Antelope Audio Discrete 8 Synergy Core User manual

Discrete 8 Synergy Core

User Manual

Synergy Core FX Processing and Best-In-Class AD/DA

The Discrete 8 Synergy Core features eight 6-transistor discrete preamps for
console-grade sound quality. With up to 130dB of dynamic range and sample rates
up to 192kHz, its class-leading AD/DA converters ensure your meticulous
performances are captured with the highest signal quality possible. The acclaimed
Antelope Audio 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking algorithm delivers the kind of
artifact-free audio once accessible only to major studios. Adding further value to your
investment, the Discrete 8 Synergy Core features a compelling library of 36 real-time
studio effects.

1. Safety Notes

To reduce the risk of electrical shocks, fire, and related hazards:

• Do not remove screws, cover, or cabinet. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to

qualified service personnel.

• Do not expose the device to rain, moisture or spillover of liquid of any kind. Should any form of liquid or a

foreign object enter the device, do not use it. Switch off the device and unplug it from the power source.

• Do not use the device until the foreign object is removed or the liquid has completely dried and its residues fully

cleaned up. If in doubt, please consult with the manufacturer.

• Do not handle the power cables with wet hands! Make sure the device is switched off when plugging and

unplugging it from the power source.

• Avoid placing any objects on the cabinet or using the device in a narrow and poorly ventilated place. Doing so

could affect its operation or the operation of other closely located components. If anything goes wrong, turn off
the device first and unplug the power.

• Do not attempt to repair the device yourself: consult authorized service personnel or your dealer.

• Do not install the unit near any heat sources such as radiators, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers)

that produce heat.

• Do not use harsh chemicals to clean your Unit. Clean only with specialized cleaners for electronics equipment.

Connect all your devices before powering your Unit. This unit is connected via its power cord to the mains
safety earth. Never operate the unit without this earth connection.

• 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.

• To completely turn off the device, unplug the power cable first from the outlet and then from the rear panel of

the unit.

• 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, 32­122 °F

2. Panels explained

2.1. Front Panel

1. Two Instrument / Mic Preamp / Line inputs

Two console-grade Class A mic pres with discrete transistor design and individual phantom power. Mic input on XLR
connector with switchable Line/Hi-Z input over TRS.

2. Display

Multi-function display that shows various information. Use the three function buttons to navigate menus.

3. Functional Buttons

By pressing the Function buttons, you can cycle through the menus and view various information.

4. Rotary control

Large stepped attenuator for Monitor, Headphone and Line output volume. Pushing-in lets you scroll between menu
entries and make adjustments.

5. Headphone outputs

Two independently assignable headphone outputs, selectable and controllable via the main rotary control or the
software Control Panel.

6. Gain knobs

Dedicated gain knobs for each preamp/line/instrument input.

2.2 Rear Panel

7. S/PDIF Input/Output

75 Ω S/PDIF I/O for use with compatible equipment.

7. ADAT Connectors

A pair of inputs & a pair of outputs with up to 8 channels per line.

8. Thunderbolt™ 2 port

Connect your interface to a Thunderbolt™ 2 or 3 port using a Thunderbolt™ cable (not included).

Windows users – please read the Antelope Audio Windows Thunderbolt Driver page.

9. USB High-Speed

Connect your interface to a USB port on a Windows or Mac computer with the bundled USB cable.

10. Word Clock Outputs

Four Word Clock outputs on BNC connectors for syncing external gear.

11. Stereo Monitor Output

Assignable balanced stereo output (left channel at the top and right channel below).

12. ReAmp Outputs

Outputs for sending instrument-level signal to amplifiers and other gear suitable for re-amping.

13. Line Outputs

Eight line outputs on DB25 connector.

13. Mic/Line Inputs

Six console-grade Class A mic pres with discrete transistor design and individual phantom power. Mic input on XLR
connector, Line input on TRS connector.

14. DC Power Connection

Only for use with the Antelope Audio DC power supply!

15. Kensington Lock

Used to lock down the device in demonstration rooms.

16. Footswitch Input

Dual footswitch input on a 1/4″ TRS jack connector. Can work with either a single (on 1/4″ TS jack) or dual footswitch.

The single footswitch controls the dim function. The dual footswitch controls the talkback and dim functions.

2.3 Hardware controls

Function Button 1 (top-most)

• Pressing Function Button 1 cycles through Monitor Volume, Line Out Volume, and Headphone Output (HP) 1 –

2 Volume. Use the rotary control to adjust volume.

• Press and hold Function Button 1 to access the Discrete 8 Synergy Core System Menu (explained below).

Use the rotary control to select an entry in the menu. Press the rotary control to enter the selected sub-menu.

Turn the rotary control left or right to adjust the setting.

• Press the rotary control to toggle Monitor Volume Mute On/Off.

• Press any of the function buttons to exit.

Discrete 8 Synergy Core System Menu

1. Comm. Interface: Switch between USB and Thunderbolt™ mode. Use the appropriate setting for your connection.

2. Device Info: Shows the following information: Serial Number, Hardware Revision, Firmware Version.

3. Scr Save Time: Adjusts the length of time before the screensaver turns on. The following options are available: Off,

2 min, 5 min, 15 min, 30 min, 60 min, 120 min.

4. Scr Save Style: Lets you choose the screensaver style. The following choices are available: Star & Black. Press the
rotary control in to confirm.

5. Factory Reset: Lets you restore factory presets. Useful for troubleshooting the Discrete 8 SC. Be careful, pressing

the rotary control activates the function instantly, without asking for confirmation.

3. Software

3.1 Antelope Audio Launcher

The Antelope Audio Launcher is a one-stop shop where you get to keep everything up-to-date, access the Control
Panel, and create remote connections.

Upon startup, the Antelope Audio Launcher connects to the Internet to check for available updates.

1. Information Panel

Shows the following information about your connected Antelope Audio devices:

• Device name

• Serial number

• Firmware version

• Hardware revision

• Control Panel version

2. Launch Button

Launches the Discrete 8 Synergy Core Control Panel.