Thanks for the detailed review mate. I really enjoyed this. Even though I already have discrete 8 I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one enjoying their products.
There's a lot of factors that go into this. I would need you to be extremely detailed in how you have everything set up in order for me to start troubleshooting an issue like this. As long as the drivers are installed, you should theoretically be able to get sound once you select the inputs and outputs within your DAW. If you're looking to just listen on Windows (Spotify/UA-cam/Google Chrome/Etc) you would need to change your outs on Windows to the Antelope. This would also be true for Mac. After the typical restarts of the device, computer and monitors. You'd want to make sure all cables are good. Connections are good. USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt when and where needed if needed. As well as just making sure your device is compatible with Antelope. I don't have the Antelope anymore so I can't troubleshoot and test with you, but from my year of using it, once I installed the software package and drivers, and everything was installed. I went into their software to adjust everything accordingly to my computer. It was basically plug and play. I might of needed to adjust the bitrate for Windows, as I personally like to do everything in 48khz but that'd be the only change. In Reaper I was able to see the device under aiso4all on my PC and it was just a few clicks to get routing straight. Antelopes customer service is very good, and they were able to assist me when I had some issues with registration after a reset. They are super awesome to almost everything I found a need to contact them for, and i'd highly recommend doing that if you can't figure out what's causing issues.
Anyone know about The registration? I wanna by my friend’s antelope. What should I do? Do I use his log in and password if he gives it to me or do I Make a new registration?
Hi Larissa, you would just make a new account and register the serial number of the device. It would remove the physical hardware device from his account and place it on yours. That’s it.
@@bribriyaga but if he bought some new plugins, more than the ones that came with the interface, aí wouldnt have access to Them. Right? I am brazilian, so, sorry if I say something wrong
@@LarissaLisboamusic plugins can’t be transferred sadly. So you wouldn’t be able to have access to the ones he’s purchased. They’re locked to his account. You’d be getting the free plugins that come with the unit and that’s it.
@@bribriyaga got it! and if he gives me the login and password? he will never use a daw or this interface again. he gave up this music production thing. i would have any trouble or it will be ok to use his user on my DAW (ableton live) and my macbook.
@@LarissaLisboamusic More than likely this "could" work. As in it would be fine, basically until an issue would arise. I could see problems with legality but other than that. I'd say if he's done, and "signs over" his account to you. Then it should be okay. Maybe reach out to antelope and ask them the correct way to do this. IE: for warranty and stuff.
I’m just going to link you the manual for it as it’s rather hard to explain with lots of steps. It’s the second part using auraverb in your daw. software.antelopeaudio.com/downloads/zen_studio/manual/AuraVerbmanual_V2.pdf
@@LarissaLisboamusic yeah it’s for the zen. However it’s just about the same. The whole thing with the auraverb is that it’s an effect that can only be applied to a send. In the case here for the discrete 4/8. It’s in the mixer tab. You would just turn up the send knob to hear the effect. You would then send it out of your hardware as a send into your daw or what it is that you’re running. So let’s say you want to apply it to your vocal. You would need to use the Antelope software to route the vocal through the send in which the reverb is active. A little confusing in terms of routing. Personally I never used this because I have other reverbs i use that not only sound better but just work as an effect in my daw. Rather than having a convoluted routing setup. The other thing you can do it’s run a track out of your daw back into Antelope interface through the reverb send back out into your daw. Hopefully this helps. I no longer have the unit so I can’t create a video or take screenshots. I also hate this method because it’s basically being applied to your daw with the reverb printed which may be okay for some people but I despise that. Until I know for certain that’s the exact amount I want or need. Something to add directly from the discrete manual is that they essentially made auraverb as a live performance/ monitoring verb only. It’s not meant as an effect that can be applied standalone In your daw. So that’s why you’d have to print with it.
what I would recommend is to hold down all of the buttons on the interface and see what happens you have many many options in there as well as the software I think you really missed that one man , you have a power button in the software and the bottom button you hold in for the option to shut off , love the video have had this interface for 2 years don't burn it up man good luck
I sold it like right after making this video so I no longer have it but I appreciate it. Several people reached out and told me about the alternate options for powering it down. I updated the informational tidbit in the description for this video. I just wish that it had a specific power button like most other high end interfaces. Thanks again for commenting and checking out the video.
@@kaydze570 I used the Antelope along side a Motu 828. The 828 is my primary interface and is my bread and butter. I snagged the Antelope to do mobile stuff and have something portable. The Antelope sounded good and it’s very identical to the Motu in terms of sound. I think the Motu is a little clearer. The preamps aren’t as nice as the Antelope but I use outboard pres anyways so that wasn’t a factor for me. The I/o was. Gear reviews on my channel are either because I absolute love something with all my heart and soul or I’m getting rid of it cause it’s just not my thing. Which ideally I’d like to turn this channel into some sort of museum or glossary for gear so sound samples and thoughts are recorded for every piece of gear I can get my hands on.
Thanks for all the details around the bundles/deals etc. In Canada the Antelope Edge (1400$ mic in Canada) and Discrete 4 combo is 2500$. But to think I wont be getting the 1600$ plug in deal, then after that I will need to spend another 200$ just so I can use in reaper puts it into a price point thats just not something that interests me. For 2500$ I would have thought I would be good to go with this.
You're very welcome! I would check in with customer service. As people have mentioned that there is a way to get the $200 plugin for reduced/free. I'm guessing you may have to talk to them and see for yourself if it's legit. I think a lot of the community here has mentioned it's a very awkwardly bad procedure to reach out and question over a plugin is free or not. However it may be worth the call if you're seriously considering it, or at least were at one point. While I hate the whole promotional bundle/free plugin gamble thing they have going on in comparison to UA. The device is very solid and sounds good. There are other options in this price range especially if you're in CAD. My main interface is the Motu 828ES and it's absolutely a game-changer in terms of sound. I think it rocks. Maybe worth considering.
Great review man. I bought one myself in May and i agree with everything you said. The conversion, clocking and preamps are where it really shines. Literally some of the best clocking in the biz, that's what Antelope are known for. The preamps are SUPER clean and seem to have a nice "3D" kind of element to it. Also the converters made my speakers and headphones sound way better too (i was using an Audient iD14 before) so in some ways getting this interface is like an upgrade to your existing gear too. The one thing i disagree with you on is the mic modelling, i found it to be pretty underwhelming, i didn't think it matched the mics it was trying to model as far as sonic depth and stuff like that. It was a fine mic, it sounds decent as a standalone, but the noise floor isn't ideal and the modelling was just okay / not that convincing. (The Edge Duo is probably where its at for mic modelling.) I sold my Edge Solo mic and bought a different mic. I also think you understated how great their plugins are. Legit among the very best in the world imo. Especially the Fairchild, that thing sounds and FEELS more like hardware than any other plugin i've ever used. Got my eye on that BAE 10DCF and Audio Baton too. My biggest gripe with it is that afx2daw only works through Thunderbolt connection. Pretty disappointing as a Windows user whose motherboard doesn't support Thunderbolt. Never in my life would i have thought i'd ever need Thunderbolt lol. Btw there IS an off switch. :) Took me a few months to realize it. You press the 3rd button down for 2 secs, a menu will pop up, the 1st option will be "power off", select it by pushing in the big knob in, then it shuts off. To power it back up just click any button on the interface. I usually choose the 3rd button down cos i'm just so crazy like that Good to hear that their customer support is good. They've had a bad rep for that over the years. Feel like they reinvented themselves a year or 2 ago and now they've really improved in that department
Thanks for checking out the review. I appreciate it! When I had their mic modeling, I used it quite a bit for myself as well as others and it did work as I mentioned awesomely. Now as a caveat there. The noise floor issue. I have seen users report similar issues. Which they said was fixed when they changed various things. Different USB ports, different preamp channels, ultimately a different hardware unit, or microphone. So it's a possibility it could be faulty hardware as I never witnessed that personally. As well friends of mine didn't have that problem either, but they are using the more expensive Antelope products. In terms of the plugins, I might be under-estimating them. You're absolutely right. I do use real hardware, and I'm a bit of a hardware purist in terms of sound to my ears. So if I have that hardware I'm expecting it to do something certain. As I mentioned their 1176 sounds like an 1176, but it doesn't sound like an actual 1176 hardware unit that has the weight and sustain of a brick and mortar unit. However, it's very very close. Knob turning is the only part for me that really has to be toyed with to get the sound you're looking for, but as all things mixed down. You would never know if it's hardware or an Antelope plugin at the end of a polished track. They are great, I just tend to favor hardware over software. Glad you're enjoying it, sorry you're needing to buy a thunderbolt port on Windows though. I have actually just done that for future purposes, just in case. I guess it's always good to have, so I invested. Which is nice for the "Appleish hardware and software crossover stuff" that I do. If I still had the Antelope I would maybe try giving their plugin a shot but yeah. It's time has come and gone for me.
Hello. Do you mind me asking what OS you are using? Mac or PC? I have Windows 10 Pro and I can't get passed the Antelope launcher to install it because it knocks out my internet connection each time. I 've had Team Viewer with teh Antelope Tech guy try to resolve it 2 times to no avail.
@@bribriyaga No I didn't. I will tho. It seems that the problem is somewhere in the browser now. With some patience and effort I was able to load it on my daughter's computer (sorry for her, lol).
@@konafama I got rid of this pretty quickly as it wasn’t something I needed anymore. Originally I was using it as my mobile rig studio but would have it hooked up for the incredible conversion to mix and master through and truthfully even just enjoy music on as it has an incredible headphone amp from time to time. I try to purge gear that I don’t need or facilitate a use for unless it’s something I’m collecting. My only reason I didn’t keep it was because I needed more I/O which for me came in the form of the Motu 828ES. I would’ve gone to the bigger version of the Antelope Discrete but money was an option for me and I got a steal on the Motu which at the time was like $750. I haven’t really had it for three years. Though I’m constantly around Antelope my opinion still stays valid and the same. It’s a high end very nice quality professional grade audio interface. Great conversion, great preamps, great feature set, awesome software. There are alternatives and maybe it’s not the best pick of an interface for everyone but truthfully I’d pick it up again and again if I needed something else that couldn’t be the Motu.
Thanks for the great info! I have to say, i don’t understand really the common complaint of antelope charging for afx2daw. They give you what, 30 plugins, while ua gives you i think 8. So for $200 more you get all 30 of those also available in your daw, while that $200 on ua gets you one more plugin, so 9 total. Seems like Antelope offers way more value here.
It's more about the fact that the function is available to all users and would work without paying any money, but Antelope Audio decided to pull another 200 dollars out of each customer's pocket.
@@Benjamin-ty9ww but the package is already a great deal, and the daw integration isn’t necessary to use the plugins (on the input)… it just opens up even greater functionality. imagine what it would cost to buy the same plugins on uad…
@@PeterJaquesMusic The way I understand it, is that you're paying $200 for just the plugin AFX2DAW, that's it. No extra plugins. That's what I was told originally when AFX2DAW was released. Unless it's changed since then. You were spending $200, to get just a single plugin, that gives you the ability to use your purchased plugins via Antelope through your DAW.
@@bribriyaga yes but you’re *already* getting three times as many plugins as you get with uad, included with the hardware. And the hardware is already significantly cheaper. So what’s the issue with paying for the software for this feature, when you’re already saving a ton on the plugins and the hardware?
@@PeterJaquesMusic I think I’d have to agree with Benjamin here. It’s essentially a feature that should be free. While you do get more plugins upfront with Antelope Audio. I wouldn’t use half of them in a mix. As well many of what you get is just stuff you wouldn’t really need in your daw anyways. So looking at it from what am I actually going to use. Maybe 7-8 plugins. I’d say UA prevails here still. Universal Audio gave out a few free plugins throughout the year too. Things like choruses and delays. Coupons for discounted plugins too. Both companies are certainly comparable but at the end of the day it’s how the marketing is delivered right. Like you buy UA hardware for the hardware and plugins. UA plugins get incredible rep. While their hardware isn’t on par with Antelope imo. It’s still great. When I think UA. I think software. I think plugins. I think hardware. I think outboard. I’m sure a lot of people also think this. I’m going to say at the end of the day it’s the way it’s marketed and sold and worded. If you want to buy a $150 item. That comes with free shipping. It looks appealing. However if you want to by a $50 item with $100 shipping. It leaves a bad taste in your mouth. It’s the same price but it’s just the principal and idea that’s instilled into a shoppers mind. So having to pay for something that should be free. While it contains “more” of something. May or may not be the cup of tea everyone is ordering. I know I don’t want it. I didn’t buy it for two reasons. It wasn’t compatible with USB and it was $200. If it was compatible with USB. I still wouldn’t of spent $200. Now if it was free. I’d think honestly hard about rushing to get a pcie thunderbolt card. Everyone in pro audio tends to jump towards the better more presented packages I’ve found. People want black and white. What you’re getting what you’re not. They don’t want to beat around the bush. With UAs rep. It’s no wonder as to why anyone would choose them over giving Antelope a shot. So really Antelope just needs to revise their marketing and it’ll be fine.
Thank you very much for checking it out. I'm pretty sure but I can't say 100%, I use active monitors and they sounded perfectly balanced through it. As well I use a multiple monitor setup and they're hosted via a monitor controller which when I had the unit was plugged directly into the outputs, and all of the monitors sounded amazing. So i'll go with it more than like is. I didn't really mess around with it too much in terms of testing the outs for my monitors but you can change a lot in the software for the routing, and I believe you can even use the monitor outs to run extra outboard if you need. Given that it lets you change all that via routing, it's probably safe to say they're balanced. I only had the unit for about six months before I sold out, but everything I threw at it sounded lush and open, warm and airy with detailed texture via the output. Hope that helps.
@@bribriyaga im in Australia so it didn't come with mic 1500 just for unit Here. Can't find much information on the plugins that supposed to come with will that be active when it's set up or will I have to go and purchase these?. Was also looking at the solo edge mic possibly the big one. Will the mic modulation only work with those microphones? And last apparently it has some sort of Auto tuning feature do you know anything about this? Any help is greatly appreciated thanks for your time and awsome review 🙌
@@oztrekgelsoft8409 So to answer the auto-tuning question. There is an auto-tune by Antares plugin that Antelope offers. It's a part of the synergy core effects. I don't know if it comes with the plugin bundle or not. If you're not getting the microphone, it's likely a higher possibility but I'd check to see their promotion from the location of where you purchased the device to see what promotion they had via Antelope. Mic modeling works with the edge series I believe. I would also double-check that with Antelope to confirm that but based on their site here: en.antelopeaudio.com/edge-family/ I believe these should all work. Asking the location that you purchased the device at, will likely tell you the promotion and which plugins it comes with. It may contain a lot, or a handful, or just the stock amount. I'm not sure. As of right now, the promotion on the site shows it does come with the microphone so you might want to also check that with the store and antelope. If it doesn't come with the plugins you would need to purchase all the ones you would want, correct. Hopefully, that helps!
@@bribriyaga really appreciate your advice and help. You have a good knowledge of your gear.. One last question I have. An API lunchbox with only db25 in and out on it. No XLR. I just realised that the antelope discreet 4 only has 1 dB25 out on it..🤔 Am I still able to connect the lunchbox . As it apaarantly will send signal out tho not in... I suppose this would mean a patch bay on the return line,? It's got me stuck lol 🤣 I have other hardware that will connect throu adat and word clock tho I really need the API gear goin'. Would you have an idea on how I can connect to the United ? Sorry for the lame question brother and super appreciate your help
@@oztrekgelsoft8409 No problem and thank you! If I can help I absolutely will in any way that I can. So the Discrete 4, doesn't have a DB25. The Discrete 8 does. The DB25 on the Discrete 8 is for the outputs of the discrete 8. I'm not sure if you're able to reconfigure the DB25 on the 8, within the software or not, but then it would leave you without having those 8 outs. Causing routing problems. I'm sure if you just wanted to run a single compressor you can probably make it work, but you'd want to contact Antelope support to check that 100%. So my suggestion is unless you do a ton of unplugging and replugging. Getting a patch bay. I use the NYS-SPP-L1 by Neutrik and it's amazing. I've never had any issues with it. Sturdy, and solid, and priced cheap. I would get a DB25 to 1/4 inch trs end and have those go into a patch bay. Then when you need a piece of gear patch it into the ins and outs of the interface. This works for either the 4 or the 8. When I had my Discrete 4, that's exactly how I did it. Have everything hardwired to my patch bay. As well as the I/O for the Discrete 4/8. Then when I need to run something just patch it in. Super easy and takes just a few seconds and some patch cables to get your desired result. While it is a bit more money and you're buying more gear. The time and wear and tear it saves on your gear is absolutely worth it.
Hey Lemon Lime Cola, thank you so much for the video. Do you know if the interface supports mackie control form midi controller support? I wasn't able to find info on the internet. Many thanks in advance!
You're welcome! Thanks for checking it out. I don't think it would support it. Usually for DAW Controllers, they're exactly that, just controllers for your DAW (Logic, ProTools, Ableton, Reaper,etc) and wouldn't work with the interface, at least in my experience. This is via USB by the way. I've never used the Mackie Control ever and couldn't speak on it, but I've used other DAW Controllers and they've pretty much just been for the control inside the DAW itself. Some can even go as far as controlling the plugins within the DAW which in some cases can be your interface parameters within a plugin, so I guess you can "cheat it" in that regard but it'd be 100% up to the interface and controller at that point. As far as MIDI goes, I wouldn't know the first thing really. I almost never use MIDI ever in anything that uses MIDI. I know MIDI is really wild and can be used to do a lot, maybe it's a possibility but I couldn't be the one to tell you. Wish I could be of more help!
Anyone has compared the discrete 4 pro with the zen Q? Is there a big difference soundwise between the two? The discrete 4 (not the pro) was the same as the zen line soundwise as far as I know. Thanks!
The DIscrete 4 isn't bus powered, where the Zen Q is. The Discrete 4 has 4x Discrete mic preamps (mic, line & Hi-Z) where as the Zen Q has 2x Discrete preamps (mic, line & Hi-Z) and 2x Hi-Z/line instrument inputs over TRS. The Discrete 4 has 4x headphone outputs , 4x TRS line outputs and 1x stereo monitor output where as the Zen Q has 1x stereo output (TRS), 2x headphone outputs for monitoring and 2x line outputs (TRS). The Discrete 4 has 2 World Clock Outputs and the Zen Q doesn't. The Discrete 4 has 130db of AD/DA conversion with the 64-bit AFC clocking, whereas the Zen Q has 127db of AD/DA conversion, also with the same 64-bit AFC clocking. FX bundled are the same on both devices and DSP to use the FX are the same. The Zen Q has a loopback for streaming, which is cool, the Discrete 4 doesn't have that. The tradeoff there is the other difference because the Discrete 4 has the virtual patchbay, where the Zen Q doesnt. Of course this is a comparrison of the newer upgraded models for late 2022 and 2023. Really in terms of sound, it's going to be pretty close. 127db to the 130db is a difference, but I highly doubt it would be make or break. The thing you'r really going to have to consider is what your main purpose for use of the device? Is it going to be doing mixing? tracking? mastering? Are you going to use it as a B-Rig for travel? Is it going to be for streaming or audio capture? Since both devices can cover mutliple pieces of ground in terms of audio, you'd want to pick the one best for you. If you need more mic preamps, go with the discrete 4, as it has 4 of them versus the 2 that come with the Zen Q. If you're doing more di stuff, and don't think you'll need 4 mic pres, you can safetly get the Zen Q. Bus Powered for the Zen Q, and Wall Wart for the Discrete 4, may be a deal breaker if you're looking for travel purposes. Not everywhere is going to have a plug for you to connect the Discrete 4 up to. If travel and on the go is your thing the Zen Q maybe what you may consider. If you're streaming and want to have that loopback, the Zen Q is where you'll get that. If you're running outboard gear, or want the ease of having control of the expandable I/O that the Discrete 4 offers to give you that authentic studio feel. Well you'll need to get the Discrete 4. Another thing to mention is that with the Discrete 4, its got both USB and Thunderbolt options on the back. Which make it nice to jump between PC and Mac with ease and just a cable. When it comes to the Zen Q, you can either buy a USB-C version, with just the USB-C port, or you can also buy a thunderolt bolt version with only a thunderbolt port. So if you wanted to switch between your devices mac and pc. You'd have to make sure that both of them had Thunderbolt if you got the Thunderbolt only version. Something to absolutely think about. As motherboards for PC still really haven't fully accepted thunderbolt as a majority option. Making it a pain to find compatibility. If were going back to before the newest versions came out of both devices. The original Discrete 4 and the Orginal Zen Q are very similar, really just being a matter of preamps. Sounds are going to be identical. Features are rather close. Both devices are great and sound amazing. Personally I like more combo mic pres/ with the option to do line and di. Where as being limited by the 2 pres and 2 trs jacks could be problematic for me. I didn't care about power, but same rules applied there too, bus powered vs wall wart. Hopefully this helps ya out.
@@bribriyaga thank you! I should have mentioned it. Im not a mixer or anything. I could produce something, amateur level once in a while, but Im a profesional bassist. My main use would be to record pro quality bass and synth tracks through my preamp which im coming out from with 2 XLR lines (one processed and one clean) into the interface. Lets say my main concern is to get the best quality possible in my bass tracks. Would the Discrete pro sound much better to justify the price gap?. I don't know. I don't see myself using the 4 headphones out in the near future.
@@montullbass Either option is totally viable. Since you're a professional bassist, and DI is your best friend here. The Zen Q would work to save you some money. However, if you do ever plan on doing stuff with 4 microphones (drums, micing of amps, singer songwriter type stuff), you may want to future proof and opt in for the Discrete 4. Regardless either option is awesome. They'll both give you stellar killer awesome tone and sound.
I'd say they're very comparable. The RME might be a little cleaner with certain features. Such as preamps. Routing/Software. Expansion. However, the conversion might be a bit better on the Antelope. It's a win/win either way you go and I'd highly recommend both interfaces. You won't be sad if you got one over the other. RME stuff is built like a tank, rock-solid software, and customer service.
You can connect it via usb and thunderbolt if your device contains it. Since you have thunderbolt 4 you should be able to connect it via thunderbolt cable, yes. If not usb is fine but you can use AF2Daw.
All three are great options. I currently only use the Motu and it’s by far the best bang for the buck. Incredible top notch conversion and just feature rich with plenty of i/o. I love it and have no intention of replacing it anytime soon. The Discrete 8 is great too. It’s going to be identical to the Apollo in terms of software and routing. However it’ll sound 5 times better. The RME is also great. It’ll last forever and has great support. While it is the most expensive the build and support make it a great investment and it’s almost guaranteed future proof.
@@bribriyaga Quick question: I have a budget mastering rig that I was considering this for. My worry is that the line level input will not be up to scratch since so much emphasis is put on preamps. I am assuming to cut costs this is probably where they did it. Is the line level input flat, clear and transparent?
@@_Woo it is yes. I can honestly say the unit is fantastic in terms of conversion. It’s fat and wide but still clean. I’m sort of anti tracking with effects. I like the most dry signal possible upfront so I can eq, compress and effect it to my desire after the fact at a later time. I usually always just do a di of a guitar, a single take of a vocal, a synth di track. It didn’t matter what I did. I would do it clean as possible and then run out the stem/track to the outboard analog gear to get the desired sound. No matter what; the sound quality was always there. No degraded or loss of quality. It sounded beautiful. Even if you ran it back and forth a few times. Still crystal clear. Great ores, great conversion. I can say that; you wouldn’t be disappointed. So from my experience I’d say yes this is fine for a budget mastering rig. I can think of any other piece of gear in this price range other than the stuff from UA. That I’d actually use in my mobile rig.
In the world of pro audio and conversion, I classify companies as high end, mid end and low end. Id say Antelope, depending on the unit, is mid end to high end. Just like Motu. I'd say Joe Co, RME, Burl, and Lynx are very much in the high end. I'd say Focusrite and Presonus are in low end. Kinda hanging around the entry level or beginner market doesn't mean a piece is good or bad. If something is high end, it's made for a high end market. If something is low end, it's usually marketed at a very specific audience. Regardless of where a unit is made, its feature set, the software that's backing the hardware, or the cost. It doesn't mean you can't make a killer record on it. I've seen top notch stuff come out of a $100 interface, and i've seen records be made on a vintage Neve console. I've seen records get made on iPads, and iPhones. Cheap laptops in hotel rooms and the back of vans. The conversion, preamp, and audio interface game has come a long way in the last 15 years. Really you can get a lot of bang for you buck. The Audient stuff is an absolute great entry level purchase, and you can consider it a solid piece of gear. I'd even go as far as saying it's probably the best bang for your buck until you get into the Apollo Twin, Antelope Discrete, Baby Face, or 828. In fact, I actually replaced my ID22 with an Apollo Twin, a while back. All audio interfaces have a place in music production, and all units do something for a specific market. While I wouldn't use a Scarlett 2i2 now, I bought the first gen like three weeks after it came out and used it until I basically burned it out and it stopped working on me. I remember thinking to myself, how amazing it sounded. I put out a bunch of songs on that thing that have stapled some of my best work. While I wouldn't be caught dead with one now, and I wouldn't recommend it. I can say it was a solid piece of gear. That worked really well for recording lots of awesome metal songs with my band in early 2007.
Thank you very much for watching. Much appreciated! RME is very very very good. They have the best drivers in the pro audio game. Very reliable. They're the kind of company where you won't have to really worry about longevity or that you'll be abandoned by an upgrade to an OS. Solid construction on the things i've used, all built super sturdy. Sounds are really good too. They're a bit on the expensive side but it's totally justifiable. Especially if you're trying to take the pro audio thing serious. As you're getting a lot for your investment. The big thing in mind is that longevity. I would absolutely recommend them.
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@@bribriyaga Thanks, I will go for a Babyface Pro FS!! 🤘
@ my opinion on your question... If I may. I totally agree with Mr Lemon. RME is top-notch. The Pres on the antilope though. In my ideal world. I would go with the cheap rme digiface and hookup a antilope device with it's Pres id say the synergy go for example thru adat or spdif. Those Pres imo make everything sound 'better' the antilope pres anything but transparent a pleasing color I would name it. Offcourse it's subjective. The pre part. RME Pres are very clinical and true to the original signal those I would call transparent. But again the antilope would make a signal thru the Pres almost always will make it sound better. 1st of all you were choosing between the RME and antilope difficult. You should look at what you need or would like to have on your 🎨 palette. If you don't know yet what you need cause your new or something like that. Both would be awesome since you wouldn't know what you would be missing. If it has to be one and only one. I agree with you and and go RME. You can bet it will work in 20 years and will have redicilous driver stability. Stability in the sense when others click and pop the RME won't. Where other systems just can't playback without hicking up etc. The RME will just do it to surprise of many also over USB
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@@SuperIZL Of course you can give your opinion, it is very valuable to me, I thank you for it. I am starting in this and the truth is that the Antelope call my attention a lot but I also listened and read that they are not very stable in Windows, being a Windows user and with an AMD processor, I also do not have access to the Thunderbolt ports , although Antelope works on both. The truth is, the issue of DSPs and real-time plugins, they won't make much difference to me, I have quite a powerful equipment and currently with the Presonus interface that I have, I have been able to make recordings using plugins (guitar amp modelers). practically in real time without problem. I want to take a step forward especially because I have noticed that the Presonus without being a bad interface, the preamps and especially the converters no longer satisfy me, especially when it comes to recording vocals, and acoustic instruments. My idea is to go with the RME Babyface Pro FS and then grow with some 8 channel ADAT extension (Audient or similar or better). Kind regards
Thanks for the review! Did you try to mix inside the Discrete 4 software and print it again in your DAW? That would be interesting! Which MOTU do you have? What do you think about MOTU Ultralite mk5. It might be in the same class as Descrete 4.
Thank you very much for watching! I appreciate the sub as well. Means a lot. To answer your first question I did not. The software isn’t really something I’d feel comfortable in mixing in on top of having to reroute and export it back to my DAW. Even just straight mixing and effects in one software to bring in having various other mixes in my DAW. It would just be a bit over complicated for me. A few too many extra steps. I just added the effect and then printed it. Then dragged it into my daw with said effect. Whenever I did actually use the effects. Which wasn’t often. Plus the limitations of only so many instances per channel etc etc. The Motu I use as my main interface is the 828es. It’s on par with the Discrete and then some. I wouldn’t say anything less than the 828 is in the same class as Antelope. The cheaper stuff from motu works good and sounds okay but it isn’t on par with the 828es or higher flagship models. These are in the same class in my experience and opinion with Apogee,Antelope, UA, RME, Joeco, etc. sounds are top notch and clarity is very clear.
hi...just to return my experience with transfering license to second hand. I'am a second hand and first time I plug it, I have all the plugins as well as the afx2daw working fine with my system. After 1 or 2 hours of testing those candies, a window appear and suggest me to register my new discrete 4 that i've done....but after alls are gone and juste have the basic pack :( no more candies and afx2daw not working any more too. We are actually seeing with them how to fixe that...or not. I tell you more details when we have a response from them but now....we are waiting and I cross the fingers
Thank you so much for watching and even more so for letting me know. This is pretty much what I assumed would happen, but without the added stress of losing everything. So at the end of the day the one thing we can confirm, is that you get the basic starter plugins for free. At least that's cool for someone looking at one of these in the used market. I'm curious to how the rest of this pans out! Hopefully you can end up getting all the goodies and whatnot. Fingers crossed!
@@bribriyaga ok no happy end here...you must give your antelope account to transfer license to second hand and first hand can't sell his stuff at all at the moment....all happened when I start to buy plugin myself and register them with my account ;)
The issue with Antelope LED displays is that the white color fades out over time down to a dark orange color. I know this is the case, as I had a Discreet 8 Synergy Core for only two years and 80% of the white faded out in all of the different menu sections down to a dark orange color. It was hard to read at that color. A big flaw in the Antelope LED displays! Also the Antelope drivers for Windows are slow and frustrating to work with. I recently switched to a Focusrite and the ASIO and WDM drivers work flawlessly in Windows.
That's incredibly shocking to hear. I had my unit for about a year before I sold it. In my time I used (and abused) it quite heavily. Leaving it on for months at a time. Constantly having audio playing, or running sessions into the night. It was an absolute workhorse for me. In the year that I had it, plus the fact I bought it used around five months after it came out. I never noticed anything with the LED screen at all. It was just as white and bright as the day I bought it. So coming in at almost a year in a half, no problems. I'm sorry you had to experience that. As far as the drivers, that's even more of a shock to hear. I think the drivers are amazing. Now on that note, I'm using a rather high custom-built rig that I built for pro audio and gaming. It is on the AMD platform, not Intel, and it has a 16-core CPU, 64gbs of ram, and of 2tbs of Samsung 890 EVO NVME storage. Storage that holds my OS, as well as my core production software. Reaper, Kontakt, Omnisphere, UAD Plug-ins, Etc. Never once did I experience issues with latency, slowness, problematic situations, or just overall a not-so-great experience. In fact, it was so great and so easy to use, that I wish more companies would follow suit. Making simplistic and gorgeous-looking GUIs with top-notch drivers. When I had my UA Apollo, it was terribly incompatible with AMD, and the number of issues I had, forced me to sell it. I often use OBS, Twitch, and Reaper, all in unison to stream audio stuff and even games on different platforms. As well, I use Reaper, and OBS constantly to make content for this channel, and it was all such a dream with Antelope. Whereas with UA, I wasn't able to do it at all, period. Note that UA says it doesn't officially support AMD chipsets. I'm not sure if Antelope doesn't either, but it worked flawlessly for me. So again, I'm sorry to hear about your not-so-good experiences with Antelope. Hopefully, you enjoy the Focusrite stuff and continue to enjoy a good experience moving forward. I pray that you have no future issues!
So they stopped officially selling the Discrete 4. The one I reviewed in this video. It looks as if the Discrete Pro 4 is the new interface that replaces it. While lots of retailers may carry it for a bit. I don’t see any way of purchasing it directly from Antelopes website like you used to be able to do. So just an fyi it’s likely an in with the new and out with the old type crossover for the future. On that note. There are only a few things that changed. First are the converters. They’re supposed to be way better. More headroom. More pristine. Just good good quality. The second is the software. They’ve added a few new features in the software like a virtual patchbay. Really just overhauling it entirely. 4, 32 channel virtual mixers. Presets on the fly that you can save and use. As well the syngery core has pushed new levels for effect use. You can use up to 16 channel strips now worth of effects. Where as prior it was only 4. As a final mention. You get a 2.0 USB cable with it but it supports thunderbolt 3 if you wanted to use that for almost zero latency. Overall it’s a cool little upgrade. I don’t know if the price is worth $400 more, especially for someone in my situation who used hardware effects. Id have to hear it and use it. That additional cost for me would be for the better converters and that’s pretty much it. I know for someone looking for a sort of all in one. In the box. Recording solution. That $400 may be worth it. Hope this helps.
Any comparison to the Audient ID44? Seems like used prices are pretty comparable between the two but I'm trying to understand if Antelope's Discrete 4 is a tier above the ID44 -- I personally prefer the ID44's form factor based on photos. Thanks!
In sound quality the Antelope completely prevails over the Audient. They’re not in the same class at all. What I mean by that isnt to say one doesn’t sound good. They both sound great. However you have to look at each unit side by side. One is made in the UK. One is made in China. One has premium grade converters and the other has good sounding converters. The preamps on both are very clean but theirs a more full three dimensional sound you get from the Antelope. The software for Audient may not be as luxury looking as the software for Antelope but they’re both straight forward. One is a simple audio interface with several outs while the other offers plugin and amp emulations that give you an all in one solution. I’ll leave it at this. I had an Audient ID22 and I loved it. It was the cats meow. A great entry level and mid grade audio interface. Then I upgraded to a Universal Audio Apollo Twin and the Audient was instantly noticed as the odd duck out. The sound from the Apollo blew away what I was getting stock with the Audient. After I had the Apollo for a year and had tons of issues with windows compatibility I went to Antelope. That’s when it hit again. The Antelope was to my ears a step above the Apollo. Full lush luxurious fat sounds. While the Apollo was no joke there was just something in the conversion with Antelope that made it sound better. The Antelope and my Motu were so similar and ultimately I’m staying with Motu. However the Apollo, the Discrete 4 and the Motu would be my pick as a pro audio engineer. If you’re looking for something that works. Won’t break the bank. Doesn’t have all the bells and whistles and is very straight forward and don’t want to spend an arm and a leg. Get the Audient ID44.
@@bribriyaga Thanks so much for your reply, that really puts things into a clearer perspective for me! Would you caution against purchasing an Antelope interface used/2nd hand? Reverb looks to have some decent deals but maybe that's more trouble than it's worth; I'm not sure how that would affect things like warranty, customer service, transferring ownership, etc. or if that's the best possible bang for one's buck
@@brileyloftin5685 I bought mine used from guitar center. Just make sure you get the discrete 4 core. Not the original discrete 4. That’s gonna be the real thing that’s most important. To activate it you just activate it. There’s no transfer of ownership involved. It’s plug and play basically. Just need to enter the serial number on the unit in the software. I paid $492.98 USD for mine used so it was an absolute steal. If you can snag one at the price it’s a no brainer.
@@trevonrobinson9855 That's correct. It just said Discrete 4. The 4 was a little 4 logo inside what looked to be the scope of a gun or spiderweb. It was also in all red. A lot different looking from the new Synergy Core Logo. So if buying one used, make sure it says synergy core. Otherwise, you're buying the older unit, which I believe didn't have the better processing chip. Though I can't be quoted on that.
I understand the built-in dsp effects are low latency but what about if you use virtual instruments in your daw? What's the round trip latency like then?
Performance in general with Virtual Instruments is more so based on your computer specifics. Followed more so by the actual VSTi that you’re using. Rather than the interface the itself. Just counting latency. It’s got near zero latency. This is via tracking and mixing. Though with VSTi’s I don’t track in real time with them. I usually write my tracks differently. Then just load the midi in or if I do write with them in the session, I take a rather strange approach. I’ve noticed no problems with my methods of tracking. No problems with mixing and mastering with several VSTi’s. No problems with stuttering or hiccups when using a ton of tracks. Mix downs are lovely. Clean. Beautiful. I was able to have 40-60 instances of Kontakt, then a few dozen synths and drum machines open without having any issues in lag or latency. Using some pretty intense sound libraries within Kontakt too. That being said my computer has 64 gigs of ram. If you were to have 8 or 16 you’d likely have to tap out sooner but, my experiences all have been lovely with my specs. No matter what, it all came through beautiful when observing via the Antelope.
Well explained , the deal with the edge solo , bit wig and free plugins is available again. My only question is . I’m only using this for hiphop & rb vocals and over the years I’ve only needed one input. Is this interface significantly different than the zen go quality wise? Thanks
Thank you for watching! Sadly I do not know if they’re are the same or different. I’d highly suggest reaching out to the live chat team to ask a pre sales question on Antelopes website. It does look like they’re similar. Since the cost is lower there does need to be some sort of cut back. Is it simply just less inputs and outputs. Possibly and probably. However I couldn’t be the one to tell you if there is some great change to the sound quality as well. I’m sure it’s a great sounding product and will be a lot better quality than your Focusrite, Presonus, and budget level options. I’ve never used one though so I couldn’t tell you. Sorry to let ya down!
FEW THINGS: YES you can power off the unit, u see those 3 little buttons next to the big knob ? Press n hold the the bottom one and the window of option will pop up then hit the big knob to enter . If the window didn't show up press the other buttons first then come back. Secondly, All your plug-ins are attached to your account not on your hardware. Before you sell them you need to detach whatever bundle you have purchased off your hardware so it will stay in your account for your next upgrade. Plug-ins can't be transferred except the ones that came with it..
Thank you!!! More so thank you for the update. I will annotate the video in case someone doesn’t read the comments. Kinda strange you can’t transfer plug-ins. That’s a little weird. I do appreciate the feedback. This is important information users should know! Thanks again.
@@bribriyaga Hey I did compare the I/O conversion on the Discrete vs my Motu 828 ES mk2 running SSL Fusion Schain to Stam 2 buss and they are different. Sounds alot better and more record ready with the Discrete. Antelope rocks !
@@andrewb2700 I actually prefer the Motu over the Discrete. I think they’re essentially identical but that could just be my ears. Doing several mixes on both devices switching between the two it was almost undistinguished between my ear. I only used the Antelope for conversion. It’s main goal for primarily just for running outboard and I notice no difference on any pieces of gear. When compared to the Motu. Especially after mixdown. Both are clean and warm and pristine. Lots of air and openness and just brilliance and sheen. Both companies deliver solid products.
@@bribriyaga that's so weird... IMO there is clearly a big difference between the Motu and antelope. I would even go so far as to say the Motu Pres are more rme like then the antelope. The antelope pres make almost everything sound 'better' then it already was. Certainly not transparent. The Pres clean up the mud and add a high sheen. That's why it's sound less fat than the RME for instance. But if you A B m like in your saw. It should be easy to hear. But offcourse that's my opinion. And the words you used to describe the Pres.. transparent doesn't rime with those. In my perception transparent means no added color. I do like to read your take on my opinion. peas out
@@SuperIZL I was only talking about the conversion. In my comparison. The preamps are one thing. The conversion is another. I never use a stock preamp on an audio interface when I have an array of nice preamps to choose from. Honestly I can't even remember the last time i've used the stock preamps on my Motu. That being said, yes absolutely the Antelope Discrete preamps are significantly better than the Motu's. I mean, if you were looking at the 828es, you're not looking for pres. You're looking for I/O, and conversion. The pre's are just there as a nice little bonus incase you need them quickly. At least that's how I see it as marketed. Which is exactly what I bought it for. Lots of I/O and that sweet conversion. My signal chain for whatever I run always sounds lush and fat and wide between both units. There really isn't a difference to me. Like I said, to just pure conversion, they sound identical. If this were a debate about the preamps, then yes, there is a drastic sound difference. In the realm of straight conversion, there is not. Which is what I was originally talking about. On both units, I rarely ever use the stock preamps, but if I had to pick between the two, that is where the Antelope is a better unit.
I just bought this and I've had a number of issues in the last couple of days. Most severe are the fact that I've not yet figured out how to send the treated signal to ADAT. So AFX to ADAT OUT. I bought this to have a portable, ready to go, setup to hook up to deskt or interfaces wherever I go. But if I'm unable to get the post effect signal routed to an OUT then it really defeats the purpose of the device for me. I've seen a number of videoes demonstrating a routing matrix on other Antelope devices but I've found no such matrix on this control panel. Seems like a glaring omission. Am I missing something? Also, my first AFX-channel has a strange high pitched shimmery distortion when the sample rate is set to 44.1kHz. The other three AFX channels are fine, and the first one is fine at all other sample rates, but 44.1kHz is standard wherever I go to record, so that makes one of my AFX-channels unusable. I've tried resetting, reinstalling firmware/software and even rolling back to earlier versions, all to no avail. Have you had any such issues?
I have not. That’s something I’d look to reach out to Antelope for. It could be a defective unit. It could be an array of things causing it. As far as the routing matrix and such. I’m not sure. I know that for me. I only ever used the effects a few times via the first and second inputs mostly. Never via ADAT. So I can’t speak there. I barely used the interface for its effects though. Just as a small portable good conversion and tracking preamp. I don’t know if it’s possible to do the routing via ADAT. Only via the 1/4 inch outs. So I’m sorry I can’t be of much help there. Really I’d suggest reaching out to their customer support and asking them if it can be done or not. It’s possible it’s limited but there could be something else maybe that needs to be switched on such as a setting or something. I’m really not sure. I just know that their customer support always helped me so I’d say start there.
@@bribriyaga Thanks for the reply. Yes, I've reached out to Antelope. Awaiting their reply. I have a bad feeling about this routing thing. It doesn't appear to be possible to rout the post-AFX signal anywhere but through USB/Thunderbolt. Neither Digital nor Analog out accepts anything but unprocessed inputs. I'm sure that if there is something wrong with my unit Antelope will make it right, but this software-thing has me worried. Also, if I set the mixer-scale (headphone or DAAW-mix) to 16 (instead of 8) the FX and BP buttons disappear from "preamp 4". Which is either a bug or some unmentioned shortcoming in the hardware. Kind of worrying! I'm glad your having a great time with your Antelope, but I'm off to a really rocky start here. :/
@@nevilovermann797 I actually sold it pretty much at the time of this video. I bought it for around $600 USD. Used. Which was awesome. Cause I ended up getting all the perks and stuff of buying it new. However ya I needed way more I/O. Ended up switching to the MOTU 828ES as my main interface. Kept the Antelope for a bit, and sold it for $200 more than I paid. I loved the conversion, loved the cleanliness of the preamps, and I loved the overall ease of access for me. However, the Motu was a huge upgrade in terms of what I needed for the day-to-day. I'm not a big user of "digital effects, or emulations". I use outboard everything. They may take a while to get back to you, but i'm sure they'll solve any physical or software issues you end up having throughout the process. If there is limits, let me know how it turns out. I'm invested. Hopefully you'll be able to roll with it, and be able to get the best bang for your buck.
@@bribriyaga Yeah, I'm having all sorts of issues. I really regret not just going with an RME device. I have a UFX already and it's been rock solid for 5 years now. I'll call the store tomorrow and see if they'll take this one back. I can't spend days just getting up and running at an acceptable rate. And the routing limitations are kind of astonishing.
@@nevilovermann797 RME stuff is always solid. In house dev team for drivers. No outsourcing. They’re really great with stability and just simplicity with working. A bit pricey and not a lot of bells and whistles. It just works. Always great to work with an RME device. Most places take returns in the states within 15-45 days depending on the business. So hopefully you’ll be good. Fingers crossed for ya!
Hello and thank you for your review! I am really on the fence about this company and their products. I have a couple of direct questions if you'll be so kind to answer or someone else that actually have and use this interface. A LOT of software and update issues have been reported on these products. How has your experience been. Also, can you use other 3rd party plugins along with the ones that come with the unit? Out of all the reviews I've watched, LOTS, everyone says they sound awesome. Thank you in advance for your help.
Hey, thanks for watching, much appreciated! So I've never had any issues with the software. Firmware updating has also been a lovely experience. As well if there were any issues, that I had such as routing or something I wasn't unsure of, their customer support jumped right into help once I got in contact with them. The plugins that come within the Antelope FX bundle can only be loaded into the Antelope chain directly into the unit using their software. Pretty much similar to UA devices. Basically, you can track with say for instance an 1176 clone, or a Pultec EQ type clone, maybe a de-esser, or a little bit of distortion to add saturation to a vocal. This is how it works stock when you purchase just the audio interface from Antelope. If you wanted to use these plugins that come with the Antelope hardware outside of the hardware (only on the way in), you'd have to purchase AFX2DAW, which is $200 USD. This allows you to use these plugins within your DAW. You can't use 3rd party plugins such as the Brainwork NVX Neve Emulation, Fabfilter Pro Q, or a UAD 1176 plugin, within the hardware unit (on the way in). That's not possible. The only plugins that are supported on the way in are those that are made by Antelope. As with any basic DAW, that's currently on the market, can use your 3rd party plugins within it. This includes Antelope if you pay that premium cost of $200 for the AFX2DAW. This is the normal approach within the world of pro audio obviously. Just you're not able to load these 3rd party effects into the hardware to track on the way in. Hopefully, that makes sense. Just to reiterate one more time, if you wanted to use Antelopes plugins within your DAW and not just on the way in with your hardware during tracking you'd have to pay that premium cost of $200 USD. As well if you're on Windows, you would need a thunderbolt connection as it's not supported over USB. Mac users would be able to do this without the additional purchase of a thunderbolt to PCI-e card or adapter. A PCI0e card or adapter that works for PC can cost upwards of $200 (depending on model/make and features), but I snagged mine of Amazon here in the US for about $139. As far as the plugins, yeah they sound very good. I pretty much only use real hardware in my studio and not so many emulations of things anymore. But in the past using mostly UA stuff. I'd say the UA stuff (emulations) may be a little bit better, but this is just from personal experience. As I think the UA stuff is just the cat's meow (very top-notch). Then having the hardware and UA stuff side by side it was very close on several occasions depending on the piece of hardware the software you're emulating. However, the Antelope stuff is very good as a take on that. Certainly, you wouldn't notice at all during the mixdown. I would give it 7/10 stars. UA stuff at around 7.5/10 stars. Hardware is 10/10 stars. Hopefully, this helps!
@@bribriyaga Wow, thank you for such a fast and thorough reply. I decided to get the Discrete 4. I should be here soon. I'm praying for a good experience. Your review helped!
@@bribriyaga Hello again. I wanted to give an update and see if you have or know of any fixes or work arounds. So I bought the Discrete 4. Registered it on their site. Tried to install it by running the Antelope Launcher and that's as far as I got. It shuts my internet connection down each time I tried! I turned off firewalls and all. So, finally I called Tech Support. I left a message and they called me back within an hour. He remoted into my system and tried to get it going to no avail. He suggested that there was probably a problem with my provider. So, I called them and we did a complete system check and reset/reboot. There were no other issues going on any other sites on the internet, only when accessing their launcher does it shut down my internet connection. So I called back and got them (Antelope) on again, He tinkered around and still couldn't resolve the problem. He recommended that I update to the newest Windows up date (I was 1 behind). I did, It still didn't solve the problem. So, at this point I'm probably going to have to return the unit unless someone here has had this issue and knows directly what the problem is--Antelope doesn't! Sorry for the book. Thanks for any help provided!
I had an Apollo Twin Usb for windows. It sounded a lot fuller and filled with warmth and 3D sound. Not sure if there’s a big upgrade with the x4 or x6 but to the Twin it did.
Antelope Audio was never charging for AFX2DAW, they just suck at communicating. The $199 isn't a purchase price but rather a dollar amount of what they have determined the value of the product to be. Usually it looks something like, "$199 Value FREE" but they blew it.
Antelope Audio has stated that they weren't actually charging for AFX2DAW, the $199 was supposed to represent what they have determined to be the value of the software, so you might want to call them and ask if they will give it to you if you didn't get it. Here's a link to where I got that information from. ua-cam.com/video/kHgLvMP1m4g/v-deo.html
I'm surprised I didn't actually see that. Because I do follow him. I've since gotten rid of the audio interface and moved on from Antelope but it was a solid piece of gear regardless of their software. I mix all out of the box anyway, at least about 95% out of the box. So the software never bothered me personally, but I wanted to make a huge point of this on their end. I usually make videos here, when I either a.) get rid of that piece of gear, or b.) am so in love with it that I needed to do it justice by telling everyone about it. It's more so usually the first option. This was exactly the case with the Antelope. While it was an amazing sounding unit, and had a lot under the hood, it just never truly fit my workflow to the level I needed it to. So I ended up moving on. It's great sounding, feature rich, and has a great crew behind it, but ya it just wasn't for me. Thank you very much for chiming in with this. I really appreciate it as well, thank you so much for watching!
In 7 months didn’t have a single one! But I have had users tell me about their issues. So I can’t speak on that topic for myself. It was nothing but sunny skies for me.
I think a lot of companies try to hit it big with plugins in the name of Universal Audio. I'm not sure if its me, or if anyone else feels this way, but UA is next to none in the plugin game. Because I mix on analog mostly. There are very few plugins that I actually use. The one's I do use, are quite awesome. All the UA stuff feels really solid, and responds like hardware. Call it a placebo effect, but to me it just "acts" like hardware, it's a feel thing. When I turn a "knob", it feels good. I have only ever purchased one UA plugin, other than the free ones i've gotten. When it came to Antelope, I liked their plugins, but they just felt very similar to the same stuff I already owned. Things like Brainworx and Waves. It didn't feel like a UA plugin, but it was great sounding. It sounded better than anything stock, and could be used in any mix situation with really great results. Some of the plugins even sounded better than a lot of cheap physical analog gear i've tested over the years as well. On that note, it still didn't really compare to UA and again it's so strange to say that. While the plugin section might be perpetual, and having a "$2000 value" is cool and all. I feel like these are just baseline and should be included in the price along with any bundle. The free mic/DAW package that they offer is great. I know it probably costs more for them to make a physical item, but personally to me thats the way to get into the Antelope game. Giving a free copy of Autotune is nice, and maybe including some other 3rd party plugins, can sweeten the deal. However, alone, just the "in house" plugins you get, I agree....are perpetual and a "bloated" value. Because in terms of sound and quality, the Antelope absolutely trumped over the Apollo for me.
Do you still use this sound card? I can buy this version in bundle with edge solo for 1200€ but newer version had come out, discrete pro with edge solo mic bundle for 1500€ and i don't know what to do 🫣
I no longer use it, but it's not because I wasn't impressed with the sound, I just bought it originally as a "backup and travel interface". I found myself using it a bunch at the start, but then I almost never used it. I needed more I/O on my main for it to be kept as a main interface, and for that I have the Motu 828es. I also paid next to nothing for the Antelope Discrete 4, I paid around £500 in GBP, which is around the $600 USD range. So at that deal its crazy. Granted I got it when there wasnt crazy inflation all over the world. I think new they were like $900 USD/£740 GBP, on most sites, with the mic, and everything. Seeing the new price hike how the newer Pro 4, is now what the 8 used to cost, is just wild to me. Meanwhile the Motu 828es (my main interface) is still $1000 USD and is identical in sound. It just doesn't come with a microphone. If mic modeling isn't super important for you, i'd say the i/o and sound on the Motu is worth looking into. If you're looking for something a bit more compact, in the box, and with the option to use one mic for several things with their modeling, then ya the Antelope is a great option and it maybe something worth looking into, id get the newest one as a way to "future proof myself" personally, but either option works.
Thanks for the detailed review mate. I really enjoyed this. Even though I already have discrete 8 I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one enjoying their products.
what a good review. Thank you for being so thorough and non bias :)
No problem! That's what I try to do. Thank you for watching! I really appreciate it.
Can't get sound out of mine 😕 plz help , installed all of the drivers , no luck
There's a lot of factors that go into this. I would need you to be extremely detailed in how you have everything set up in order for me to start troubleshooting an issue like this. As long as the drivers are installed, you should theoretically be able to get sound once you select the inputs and outputs within your DAW. If you're looking to just listen on Windows (Spotify/UA-cam/Google Chrome/Etc) you would need to change your outs on Windows to the Antelope. This would also be true for Mac. After the typical restarts of the device, computer and monitors. You'd want to make sure all cables are good. Connections are good. USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt when and where needed if needed. As well as just making sure your device is compatible with Antelope. I don't have the Antelope anymore so I can't troubleshoot and test with you, but from my year of using it, once I installed the software package and drivers, and everything was installed. I went into their software to adjust everything accordingly to my computer. It was basically plug and play. I might of needed to adjust the bitrate for Windows, as I personally like to do everything in 48khz but that'd be the only change. In Reaper I was able to see the device under aiso4all on my PC and it was just a few clicks to get routing straight.
Antelopes customer service is very good, and they were able to assist me when I had some issues with registration after a reset. They are super awesome to almost everything I found a need to contact them for, and i'd highly recommend doing that if you can't figure out what's causing issues.
@@bribriyaga I appreciate you Fam , just updated everything , good to go 🎆Utmost Gratitude🚀
Anyone know about The registration? I wanna by my friend’s antelope. What should I do? Do I use his log in and password if he gives it to me or do I Make a new registration?
Hi Larissa, you would just make a new account and register the serial number of the device. It would remove the physical hardware device from his account and place it on yours. That’s it.
@@bribriyaga but if he bought some new plugins, more than the ones that came with the interface, aí wouldnt have access to Them. Right?
I am brazilian, so, sorry if I say something wrong
@@LarissaLisboamusic plugins can’t be transferred sadly. So you wouldn’t be able to have access to the ones he’s purchased. They’re locked to his account. You’d be getting the free plugins that come with the unit and that’s it.
@@bribriyaga got it! and if he gives me the login and password? he will never use a daw or this interface again. he gave up this music production thing.
i would have any trouble or it will be ok to use his user on my DAW (ableton live) and my macbook.
@@LarissaLisboamusic More than likely this "could" work. As in it would be fine, basically until an issue would arise. I could see problems with legality but other than that. I'd say if he's done, and "signs over" his account to you. Then it should be okay. Maybe reach out to antelope and ask them the correct way to do this. IE: for warranty and stuff.
Great review man - all the most important points covered in detail. Professional. Appreciate it 👍🙏
Glad I could assist in helping you! Thanks again for watching!
how can i use the auraverb on my discrete 4? i can hear the reverb, mas i cant record it. when i record, the track doenst have the reverb i heard! :(
I’m just going to link you the manual for it as it’s rather hard to explain with lots of steps. It’s the second part using auraverb in your daw. software.antelopeaudio.com/downloads/zen_studio/manual/AuraVerbmanual_V2.pdf
@@bribriyaga thank you so muchhhhh
@@LarissaLisboamusic you’re very welcome! Glad I could help!!
@@bribriyaga i am reading, but i think this manual is not for my discrete4
@@LarissaLisboamusic yeah it’s for the zen. However it’s just about the same. The whole thing with the auraverb is that it’s an effect that can only be applied to a send. In the case here for the discrete 4/8. It’s in the mixer tab. You would just turn up the send knob to hear the effect. You would then send it out of your hardware as a send into your daw or what it is that you’re running. So let’s say you want to apply it to your vocal. You would need to use the Antelope software to route the vocal through the send in which the reverb is active. A little confusing in terms of routing. Personally I never used this because I have other reverbs i use that not only sound better but just work as an effect in my daw. Rather than having a convoluted routing setup. The other thing you can do it’s run a track out of your daw back into Antelope interface through the reverb send back out into your daw. Hopefully this helps. I no longer have the unit so I can’t create a video or take screenshots.
I also hate this method because it’s basically being applied to your daw with the reverb printed which may be okay for some people but I despise that. Until I know for certain that’s the exact amount I want or need.
Something to add directly from the discrete manual is that they essentially made auraverb as a live performance/ monitoring verb only. It’s not meant as an effect that can be applied standalone In your daw. So that’s why you’d have to print with it.
Thanks for the awesome review you help me out a lot 👍🏽
Thanks for watching I really appreciate it . Glad I could help you out!
what I would recommend is to hold down all of the buttons on the interface and see what happens you have many many options in there as well as the software I think you really missed that one man , you have a power button in the software and the bottom button you hold in for the option to shut off , love the video have had this interface for 2 years don't burn it up man good luck
I sold it like right after making this video so I no longer have it but I appreciate it. Several people reached out and told me about the alternate options for powering it down. I updated the informational tidbit in the description for this video. I just wish that it had a specific power button like most other high end interfaces. Thanks again for commenting and checking out the video.
@@bribriyaga what new interface did you happen to purchase and why? I am still with the antelope
@@kaydze570 I used the Antelope along side a Motu 828. The 828 is my primary interface and is my bread and butter. I snagged the Antelope to do mobile stuff and have something portable. The Antelope sounded good and it’s very identical to the Motu in terms of sound. I think the Motu is a little clearer. The preamps aren’t as nice as the Antelope but I use outboard pres anyways so that wasn’t a factor for me. The I/o was. Gear reviews on my channel are either because I absolute love something with all my heart and soul or I’m getting rid of it cause it’s just not my thing. Which ideally I’d like to turn this channel into some sort of museum or glossary for gear so sound samples and thoughts are recorded for every piece of gear I can get my hands on.
Thanks for all the details around the bundles/deals etc. In Canada the Antelope Edge (1400$ mic in Canada) and Discrete 4 combo is 2500$. But to think I wont be getting the 1600$ plug in deal, then after that I will need to spend another 200$ just so I can use in reaper puts it into a price point thats just not something that interests me. For 2500$ I would have thought I would be good to go with this.
You're very welcome! I would check in with customer service. As people have mentioned that there is a way to get the $200 plugin for reduced/free. I'm guessing you may have to talk to them and see for yourself if it's legit. I think a lot of the community here has mentioned it's a very awkwardly bad procedure to reach out and question over a plugin is free or not. However it may be worth the call if you're seriously considering it, or at least were at one point. While I hate the whole promotional bundle/free plugin gamble thing they have going on in comparison to UA. The device is very solid and sounds good. There are other options in this price range especially if you're in CAD. My main interface is the Motu 828ES and it's absolutely a game-changer in terms of sound. I think it rocks. Maybe worth considering.
Great review man. I bought one myself in May and i agree with everything you said. The conversion, clocking and preamps are where it really shines. Literally some of the best clocking in the biz, that's what Antelope are known for. The preamps are SUPER clean and seem to have a nice "3D" kind of element to it. Also the converters made my speakers and headphones sound way better too (i was using an Audient iD14 before) so in some ways getting this interface is like an upgrade to your existing gear too.
The one thing i disagree with you on is the mic modelling, i found it to be pretty underwhelming, i didn't think it matched the mics it was trying to model as far as sonic depth and stuff like that. It was a fine mic, it sounds decent as a standalone, but the noise floor isn't ideal and the modelling was just okay / not that convincing. (The Edge Duo is probably where its at for mic modelling.) I sold my Edge Solo mic and bought a different mic.
I also think you understated how great their plugins are. Legit among the very best in the world imo. Especially the Fairchild, that thing sounds and FEELS more like hardware than any other plugin i've ever used. Got my eye on that BAE 10DCF and Audio Baton too.
My biggest gripe with it is that afx2daw only works through Thunderbolt connection. Pretty disappointing as a Windows user whose motherboard doesn't support Thunderbolt. Never in my life would i have thought i'd ever need Thunderbolt lol.
Btw there IS an off switch. :) Took me a few months to realize it. You press the 3rd button down for 2 secs, a menu will pop up, the 1st option will be "power off", select it by pushing in the big knob in, then it shuts off. To power it back up just click any button on the interface. I usually choose the 3rd button down cos i'm just so crazy like that
Good to hear that their customer support is good. They've had a bad rep for that over the years. Feel like they reinvented themselves a year or 2 ago and now they've really improved in that department
Thanks for checking out the review. I appreciate it! When I had their mic modeling, I used it quite a bit for myself as well as others and it did work as I mentioned awesomely. Now as a caveat there. The noise floor issue. I have seen users report similar issues. Which they said was fixed when they changed various things. Different USB ports, different preamp channels, ultimately a different hardware unit, or microphone. So it's a possibility it could be faulty hardware as I never witnessed that personally. As well friends of mine didn't have that problem either, but they are using the more expensive Antelope products.
In terms of the plugins, I might be under-estimating them. You're absolutely right. I do use real hardware, and I'm a bit of a hardware purist in terms of sound to my ears. So if I have that hardware I'm expecting it to do something certain. As I mentioned their 1176 sounds like an 1176, but it doesn't sound like an actual 1176 hardware unit that has the weight and sustain of a brick and mortar unit. However, it's very very close. Knob turning is the only part for me that really has to be toyed with to get the sound you're looking for, but as all things mixed down. You would never know if it's hardware or an Antelope plugin at the end of a polished track.
They are great, I just tend to favor hardware over software.
Glad you're enjoying it, sorry you're needing to buy a thunderbolt port on Windows though. I have actually just done that for future purposes, just in case. I guess it's always good to have, so I invested. Which is nice for the "Appleish hardware and software crossover stuff" that I do. If I still had the Antelope I would maybe try giving their plugin a shot but yeah. It's time has come and gone for me.
Hello. Do you mind me asking what OS you are using? Mac or PC? I have Windows 10 Pro and I can't get passed the Antelope launcher to install it because it knocks out my internet connection each time. I 've had Team Viewer with teh Antelope Tech guy try to resolve it 2 times to no avail.
@@SteveAdamsChannel I’m using Windows 10 Pro. All AMD chipset with ASRock mobo. Did you try installing in safe mode with networking?
@@bribriyaga No I didn't. I will tho. It seems that the problem is somewhere in the browser now. With some patience and effort I was able to load it on my daughter's computer (sorry for her, lol).
@@bribriyaga Just tried after your recommendation. Still losing! Thank you tho!
3yrs later. New thoughts? Experience? Update?
@@konafama I got rid of this pretty quickly as it wasn’t something I needed anymore. Originally I was using it as my mobile rig studio but would have it hooked up for the incredible conversion to mix and master through and truthfully even just enjoy music on as it has an incredible headphone amp from time to time. I try to purge gear that I don’t need or facilitate a use for unless it’s something I’m collecting. My only reason I didn’t keep it was because I needed more I/O which for me came in the form of the Motu 828ES. I would’ve gone to the bigger version of the Antelope Discrete but money was an option for me and I got a steal on the Motu which at the time was like $750. I haven’t really had it for three years. Though I’m constantly around Antelope my opinion still stays valid and the same. It’s a high end very nice quality professional grade audio interface. Great conversion, great preamps, great feature set, awesome software. There are alternatives and maybe it’s not the best pick of an interface for everyone but truthfully I’d pick it up again and again if I needed something else that couldn’t be the Motu.
Thanks for the great info! I have to say, i don’t understand really the common complaint of antelope charging for afx2daw. They give you what, 30 plugins, while ua gives you i think 8. So for $200 more you get all 30 of those also available in your daw, while that $200 on ua gets you one more plugin, so 9 total. Seems like Antelope offers way more value here.
It's more about the fact that the function is available to all users and would work without paying any money, but Antelope Audio decided to pull another 200 dollars out of each customer's pocket.
@@Benjamin-ty9ww but the package is already a great deal, and the daw integration isn’t necessary to use the plugins (on the input)… it just opens up even greater functionality. imagine what it would cost to buy the same plugins on uad…
@@PeterJaquesMusic The way I understand it, is that you're paying $200 for just the plugin AFX2DAW, that's it. No extra plugins. That's what I was told originally when AFX2DAW was released. Unless it's changed since then. You were spending $200, to get just a single plugin, that gives you the ability to use your purchased plugins via Antelope through your DAW.
@@bribriyaga yes but you’re *already* getting three times as many plugins as you get with uad, included with the hardware. And the hardware is already significantly cheaper. So what’s the issue with paying for the software for this feature, when you’re already saving a ton on the plugins and the hardware?
@@PeterJaquesMusic I think I’d have to agree with Benjamin here. It’s essentially a feature that should be free. While you do get more plugins upfront with Antelope Audio. I wouldn’t use half of them in a mix. As well many of what you get is just stuff you wouldn’t really need in your daw anyways. So looking at it from what am I actually going to use. Maybe 7-8 plugins. I’d say UA prevails here still. Universal Audio gave out a few free plugins throughout the year too. Things like choruses and delays. Coupons for discounted plugins too. Both companies are certainly comparable but at the end of the day it’s how the marketing is delivered right. Like you buy UA hardware for the hardware and plugins. UA plugins get incredible rep. While their hardware isn’t on par with Antelope imo. It’s still great. When I think UA. I think software. I think plugins. I think hardware. I think outboard. I’m sure a lot of people also think this. I’m going to say at the end of the day it’s the way it’s marketed and sold and worded.
If you want to buy a $150 item. That comes with free shipping. It looks appealing. However if you want to by a $50 item with $100 shipping. It leaves a bad taste in your mouth. It’s the same price but it’s just the principal and idea that’s instilled into a shoppers mind.
So having to pay for something that should be free. While it contains “more” of something. May or may not be the cup of tea everyone is ordering. I know I don’t want it. I didn’t buy it for two reasons. It wasn’t compatible with USB and it was $200. If it was compatible with USB. I still wouldn’t of spent $200. Now if it was free. I’d think honestly hard about rushing to get a pcie thunderbolt card.
Everyone in pro audio tends to jump towards the better more presented packages I’ve found. People want black and white. What you’re getting what you’re not. They don’t want to beat around the bush. With UAs rep. It’s no wonder as to why anyone would choose them over giving Antelope a shot. So really Antelope just needs to revise their marketing and it’ll be fine.
thanks for the vid and all the 'fine print'!
Thank you for watching! Glad I could help!
Hello good review.. question .. are the outputs balanced (for active monitors?)
Thank you very much for checking it out. I'm pretty sure but I can't say 100%, I use active monitors and they sounded perfectly balanced through it. As well I use a multiple monitor setup and they're hosted via a monitor controller which when I had the unit was plugged directly into the outputs, and all of the monitors sounded amazing. So i'll go with it more than like is. I didn't really mess around with it too much in terms of testing the outs for my monitors but you can change a lot in the software for the routing, and I believe you can even use the monitor outs to run extra outboard if you need. Given that it lets you change all that via routing, it's probably safe to say they're balanced. I only had the unit for about six months before I sold out, but everything I threw at it sounded lush and open, warm and airy with detailed texture via the output. Hope that helps.
Thanks bro convinced me to take the plunge ,got one on the way🙌
Glad I could help!! I hope you enjoy it friend!
@@bribriyaga im in Australia so it didn't come with mic 1500 just for unit Here.
Can't find much information on the plugins that supposed to come with will that be active when it's set up or will I have to go and purchase these?.
Was also looking at the solo edge mic possibly the big one.
Will the mic modulation only work with those microphones?
And last apparently it has some sort of Auto tuning feature do you know anything about this?
Any help is greatly appreciated thanks for your time and awsome review 🙌
@@oztrekgelsoft8409 So to answer the auto-tuning question. There is an auto-tune by Antares plugin that Antelope offers. It's a part of the synergy core effects. I don't know if it comes with the plugin bundle or not. If you're not getting the microphone, it's likely a higher possibility but I'd check to see their promotion from the location of where you purchased the device to see what promotion they had via Antelope.
Mic modeling works with the edge series I believe. I would also double-check that with Antelope to confirm that but based on their site here: en.antelopeaudio.com/edge-family/ I believe these should all work.
Asking the location that you purchased the device at, will likely tell you the promotion and which plugins it comes with. It may contain a lot, or a handful, or just the stock amount. I'm not sure. As of right now, the promotion on the site shows it does come with the microphone so you might want to also check that with the store and antelope.
If it doesn't come with the plugins you would need to purchase all the ones you would want, correct.
Hopefully, that helps!
@@bribriyaga really appreciate your advice and help. You have a good knowledge of your gear..
One last question I have. An API lunchbox with only db25 in and out on it. No XLR.
I just realised that the antelope discreet 4 only has 1 dB25 out on it..🤔
Am I still able to connect the lunchbox . As it apaarantly will send signal out tho not in...
I suppose this would mean a patch bay on the return line,?
It's got me stuck lol 🤣 I have other hardware that will connect throu adat and word clock tho I really need the API gear goin'. Would you have an idea on how I can connect to the United ?
Sorry for the lame question brother and super appreciate your help
@@oztrekgelsoft8409 No problem and thank you! If I can help I absolutely will in any way that I can. So the Discrete 4, doesn't have a DB25. The Discrete 8 does. The DB25 on the Discrete 8 is for the outputs of the discrete 8.
I'm not sure if you're able to reconfigure the DB25 on the 8, within the software or not, but then it would leave you without having those 8 outs. Causing routing problems. I'm sure if you just wanted to run a single compressor you can probably make it work, but you'd want to contact Antelope support to check that 100%. So my suggestion is unless you do a ton of unplugging and replugging. Getting a patch bay. I use the NYS-SPP-L1 by Neutrik and it's amazing. I've never had any issues with it. Sturdy, and solid, and priced cheap.
I would get a DB25 to 1/4 inch trs end and have those go into a patch bay. Then when you need a piece of gear patch it into the ins and outs of the interface. This works for either the 4 or the 8.
When I had my Discrete 4, that's exactly how I did it. Have everything hardwired to my patch bay. As well as the I/O for the Discrete 4/8. Then when I need to run something just patch it in. Super easy and takes just a few seconds and some patch cables to get your desired result. While it is a bit more money and you're buying more gear. The time and wear and tear it saves on your gear is absolutely worth it.
Hey Lemon Lime Cola, thank you so much for the video. Do you know if the interface supports mackie control form midi controller support? I wasn't able to find info on the internet. Many thanks in advance!
You're welcome! Thanks for checking it out. I don't think it would support it. Usually for DAW Controllers, they're exactly that, just controllers for your DAW (Logic, ProTools, Ableton, Reaper,etc) and wouldn't work with the interface, at least in my experience. This is via USB by the way. I've never used the Mackie Control ever and couldn't speak on it, but I've used other DAW Controllers and they've pretty much just been for the control inside the DAW itself. Some can even go as far as controlling the plugins within the DAW which in some cases can be your interface parameters within a plugin, so I guess you can "cheat it" in that regard but it'd be 100% up to the interface and controller at that point.
As far as MIDI goes, I wouldn't know the first thing really. I almost never use MIDI ever in anything that uses MIDI. I know MIDI is really wild and can be used to do a lot, maybe it's a possibility but I couldn't be the one to tell you.
Wish I could be of more help!
Anyone has compared the discrete 4 pro with the zen Q? Is there a big difference soundwise between the two? The discrete 4 (not the pro) was the same as the zen line soundwise as far as I know. Thanks!
The DIscrete 4 isn't bus powered, where the Zen Q is. The Discrete 4 has 4x Discrete mic preamps (mic, line & Hi-Z) where as the Zen Q has 2x Discrete preamps (mic, line & Hi-Z) and 2x Hi-Z/line instrument inputs over TRS. The Discrete 4 has 4x headphone outputs , 4x TRS line outputs and 1x stereo monitor output where as the Zen Q has 1x stereo output (TRS), 2x headphone outputs for monitoring and 2x line outputs (TRS). The Discrete 4 has 2 World Clock Outputs and the Zen Q doesn't. The Discrete 4 has 130db of AD/DA conversion with the 64-bit AFC clocking, whereas the Zen Q has 127db of AD/DA conversion, also with the same 64-bit AFC clocking. FX bundled are the same on both devices and DSP to use the FX are the same. The Zen Q has a loopback for streaming, which is cool, the Discrete 4 doesn't have that. The tradeoff there is the other difference because the Discrete 4 has the virtual patchbay, where the Zen Q doesnt. Of course this is a comparrison of the newer upgraded models for late 2022 and 2023.
Really in terms of sound, it's going to be pretty close. 127db to the 130db is a difference, but I highly doubt it would be make or break. The thing you'r really going to have to consider is what your main purpose for use of the device? Is it going to be doing mixing? tracking? mastering? Are you going to use it as a B-Rig for travel? Is it going to be for streaming or audio capture? Since both devices can cover mutliple pieces of ground in terms of audio, you'd want to pick the one best for you.
If you need more mic preamps, go with the discrete 4, as it has 4 of them versus the 2 that come with the Zen Q. If you're doing more di stuff, and don't think you'll need 4 mic pres, you can safetly get the Zen Q. Bus Powered for the Zen Q, and Wall Wart for the Discrete 4, may be a deal breaker if you're looking for travel purposes. Not everywhere is going to have a plug for you to connect the Discrete 4 up to. If travel and on the go is your thing the Zen Q maybe what you may consider. If you're streaming and want to have that loopback, the Zen Q is where you'll get that. If you're running outboard gear, or want the ease of having control of the expandable I/O that the Discrete 4 offers to give you that authentic studio feel. Well you'll need to get the Discrete 4.
Another thing to mention is that with the Discrete 4, its got both USB and Thunderbolt options on the back. Which make it nice to jump between PC and Mac with ease and just a cable. When it comes to the Zen Q, you can either buy a USB-C version, with just the USB-C port, or you can also buy a thunderolt bolt version with only a thunderbolt port. So if you wanted to switch between your devices mac and pc. You'd have to make sure that both of them had Thunderbolt if you got the Thunderbolt only version. Something to absolutely think about. As motherboards for PC still really haven't fully accepted thunderbolt as a majority option. Making it a pain to find compatibility.
If were going back to before the newest versions came out of both devices. The original Discrete 4 and the Orginal Zen Q are very similar, really just being a matter of preamps. Sounds are going to be identical. Features are rather close. Both devices are great and sound amazing. Personally I like more combo mic pres/ with the option to do line and di. Where as being limited by the 2 pres and 2 trs jacks could be problematic for me. I didn't care about power, but same rules applied there too, bus powered vs wall wart.
Hopefully this helps ya out.
@@bribriyaga thank you! I should have mentioned it. Im not a mixer or anything. I could produce something, amateur level once in a while, but Im a profesional bassist. My main use would be to record pro quality bass and synth tracks through my preamp which im coming out from with 2 XLR lines (one processed and one clean) into the interface.
Lets say my main concern is to get the best quality possible in my bass tracks. Would the Discrete pro sound much better to justify the price gap?. I don't know. I don't see myself using the 4 headphones out in the near future.
@@bribriyaga do you need an ilock to use the mic emulations on the DAW??
@@montullbass Either option is totally viable. Since you're a professional bassist, and DI is your best friend here. The Zen Q would work to save you some money. However, if you do ever plan on doing stuff with 4 microphones (drums, micing of amps, singer songwriter type stuff), you may want to future proof and opt in for the Discrete 4. Regardless either option is awesome. They'll both give you stellar killer awesome tone and sound.
@@montullbass You do not. No iLok is required for anything. Everything serial related and registration is built directly into the unit.
How does it compare to rme ucxii?
I'd say they're very comparable. The RME might be a little cleaner with certain features. Such as preamps. Routing/Software. Expansion. However, the conversion might be a bit better on the Antelope. It's a win/win either way you go and I'd highly recommend both interfaces. You won't be sad if you got one over the other. RME stuff is built like a tank, rock-solid software, and customer service.
Hello i have a pc windows 10 with thunderbolt 4, so i need to know how can i connect my Antelope audio discrete 4 synergy core, thanks
You can connect it via usb and thunderbolt if your device contains it. Since you have thunderbolt 4 you should be able to connect it via thunderbolt cable, yes. If not usb is fine but you can use AF2Daw.
I have a uad Apollo duo looking for a I/0 with good convertors should I go with the synergy 8 the motu or rme
All three are great options. I currently only use the Motu and it’s by far the best bang for the buck. Incredible top notch conversion and just feature rich with plenty of i/o. I love it and have no intention of replacing it anytime soon. The Discrete 8 is great too. It’s going to be identical to the Apollo in terms of software and routing. However it’ll sound 5 times better. The RME is also great. It’ll last forever and has great support. While it is the most expensive the build and support make it a great investment and it’s almost guaranteed future proof.
Can u use real-time FX in adat inputs ?
Nope you can not. Unless that was a change that was recently made with their new stuff.
Great video
Thank you and thanks for watching! Much appreciated!
@@bribriyaga Quick question: I have a budget mastering rig that I was considering this for. My worry is that the line level input will not be up to scratch since so much emphasis is put on preamps. I am assuming to cut costs this is probably where they did it. Is the line level input flat, clear and transparent?
@@_Woo it is yes. I can honestly say the unit is fantastic in terms of conversion. It’s fat and wide but still clean. I’m sort of anti tracking with effects. I like the most dry signal possible upfront so I can eq, compress and effect it to my desire after the fact at a later time. I usually always just do a di of a guitar, a single take of a vocal, a synth di track. It didn’t matter what I did. I would do it clean as possible and then run out the stem/track to the outboard analog gear to get the desired sound. No matter what; the sound quality was always there. No degraded or loss of quality. It sounded beautiful. Even if you ran it back and forth a few times. Still crystal clear. Great ores, great conversion. I can say that; you wouldn’t be disappointed. So from my experience I’d say yes this is fine for a budget mastering rig. I can think of any other piece of gear in this price range other than the stuff from UA. That I’d actually use in my mobile rig.
@@bribriyaga Thanks! That was really helpful!
my afx2daw doesn’t even work properly in logic or pro tools
Just to throw some sand in your eyes. I also have an audient and running outboard thru their converters the id22 gives me a bit of added 3d Ness.
In the world of pro audio and conversion, I classify companies as high end, mid end and low end. Id say Antelope, depending on the unit, is mid end to high end. Just like Motu. I'd say Joe Co, RME, Burl, and Lynx are very much in the high end. I'd say Focusrite and Presonus are in low end. Kinda hanging around the entry level or beginner market doesn't mean a piece is good or bad. If something is high end, it's made for a high end market. If something is low end, it's usually marketed at a very specific audience. Regardless of where a unit is made, its feature set, the software that's backing the hardware, or the cost. It doesn't mean you can't make a killer record on it. I've seen top notch stuff come out of a $100 interface, and i've seen records be made on a vintage Neve console. I've seen records get made on iPads, and iPhones. Cheap laptops in hotel rooms and the back of vans. The conversion, preamp, and audio interface game has come a long way in the last 15 years. Really you can get a lot of bang for you buck. The Audient stuff is an absolute great entry level purchase, and you can consider it a solid piece of gear. I'd even go as far as saying it's probably the best bang for your buck until you get into the Apollo Twin, Antelope Discrete, Baby Face, or 828. In fact, I actually replaced my ID22 with an Apollo Twin, a while back. All audio interfaces have a place in music production, and all units do something for a specific market. While I wouldn't use a Scarlett 2i2 now, I bought the first gen like three weeks after it came out and used it until I basically burned it out and it stopped working on me. I remember thinking to myself, how amazing it sounded. I put out a bunch of songs on that thing that have stapled some of my best work. While I wouldn't be caught dead with one now, and I wouldn't recommend it. I can say it was a solid piece of gear. That worked really well for recording lots of awesome metal songs with my band in early 2007.
Gracias!!
You're quite welcome!
Hi, thanks for your good video. Have you ever tried the RME interfaces? If yes, what is your user experience with it?
Thank you very much for watching. Much appreciated! RME is very very very good. They have the best drivers in the pro audio game. Very reliable. They're the kind of company where you won't have to really worry about longevity or that you'll be abandoned by an upgrade to an OS. Solid construction on the things i've used, all built super sturdy. Sounds are really good too. They're a bit on the expensive side but it's totally justifiable. Especially if you're trying to take the pro audio thing serious. As you're getting a lot for your investment. The big thing in mind is that longevity. I would absolutely recommend them.
@@bribriyaga Thanks, I will go for a Babyface Pro FS!! 🤘
@ my opinion on your question... If I may. I totally agree with Mr Lemon. RME is top-notch. The Pres on the antilope though. In my ideal world. I would go with the cheap rme digiface and hookup a antilope device with it's Pres id say the synergy go for example thru adat or spdif. Those Pres imo make everything sound 'better' the antilope pres anything but transparent a pleasing color I would name it. Offcourse it's subjective. The pre part. RME Pres are very clinical and true to the original signal those I would call transparent. But again the antilope would make a signal thru the Pres almost always will make it sound better. 1st of all you were choosing between the RME and antilope difficult. You should look at what you need or would like to have on your 🎨 palette. If you don't know yet what you need cause your new or something like that. Both would be awesome since you wouldn't know what you would be missing. If it has to be one and only one. I agree with you and and go RME. You can bet it will work in 20 years and will have redicilous driver stability. Stability in the sense when others click and pop the RME won't. Where other systems just can't playback without hicking up etc. The RME will just do it to surprise of many also over USB
@@SuperIZL Of course you can give your opinion, it is very valuable to me, I thank you for it. I am starting in this and the truth is that the Antelope call my attention a lot but I also listened and read that they are not very stable in Windows, being a Windows user and with an AMD processor, I also do not have access to the Thunderbolt ports , although Antelope works on both. The truth is, the issue of DSPs and real-time plugins, they won't make much difference to me, I have quite a powerful equipment and currently with the Presonus interface that I have, I have been able to make recordings using plugins (guitar amp modelers). practically in real time without problem. I want to take a step forward especially because I have noticed that the Presonus without being a bad interface, the preamps and especially the converters no longer satisfy me, especially when it comes to recording vocals, and acoustic instruments. My idea is to go with the RME Babyface Pro FS and then grow with some 8 channel ADAT extension (Audient or similar or better). Kind regards
@ Awesome we are quite similar in our needs I guess. And I must say I think youl have a killer setup with the Babyface FS as centerpiece
Thanks for the review! Did you try to mix inside the Discrete 4 software and print it again in your DAW? That would be interesting! Which MOTU do you have? What do you think about MOTU Ultralite mk5. It might be in the same class as Descrete 4.
Thank you very much for watching! I appreciate the sub as well. Means a lot. To answer your first question I did not. The software isn’t really something I’d feel comfortable in mixing in on top of having to reroute and export it back to my DAW. Even just straight mixing and effects in one software to bring in having various other mixes in my DAW. It would just be a bit over complicated for me. A few too many extra steps. I just added the effect and then printed it. Then dragged it into my daw with said effect. Whenever I did actually use the effects. Which wasn’t often. Plus the limitations of only so many instances per channel etc etc.
The Motu I use as my main interface is the 828es. It’s on par with the Discrete and then some. I wouldn’t say anything less than the 828 is in the same class as Antelope. The cheaper stuff from motu works good and sounds okay but it isn’t on par with the 828es or higher flagship models. These are in the same class in my experience and opinion with Apogee,Antelope, UA, RME, Joeco, etc. sounds are top notch and clarity is very clear.
@@bribriyaga Ok...Thank you very much!
hi...just to return my experience with transfering license to second hand.
I'am a second hand and first time I plug it, I have all the plugins as well as the afx2daw working fine with my system. After 1 or 2 hours of testing those candies, a window appear and suggest me to register my new discrete 4 that i've done....but after alls are gone and juste have the basic pack :( no more candies and afx2daw not working any more too. We are actually seeing with them how to fixe that...or not. I tell you more details when we have a response from them but now....we are waiting and I cross the fingers
Thank you so much for watching and even more so for letting me know. This is pretty much what I assumed would happen, but without the added stress of losing everything. So at the end of the day the one thing we can confirm, is that you get the basic starter plugins for free. At least that's cool for someone looking at one of these in the used market. I'm curious to how the rest of this pans out! Hopefully you can end up getting all the goodies and whatnot. Fingers crossed!
@@bribriyaga ok no happy end here...you must give your antelope account to transfer license to second hand and first hand can't sell his stuff at all at the moment....all happened when I start to buy plugin myself and register them with my account ;)
The issue with Antelope LED displays is that the white color fades out over time down to a dark orange color. I know this is the case, as I had a Discreet 8 Synergy Core for only two years and 80% of the white faded out in all of the different menu sections down to a dark orange color. It was hard to read at that color. A big flaw in the Antelope LED displays! Also the Antelope drivers for Windows are slow and frustrating to work with. I recently switched to a Focusrite and the ASIO and WDM drivers work flawlessly in Windows.
That's incredibly shocking to hear. I had my unit for about a year before I sold it. In my time I used (and abused) it quite heavily. Leaving it on for months at a time. Constantly having audio playing, or running sessions into the night. It was an absolute workhorse for me. In the year that I had it, plus the fact I bought it used around five months after it came out. I never noticed anything with the LED screen at all. It was just as white and bright as the day I bought it. So coming in at almost a year in a half, no problems. I'm sorry you had to experience that.
As far as the drivers, that's even more of a shock to hear. I think the drivers are amazing. Now on that note, I'm using a rather high custom-built rig that I built for pro audio and gaming. It is on the AMD platform, not Intel, and it has a 16-core CPU, 64gbs of ram, and of 2tbs of Samsung 890 EVO NVME storage. Storage that holds my OS, as well as my core production software. Reaper, Kontakt, Omnisphere, UAD Plug-ins, Etc. Never once did I experience issues with latency, slowness, problematic situations, or just overall a not-so-great experience. In fact, it was so great and so easy to use, that I wish more companies would follow suit. Making simplistic and gorgeous-looking GUIs with top-notch drivers.
When I had my UA Apollo, it was terribly incompatible with AMD, and the number of issues I had, forced me to sell it. I often use OBS, Twitch, and Reaper, all in unison to stream audio stuff and even games on different platforms. As well, I use Reaper, and OBS constantly to make content for this channel, and it was all such a dream with Antelope. Whereas with UA, I wasn't able to do it at all, period. Note that UA says it doesn't officially support AMD chipsets. I'm not sure if Antelope doesn't either, but it worked flawlessly for me.
So again, I'm sorry to hear about your not-so-good experiences with Antelope. Hopefully, you enjoy the Focusrite stuff and continue to enjoy a good experience moving forward. I pray that you have no future issues!
Whats the difference between this one and the discrete 4 pro..It is 400 dollars more..Is it worth it or should i get this one..Thanks Dave
So they stopped officially selling the Discrete 4. The one I reviewed in this video. It looks as if the Discrete Pro 4 is the new interface that replaces it. While lots of retailers may carry it for a bit. I don’t see any way of purchasing it directly from Antelopes website like you used to be able to do. So just an fyi it’s likely an in with the new and out with the old type crossover for the future.
On that note. There are only a few things that changed. First are the converters. They’re supposed to be way better. More headroom. More pristine. Just good good quality. The second is the software. They’ve added a few new features in the software like a virtual patchbay. Really just overhauling it entirely. 4, 32 channel virtual mixers. Presets on the fly that you can save and use. As well the syngery core has pushed new levels for effect use. You can use up to 16 channel strips now worth of effects. Where as prior it was only 4. As a final mention. You get a 2.0 USB cable with it but it supports thunderbolt 3 if you wanted to use that for almost zero latency.
Overall it’s a cool little upgrade. I don’t know if the price is worth $400 more, especially for someone in my situation who used hardware effects. Id have to hear it and use it. That additional cost for me would be for the better converters and that’s pretty much it. I know for someone looking for a sort of all in one. In the box. Recording solution. That $400 may be worth it.
Hope this helps.
Any comparison to the Audient ID44? Seems like used prices are pretty comparable between the two but I'm trying to understand if Antelope's Discrete 4 is a tier above the ID44 -- I personally prefer the ID44's form factor based on photos. Thanks!
In sound quality the Antelope completely prevails over the Audient. They’re not in the same class at all. What I mean by that isnt to say one doesn’t sound good. They both sound great. However you have to look at each unit side by side. One is made in the UK. One is made in China. One has premium grade converters and the other has good sounding converters. The preamps on both are very clean but theirs a more full three dimensional sound you get from the Antelope. The software for Audient may not be as luxury looking as the software for Antelope but they’re both straight forward. One is a simple audio interface with several outs while the other offers plugin and amp emulations that give you an all in one solution.
I’ll leave it at this. I had an Audient ID22 and I loved it. It was the cats meow. A great entry level and mid grade audio interface. Then I upgraded to a Universal Audio Apollo Twin and the Audient was instantly noticed as the odd duck out. The sound from the Apollo blew away what I was getting stock with the Audient. After I had the Apollo for a year and had tons of issues with windows compatibility I went to Antelope. That’s when it hit again. The Antelope was to my ears a step above the Apollo. Full lush luxurious fat sounds. While the Apollo was no joke there was just something in the conversion with Antelope that made it sound better. The Antelope and my Motu were so similar and ultimately I’m staying with Motu. However the Apollo, the Discrete 4 and the Motu would be my pick as a pro audio engineer. If you’re looking for something that works. Won’t break the bank. Doesn’t have all the bells and whistles and is very straight forward and don’t want to spend an arm and a leg. Get the Audient ID44.
@@bribriyaga Thanks so much for your reply, that really puts things into a clearer perspective for me!
Would you caution against purchasing an Antelope interface used/2nd hand? Reverb looks to have some decent deals but maybe that's more trouble than it's worth; I'm not sure how that would affect things like warranty, customer service, transferring ownership, etc. or if that's the best possible bang for one's buck
@@brileyloftin5685 I bought mine used from guitar center. Just make sure you get the discrete 4 core. Not the original discrete 4. That’s gonna be the real thing that’s most important. To activate it you just activate it. There’s no transfer of ownership involved. It’s plug and play basically. Just need to enter the serial number on the unit in the software. I paid $492.98 USD for mine used so it was an absolute steal. If you can snag one at the price it’s a no brainer.
@@bribriyaga wats the original discrete 4? does it not say core on it or something?
@@trevonrobinson9855 That's correct. It just said Discrete 4. The 4 was a little 4 logo inside what looked to be the scope of a gun or spiderweb. It was also in all red. A lot different looking from the new Synergy Core Logo. So if buying one used, make sure it says synergy core. Otherwise, you're buying the older unit, which I believe didn't have the better processing chip. Though I can't be quoted on that.
I understand the built-in dsp effects are low latency but what about if you use virtual instruments in your daw? What's the round trip latency like then?
Performance in general with Virtual Instruments is more so based on your computer specifics. Followed more so by the actual VSTi that you’re using. Rather than the interface the itself. Just counting latency. It’s got near zero latency. This is via tracking and mixing. Though with VSTi’s I don’t track in real time with them. I usually write my tracks differently. Then just load the midi in or if I do write with them in the session, I take a rather strange approach. I’ve noticed no problems with my methods of tracking. No problems with mixing and mastering with several VSTi’s. No problems with stuttering or hiccups when using a ton of tracks. Mix downs are lovely. Clean. Beautiful. I was able to have 40-60 instances of Kontakt, then a few dozen synths and drum machines open without having any issues in lag or latency. Using some pretty intense sound libraries within Kontakt too. That being said my computer has 64 gigs of ram. If you were to have 8 or 16 you’d likely have to tap out sooner but, my experiences all have been lovely with my specs. No matter what, it all came through beautiful when observing via the Antelope.
Well explained , the deal with the edge solo , bit wig and free plugins is available again. My only question is . I’m only using this for hiphop & rb vocals and over the years I’ve only needed one input. Is this interface significantly different than the zen go quality wise?
Thanks
Thank you for watching! Sadly I do not know if they’re are the same or different. I’d highly suggest reaching out to the live chat team to ask a pre sales question on Antelopes website. It does look like they’re similar. Since the cost is lower there does need to be some sort of cut back. Is it simply just less inputs and outputs. Possibly and probably. However I couldn’t be the one to tell you if there is some great change to the sound quality as well. I’m sure it’s a great sounding product and will be a lot better quality than your Focusrite, Presonus, and budget level options. I’ve never used one though so I couldn’t tell you. Sorry to let ya down!
Any one using Discrete 4 Synergy Core with Win 8.1 x64? any issues u facing?
Yes I agree with it all!
pls bro how the heck do i turn this thing on😭💀💀
FEW THINGS:
YES you can power off the unit, u see those 3 little buttons next to the big knob ? Press n hold the the bottom one and the window of option will pop up then hit the big knob to enter . If the window didn't show up press the other buttons first then come back.
Secondly,
All your plug-ins are attached to your account not on your hardware. Before you sell them you need to detach whatever bundle you have purchased off your hardware so it will stay in your account for your next upgrade. Plug-ins can't be transferred except the ones that came with it..
Thank you!!! More so thank you for the update. I will annotate the video in case someone doesn’t read the comments. Kinda strange you can’t transfer plug-ins. That’s a little weird. I do appreciate the feedback. This is important information users should know! Thanks again.
@@bribriyaga
Hey I did compare the I/O conversion on the Discrete vs my Motu 828 ES mk2 running SSL Fusion Schain to Stam 2 buss and they are different. Sounds alot better and more record ready with the Discrete. Antelope rocks !
@@andrewb2700 I actually prefer the Motu over the Discrete. I think they’re essentially identical but that could just be my ears. Doing several mixes on both devices switching between the two it was almost undistinguished between my ear. I only used the Antelope for conversion. It’s main goal for primarily just for running outboard and I notice no difference on any pieces of gear. When compared to the Motu. Especially after mixdown. Both are clean and warm and pristine. Lots of air and openness and just brilliance and sheen. Both companies deliver solid products.
@@bribriyaga that's so weird... IMO there is clearly a big difference between the Motu and antelope. I would even go so far as to say the Motu Pres are more rme like then the antelope. The antelope pres make almost everything sound 'better' then it already was. Certainly not transparent. The Pres clean up the mud and add a high sheen. That's why it's sound less fat than the RME for instance. But if you A B m like in your saw. It should be easy to hear. But offcourse that's my opinion. And the words you used to describe the Pres.. transparent doesn't rime with those. In my perception transparent means no added color. I do like to read your take on my opinion. peas out
@@SuperIZL I was only talking about the conversion. In my comparison. The preamps are one thing. The conversion is another. I never use a stock preamp on an audio interface when I have an array of nice preamps to choose from. Honestly I can't even remember the last time i've used the stock preamps on my Motu. That being said, yes absolutely the Antelope Discrete preamps are significantly better than the Motu's. I mean, if you were looking at the 828es, you're not looking for pres. You're looking for I/O, and conversion. The pre's are just there as a nice little bonus incase you need them quickly. At least that's how I see it as marketed. Which is exactly what I bought it for. Lots of I/O and that sweet conversion. My signal chain for whatever I run always sounds lush and fat and wide between both units. There really isn't a difference to me. Like I said, to just pure conversion, they sound identical. If this were a debate about the preamps, then yes, there is a drastic sound difference. In the realm of straight conversion, there is not. Which is what I was originally talking about. On both units, I rarely ever use the stock preamps, but if I had to pick between the two, that is where the Antelope is a better unit.
Thank you
You're quite welcome!
I just bought this and I've had a number of issues in the last couple of days. Most severe are the fact that I've not yet figured out how to send the treated signal to ADAT. So AFX to ADAT OUT. I bought this to have a portable, ready to go, setup to hook up to deskt or interfaces wherever I go. But if I'm unable to get the post effect signal routed to an OUT then it really defeats the purpose of the device for me. I've seen a number of videoes demonstrating a routing matrix on other Antelope devices but I've found no such matrix on this control panel. Seems like a glaring omission. Am I missing something?
Also, my first AFX-channel has a strange high pitched shimmery distortion when the sample rate is set to 44.1kHz. The other three AFX channels are fine, and the first one is fine at all other sample rates, but 44.1kHz is standard wherever I go to record, so that makes one of my AFX-channels unusable. I've tried resetting, reinstalling firmware/software and even rolling back to earlier versions, all to no avail. Have you had any such issues?
I have not. That’s something I’d look to reach out to Antelope for. It could be a defective unit. It could be an array of things causing it. As far as the routing matrix and such. I’m not sure. I know that for me. I only ever used the effects a few times via the first and second inputs mostly. Never via ADAT. So I can’t speak there. I barely used the interface for its effects though. Just as a small portable good conversion and tracking preamp. I don’t know if it’s possible to do the routing via ADAT. Only via the 1/4 inch outs. So I’m sorry I can’t be of much help there. Really I’d suggest reaching out to their customer support and asking them if it can be done or not. It’s possible it’s limited but there could be something else maybe that needs to be switched on such as a setting or something. I’m really not sure. I just know that their customer support always helped me so I’d say start there.
@@bribriyaga Thanks for the reply. Yes, I've reached out to Antelope. Awaiting their reply.
I have a bad feeling about this routing thing. It doesn't appear to be possible to rout the post-AFX signal anywhere but through USB/Thunderbolt. Neither Digital nor Analog out accepts anything but unprocessed inputs.
I'm sure that if there is something wrong with my unit Antelope will make it right, but this software-thing has me worried. Also, if I set the mixer-scale (headphone or DAAW-mix) to 16 (instead of 8) the FX and BP buttons disappear from "preamp 4". Which is either a bug or some unmentioned shortcoming in the hardware. Kind of worrying! I'm glad your having a great time with your Antelope, but I'm off to a really rocky start here. :/
@@nevilovermann797 I actually sold it pretty much at the time of this video. I bought it for around $600 USD. Used. Which was awesome. Cause I ended up getting all the perks and stuff of buying it new. However ya I needed way more I/O. Ended up switching to the MOTU 828ES as my main interface. Kept the Antelope for a bit, and sold it for $200 more than I paid. I loved the conversion, loved the cleanliness of the preamps, and I loved the overall ease of access for me. However, the Motu was a huge upgrade in terms of what I needed for the day-to-day. I'm not a big user of "digital effects, or emulations". I use outboard everything. They may take a while to get back to you, but i'm sure they'll solve any physical or software issues you end up having throughout the process. If there is limits, let me know how it turns out. I'm invested. Hopefully you'll be able to roll with it, and be able to get the best bang for your buck.
@@bribriyaga Yeah, I'm having all sorts of issues. I really regret not just going with an RME device. I have a UFX already and it's been rock solid for 5 years now. I'll call the store tomorrow and see if they'll take this one back. I can't spend days just getting up and running at an acceptable rate. And the routing limitations are kind of astonishing.
@@nevilovermann797 RME stuff is always solid. In house dev team for drivers. No outsourcing. They’re really great with stability and just simplicity with working. A bit pricey and not a lot of bells and whistles. It just works. Always great to work with an RME device. Most places take returns in the states within 15-45 days depending on the business. So hopefully you’ll be good. Fingers crossed for ya!
Hello and thank you for your review! I am really on the fence about this company and their products. I have a couple of direct questions if you'll be so kind to answer or someone else that actually have and use this interface. A LOT of software and update issues have been reported on these products. How has your experience been. Also, can you use other 3rd party plugins along with the ones that come with the unit? Out of all the reviews I've watched, LOTS, everyone says they sound awesome. Thank you in advance for your help.
Hey, thanks for watching, much appreciated! So I've never had any issues with the software. Firmware updating has also been a lovely experience. As well if there were any issues, that I had such as routing or something I wasn't unsure of, their customer support jumped right into help once I got in contact with them.
The plugins that come within the Antelope FX bundle can only be loaded into the Antelope chain directly into the unit using their software. Pretty much similar to UA devices. Basically, you can track with say for instance an 1176 clone, or a Pultec EQ type clone, maybe a de-esser, or a little bit of distortion to add saturation to a vocal. This is how it works stock when you purchase just the audio interface from Antelope.
If you wanted to use these plugins that come with the Antelope hardware outside of the hardware (only on the way in), you'd have to purchase AFX2DAW, which is $200 USD. This allows you to use these plugins within your DAW.
You can't use 3rd party plugins such as the Brainwork NVX Neve Emulation, Fabfilter Pro Q, or a UAD 1176 plugin, within the hardware unit (on the way in). That's not possible. The only plugins that are supported on the way in are those that are made by Antelope.
As with any basic DAW, that's currently on the market, can use your 3rd party plugins within it. This includes Antelope if you pay that premium cost of $200 for the AFX2DAW. This is the normal approach within the world of pro audio obviously. Just you're not able to load these 3rd party effects into the hardware to track on the way in. Hopefully, that makes sense.
Just to reiterate one more time, if you wanted to use Antelopes plugins within your DAW and not just on the way in with your hardware during tracking you'd have to pay that premium cost of $200 USD. As well if you're on Windows, you would need a thunderbolt connection as it's not supported over USB. Mac users would be able to do this without the additional purchase of a thunderbolt to PCI-e card or adapter. A PCI0e card or adapter that works for PC can cost upwards of $200 (depending on model/make and features), but I snagged mine of Amazon here in the US for about $139.
As far as the plugins, yeah they sound very good. I pretty much only use real hardware in my studio and not so many emulations of things anymore. But in the past using mostly UA stuff. I'd say the UA stuff (emulations) may be a little bit better, but this is just from personal experience. As I think the UA stuff is just the cat's meow (very top-notch). Then having the hardware and UA stuff side by side it was very close on several occasions depending on the piece of hardware the software you're emulating. However, the Antelope stuff is very good as a take on that. Certainly, you wouldn't notice at all during the mixdown. I would give it 7/10 stars. UA stuff at around 7.5/10 stars. Hardware is 10/10 stars.
Hopefully, this helps!
@@bribriyaga Wow, thank you for such a fast and thorough reply. I decided to get the Discrete 4. I should be here soon. I'm praying for a good experience. Your review helped!
@@bribriyaga Hello again. I wanted to give an update and see if you have or know of any fixes or work arounds. So I bought the Discrete 4. Registered it on their site. Tried to install it by running the Antelope Launcher and that's as far as I got. It shuts my internet connection down each time I tried! I turned off firewalls and all. So, finally I called Tech Support. I left a message and they called me back within an hour. He remoted into my system and tried to get it going to no avail. He suggested that there was probably a problem with my provider. So, I called them and we did a complete system check and reset/reboot. There were no other issues going on any other sites on the internet, only when accessing their launcher does it shut down my internet connection. So I called back and got them (Antelope) on again, He tinkered around and still couldn't resolve the problem. He recommended that I update to the newest Windows up date (I was 1 behind). I did, It still didn't solve the problem. So, at this point I'm probably going to have to return the unit unless someone here has had this issue and knows directly what the problem is--Antelope doesn't! Sorry for the book. Thanks for any help provided!
@@bribriyaga What OS are you running yours on please? Can you share what version of Windows if so?
hey man , do you think the antelope converters sounds better than the apollo x4 or x6 ?
I had an Apollo Twin Usb for windows. It sounded a lot fuller and filled with warmth and 3D sound. Not sure if there’s a big upgrade with the x4 or x6 but to the Twin it did.
Antelope Audio was never charging for AFX2DAW, they just suck at communicating. The $199 isn't a purchase price but rather a dollar amount of what they have determined the value of the product to be. Usually it looks something like, "$199 Value FREE" but they blew it.
I think the plugins are linked to the email address of your account.
Antelope Audio has stated that they weren't actually charging for AFX2DAW, the $199 was supposed to represent what they have determined to be the value of the software, so you might want to call them and ask if they will give it to you if you didn't get it. Here's a link to where I got that information from.
ua-cam.com/video/kHgLvMP1m4g/v-deo.html
I'm surprised I didn't actually see that. Because I do follow him. I've since gotten rid of the audio interface and moved on from Antelope but it was a solid piece of gear regardless of their software. I mix all out of the box anyway, at least about 95% out of the box. So the software never bothered me personally, but I wanted to make a huge point of this on their end.
I usually make videos here, when I either a.) get rid of that piece of gear, or b.) am so in love with it that I needed to do it justice by telling everyone about it. It's more so usually the first option. This was exactly the case with the Antelope. While it was an amazing sounding unit, and had a lot under the hood, it just never truly fit my workflow to the level I needed it to. So I ended up moving on.
It's great sounding, feature rich, and has a great crew behind it, but ya it just wasn't for me.
Thank you very much for chiming in with this. I really appreciate it as well, thank you so much for watching!
well lem, what about all the BUGS people complain about?
In 7 months didn’t have a single one! But I have had users tell me about their issues. So I can’t speak on that topic for myself. It was nothing but sunny skies for me.
The promotion for plugins is perpetual, they just wanted to put a price tag on the plugins so you see value in it LOL
I think a lot of companies try to hit it big with plugins in the name of Universal Audio. I'm not sure if its me, or if anyone else feels this way, but UA is next to none in the plugin game. Because I mix on analog mostly. There are very few plugins that I actually use. The one's I do use, are quite awesome. All the UA stuff feels really solid, and responds like hardware. Call it a placebo effect, but to me it just "acts" like hardware, it's a feel thing. When I turn a "knob", it feels good. I have only ever purchased one UA plugin, other than the free ones i've gotten. When it came to Antelope, I liked their plugins, but they just felt very similar to the same stuff I already owned. Things like Brainworx and Waves. It didn't feel like a UA plugin, but it was great sounding. It sounded better than anything stock, and could be used in any mix situation with really great results. Some of the plugins even sounded better than a lot of cheap physical analog gear i've tested over the years as well. On that note, it still didn't really compare to UA and again it's so strange to say that.
While the plugin section might be perpetual, and having a "$2000 value" is cool and all. I feel like these are just baseline and should be included in the price along with any bundle. The free mic/DAW package that they offer is great. I know it probably costs more for them to make a physical item, but personally to me thats the way to get into the Antelope game. Giving a free copy of Autotune is nice, and maybe including some other 3rd party plugins, can sweeten the deal. However, alone, just the "in house" plugins you get, I agree....are perpetual and a "bloated" value. Because in terms of sound and quality, the Antelope absolutely trumped over the Apollo for me.
Do you still use this sound card? I can buy this version in bundle with edge solo for 1200€ but newer version had come out, discrete pro with edge solo mic bundle for 1500€ and i don't know what to do 🫣
I no longer use it, but it's not because I wasn't impressed with the sound, I just bought it originally as a "backup and travel interface". I found myself using it a bunch at the start, but then I almost never used it. I needed more I/O on my main for it to be kept as a main interface, and for that I have the Motu 828es.
I also paid next to nothing for the Antelope Discrete 4, I paid around £500 in GBP, which is around the $600 USD range. So at that deal its crazy. Granted I got it when there wasnt crazy inflation all over the world. I think new they were like $900 USD/£740 GBP, on most sites, with the mic, and everything. Seeing the new price hike how the newer Pro 4, is now what the 8 used to cost, is just wild to me. Meanwhile the Motu 828es (my main interface) is still $1000 USD and is identical in sound. It just doesn't come with a microphone.
If mic modeling isn't super important for you, i'd say the i/o and sound on the Motu is worth looking into. If you're looking for something a bit more compact, in the box, and with the option to use one mic for several things with their modeling, then ya the Antelope is a great option and it maybe something worth looking into, id get the newest one as a way to "future proof myself" personally, but either option works.