AMAZING VIDEO.... HOWEVER. I stumbled upon this cause it doesn't come up in searching for Antelope Zen Tour or any of those key words. Maybe change the title so more people will find it... Best vid i've seen on this product yet!!
ThisIs the best most intensive and coherent demo of antelope audio products since they launched this type of thing about four years ago you have explained it so well it’s awesome. The company themselves don’t even really bother to make in depth demos of their gear I took home an expensive antelope unit (discrete 8) for three days trial prior to purchase two years ago and even though I have been doing digital audio for 25 years it completely did my head in and nothing would work I didn’t End up buying it and after watching your amazing video I would still stay very well clear of any antelope audio products.. Too complex and they have a terrible reputation on the forms for having dodgy support and dodgy product but have to give you big thumbs up for at least explaining the dark murky art of antelope to some degree.
I guess because I'm an electrical engineer and have a strong background in automation systems and programming, I found Antelope to be easy to use and pretty intuitive, perhaps it isn't for everyone,. I think you slammed the interface a bit more than realistic and scared a lot of people away, too bad its not that hard to use and after an hour or so I was blown away by its abilities. The thing you missed which is most important is that Antelope has world class clocking, this is what started the company and a key component in my purchase. In any case thanks for your honest assessment.
I’m waiting for mine to arrive and this video was a rallying cry! Antelope is giving me a modeling mic (zzounds) for no additional cost. I truly believe that Antelope decided to reinvent themselves first and then, from what I’ve seen, improve their UX; that route seems totally possible for Antelope since Zen Tour is such a solid foundation to do that. Moreover, this demo showed just how versatile Zen Tour is! Offline, online, on device presets!
Couple quick tips. 1st Zoom sucks for sharing HD streams.There is audio setting for 'Original Sound for Musicians'. It behaves differently for each DAW. . . And, it does play well in meeting using mics when helping or teaching via zoom...it will loopback on you. Couple ways to work around like using VBAN over IP, OBS, use a separate device like zoom on phone at the same time, disable video on phone and audio mic on computer and toggle the mute on the cell phones like talkback, or make a separate cell call to speak. This Synergy Console is just that. An INPUT is a channel into it and an OUTPUT is a SEND to what you check in the maxtrix. You have to visualize a console go to the next console like it's layered. RME and others like VM MEETER MATRIX has the same standard interfaces.I have on of these in the mail. Thanks for the vid, make more as you figure it out better. I'm sure there will be app and firnware update. . . All new high tech crap takes a minute to figure out. . . looking forward to using this unit to prepare for the Galaxy 64 I will be adding here...
To toggle between monitor and headphones using the big knob for volume, press the knob in and it will toggle between these, without having to select it on the touchscreen. :)
Been using antelope for years now - currently owned a antelope goliath love it and you’re right not the easiest interface but once you get your workflow established - it’s bulletproof .. thanks for sharing cheers
Thanks a lot for this instructive video. I am in the phase of considering whether to buy Antelope interface and after this description I will have to think carefully. Thanks again.
@@EytschPi42 Specifically, I was thinking of Antelope Descret 8 Pro, because of many good electronic hardware specifications and Thunderbolt and USB options, but this routing and subsequent purchase of bridge2daw software is frustrating.
@@EytschPi42 I have watched several of your videos and I appreciate your experience and knowledge. Your answer is honest and open, which I really appreciate. Thanks a lot.
It’s a great interface, but you are right about the cumbersome/annoying as hell software! Been using the Synergy Core for 2 years and, although I’ve been able to make ir work, there still stuff I don’t quite grasp (Reamping is one of them, because of the routing mess). I’m also doing Analog Summing so one more hurdle thrown into the software routing mess.
If I don't wake up in time to chat you at Ola's I hope you have a good week!! The Guitar scene is wonderful because everybody is really kind & allows me to hang out with the rest of you, when I don't have the foggiest what the others are on about. It's such a huge break away from the rest of my hell world. Thanks again
Incorrect Information! Yes you can run these amazing FX as a plugins without taxing your computer CPU at all by using the Included Afx2daw bridge which come Free with any Synergy Core interface running on MAC with thunderbolt Yes you can route and record the Aura verb to your session as external hardware just create a separate I/O in mixer 1 for the verb and in the Daw create a aux track and use that I/O as a external source
I don't know about that Zoom recorder, but some of the previous versions had the mic amp only with the xlr-inputs. They were bypassed if you go in with the plug part of the combo connector. IOW: xlr is for the mic and plug is for the line input. There was no route around it.
@@AGVersace100 Some of the plug inputs go through pad into the preamp (xlr straight to preamp) and some have plug and xlr linked. There's really no standard.
@@einjarjar thanks for the explanation. I guess going straight to the converter is what you want with line level signal in order to maintain the optimal signal to noise ratio then, isn't it?
@@AGVersace100 I prefer the line level to go straight into the converter. However going mobile it could be that the "pad -> preamp"-version is more versatile solution. Assuming that the line sources vary along the way. That way you have some sort of potentiometer to adjust gain.
is the server app multitouch compatible? having it always on display on a dedicated touchscreen monitor could be of huge help for speeding up the workflow IMHO
Is there an instruction booklet that gives you step by step? Like the thing that got me was is having to click G1 think go to the various Outputs. Then from there adding in sims I have watched this twice and I am just as confused as when I watched it the first time.
Thank you again for all your videos. My question is can you use the hi z inputs while you use mic inputs, or do the for hi z share the same circuits with the 4 mics pres, like it works in an Appolo x ? Thanks 😊😊
yes you can. HI-z can also be set to line input from the software. the zen tour has 8 analogue inputs in total. 4 Hi-z/line on the front and 4 Mic/line on the back plus 8 adat in and 8 adat out + s/pdif and 8 analogue out.
I literally have some D25 connectors in a shoebox somewhere buried in my old stuff - next thing you know, people will be using *RJ45* for things lol LETS MAKE SOME CABLES!
I found this interface always very appealing, because of the ins and outs. But the price put me off. It my be OK for the quality, but not for my wallet :D
I think they may have done a bit of compatibility sabotaging as well - if there's a way people are commonly connecting to an OX box and it *won't* do it simply and it does everything else easy af...hard to imagine something like a mode on hardware already installed on the unit being overlooked and completely inaccessible for a really useful thing. It's pretty possible a software update might fix that - they may not have had time to finish the feature before their delivery date...that happens all the time, trust. It's why "we'll fix it in software" is a cliche at this point.
There's also no reason not to simply do everything USB C or just add the correct socket with the hotplug disabled so you can't plug a second computer into the split interface - I worked on the first Thunderbolt at Intel and it's literally USB 3 before USB 3 and we had a non-compete window in the technology agreement that Apple would get exclusive use of the interface for a year (to be completely fair, they invested a CRAPTON of NRE/non refundable engineering costs though) and then the USB consortium would get it released to them. Us people on the ground were hoping we'd get full convergence of standards and applications but we came pretty close. The only real differentiation in systems and components now is whatever the markets and lawyers can figure out sells but doesn't get you shut down for doing it too. No lie. I'm working on several open source projects that involve both OSS and OSH. It's the future, and the future is now. :-) I am pretty close to done designing the gesture based interface for the BOSS GT series so it can be more easily set up and used. So Many Menus lol we need to get rid of all of that...
Have had an original Zen for years and HATE the interface. Takes too long to set it up or find things. Only reason I got it was it had 12 real mike inputs. ( if an unit claims x number of inputs it better do them at a full 24/192 rate and not limited to 44.1/16, also it better have a line out for each input so I can run it into a separate recording device like an HD-24 for backup recording) The onboard display went nuts after a couple of years and can't be fixed and they did not offer an upgrade or any options. Fortunately you don't really use the onboard display. Now that my Prisms have Dante and I can get 16 channels, the Zen is just a very expensive monitor out for a work station.
@@EytschPi42I based a recent purchase of this Tour Sc after watching your video. As I am now part of the "Antelope club" I know their software is unreliable. If the Tour Sc is paired with a RME Babyface via adat would you say that would be a great work around to get great dsp processing and almost zero latency? Thanks
I wouldn’t run this just for the processing, it’s not so outstanding that this would make sense. get an Apollo and use UAD… killer sound quality and drivers that work.
you can VERY easily see what plugins come with it on the product page. The plugins sound just as good as other plugins... not amazing, but totally usable
The first version of the Zen is much better than this buggy fucker, ime. And yes, it smokes the UAD eco system that I'm heavily invested in. The Antelope is more for big boys and girls whereas the Apollo stuff is effective but very much a child's toy like the pos Macs they have chosen to favour. But this Synergy Tour is just a pain in the ass. The first version isn't perfect, but it sounds great, lots of options and far less buggy than the new version. Ime
AMAZING VIDEO.... HOWEVER. I stumbled upon this cause it doesn't come up in searching for Antelope Zen Tour or any of those key words. Maybe change the title so more people will find it... Best vid i've seen on this product yet!!
ThisIs the best most intensive and coherent demo of antelope audio products since they launched this type of thing about four years ago you have explained it so well it’s awesome.
The company themselves don’t even really bother to make in depth demos of their gear
I took home an expensive antelope unit (discrete 8) for three days trial prior to purchase two years ago and even though I have been doing digital audio for 25 years it completely did my head in and nothing would work I didn’t End up buying it and after watching your amazing video I would still stay very well clear of any antelope audio products.. Too complex and they have a terrible reputation on the forms for having dodgy support and dodgy product but have to give you big thumbs up for at least explaining the dark murky art of antelope to some degree.
I guess because I'm an electrical engineer and have a strong background in automation systems and programming, I found Antelope to be easy to use and pretty intuitive, perhaps it isn't for everyone,. I think you slammed the interface a bit more than realistic and scared a lot of people away, too bad its not that hard to use and after an hour or so I was blown away by its abilities. The thing you missed which is most important is that Antelope has world class clocking, this is what started the company and a key component in my purchase. In any case thanks for your honest assessment.
I’m waiting for mine to arrive and this video was a rallying cry!
Antelope is giving me a modeling mic (zzounds) for no additional cost.
I truly believe that Antelope decided to reinvent themselves first and then, from what I’ve seen, improve their UX; that route seems totally possible for Antelope since Zen Tour is such a solid foundation to do that.
Moreover, this demo showed just how versatile Zen Tour is! Offline, online, on device presets!
That’s what they should’ve stayed with “clocking” so I guess a bunch of customers are just lying on them then? Do you work for them on the side?
@@Gang-25j wouldn't know them if they were sitting in the same room, nope.
beautiful piece of engineering
Couple quick tips. 1st Zoom sucks for sharing HD streams.There is audio setting for 'Original Sound for Musicians'. It behaves differently for each DAW. . . And, it does play well in meeting using mics when helping or teaching via zoom...it will loopback on you. Couple ways to work around like using VBAN over IP, OBS, use a separate device like zoom on phone at the same time, disable video on phone and audio mic on computer and toggle the mute on the cell phones like talkback, or make a separate cell call to speak. This Synergy Console is just that. An INPUT is a channel into it and an OUTPUT is a SEND to what you check in the maxtrix. You have to visualize a console go to the next console like it's layered. RME and others like VM MEETER MATRIX has the same standard interfaces.I have on of these in the mail. Thanks for the vid, make more as you figure it out better. I'm sure there will be app and firnware update. . . All new high tech crap takes a minute to figure out. . . looking forward to using this unit to prepare for the Galaxy 64 I will be adding here...
To toggle between monitor and headphones using the big knob for volume, press the knob in and it will toggle between these, without having to select it on the touchscreen. :)
Been using antelope for years now - currently owned a antelope goliath love it and you’re right not the easiest interface but once you get your workflow established - it’s bulletproof .. thanks for sharing cheers
Thanks a lot for this instructive video. I am in the phase of considering whether to buy Antelope interface and after this description I will have to think carefully. Thanks again.
don’t buy it
@@EytschPi42 Specifically, I was thinking of Antelope Descret 8 Pro, because of many good electronic hardware specifications and Thunderbolt and USB options, but this routing and subsequent purchase of bridge2daw software is frustrating.
@@EytschPi42 I have watched several of your videos and I appreciate your experience and knowledge. Your answer is honest and open, which I really appreciate. Thanks a lot.
It’s a great interface, but you are right about the cumbersome/annoying as hell software! Been using the Synergy Core for 2 years and, although I’ve been able to make ir work, there still stuff I don’t quite grasp (Reamping is one of them, because of the routing mess). I’m also doing Analog Summing so one more hurdle thrown into the software routing mess.
Henning, i love these long vids you make man!
Thank you so much for this. I ordered it even with all the naysayers .
An hour long video?! Well I better get a coffee...also...FIRST! 🤣
I am honored as always that you want to spend an hour with me!
If I don't wake up in time to chat you at Ola's I hope you have a good week!!
The Guitar scene is wonderful because everybody is really kind & allows me to hang out with the rest of you, when I don't have the foggiest what the others are on about. It's such a huge break away from the rest of my hell world.
Thanks again
Incorrect Information!
Yes you can run these amazing FX as a plugins without taxing your computer CPU at all by using the Included Afx2daw bridge which come Free with any Synergy Core interface running on MAC with thunderbolt
Yes you can route and record the Aura verb to your session as external hardware just create a separate I/O in mixer 1 for the verb and in the Daw create a aux track and use that I/O as a external source
Can in via usb with the afx2daw on pc, thanks
@@xntricity6446 only via thunderbolt
I don't know about that Zoom recorder, but some of the previous versions had the mic amp only with the xlr-inputs. They were bypassed if you go in with the plug part of the combo connector. IOW: xlr is for the mic and plug is for the line input. There was no route around it.
well most interfaces work this way. Don't they?
@@AGVersace100 Some of the plug inputs go through pad into the preamp (xlr straight to preamp) and some have plug and xlr linked. There's really no standard.
@@einjarjar thanks for the explanation. I guess going straight to the converter is what you want with line level signal in order to maintain the optimal signal to noise ratio then, isn't it?
@@AGVersace100 I prefer the line level to go straight into the converter.
However going mobile it could be that the "pad -> preamp"-version is more versatile solution. Assuming that the line sources vary along the way. That way you have some sort of potentiometer to adjust gain.
is the server app multitouch compatible? having it always on display on a dedicated touchscreen monitor could be of huge help for speeding up the workflow IMHO
what would you say about the reamp quality compared with Radial EXTC stereo?
Are these plugins for tracking comparable with UAD? Like 0 Latency and Unison like feel? The amp sims on UAD seem way better.
no
Is there an instruction booklet that gives you step by step? Like the thing that got me was is having to click G1 think go to the various Outputs. Then from there adding in sims I have watched this twice and I am just as confused as when I watched it the first time.
Thank you again for all your videos.
My question is can you use the hi z inputs while you use mic inputs, or do the for hi z share the same circuits with the 4 mics pres, like it works in an Appolo x ?
Thanks 😊😊
yes you can. HI-z can also be set to line input from the software. the zen tour has 8 analogue inputs in total. 4 Hi-z/line on the front and 4 Mic/line on the back plus 8 adat in and 8 adat out + s/pdif and 8 analogue out.
@@AGVersace100 thanks for your answer ❤️🤟
What kind of guitar are you demoing with here?
Is it possible to connect this to a Goliath? Use it as additional preamps and monitor knob etc?
No idea!
that routing is scary good, but scary - is it easy to do a full factory reset? I can imagine getting lost in the UI
yes, you an always go back to the basic setup
I literally have some D25 connectors in a shoebox somewhere buried in my old stuff - next thing you know, people will be using *RJ45* for things lol
LETS MAKE SOME CABLES!
They do as NDI...
hi hows this different between zentour desktop usb which is now discontined i think..i am planning to get a used one soon..
don't buy anything from that brand, not even used.
@@EytschPi42 hi could u please tell me y so..I m just about to buy it..asap..thank u
@@EytschPi42 please elaborate as I m almost buying it now..
please reply..i m still waiting for your precious feedback..thanking you..
I found this interface always very appealing, because of the ins and outs. But the price put me off. It my be OK for the quality, but not for my wallet :D
I think they may have done a bit of compatibility sabotaging as well - if there's a way people are commonly connecting to an OX box and it *won't* do it simply and it does everything else easy af...hard to imagine something like a mode on hardware already installed on the unit being overlooked and completely inaccessible for a really useful thing.
It's pretty possible a software update might fix that - they may not have had time to finish the feature before their delivery date...that happens all the time, trust.
It's why "we'll fix it in software" is a cliche at this point.
There's also no reason not to simply do everything USB C or just add the correct socket with the hotplug disabled so you can't plug a second computer into the split interface - I worked on the first Thunderbolt at Intel and it's literally USB 3 before USB 3 and we had a non-compete window in the technology agreement that Apple would get exclusive use of the interface for a year (to be completely fair, they invested a CRAPTON of NRE/non refundable engineering costs though) and then the USB consortium would get it released to them. Us people on the ground were hoping we'd get full convergence of standards and applications but we came pretty close.
The only real differentiation in systems and components now is whatever the markets and lawyers can figure out sells but doesn't get you shut down for doing it too.
No lie. I'm working on several open source projects that involve both OSS and OSH. It's the future, and the future is now. :-)
I am pretty close to done designing the gesture based interface for the BOSS GT series so it can be more easily set up and used. So Many Menus lol we need to get rid of all of that...
Have had an original Zen for years and HATE the interface. Takes too long to set it up or find things. Only reason I got it was it had 12 real mike inputs. ( if an unit claims x number of inputs it better do them at a full 24/192 rate and not limited to 44.1/16, also it better have a line out for each input so I can run it into a separate recording device like an HD-24 for backup recording) The onboard display went nuts after a couple of years and can't be fixed and they did not offer an upgrade or any options. Fortunately you don't really use the onboard display. Now that my Prisms have Dante and I can get 16 channels, the Zen is just a very expensive monitor out for a work station.
Would you buy one in 2023?
No
@@EytschPi42I based a recent purchase of this Tour Sc after watching your video. As I am now part of the "Antelope club" I know their software is unreliable. If the Tour Sc is paired with a RME Babyface via adat would you say that would be a great work around to get great dsp processing and almost zero latency? Thanks
I wouldn’t run this just for the processing, it’s not so outstanding that this would make sense. get an Apollo and use UAD… killer sound quality and drivers that work.
@@EytschPi42 super thanks a mill ❤️ the Apollo was on my radar for sure and my tour sc via adat may be a match indeed. Cheers
amp plugin sounds terrible. and you should say what plugins come with it.
you can VERY easily see what plugins come with it on the product page. The plugins sound just as good as other plugins... not amazing, but totally usable
The first version of the Zen is much better than this buggy fucker, ime. And yes, it smokes the UAD eco system that I'm heavily invested in. The Antelope is more for big boys and girls whereas the Apollo stuff is effective but very much a child's toy like the pos Macs they have chosen to favour. But this Synergy Tour is just a pain in the ass. The first version isn't perfect, but it sounds great, lots of options and far less buggy than the new version. Ime