Antelope DISCRETE 8 PRO User Manual
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Antelope DISCRETE 8 PRO User Manual

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  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Control Menu Rear Panel Explained Control Panel Quick Start Mouse & Keyboard Shortcuts Main View Function Strip 1 Function Strip 2 Settings Button Preamps Strip Input Selectors AFX Strip Output Tabs AuraVerb Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 2...
  • Page 3 Guitar Amps & Cabs Software Re-Amping Edge & Verge Mic Emulations Getting Started Gain Calibration Edge Solo Edge Duo Edge Quadro Verge afx2daw Advanced User Tips Customer Support Information My Antelope Audio Product Isn't Working Limited Warranty Policy Safety Notes Technical Specifications...

  • Page 4: Before You Begin

    The DAW is used for recording, mixing and mastering. After the initial setup, it is also possible to use Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core without a computer connection. In this case, the unit functions as a digital mixer operated from the front panel controls.

  • Page 5: Mandatory Online Activation

    Regardless of your preference, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the Control Panel application. This way, you can overcome potential stumbling blocks for users new to Antelope Audio products. For example, almost any issue concerning recording and playing back audio (on the interface’s side) can be resolved with the correct signal routing.

  • Page 6: Setting Up

    Antelope Launcher/System section 4. In the DEVICES section in the Antelope Launcher you should see your Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core - click on the ACTIVATE button and follow the steps to complete the procedure. If the Discrete is not seen in the DEVICES section – make sure you have installed the driver from the SYSTEM section first.
  • Page 7 7. Launch your preferred DAW and: ● Choose the Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core as your main input and output device. ● Make sure your DAW and operating system sample rates match the device sample rate. Need any help? Visit the...

  • Page 8: Configuring For Windows 10

    1. Enter the ‘Sounds’ options window from the Control Panel or right-click the speaker icon in the system tray and choose ‘Open Sound settings’. 2. Make sure the Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core is chosen under 'Output' and 'Input'. Next, click 'Device Properties' under 'Output'. Then, click 'Additional Device Properties'.
  • Page 9 ‘Playback’ Properties might help when running multiple playback applications at the same time. ● Disabling the 32kHz sample rate isn’t mandatory, but it might help in general. Further Reading Antelope Audio Knowledge Base - Windows 10 Optimization Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 10...

  • Page 10: Configuring For Macos (10.14 Or Later)

    These steps apply when you are using the Discrete 8 Synergy Core in a DAW for the first time: 1. Launch your DAW and choose Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core as the input device. The following dialog box will appear (if using Ableton Live 10 Suite, for example): 3.
  • Page 11 Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 12...

  • Page 12: Antelope Launcher

    ‘Devices’ tab All Antelope Audio devices currently connected to your computer are listed in this section. In this example, we have connected the Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core. However, the application functionality is identical for each Antelope device. The following functionality is available in the 'Devices' tab: Device Name Click the black box to enter a name for your device.
  • Page 13 ‘Update’ button. Manage Device Click to launch the Antelope Registration Wizard. Use it to register or de-register devices and features (such as afx2daw, Synergy Core FX, HDX Activation and so on).
  • Page 14 Can't see your device? If a device is missing from the list, the most common reason is driver conflict. The Antelope Launcher makes it easy to re-install drivers and troubleshoot. Click "Can't see your device?" to launch the 'Add Drivers' wizard.

  • Page 15: Plug-Ins' Tab

    'Plug-ins’ tab This section lets you install, update, and uninstall Antelope Audio software such as native mic emulations and afx2daw. By default, the Bundle Version drop-down menus show the most recent software bundle available for each product. Clicking the menu shows the currently installed software bundle version and lets you roll-back to an older build.

  • Page 16: System' Tab

    Restart the Manager Server and enable/disable remote connections from other ● computers on your network. Install the Antelope Audio Thunderbolt™ driver. Choose a Bundle Version from ● the drop-down menu, click the check mark, then click the ‘Update’ button. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual...
  • Page 17 Uninstall the Antelope Audio Thunderbolt™ and/or USB driver(s) present on your system. Login button Click and enter your Antelope Audio username and password, then click ‘Login’. If you don't have an Antelope Audio account, click ‘Register’ and follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Page 18 Here, you can do the following: Click ‘View Logs’ to view, save, and send activity logs to Antelope Audio ● Customer Support. Click 'Advanced' to enable or disable updating for each of the following: ● Device firmware USB Driver Control Panel...
  • Page 19 Make your selection(s) in the drop-down menu(s) and click 'OK'. ● Click ‘Network’ to view network status and logs. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 20...

  • Page 20: Front Panel Explained

    While the input menu is active, press down the bottom Function button, to switch between input modes (Hi-Z/Mic/Line). While Mic mode is selected, holding down the bottom Function button enables/disables 48V. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 21...
  • Page 21 Shows peak metering, menu content, firmware update progress and other information. Function Buttons The three function buttons have the following functionality: Top Button ● Press to mute or un-mute Headphone Output 1 (HP1). ● Press-and-hold to enter the Control Menu: Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 22...
  • Page 22 Internal) ● ADAT (2x, 4x) ● S/PDIF ● USB. In USB mode, the Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core still uses its internal clock. Sample Rate Choose the device sample rate. Please make sure your choice matches the operating system and DAW sample rates.
  • Page 23 ● Press once while in any menu to exit. ● Hold down to enter Standby mode. Press any function button to exit Standby. Bottom Button ● Press to mute or un-mute Headphone Output 2 (HP2). Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 24...

  • Page 24: System Menu

    Performs a factory reset. Note that all presets and settings will be lost. Talkback HP1 Send Talkback to Headphone Output 1 (HP1). On by default. Press the main rotary control to disable. Talkback HP2 Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 25...
  • Page 25 Turn the main rotary control to select the internal Talkback mic or any microphone connected to mic/combo inputs A1 - A8. Press the main rotary control again to confirm. Back to the front panel... Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 26...
  • Page 26 ● Hold down to dim or un-dim the selected monitor output. Talkback microphone and TBK Button Press the TBK button to activate Talkback. Speak into the integrated microphone. Adjust gain with the Main Rotary Control. Press TBK again to exit. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 27...

  • Page 27: Rear Panel Explained

    Headphone outputs H1 - H2 with gain adjustment knobs Two stereo headphone outputs on 1/4-inch TRS jacks with adjacent volume adjustment knobs. REAR PANEL EXPLAINED From left to right, top to bottom: Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 28...
  • Page 28 18V/20W Power Input For use with the provided Antelope Audio power supply only! Word Clock I/O One Word Clock Input and three Word Clock outputs on BNC connectors. S/PDIF I/O Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 29...
  • Page 29 Footswitch Input Connect a footswitch to activate or mute Talkback. A footswitch is not supplied or sold by Antelope Audio, but any standard footswitch will do. There are no settings or adjustments for this functionality. This input supports either a single footswitch (on 1/4" TS jack) to control the dim function or a dual footswitch to control both the talkback and dim functions.
  • Page 30 Thunderbolt™ 3 port for computer connection. Note that Thunderbolt™ 2 connections require a third-party TB3 to TB2 adapter and corresponding cables. It is recommended to use Apple certified cables and adapters. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 31...
  • Page 31 Compatible with TASCAM Standard Pin Layout. DC-Coupled. Monitor Outputs L/R Left and Right monitor speaker outputs on signal-balanced 1/4-inch jacks. Note that these outputs boast the highest dynamic range in the system. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 32...
  • Page 32 Six mic/line inputs on combo XLR connectors. Labeled A3 to A8. Hi-Z is not available on these inputs. Important! Record line-level sources using TS/TRS connectors. Record mic-level sources using XLR connectors. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 33...

  • Page 33: Control Panel

    Feel free to get going immediately with the ‘Quick Start’ section as your guide or skip it for now and read the entire chapter before you touch any virtual knobs and faders. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 34...

  • Page 34: Quick Start

    Playback audio from the computer The audio signal coming from your computer when using the Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core as a playback device is represented by the COMPUTER PLAY channels. In most cases in your DAW or your computer sounds will play on Outputs 1-2 which corresponds to COMPUTER PLAY 1 and COMPUTER PLAY 2.
  • Page 35 'ADD NEW EFFECT' button to start building your effects chain and adjusting effects settings. Close the window when you are done. An in-depth overview of the FX Rack can be found later in the manual. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 36...
  • Page 36 Sing with microphone emulations and monitor live with headphones Connect your headphones to HP1 on the front panel. Connect your Antelope Audio Edge or Verge modeling microphone to the preamp/combo inputs. In our example, we are using the Edge Duo, which is connected to inputs A1 and A2.

  • Page 37: Mouse & Keyboard Shortcuts

    Record in your DAW Recording with the Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core is very simple. First, make sure the interface is chosen as your main input and output device in your DAW. Next, open the Control Panel and click 'DAW'. Note the following: Inputs 1 - 32 in your DAW correspond to the 32 channels labeled 'Record 1 - 32 in the 'TO DAW' row.

  • Page 38: Main View

    Click to power on/off the hardware unit. Device Menu Click the drop-down menu to switch between multiple connected Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core devices. You can do that or launch a separate Control Panel instance for each device from the Antelope Launcher.

  • Page 39: Function Strip 2

    DAW sample rates. When locked to a rate from an external source, this selection is not available. Lock Indicator Lights up when the Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core is locked to an external device (e.g. ADAT). Session Menu...

  • Page 40: Settings Button

    Click to toggle the talkback microphone. Settings Button Click to enter the Settings Window with the following options (left to right, top to bottom): Note: ASIO Settings button is available only on Windows. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 41...
  • Page 41 Use the fader to adjust the hardware Brightness unit's display brightness. Choose the Thunderbolt Latency mode TB Latency Mode from the drop-down menu. Experiment with the different modes if you Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 42...

  • Page 42: Preamps Strip

    PREAMPS Strip Labeled 'PREAMPS' on the far left. Contains controls for the eight mic/combo inputs labeled A1 – A8 on the Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core. There are the following controls for each input: Gain Knob Click and drag the knob or double-click the text label in the center and use your keyboard to adjust input gain.

  • Page 43: Input Selectors

    DAW. Assign an audio track COMPUTER PLAY 1 - 32 to Output 1 – 32 in your DAW and choose the COMPUTER PLAY input with the same number. This way, you can Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 44...
  • Page 44 Auraverb – gives you access to the settings of the Auraverb reverb effect. • Monitoring control – gives you access to routing and adjusting volume on the Monitor and Headphone outputs. For an in-depth explanation on each tab, please continue reading. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 45...
  • Page 45 Just below the channel strips you can find a scroll bar which allows you to scroll between all 32 available channels in the mixer without using the extended view. This scroll is available in the 8-channel mode view only. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 46...
  • Page 46 Trim knob with adjustment between 14 and 20dBu. • Peak meter showing the source signal level in real time. • Link button which allows you to link all outputs and adjust their trim together. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 47...
  • Page 47 In the 32-channel mode all 32 channels are visible in the DAW section. Scroll bar Just below the channel strips you can find a scroll bar which allows you to scroll between Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 48...
  • Page 48 Core FX. Click the 'BP' button to bypass all FX applied to the channel. Click the 'Link’ button to link adjacent channels, duplicating any effects and creating a stereo effects rack. The FX Rack looks like this: Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 49...
  • Page 49 ● The 'How To' button points your Internet Browser to a video tutorial playlist in the Antelope Audio YouTube channel. Note: User manuals for some equalizers and compressors are available here. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 50...
  • Page 50 • Select multiple source channels by using Ctrl/Command + Left-Click. Routing matrix terminology FROM: PREAMP - This row represents each of the 8 preamp/combo inputs. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 51...
  • Page 51 S/PDIF IN - This row represents 2 channels of incoming stereo S/PDIF audio over coaxial RCA cable. AFX OUT - The AFX OUT row (‘AFX’ short for 'Antelope FX') represents the output from 16 mono audio channels with Synergy Core FX applied.

  • Page 52: Auraverb

    RCA cable. AFX IN - The AFX IN row (‘AFX’ short for 'Antelope FX') lets you route audio into the Synergy Core FX. You can route up to 16 mono channels and stack up to 8 effects on each, independent of sample rate.
  • Page 53 This happens by controlling the amount of delay time that precedes the initial sound from the reverb. This parameter is used to place the reverberated signal later in time with respect to the unprocessed signal. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 54...
  • Page 54 Among other things, AuraVerb calculates reflected energy from the side walls and ceiling of the virtual space. Late Reflection Delay controls the delay of these bursts of reflections, either creating echoes or supporting the spatial impression of the simulated acoustic space. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 55...
  • Page 55 Reverb Time unusually high or low with respect to the Room Size parameter. Room Size Room Size increases the virtual space dimensions. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 56...
  • Page 56 Master bus. Reverb FX ON/OFF Switch Use it to enable and disable AuraVerb. Preset Manager The Preset Manager lets you load pre-defined presets. Use the drop-down menu to choose a preset. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 57...
  • Page 57 MONITOR 2 tab). Note that for each mode, there are independent Input selectors. • Dim button - attenuates the volume of the output with –20dB. • Mute button - mutes the output. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 58...

  • Page 58: Guitar Amps & Cabs

    Click 'ADD NEW EFFECT' and make your guitar amp and cabinet choices from the menu. If you don't know where to start, the 'Modern (US)' amp and 'Modern 4 x 12' cabinet combination make for a great modern rock/metal rig. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 59...

  • Page 59: Software Re-Amping

    Click the ‘BP’ button to bypass the cab sim. ● Finally, route the AFX OUT channels to COMP REC or in the DAW section to the Record channel strips so you can record. Software Re-amping Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 60...

  • Page 60: Edge & Verge Mic Emulations

    You should be hearing your re-amped track and be able to record it. & V ERGE MIC EMULATIONS Edge & Verge mic emulations are intended for use with the Antelope Audio Edge & Verge modeling microphones only. We cannot guarantee optimal (or even usable) results with other microphones.

  • Page 61: Gain Calibration

    Note that engaging mic emulations for Edge Duo and Edge Quadro automatically ‘links’ their input channels, thus individual gain adjustments per input are not possible while using their mic emulations. Using Mic Emulations Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 62...

  • Page 62: Edge Solo

    In the ‘Mic Emulations’ window, click and rotate the dial to access the emulations available for your modeling microphone: Following is a guide to using the mic emulations for each Antelope Audio modeling microphone. Edge Solo Edge Solo Mic Emulations Window The following functionality is available: Choose mic emulations from the drop-down menu on the right.
  • Page 63 Route ‘PREAMP’ and ‘EMU MIC’ channels to different outputs and record or ● monitor from them to get both 'dry' and 'mic emulation' audio. For more information about Edge Solo, visit its product page. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 64...

  • Page 64: Edge Duo

    Recording and Monitoring Edge Duo Edge Duo is a dual-membrane condenser microphone – it has one capsule with dual membranes and connects with an Y-XLR cable (included), one XLR connector for each Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 65...
  • Page 65 ‘PREAMP’ inputs occupied by Edge Duo to your desired outputs for monitoring and record by routing the signals in the DAW tab. Recording and monitoring ‘dry’ and ‘mic emulation’ audio simultaneously Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 66...
  • Page 66 ‘EMU MIC’ outputs. Route them anywhere you want and record by routing the signals in the DAW tab. For more information about Edge Duo, visit its product page Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 67...

  • Page 67: Edge Quadro

    – T (Top) or B (Bottom). The inputs on the microphone are labeled too, letting you know where each cable needs to be connected. There’s a bevy of options for connecting Edge Quadro to your Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core: As a single-membrane (rotatable) condenser mic.
  • Page 68 Edge Quadro and Edge Duo mic emulations are identical, except for the ability to apply two different mic emulations in unison - one for each head – complete with two different Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 69...

  • Page 69: Verge

    Verge is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone that’s as simple to use as the Edge Solo. Its dimensions and ability to handle high sound pressure levels make it a better fit for positioning in tight spaces and recording very loud sources, such as drum kits. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 70...
  • Page 70 Route the ‘PREAMP’ input for Verge to your desired outputs to monitor ‘dry’ audio. Route the ‘EMU MIC’ output for Verge (same number as the ‘PREAMP’ input) to ● your desired outputs to monitor ‘mic emulation’ audio. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 71...
  • Page 71 Route ‘PREAMP’ and ‘EMU MIC’ blocks to your desired outputs to monitor and record both ‘dry’ and ‘mic emulation’ audio. ● Record into your DAW by routing in the DAW tab. For more information about Verge, visit its product page. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 72...

  • Page 72: Afx2Daw

    1. Open Antelope Launcher and click the 'Plug-ins' button. Download and install the latest version of 'afx2daw'. 2. Make sure you are logged in to the Antelope Launcher, then click the 'Devices' button and select MANAGE DEVICE next to the Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core.

  • Page 73: Advanced User Tips

    3. Choose 'Register device or assign features' and follow the on-screen instructions to assign afx2daw or the bundle including it to your Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core. 4. Launch your DAW and load an instance of afx2daw on a mono or stereo track. The plug-in behaves almost exactly like the Control Panel 'FX Rack'.
  • Page 74 This is done in a Master - Slave arrangement where the Master device "clocks" the Slave device with its timing reference signal. To set up the Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core as a Master clock, connect Word Clock Out 1 or 2 to the Slave device's Word Clock In using a standard BNC cable.

  • Page 75: Customer Support Information

    CUSTOMER SUPPORT INFORMATION Antelope Audio Customer Support can be reached by the following means: Online Visit support.antelopeaudio.com Phone US time: 12AM (midnight) – 8PM (CST), Monday – Friday US Phone Number: (916) 238-1643 European time: 6AM – 2AM (GMT), Monday – Friday.

  • Page 76: My Antelope Audio Product Isn't Working

    RMA number first, as the device will be returned and not serviced. How do I get an RMA number? The Antelope Audio Customer Support team is in charge of issuing RMA numbers. Visit support.antelopeaudio.com and get in touch.
  • Page 77 The shipping costs are covered by the owner of the product. Antelope Audio will not cover any local customs charges. We recommend using a courier service of your choice (e.g. DHL, UPS, FedEx). The...

  • Page 78: Limited Warranty Policy

    Antelope Audio cannot be held responsible for undelivered packages – lost or damaged on the way to the Antelope Audio HQ. For damage claims, please contact your shipping service provider of choice. Antelope Audio cannot cover any repair costs for product damages due to poor packaging.
  • Page 79 This warranty provides you with specific legal rights, and you may have additional rights that vary under local laws. In general, this warranty means your Antelope Audio hardware product will operate in accordance with published technical specifications, as specified by its data-sheet, and in the operating environment for which it was intended for the length of the warranty period.
  • Page 80 3) to refund the price paid. Should Antelope Audio decide to refund the price paid, it may deduct from the paid Product’s price any damages caused to the Product; where, within fourteen (14) days of the expiration of the warranty period,(i) Antelope Audio has received written notice of any nonconformity;(ii) after Antelope Audio’s written...
  • Page 81 An obsolete or discontinued product will be repaired or replaced with the same product if available. If Antelope Audio is unable to replace your obsolete or discontinued product with the same product, Antelope Audio will replace the obsolete or discontinued product, in its sole discretion, with a product having similar function and capacity.
  • Page 82 ASSUME FOR IT ANY OTHER LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH ITS PRODUCTS. Data Recovery In the event of data loss using Antelope Audio storage devices, Antelope Audio is not responsible for backing up or recovering any data that you may have lost.
  • Page 83 (ii) A valid proof of purchase is required for RMA processing (i.e. receipt, invoice, etc). Antelope Audio will provide you with the RMA number within 2 working days as of the claim submission date. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual...
  • Page 84 Elsewhere in this document where the trade name Antelope Audio is used shall refer to Elektrosfera ltd., with address of management: Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd., 7th km, Building of BIC IZOT, floor 6, Mladost region, Sofia, Bulgaria.

  • Page 85: Safety Notes

    ● Never operate the unit without this earth connection. ● DC power supply cable should be routed so that it is not likely to be walked on or squeezed by items placed upon or against it. Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 86...

  • Page 86: Technical Specifications

    Dynamic Range: 130 dB D/A Monitor Converter THD + N: -115dB Dynamic Range: 122 dB A/D Converter THD + N: -112 dB Dynamic Range: 118dB D/A Converters (Line Out) THD + N: - 100dB Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 87...
  • Page 87 3 x Outputs @ 75 Ohms 3Vpp on BNC 32 – 192kHz 4th Generation Acoustically Focused Clocking & Jitter Management Clocking System 64-bit DDS Sample Rates (kHz) 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 Bit depth Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core User Manual Page 88...

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