A Through Review of the Antelope Audio Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core!

The leading manufacturer of master clocks ANTELOPE AUDIO has released the latest versions of its Discrete series of audio interfaces, Discrete 4 Pro Synergy Core and Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core!
The Discrete 4 Pro Synergy Core and Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core are the latest versions of the Discrete series of audio interfaces from NTELOPE AUDIO. Since this is the latest version of the Discrete series and the buzz around it has been soaring, I would like to make this review my number one priority.

First of all, the main changes from the previous Discrete series are as follows:

• Further improvement in sound quality
• Thunderbolt 3 port
• Adoption of virtual patch bays
• Increase in the number of simultaneous AFX channels

Box Opening

ANTELOPE AUDIO is not only known for its sound quality, but also for its outstanding product design. To convey my excitement, I will show you the opening of the package.

The solid design of the box is based on illustrations and text on a cardboard background, which is raising my expectations quickly.

Upon opening the box, you will find a power adapter, USB cable (Thunderbolt cable not included), and registration card.
The manuals are not included in a booklet, but they can be viewed on the web from the URL on the card.

The main unit has a cool, sophisticated and sharp design! Just by having it in your room, it is sure to inspire your creativity.
In addition, not only in appearance, the texture also makes you feel assured with the rigid and luxurious touch.
IPS is used for the LCD and the meters displayed in gradation dramatically improve visibility.

Sound Check

Now let's listen to the sound!

First, I played music to check the power of the AD/DA converter, which is said to have evolved.
I compared it with multiple audio interfaces and the sound is outstanding and pleasant!
Even a song with many notes is not easily saturated, and it feels like there is a physical space between instruments. It is easy to grasp the exact distance between each instrument in their respective positions.
Also, the glossy and expansive airiness feeling from the old Discrete series has been further refined, and there is no sense of a ceiling in the high frequencies.
Female vocals seem sexier and male vocals more enveloping. But the tones are not tinny; they are precise and more in-focus and crisp.
The headphone output as well as the main outputs are of equally high quality.

Next, I recorded an acoustic guitar to check the sound quality of the preamp.
Compared to the Discrete 4 Synergy Core, the sound seems to be even more elegant and well-balanced. Therefore, it seems to be usable for all-round applications regardless of the source.

Features

We will also look at functionality!

■ Virtual Patchbay

The Virtual Patchbay is a newly adopted feature.
I was worried that it might be complicated to use since it is a feature used in high-grade models such as the Orion Studio Synergy Core, but since it’s intuitive to use with drag-and-drop operation, it is easy to achieve the desired routing.

The upper row is inputs and the lower row is outputs, and routing is easily accomplished by dragging and dropping from input to output.

■ Preamp Output

As was the case with the Discrete 8 Synergy Core, the Discrete 8 Synergy Core has a rear-amplifier output, which is rare for an audio interface.

Generally, this is done by using a DI for re-amping like RADIAL / ProRMP, but the Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core can handle it using just its interface.
It has a REAMP OUT on the rear panel, which can be connected to a guitar amp via a shield.
All you have to do is adjust the sound of the amp while playing the recorded phrase and mic recording.
I had the image that setting up a rear amplifier was somewhat troublesome, but this seems to make it easy to do!
The REAMP OUT jack can also be switched to a normal output, so you can use the valuable rear jacks for different purposes.
If you want to use a large number of outputs, you can use a multi-cable to output from the D-SUB terminal.

■ Talkback

The talkback function is useful for recording in a booth or at a distance from the computer.
The built-in talkback microphone allows you to communicate with players wearing headphones with a single button press. Of course, picking which output to return to can be easily set on the unit.

■ ANTELOPE FX

For further details on ANTELOPE FX, which is hardware based, please refer to my past articles.

Past Articles
ANTELOPE AUDIO / Discrete 4 Synergy Core Review
ANTELOPE AUDIO / Zen Go Synergy Core Review
ANTELOPE AUDIO / Zen Q Synergy Core Review!

The Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core allows you to launch effects on up to 16 channels, which is twice as many as before! The routing allows you to apply them to any source, so you can utilize them in a much wider range of applications.

Summary

As I have introduced so far, the Discrete 8 Synergy Core is packed with a variety of functions that will help you make progress in music production. However, what I personally recommend above all else is the sound quality. I have actually used it in music production, and I feel that as the sound quality improves, so does the quality of inspiration that comes out of it. Whether composing, arranging, mixing, or mastering, the speed of all decisions increases and is directly related to productivity. I was impressed by the fact that although it is a single piece of equipment, it is a work of art filled with the philosophy of its manufacturer.
I would like to encourage everyone to experience this sound!