsules are encased in a carefully-crafted enclosure with
contours carefully shaped for optimal sonic performance. As a direct result, EDGE is an exquisite
large-diaphragm condenser modelling microphone with excellent transient response and capable of
multiple polar patterns.
VERGE
VERGE visibly differs as a small-diaphragm condenser (back electret-type) modelling microphone
suited to both nuanced accuracy and high SPL (Sound Pressure Level) recording. Also exhibiting
excellent performance in its own right, it can capably take on the character and personality of
the world’s best small-diaphragm condensers and electrets.
DISCRETE 8’s FPGA Accusonic 3D Modelling Engine enables users to transform both EDGE and VERGE into
vintage replicas, realising complete control over proximity effect, off-axis response, and even
allowing them to change polar patterns during or after recording!