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Zen Tour Synergy Core
User manual
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Antelope Audio Zen Tour Synergy Core User manual

Antelope Audio
Zen Tour Synergy Core
USER MANUAL
CONTENTS
Before you begin ......................................................................................................................................... 3
System Requirements ...........................................................................................................................5
Product activation ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Setting up ................................................................................................................................................ 9
Configuring for macOS 10.14 Mojave (or later) .............................................................................. 11
Thunderbolt™ 3 Functionality ............................................................................................................... 13
Device Charging .................................................................................................................................... 14
Backwards Compatibility .................................................................................................................... 14
Antelope Launcher ................................................................................................................................... 14
Panels Explained ...................................................................................................................................... 20
Front Panel ............................................................................................................................................ 22
Rear Panel .............................................................................................................................................. 23
Touchscreen Functionality ................................................................................................................ 25
Control Panel ............................................................................................................................................ 29
Quick Start ............................................................................................................................................ 30
Main View ............................................................................................................................................... 33
Settings Window ................................................................................................................................. 34
ADAT IN tab .......................................................................................................................................... 38
'Routing' tab ........................................................................................................................................... 41
'Mixer' tab .............................................................................................................................................. 44
Edge & Verge mic emulations .......................................................................................................... 53
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en Tour Synergy Core User Manual 1
Edge Solo ......................................................................................................................................... 54
Edge Duo .......................................................................................................................................... 55
Verge .................................................................................................................................................. 60
AFX2DAW ............................................................................................................................................... 61
Advanced User Tips ................................................................................................................................ 64
Customer support information ............................................................................................................ 66
My Antelope Audio product isn’t working ......................................................................................... 67
LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY .............................................................................................................. 69
SAFETY NOTES ....................................................................................................................................... 74
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................ 76
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en Tour Synergy Core User Manual 2

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Congratulations on your purchase! We would like to turn your attention to the following:
Zen Tour Synergy Core makes a new case for how much connectivity and computing
power desktop audio interfaces can wield. Think of it as a portable rival to a professional
studio rackmount interface in terms of everything, from its sound quality and FX
processing capabilities down to its build and materials.
With 4x DSP and 2x FPGA processors handling up to 112 FX instances, 8 analog inputs, 14
analog outputs, S/PDIF and ADAT digital connections and stunning 130dB dynamic range
AD/DA conversion, the new Zen Tour sets new performance and audio quality standards in
its category.
Despite the unit's extensive touchscreen functionality and convenient top panel controls,
the software Control Panel is the ultimate “mediator” between the Zen Tour 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, initial
mixing and metering from its intuitive, single-window environment. The resulting audio is
Zen Tour Synergy Core User Manual 3
routed into your DAW for recording in formats of your choice, such as multi-track, stem,
and two-channel stereo.
Thus, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the 'Control Panel' chapter -
particularly the ‘Routing’ tab - before you begin working. Several 'Quick Start' examples are
provided as well. This way, you can overcome common stumbling blocks for users new to
Antelope Audio products.
Should you ever find yourself struggling, do not hesitate to contact our
team over phone, live chat and our ticket system. You can also visit
YouTube and explore our video tutorials or join the Antelope Audio Users Facebook group
and ask for advice. The
We hope you enjoy working with the Zen Tour Synergy Core.
Knowledge Base is also a valuable source of information.
Customer Support
Antelope Audio on
Best wishes,
Team Antelope
Zen Tour Synergy Core User Manual 4

System Requirements

Mac:
• Apple Mac 2012 or newer with Thunderbolt™ & USB 2.0/3.0/3.1 port
• Minimum: Mac OS X 10.12 Sierra. Recommended: Mac OS X 11.02 Big Sur
• Available storage space (Minimum 4 GB)
• Memory (RAM): 4 GB minimum (8 GB or more recommended)
Windows:
• PC computer with USB 2.0/3.0/3.1 port
• Windows 10 (64-bit) with latest Microsoft Updates
• Available storage space (Minimum 4 GB)
• Memory (RAM): 4 GB minimum (8 GB or more recommended)
• CPU: Intel Core i3™ or AMD FX (Higher recommended)
Additional Information:
• Stable Internet connection is required to download and update your Antelope Audio
Software
Zen Tour Synergy Core User Manual 5

PRODUCT ACTIVATION

Please note that the mandatory device activation procedure requires an active Internet
connection on your computer. Activating an Antelope device offline is not possible.
Once the unit has been connected to a power source:
1. Connect the Zen Tour Synergy Core to your Windows or Mac computer with an USB
Type-B cable or Thunderbolt™ 3 cable.
Notes:
● An USB Type-B cable is included. Thunderbolt™ 3 cables are sold separately.
● The unit will automatically detect the connection type upon the initial startup, but
not on subsequent starts. Manually set the connection type from ‘Comms.
Interface’ in the touchscreen 'MENU' every time you switch between Thunderbolt™
3 and USB connections.
2. Open your internet browser and navigate to https://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://antelopeaudio.com/sign-up/ to create one.
4. Click on the 'Activate New Device' button.
5. Click on 'Zen Tour Synergy Core' from the device list.
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6. Download and install the Antelope Launcher application for Windows or macOS.
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7. Open the Antelope Launcher application and click on the 'Login' button. Enter the e-mail and password you used to login into the Antelope Audio user area and click 'Login'.
8. Click on 'Activate device'.
Note: If the Zen Tour Synergy Core does not appear in the 'Devices' tab, click on 'Not seeing your device?' and follow the on-screen instructions.
9. In the Antelope Management Wizard window, choose 'Activate device or assign features' and click 'Continue'.
10. In the subsequent window, place a checkmark next to 'Register device' and click 'Continue'.
11. Upon successful activation, the final window will read 'Congratulations! You have successfully activated your device.' Click 'Done' and the activation is finished.
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Please proceed with the 'Setting up' chapter below to configure the Zen Tour Synergy Core for use with your Windows or macOS computer.
Note: The Zen Tour Synergy Core will be listed in the 'My Hardware' page of the Antelope Audio user area with its serial number and activation date.

Setting up

After online activation is complete, please update the Zen Tour Synergy Core to the latest software and firmware versions available. To do this, simply open Antelope Launcher and click the 'Update' button below the 'Bundle Version' drop-down menu.
After the update is complete, you can proceed with the instructions for your operating system.
Need any help?
Visit the Antelope Audio Customer Support page, choose your device and go from there.

Configuring for Windows 10

Windows 10 needs a few tweaks to get everything up and running:
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 Tour Synergy Core is chosen under 'Output' and 'Input'.
Next, click 'Device Properties' under 'Output'. Then, click 'Additional Device Properties'.
3. Enter the ‘Supported Formats’ tab and place checkmarks next to all the available
sample rates.
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4. Enter the ‘Enhancements’ tab and disable all enhancements.
5. Enter the ‘Advanced’ tab and choose any of the available “2 channel, 24-bit” modes
from the drop-down menu. Click ‘OK’ to close the window.
6. Back in Sound settings, click 'Device Properties' under 'Input'. Then, click 'Additional
Device Properties'. Enter the 'Enhancements' tab and disable all enhancements. Click 'OK'
to close the window.
Tips
● If you are experiencing interruptions or failure when using your DAW and trying to
playback audio from your OS at the same time, make sure that the device sample
rate matches the one of your DAW session.
● In some cases, disabling the ‘Exclusive mode’ functionality from the ‘Advanced’ tabs
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.
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Further Reading
● Antelope Audio Knowledge Base - Windows 10 Optimization

Configuring for macOS 10.14 Mojave (or later)

The new security settings introduced in macOS 10.14 Mojave and later releases may result
in no input signal reaching your DAW, despite having everything set up correctly.
These steps apply when you are using the Zen Tour Synergy Core in a DAW for the first
time:
1. Launch your DAW and choose Zen Tour Synergy Core as the input device. The following
dialog box will appear (if using Ableton Live 10 Suite, for example):
2. Click 'OK' and your DAW should function normally.
However, if the events above did not occur for some reason, or you are using multiple
DAWs, you must do a manual tweak for each
1. Click the 'Apple' symbol and choose 'System Preferences'. Head to the 'Security &
Privacy' settings menu.
2. Click the 'Privacy' tab. In the column on the left, choose ‘Microphone’. Make sure there's
a checkmark next to any DAW you want to use.
in 'Security & Privacy' settings:
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Note: You may have to click the padlock symbol in the bottom left corner and enter your
password to make changes.
Zen Tour Synergy Core User Manual 12

THUNDERBOLT™ 3 FUNCTIONALITY

The Zen Tour Synergy Core’s Thunderbolt™ 3 connection enables the following
functionality:

Daisy Chaining

Thunderbolt™ 3 can “daisy chain” devices. Daisy chaining means that one device can plug
into the end of a chain of devices, one after the other. A basic example would be
connecting the Zen Tour Synergy Core to an external hard drive with two Thunderbolt™ 3
ports. One port is occupied by the Zen Tour while the other connects to a computer or
another Thunderbolt™ 3 device in the chain.
The following rules are in place:
1. The Thunderbolt™ 3 specification places a limit of up to 6 devices per chain. However,
the 6-device limit does not apply to the following Apple computers:
● 2018 MacBook Pro or later
● 2018 Mac mini
● 2017 iMac Pro
These machines have dual Thunderbolt™ 3 busses and support up to 12 devices per chain.
2. Each device must be powered on for subsequent devices to operate.
3. If a USB or DisplayPort device is plugged directly into the USB-C connector downstream
from any device, the Thunderbolt™ daisy chain is terminated at that point.
4. As Thunderbolt™ bandwidth is shared between daisy chained devices, the available
bandwidth for each device inevitably decreases. Therefore, Antelope Audio cannot
guarantee optimal performance in each and every daisy chain configuration possible.
Zen Tour Synergy Core User Manual 13

Device Charging

While the Zen Tour Synergy Core cannot be bus-powered, it is able to power any Type-C
device from the Thunderbolt™ 3 port. For example, you can power a laptop (e.g. 2016
MacBook Pro or later).

Backwards Compatibility

Thunderbolt™ 3 is backwards-compatible with legacy Thunderbolt™ 2 and Thunderbolt™ 1
connections through the use of a third-party TB 3 to Legacy TB adapter and
corresponding cables. Given all the technical variables involved, we cannot provide singular
instructions for legacy compatibility in this manual. Please get in touch with
Support if you need help setting up.
Customer

ANTELOPE LAUNCHER

The Antelope Launcher is a streamlined hub for managing and troubleshooting your
Antelope Audio products. The application is organized into the following tabs:
‘Devices’ tab
All Antelope Audio devices currently connected to your computer are listed in this section.
In this example, we have connected the Orion 32+ | Gen 3. However, the application
functionality is identical for each Antelope device.
The following functionality is available in the 'Devices' tab:
Device
Zen Tour Synergy Core User Manual 14
Click the black box to enter a name for your device. The device serial number is used by
default. Erasing the name and clicking outside the box reverts to the serial number.
Bundle Version
By default, this drop-down menu shows the most recent software bundle available for your
device. Clicking it shows the currently installed software bundle version and lets you roll-
back to an older build.
To update or change the installed software version, choose your desired Bundle Version,
click the check mark next to the drop-down menu, and click the ‘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).
Device Info
Click to display the following information (useful for troubleshooting):
● Serial number
● Hardware version
● Firmware version
● Control Panel version
● USB/Thunderbolt ™ driver version
● Software Bundle version
Click the information window to close it.
Start Control Panel
Click to start the device’s Control Panel application. You can also click the device’s picture. Place a check mark next to ‘Autorun’ to have the Control Panel for a specific device launch automatically when you start Antelope Launcher.
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.
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Choose your device and connection type from the drop-down menus, disconnect the device from your computer, and click ‘Next’ to perform a driver re-install.
Note: If the issue persists, please contact Antelope Audio Customer Support.
Zen Tour Synergy Core User Manual 16
'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.
To update or change the installed software version, choose your desired Bundle Version, click the check mark next to the drop-down menu, then click the ‘Update’ button.
Zen Tour Synergy Core User Manual 17
'System’ tab
Here, you can do the following:
● Update or roll-back the Manager Server, USB and Thunderbolt™ Driver versions.
Choose your desired Bundle Version from the drop-down menu, click the check mark, then click the ‘Update’ button.
● 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.
● 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.
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Settings button
Click to open the Settings window.
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 automatic updates for each of the following:
- Device firmware
- USB Driver
- Control Panel
- Effects
- Thunderbolt™ driver
Make your selection(s) in the drop-down menu(s) and click 'OK'.
● Click ‘Network’ to view network status and logs.
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PANELS EXPLAINED

Top Panel

1. Touchscreen
● Visualizes volume metering and allows quick access to System Menu, Power
On/Off, Gain controls and Presets P1 - P5.
● The touchscreen functionality is covered in-depth in the chapter 'Touchscreen
Functionality'.
2. Function Keys: 'Gain', 'HP', 'Antelope Button'.
● Press (and keep pressing) 'Gain' to cycle through gain adjustments for the
interface's inputs and outputs. Turn the rotary control to adjust gain. Tap anywhere
on the touchscreen to exit.
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● Press (and keep pressing) 'HP' to cycle through gain adjustments for headphone
outputs 1 and 2. Turn the rotary control to adjust gain. Tap anywhere on the
touchscreen to exit.
● The Antelope Button is a user-customizable shortcut. Its functionality can be
chosen from 'Antelope Button' entry in 'MENU'.
3. Rotary Control
Large stepped encoder for precise adjustment of gain and other values.
● Turn the encoder clockwise or counter-clockwise to adjust gain.
● Press (push down) the encoder to mute and un-mute the currently chosen output.
Zen Tour Synergy Core User Manual 21

Front Panel

Left to right:
Headphone outputs 1 and 2
2 stereo headphone outputs on 1/4-inch TRS jacks.
Re-amp outputs 1 and 2
Transformer-based outputs for sending direct signals to guitar amplifiers and other
equipment suitable for re-amping 'dry' tracks.
Note: Technically, you can use the REAMP outputs as Sends for external equipment,
though this is ‘off label’ and results may vary. Audio is output at instrument-level, which is
significantly quieter than line-level and typically requires a preamp for amplification.
Hi-Z inputs G1 - G4
4 Hi-Z inputs on 1/4-inch TS jacks. For recording electric guitars and other instruments
with high output impedance. Use TS instrument cables.
Zen Tour Synergy Core User Manual 22

Rear Panel

Left to right, top to bottom:
Mic/Line inputs A4 - A1
4 Mic/Line inputs on combo-XLR connectors. For connecting microphones or line-level
equipment.
Important! Use TS/TRS audio cables to connect line-level sources. Use XLR cables to
connect microphones.
Connecting XLR cables engages the microphone preamps, which amplify line-level signals
and cause audio degradation. This cannot be overridden by choosing 'Line' from the
'PREAMPS' tab in the Control Panel.
USB Port
USB 2.0 Type-B port for computer connection. Supports 24 I/O audio channels at sample
rates up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Zen Tour Synergy Core User Manual 23
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