Antelope ZEN QUADRO User Manual
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Antelope ZEN QUADRO User Manual

14 x 10 dual-usb bus-powered audio interface
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User's Manual
14 x 10 DUAL-USB BUS-POWERED AUDIO INTERFACE
Z E N Q U A D R O
S Y N E R G Y C O R E
Version 1.0 – 07.05.2024

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  • Page 1 User’s Manual 14 x 10 DUAL-USB BUS-POWERED AUDIO INTERFACE Z E N Q U A D R O S Y N E R G Y C O R E Version 1.0 – 07.05.2024...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Mouse & Keyboard Shortcuts ......................... 34 Main View ..............................35 Settings Window ..........................36 Monitors & Headphones view ......................46 Synergy Core FX Rack ........................48 SPDIF OUTS view ..........................52 Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 2...
  • Page 3 Edge Note ............................65 Edge Duo .............................. 69 Verge ..............................70 MY ANTELOPE AUDIO PRODUCT ISN’T WORKING ............73 LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY ................... 75 SAFETY NOTES ......................... 82 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ..................83 Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 3...

  • Page 4: Before You Begin

    BEFORE YOU BEGIN Congratulations on your purchase! We would like to turn your attention to the following: Zen Quadro Synergy Core unites next-gen technology with traditional console-grade circuitry. Antelope Audio’s signature sound quality comes from professional AD/DA conversion, Discrete ultra-linear preamps, and 64-bit AFC™ clocking. Empowered with the same core...
  • Page 5 The PC/Mac Control Panel application is the ultimate “mediator” between the Zen Quadro Synergy Core and your preferred DAW. To take complete advantage of the unit’s capabilities, you are meant to handle tasks like gain adjustments, signal routing, effects processing, basic mixing and metering from its intuitive, single-window environment.

  • Page 6: System Requirements

    Memory (RAM): 4 GB minimum (8 GB or more recommended) • CPU: Intel Core i5™ or AMD Ryzen (Higher recommended) • Additional Information: Stable Internet connection is required to download and update your • Antelope Audio Software Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 6...

  • Page 7: Online Activation Instructions

    In such a case, the secondary USB-C port can be used. 2. Open your internet browser and navigate to https://en.antelopeaudio.com/login/ 3. Login to the Antelope Audio user area with your e-mail and password. If you don't have an account, visit https://en.antelopeaudio.com/sign-up/ to create one.
  • Page 8 5. Click on 'Zen Quadro Synergy Core' from the device list. 6. Download and install the Antelope Launcher application for Windows or macOS. 7. Open the Antelope Launcher application, enter the e-mail and password you used to login into the Antelope Audio user area and click 'Login'.

  • Page 9: Setting Up

    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 Zen Quadro Synergy Core is chosen under 'Output' and 'Input': Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual...
  • Page 10 ● Under 'Output', the interface should be listed as ' Zen Quadro SC USB Audio Driver Playback 1/2'. There will be 4 pairs of playback devices available. ● Under 'Input', the device should be listed as ' Zen Quadro SC USB Audio Driver Recording 1/2'.

  • Page 11: Configuring For Macos (10.14 And Later)

    The security settings in macOS (10.14 and later) may result in no input signal reaching your DAW, despite having everything set up correctly. These steps apply when you are using the Zen Quadro Synergy Core in a DAW for the first time: 1.
  • Page 12 DAW you want to use. Note: You may have to click the padlock symbol in the bottom left corner and enter your password to make changes. Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 12...

  • Page 13: Install The Unified Driver For Macos

    Install the Unified Driver for macOS Zen Quadro SC is a Class Compliant device and can run straight out of the box without a driver installation. However, we recommend installing the Antelope Unified Driver following the steps below to ensure optimal performance and stability.

  • Page 14: Antelope Launcher

    ANTELOPE LAUNCHER The Antelope Launcher is a streamlined hub for managing your Antelope Audio products. To learn more on how to operate within it, please check the Antelope Launcher User Manual Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 14...

  • Page 15: Hardware Panels Explained

    • USB 2 state indicator – this section is colored RED, and it shows the state of the device, connected to the secondary USB 2 port. There are 3 options: Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 15...

  • Page 16: Control Menu

    3. Sample rate – audio is playing from the device, and this is the sample rate it is using. You need to manually match the main Zen Quadro SC sample rate with the secondary USB 2 port sample rate, shown in red! Note: The display is not touch-sensitive.
  • Page 17 Adjust the setting with the Rotary knob and push to confirm the change. Use the Antelope button to go one step back. There are 3 mixer menus for the Monitor/Headphone 1, Headphone 2 and Line output, each one with independent controls.
  • Page 18 Press (and keep pressing) 'HP/MON' to cycle through volume adjustments for the Headphone (HP1, HP2), Monitor, and Line outputs. Turn the rotary control to adjust volume. Press the rotary control to mute and un-mute. Press the 'Antelope button' to exit.

  • Page 19: System Menu

    Zen Quadro SC. The presets are saved even after the device is turned off. You can recall the presets without the device being connected to the computer.
  • Page 20 This is useful for troubleshooting and is also a quick way to erase presets. Press the 'Antelope button' to exit the Control Menu. 'Antelope button' - when inside a menu, press the button to exit the menu. 3. Rotary Control Large, stepped encoder for precise adjustment of gain, volume, and other values.

  • Page 21: Front Panel

    Front Panel The Zen Quadro Synergy Core front panel is home to a pair of switchable Mic/Line/Hi-Z instrument inputs (labeled 'A1' and 'A2') and a pair of stereo headphone outputs (labeled 'HP1' and 'HP2'). The headphone outputs have dedicated volume controls accessed from the 'HP/MON' button on the unit's top panel, and from the Windows/macOS Control Panel application.

  • Page 22: Rear Panel

    Rear Panel The Zen Quadro Synergy Core rear panel is laid out as follows (from left to right): Analog inputs A3 and A4 Dual microphone/line level/ mono inputs on combined 3-pin XLR and 1/4-inch TS/TRS connectors. Use the interface's top display controls or the Windows/macOS Control Panel application to choose the mode of operation (Mic/Line/Hi-Z) and to activate or deactivate 48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
  • Page 23 XLR (microphone) cables instead of 1/4-inch TS/TRS audio cables. However, this is not the correct approach here. Connecting line-level equipment to the Zen Quadro Synergy Core with XLR cables will activate the interface's microphone preamps and the line-level signal might be amplified to the point of audible distortion.
  • Page 24 S/PDIF digital audio input and output 2 channels of incoming and outgoing stereo digital audio over coaxial RCA cables (2 channels up to 192kHz). For use with compatible equipment. ADAT Input Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 24...
  • Page 25 USB 1 This is the primary USB-C port which connects to your Windows/macOS computer for audio recording, playback, and communication with the Antelope Audio applications (Antelope Launcher and Control Panel). When connected to a computer, the port supplies bus power to the interface. The connection...
  • Page 26 The use of the USB 2 port with a mobile device only requires your mobile device to deliver enough. In case the Zen Quadro SC cannot boot up, you can plug an additional power supply (5V, 1.5A) to the USB 1 port.

  • Page 27: Dual Usb-Otg Use Cases

    To use with an Apple device with Lightning port, you need to use an Apple Camera kit adapter which allows the mobile device to work as a Host and the Zen Quadro SC as a device. A standard Lightning to USB-C cable is not compatible.

  • Page 28: Computer And A Mobile Device

    Mix computer audio (play music, trigger samples, run your DAW project) with the analog inputs of the Zen Quadro SC, apply real-time effects and send them together to the mobile device int your stream or recording. To use the secondary USB 2 port with Apple Lightning port devices, a Camera kit adapter has to be used.

  • Page 29: Single Usb Use Cases

    SINGLE USB USE CASES The Zen Quadro SC can work as a regular audio interface by using either of the ports. The primary USB 1 port can work with Windows/macOS computers only. The secondary USB 2 port can work with mobile devices or computers.

  • Page 30: Computer Only

    To use with an Apple mobile device with Lightning port, you need to use an Apple Camera kit adapter. if the mobile device cannot deliver enough power for the Zen Quadro SC, you can connect an additional standard 5V power supply to the primary USB 1 port.

  • Page 31: Control Panel Application

    CONTROL PANEL APPLICATION Welcome to the Zen Quadro Synergy Core Windows/macOS Control Panel application! More than just an alternative to the physical top panel controls, it provides straightforward and comprehensive access to each aspect of the interface's functionality. This includes settings, signal routing, audio mixing, effects chains, monitoring, metering, and presets.

  • Page 32: Quick Start

    Click the 'AFX' area below the input selector to open the Synergy Core FX rack window. Click the 'ADD NEW EFFECT' button and make your choices. Close the window when you are done. Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 32...
  • Page 33 1. Connect your headphones to input HP1 on the front panel. 2. Connect your Antelope Audio Edge or Verge modeling microphone to inputs A1 and/or A2 on the rear panel. In this example, we are using the Edge Solo, which is connected to input A1.

  • Page 34: Mouse & Keyboard Shortcuts

    Change text labels for the 2 input channels in the 'PREAMPS' section: • double-click the text label and enter text. Adjust parameter values in 1dB increments (all knobs and faders): • Hold Ctrl (Windows) / Command (macOS) and drag. Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 34...

  • Page 35: Main View

    Function strip 1 Contains the following: On/Standby button Click to put the Zen Quadro Synergy Core in standby mode. Click again to power on. Settings button Click to open the Settings Window with the following options: Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual...

  • Page 36: Settings Window

    0dB (none) to -4.5dB. When a Panning Law mono input feeds a stereo bus, the panning law determines how you perceive the sound level as the audio sweeps from one side of Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 36...
  • Page 37 Click to mute or un-mute Oscillator 2. For Windows users - click to launch the Zen ASIO Settings Quadro Synergy Core USB ASIO Control Panel. The 'Buffer Settings' tab lets you Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 37...
  • Page 38 All device settings are kept inside the Zen Quadro SC even after the device is turned on and when you reopen the Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual...
  • Page 39 Click to choose the device sample rate (32kHz - 192kHz) from the drop-down menu. Make sure your choice always matches the DAW and operating system sample rates, Tipically, the Zen Quadro SC will automatically follow the sample rate which is used by the computer without the need of manually changing it.
  • Page 40 Session files (*.as) from the ‘Save As’ button. When your Session is already saved in *.as file format, click the 'Save' button to save any changes you have made to it. Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 40...
  • Page 41 Clicking the 'Set Defaults' button followed by the 'Load' button will return the Control Panel application to its default state. Preamps strip Contains the following controls for the Zen Quadro Synergy Core's analog audio inputs: Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 41...
  • Page 42 Click and drag to adjust input gain. The available gain range is defined by the signal type: • Mic: 0dB to 75dB • Line: -6dB to 20dB • Hi-Z: 0dB to 45dB Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 42...
  • Page 43 Core's display. When the peak meter is going into the red, it means the signal is too strong and will be degraded by audible distortion and clipping. Occasional dips into the yellow are acceptable. 48V Button Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 43...
  • Page 44 'Edge & Verge Mic Emulations' chapter. Text label Click and type text to change the channel's label. Function strip 3 Contains the following: Control Panel View selector Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 44...
  • Page 45 Click to choose between three Control Panel views - 'Monitors & Headphones', 'SPDIF Outs', 'USB 1 I/O' and 'USB 2 I/O'. The four views are explained in the Control Panel Views sub- chapter below. Understanding them is crucial to operating the Zen Quadro Synergy Core. AuraVerb button Click to open the AuraVerb effect window.

  • Page 46: Monitors & Headphones View

    Monitors & Headphones view The 'Monitors & Headphones' view contains three separate 16-channel virtual mixers. The first is routed to the Zen Quadro Synergy Core's Monitor and Headphone 1 (HP1) outputs and is accessed from the 'Monitor/HP1' tab on the bottom left.
  • Page 47 USB 1 PLAY input with the same number USB 1 PLAY 1 - 16 from the input selector. This way, you can route DAW audio to the interface's outputs and treat it with Synergy Core FX. Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 47...

  • Page 48: Synergy Core Fx Rack

    Synergy Core FX Rack Click to open the Synergy Core FX Rack. It looks like this and it offers the following functionality: Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 48...
  • Page 49 • Hold Shift and use the mouse scroll wheel to scroll up and down through the FX rack. The Zen Quadro Synergy Core comes with 37 Synergy Core FX included. Additional effects can be purchased from the Antelope Audio online software store.
  • Page 50 Mixer options “MONITOR/HP1”, “HEADPHONES 2” and “LINE OUT” which allow you to browse through each mixer. • Output volume knob with Dim and Mute buttons for the Zen Quadro Synergy Core's monitor output. Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual...
  • Page 51 • Output volume knob with Dim and Mute buttons for the Zen Quadro Synergy Core's Headphone 1 output, labeled 'HP1' on the interface's front panel. • Peak meters for the 'Monitor/HP1' virtual mixer's 2-channel stereo output. When operating the second virtual mixer titled 'Headphone 2', the section looks like this and contains the following: •...

  • Page 52: Spdif Outs View

    Contains the following: • Input selectors for digital output channels 'S/PDIF 1' and 'S/PDIF 2'. Click to choose the audio source signal you want to send to the Zen Quadro Synergy Core's S/PDIF digital audio outputs. • Peak meters visualizing the output signal strength. Note the lack of output volume controls.

  • Page 53: Usb 1 I/O View

    The inputs and Synergy Core FX assigned to Channels 1 - 6 of the virtual mixers in 'Monitors & Headphones' view are routed to Inputs 1 - 6 in your DAW. Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 53...
  • Page 54 'Monitors & Headphones' view into your DAW or streaming application. This feature can be useful in many scenarios where Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 54...

  • Page 55: Usb 2 I/O View

    You can change the signal going to Record channels 1-2 from the dropdown menu on each channel. This signal will correspond to the signal going into your mobile device/computer inputs 1-2. Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 55...
  • Page 56 Not all mobile devices with USB-C ports are compatible with Zen Quadro Synergy Core. This mostly depends on the power delivery the mobile device can provide. Some smartphones do not have sufficient power delivery or are limited, thus the Zen Quadro SC may not be able to boot up properly.

  • Page 57: Auraverb

    AuraVerb is a Send effect designed for live performance and monitoring. Turn the 'Send' knob on a mixer channel (pictured above) to hear the reverb applied to it. Drag the faders in the 'Returns' area to hear AuraVerb from the monitor and/or headphone outputs. Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 57...
  • Page 58 Fine adjustment of this parameter with respect to the tempo of the song or dramatic timing of the piece can help set the feel of the reverb within the mix. Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 58...
  • Page 59 Richness controls the complexity of the reverb envelopment and dampening nuances. At 0, there is less dampening and a brighter decay. This sound is light or airy, but by increasing the Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 59...
  • Page 60 Reverb Time unusually high or low with respect to the Room Size parameter. Room Size Room Size increases the virtual space dimensions. Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 60...
  • Page 61 The Preset Manager lets you save and load presets. Use the drop-down menu to choose a preset. Click the ‘S’ button to save a preset. Click the ‘L’ button to load a preset. Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 61...

  • Page 62: Loopback Function For Streaming

    LOOPBACK FUNCTION FOR STREAMING This chapter explains how to configure the Zen Quadro Synergy Core for use with a streaming application. The basic workflow is like this: 1. Use the Control Panel application to create the audio mix you want to send to your streaming application.

  • Page 63: Edge & Verge Mic Emulations

    Note that the 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, modeling or not.
  • Page 64 4. Adjust microphone gain with the gain knobs. You should be hearing mic audio in your headphones at this point. Using Mic Emulations In the ‘Mic Emulations’ window, choose from the dropdown menu to access the emulations available for your modeling microphone: Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 64...

  • Page 65: Edge Note

    Following is a guide to using the mic emulations for each Antelope Audio modeling microphone. Edge Note To access the Mic emulations within your Antelope interface, you need to click on the “Mic” icon below the Preamp gain knob: Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual...
  • Page 66 • Route “PREAMP” and “EMU MIC” channels to your desired outputs and ‘USB 1 I/O’ or ‘USB 2 I/O’ inputs to monitor and record both “dry” and “mic emulation” audio. Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 66...
  • Page 67 Choose mic emulations from the drop-down menu on the right. • Click and turn the ‘Phase Invert’ dial to flip the microphone’s polarity. • Click and drag the ‘48’V switch to activate or turn off phantom power. Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 67...
  • Page 68 ‘USB 2 I/O’ inputs to monitor and record both “dry” and “mic emulation” audio. • product page. For more information about Edge Solo, visit its For more information about Edge Solo, visit its product page. Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 68...

  • Page 69: Edge Duo

    • Click and turn the ‘Pattern’ knob to adjust the polar pattern. Note that some mic • models have fixed or limited polar pattern adjustment. Recording and Monitoring Edge Duo Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 69...

  • Page 70: 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. Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 70...
  • Page 71 Route “PREAMP” and “EMU MIC” channels to your desired outputs and ‘USB 1 I/O’ or • ‘USB 2 I/O’ inputs to monitor and record both “dry” and “mic emulation” audio. • For more information about Verge, visit its product page. Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 71...
  • Page 72 CUSTOMER SUPPORT INFORMATION Antelope Audio Customer Support can be reached by the following means: Online Visit support.antelopeaudio.com Phone We are there for you around the clock, 21 hours/day, Monday to Friday. North America +1-916-238-1643 01:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (EST) International +44 19 2593 3423 06:00 a.m.

  • Page 73: My Antelope Audio Product Isn't Working

    • Knowledge Base in our Customer Support section is good source of troubleshooting information, answers to commonly asked questions and Antelope know-how. MY ANTELOPE AUDIO PRODUCT ISN’T WORKING WHAT SHOULD I DO? If you can't find a solution on your own, please get in touch with the Technical support department so we check if you are having a hardware-related issue.
  • Page 74 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 package...

  • Page 75: Limited Warranty Policy

    Antelope Audio Limited Warranty or under their consumer law rights. All claims made under the Antelope Audio Limited Warranty will be governed by the terms set out in this warranty document.
  • Page 76 Warranty Coverage Antelope Audio warrants that the Product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for the period of 1 (one) year commencing on the date of purchase of Product by end-customer from authorized Antelope Audio’s re-seller. Except where explicitly prohibited by applicable local law, this warranty is limited to the original purchaser and is non-transferable.
  • Page 77 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 authorization, customer...
  • Page 78 Antelope Audio or any of its authorized manufacturing partners; (ii) Products purchased from a person or entity which is not an authorized dealer or re-seller of Antelope Audio; (iii)Product sold “as is” or “with all faults”, to the extend permitted by local law.
  • Page 79 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 80 Product. Returning Your Product In the event that you need to return your Antelope Audio products for repair or replacement, Antelope Audio will provide you with a Return Merchandise Authorization Number (RMA#) as well as return instructions.
  • Page 81 Republic of Bulgaria with UIN: 131052590, is doing business and is worldwide known. 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 82: Safety Notes

    Both occasional and continued exposure to high sound pressure levels can cause permanent ear damage via headphones and monitors. • The device is designed to operate in a temperate environment, with a correct Operating Temperature of 0-50° C, 32-122° F. Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 82...

  • Page 83: Technical Specifications

    THD: -116 dB Max input level: +20 dBu Max Gain: 75 dB D/A Monitor Converter Dynamic Range: 130 dB (A-Weighed) THD + N: -115 dB Max output level: +20 dBu Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 83...
  • Page 84 1 × S/PDIF (2 channels up to 192kHz) 1 x ADAT IN (up to 8 channels @ 44.1/48.0 kHz, supports up to 192kHz) Digital Outputs 1 × S/PDIF (2 channels up to 192kHz) Interface I/O Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 84...
  • Page 85 *Compatibility depends on the mobile device’s power delivery and specifications Clocking System 4th Generation Acoustically Focused Clocking (AFC™) 64-bit DDS Sample Rates (kHz) 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 OTHER Operating Temperature 0-50°C, 32-122°F Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 85...
  • Page 86 Weight (Approx) 0.9 kg/ 1.98 lbs Dimensions - Device (Approx) Width: 210 mm / 8.2” Height: 58 mm / 2.3” Depth: 136 mm /5.3” Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 86...

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