Antelope Audio Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core

Discrete 8 Pro is the new generation of modern classic. The 19-inch 1U audio interface offers industry-leading sound quality, transparent, ultra-linear preamps, extensive connectivity, and the powerful Synergy Core effects platform. This versatile interface embodies a no-compromise approach to hardware—made easily accessible through the redesigned software control panel.

Discrete 8 Pro enables connections between any signal source and any destination, turning any session scenario into reality. Every analog or digital output, effects bus, or DAW track can receive any of the analog or digital inputs, effects returns, computer output channels, or the four stereo mixes. All this flexibility is available through the full virtual patch bay or the simplified routing view of the original discrete interfaces—the choice is yours.

The large number of preamps, analog and digital I/O support a wide range of applications: vocal work, multi-synth setups, live recordings of small ensembles, and even drum kits. With USB and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, the interface delivers cutting-edge performance and easy integration with any setup. 

A-D/D-A converters and clocking are at the heart of every studio. Discrete 8 Pro has been upgraded with next-generation converters providing up to 130 dB of headroom, while retaining the 64-bit AFC™ clocking technology established by our industry-standard master clocks. With this interface, you can experience a new level of detail in your recordings and enjoy a wider soundstage for an exceptional stereo image during audio playback.

Discrete 8 Pro features eight discrete Class-A microphone preamps, each built from six transistors and based on circuits found in classic recording consoles. The proof is in the clarity, depth, and ultra-low noise, with up to 65 dB of gain to satisfy even the most demanding microphones. All eight inputs accept XLR as well as line-level TS/TRS jacks, while the two front-panel inputs can even be switched to Hi-Z instrument inputs. The unique Synergy Core platform gives you access to hardware-basedanalog-modeled outboard effects. Operating on a hybrid system comprising one FPGA and two DSP chips, you can monitor, record, and mix using a continuously expanding library of low-latency processors. Even at the highest sample rate, Discrete 8 Pro supports the full number of effects simultaneously.

CONVERSION AND CLOCKING

• Class-leading AD/DA conversion with up to 130 dB of headroom
• Recording, mixing, and playback up to 24-bit/192 kHz
• Proprietary 64-bit Acoustic-Focused Clocking (AFC™) technology and jitter-control algorithm, providing enhanced width, separation, and detail.

ANALOG AND DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY
• 8 × discrete 6-transistor preamps with 65 dB of gain for perfect recordings. All operate as mic/line inputs, and two also function as Hi-Z inputs, via combo XLR jacks with 48 V phantom power.
• 8 × DC-coupled line outputs via D-Sub 25.
• Two reamp outputs on ¼-inch TRS jacks for further processing through a guitar amplifier. They can also be used as an additional stereo monitor output, allowing you to have two pairs of monitor speakers playing simultaneously.
• Thunderbolt™ 3 and USB 2.0 ports with custom drivers for macOS and Windows.
• Digital expansion via ADAT I/O, with 16 channels available.
• Digital expansion via S/PDIF I/O, with 2 channels available.
• Three word clock outputs allow you to distribute the interface’s highly stable clock signal throughout your studio, while a word clock input lets you synchronize the Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core with other equipment.
• 1 × Dedicated stereo monitor output via ¼-inch TRS.
• Footswitch input that can be used as a single switch (on a 1/4-inch TS jack) to control the dim function, or as a dual switch to control both talkback and dim functions.
• Two stereo headphone outputs with separate gain control.
• Dedicated stereo monitor output via TRS.

WORKFLOW ENHANCEMENT FEATURES

• Direct monitoring with Synergy Core effects processed in real time with imperceptible latency.
• Advanced routing options – switch channel audio sources based on a dropdown sequence or use a virtual routing matrix.
• Customizable presets with signal routing, level settings, mixer, and effects settings.
• Custom monitoring mixes with adjustable volume, pan, and reverb.
• Easily accessible front-panel talkback with a built-in microphone.
• Front panel with independent headphone and monitor volume knobs and buttons for configuring the sample rate and convenient control of key parameters. The gain knobs for each preamp are based on hardware relays, with mode control (microphone/line/Hi-Z) via the lower function button on the display.
• Ability to operate without being connected to a computer (standalone operation).
• Wireless control of software functions from a separate computer connected to the same network.

REAL-TIME EFFECTS PROCESSING
• Collection of 37 Synergy Core effects modeled after classic and rare analog outboard equipment
• Proprietary onboard Synergy Core platform powered by 2×DSP and 1×FPGA chips for real-time effects processing with imperceptible latency
• Modeling Engine, enabling pairing with the Edge microphone line for real-time use of vintage microphone emulations

37 SYNERGY CORE EFFECTS:

Gyraf Gyratec IX (Dual Tube Mic Preamp with HPF)

VCA160 (VCA Compressor / Limiter)

Stay-Levin (Vari-Mu Tube Compressor)

FET-A76 (FET Compressor / Limiting Amplifier)

VEQ-1A (2-Band Tube EQ)

VMEQ-5 (3-Band Tube Mid-Range EQ)

X903 (VCA Compressor / Limiter)

PowerFFC (Feed-Forward Compressor)

Clear Q (Parametric EQ)

Power EX (Expander)

VEQ-HLF (Tube 2-Band HPF / LPF)

Auraverb (Reverb)

BA-31 (Germanium Mic Preamp)

Power Gate (Noise Gate)

A-Tuner (Guitar Tuner)

Plexi 59 (UK) (Tube Guitar Amp)

Bass SuperTube VR (Tube Guitar Amp)

Darkface 65 (US) (Tube Guitar Amp)

Top30 (UK) Bright (Tube Guitar Amp)

Tweed Deluxe (US) (Tube Guitar Amp)

Overange 120 (UK) (Tube Guitar Amp)

BurnSphere (DE) Lead (Tube Guitar Amp)

Marcus II (US) Lead (Tube Guitar Amp)

Modern (US) CH3 (Tube Guitar Amp)

Rock 75 (UK) (Tube Guitar Amp)

Rock 22.10 (UK) (Tube Guitar Amp)

Darkface 65 2×12 (2×12 Guitar Cabinet)

Top30 2×12 (2×12 Guitar Cabinet)

Modern 4×12 (4×12 Guitar Cabinet)

Green 2×12 (2×12 Guitar Cabinet)

Vintage 4×12 (4×12 Guitar Cabinet)

Green 4×12 (4×12 Guitar Cabinet)

Caliper 50 1×10 (1×10 Guitar Cabinet)

Bluelux 1×12 (1×12 Guitar Cabinet)

Clst 1×12 (1×12 Guitar Cabinet)

England 4×12 (4×12 Guitar Cabinet)

Bass Tube 1×15 (1×15 Guitar Cabinet)