Under the guidance of visionary engineer and CEO Igor Levin, Antelope Audio have today announced the arrival of the Edge Note modelling microphone, the company’s take on small diaphragm technology for the well-established Edge range. With some additional interface news, we have the details.

With modelling mics offering improved flexibility during tracking or mixing, Antelope Audio’s Edge system has up until now relied on Large Diaphragm Condenser technology in keeping with most competing products. However today’s announcement sees a Small Diaphragm Condenser addition to the family. With very little competition in the modelling small diaphragm mic market, Antelope Audio hope that their brand new Edge Note microphone system will make an impression. This new product brings the ethos of the company’s existing LDC-based modelling products to a smaller form factor, boasting sonic reproductions of 13 classic microphones available in near-real time thanks to the mic’s on-board DSP processing. Alternatively, functionality is also available in a native plug-in compatible with most DAWs on macOS or Windows. iLok 2 or 3 required. Usefully, these pencils arrive with their own custom shockmounts for improved immunity from mechanical interference.

Antelope Audio add:

Thanks to its back-electret capsule and a signal-to-noise ratio of 69dB, the mic cleanly captures even the smallest details across the frequency range. The transparent input allows recordings to be easily molded in post-production to suit the requirements of any mix. In addition, the mic emulations sound as close to the original classics as possible.

Boasting an astonishing SPL of 146dB before attenuation, the Edge Note is an excellent choice for recording even the loudest sources. Get the most out of a drummer’s performance or a blasting trumpet solo without clipping the converter. For particularly demanding scenarios, the attenuation pad can reduce the level [by] -10 or -20dB. Additionally, the high-pass filter facilitates the handling of the low-end frequencies and negative aspects of the proximity effect.

Key Features of the Edge Note

• SPL of 146dB (before PAD) is excellent for recording the loudest sources.

• Frequency response of 20Hz - 20kHz covers the audible spectrum.

• Signal-to-noise ratio of 69dB.

• Flat frequency response provides an exceptionally clean and transparent recording of the signal.

• High-pass filter at 75Hz and 115Hz eliminates low-frequency rumble and compensates for proximity effect.

• Attenuation Pad with -10db and -20dB provides higher dynamic range, allows close-miking of loud sources, and ensures clean signal to the preamp.

• Compact size allows easy, accurate, and close positioning of the instrument being recorded.

• Metal housing and stylish black matte finish offer endurance over the years.

• Shock mount holder included for eliminating unwanted vibrations and providing easy positioning.

Price TBC at time of writing

ZenGo Synergy Core Update

In the crowded desktop interface market, the choice available gets better for the consumer by the year. With the unstoppable rise of the ubiquitous ‘wedge with knob’ form factor, this sector sees another addition in the mix, this time from Antelope Audio with its recently announced Thunderbolt 3 upgrade to the ZenGo Synergy Core interface.

With other manufacturers offering multiple channels of bi-directional audio over a humble USB connection, some might ask why the massive bandwidth offered by Thunderbolt 3 is necessary on a 4 X 8 interface. In response to this, Antelope Audio describe their latest offering as using a “Thunderbolt 3 connection with custom ultra low-latency drivers for macOS and Widows [allowing] simultaneous use of all I/O and software capabilities, without the need for external DC power”.

On the subject of performance, it’s worth noting that the unit’s converters now sport up to 127dB (THD+N -100dB) of dynamic range. This is versus the (up to) 118dB of the nearest comparable TB3 desktop interface with DSP effects built in.

Antelope Audio describe the ZenGo Synergy Core Thunderbolt 3’s target audience:

Enthusiasts and newcomers

The Zen Go is the perfect choice when you want to get your hands on a pro-grade studio sound and DSP processing interface. Recording and monitoring with your favourite FX channel strip or just experimenting with Auto-Tune to get that tone! Zen Go unlocks to extend your creativity like no other interface in this class.

Self-recording artist, Indie live performers and touring musicians

The Zen Go is small enough to fit in a backpack so you can easily take it from the rehearsal room to the live stage. Prepare the FX presets for all the performers to use in real- time, and when the time comes, connect your gear and rock the stage.

Users looking for a step-up interface in both sound quality and workflow possibilities

Whether you are working on an artist recording project or just listening to your tracks, you can benefit from Zen Go’s stand-out quality in conversion and playback. You’ll be surprised how your music truly sounds!

Home/Bedroom Producers and beat-makers looking to future-proof their studio

The Zen Go is not just a step up in sound quality – it is your new musical journey. The interface has all of the needed features to help you to achieve the sound you’ve ever dreamed of.

The key features of the ZenGo Synergy Core Thunderbolt 3 are as follows:

• Portable bus-powered audio interface with Thunderbolt 3 connection for Mac/Windows;

• Two Discrete ultra-linear preamps with a choice between mic, line and Hi-Z mode, offering low noise when recording;

• Unequalled AD/DA conversion for the most detailed sound when recording and streaming audio, aided by 64-bit AFCTM clocking technology delivering increased sound width & separation.

• 37 analog-modelled effects coming for free with the interface including compressors, EQs, preamps, guitar amps & cabs as well as a signature reverb effect.

• Over 50 effects available for additional purchase including exclusive emulations of classic and rare analog outboard effects and 3rd party expansions like Antares’ Auto-Tune Synergy.

• Real-time effects processing with imperceptible latency on the Synergy Core onboard platform.

• Easy set-up of direct monitoring mixes with real-time effects, loopback, and other workflow-enhancing features.

• Front panel with IPS screen, volume knob and 3 multi-functional buttons.

Retail price for ZenGo Synergy Core Thunderbolt 3 is 649 USD/EURO. Head over to Antelope audio for more info on the Edge Note and Synergy Core equipped interfaces.