Antelope Discrete 8 Synergy Core

I rarely write reviews but since I spent hours on finding relevant information on this card, this might help future buyers out.

This card has simply a beautiful sound, not harsh but somewhat “rounded”, like using analog gear. The dynamic headroom is phenomenal. Antelope is known for its clocks, not for its sound cards, but so far I have not encountered one problem. Tested and tried— and it works flawlessly on both Mac and PC.

I was also worried about the customer service as Antelope does not have a good name in the field, but I tested it and they always replied to me within a day or so with the correct answer. Antelope just has a real problem with marketing: it is difficult to find the right information and the promotional videos are just terrible. I’m sure that if they would spent more time on providing their costumers with information, they would boost their sales enormously.

Since with these DSP cards, you basically buy into the software system, it is important to say something about the hardware emulations. The emulations are knockoffs of famous gear (with some bizarre names, I guess so that Antelope doesn’t get sued for IP violations). They are of course not the same as the original but they just sound very good and that is what it is all about. The prices for buying additional software are correct (contrary to the prices of the main competitor). As I said, this is the main thing, as you basically are locked into a software system when using DSP cards. I like the idea of buying stuff from a company that makes good products without spending enormous amounts of money on marketing, the “correct” endorsements, etc. In terms of sound, this Antelope is surely as good as the competitors in this price range (1000-2500). For me, the big selling point was that you have 8 AFX channels available on this card (4 on the Discrete4) so you can mix “into” the compressors. Competitors had 4 channels max (I’m talking about the internal routing from your DAW to the Card, and possibly back).

So, is there nothing to criticise? There is:
- The sound is sometimes perhaps a bit too boomy, using particular compressors, but you can dial that down (it is somewhat exaggerated, the UA ones are calmer).
- It’s a matter of personal taste, but I think that the control panel as well as the emulations don’t look very good (like a FL interface from 10 years ago). But the sound is great and that is what it is all about. There is nothing to be automated (unfortunately) and there are no presets (thank god!).
- Compressors, EQ, Pre-amps, are all great, but the guitar amp simulations are nothing special; they might work for some rock guitar but it is difficult to get a open clean sound (the solution perhaps: add an EQ). The one bass amp simulator is very usable.

You will end up with a hybrid solution: using a DSP card means that some stuff is running from there, and other plugins still run from the DAW. You have to select what you like and what is technically possible, but with this card you will certainly find enough of your liking. The AD converters are, to my ears, the best in this price range.

And so I’m very happy with the purchase of this card that I can recommend to anyone without reservations!