Departments > Pro Audio & Recording > Audio Interfaces & DAW Controllers > USB Audio Interfaces > Antelope Audio > Discrete 8 Console-Grade Interface w/ Premium FX Collection

Discrete 8 Console-Grade Interface w/ Premium FX Collection

SKU: # 512682   |   Model: # DISCRETE 8FX   |    Product Reviews1 Reviews  Write a Review

Discrete 8 Console-Grade Interface w/ Premium FX Collection

Additional Photos:

Discrete 8 Console-Grade Interface w/ Premium FX Collection
Discrete 8 Console-Grade Interface w/ Premium FX Collection
Discrete 8 Console-Grade Interface w/ Premium FX Collection

Product Videos :

YouTube Video Introducing Discrete 8 | Antelope Audio
 This product is no longer available.
Antelope Audio's Discrete 8 Microphone Preamp Interface brings a new level of sound quality and power to home studios and mobile recordists. Discrete 8 comes with 8 console grade 6-transistor discrete preamps, 121 db dynamic range conversion and rock solid clocking. The Premium Upgrade Pack allows you to employ the full studio power of the Antelope Audio real-time FPGA FX. The collection features authentic models of iconic studio units from BAE, Gyraf Audio, LANG and Grove Hill.

The Discrete 8 Premium Upgrade Pack allows you to use 8 channel strips with 4 FX instances each. This is two times the capabilities of the Basic FX pack that comes by default with your Discrete 8 unit. The Premium FX library features 50+ Antelope Audio real-time FPGA FX, including Vintage EQs, Compressors, AuraVerb, Guitar Amps & Cabinet models.

The AFX2DAW plug-in, currently in development, will soon allow you to use the Antelope Audio FPGA FX models in your preferred DAW.

The Premium Upgrade Pack will be distributed on a license basis through activation code. Please be aware that after being activated once, the code can't be deactivated and activated on another Discrete device.

Real-Time Integrated FPGA FX:
• Guitar Amps: Burnsphere (DE), Marcus II (US), Overange 120 (UK), Tweed Deluxe, Top30, Darkface, Modern, Plexi 59, Rock 75, Rock 22.10
• EQ Legends: VEQ-55b, VEQ-STU 089, VEQ-STU 169, VEQ-STU 900, VEQ HA32C, BAE 1023, BAE 1084, NEU-W492, NEU-W495, NEU-PEV, VEQ-4K Series, VEQ-4K Black, VEQ-4K Brown, VEQ-4K Pink, VEQ-4K Orange, BAE-1073, VEQ-HLF, VEQ-1A, VMEQ-5, VEQ-55A, Lang PEQ2, UK-69, ClearQ
• Vintage Compressors: X903, VCA160, Gyraf Gyratec X, Tube176, Grove Hill Liverpool, FET-A76, FET-A78, ALT-436C, BA-6A, SMT-100A, Stay-Levin, TubeChild670, Power EX, Power Gate, Feedforward Compressor
• Reverb: AuraVerb

Features:
• 50+ Premier real-time FX, soon accessible in any DAW
• 8 Console grade 6-transistor discrete preamps
• Premium Upgrade pack use 8 channel strips with 4 FX instances each
• 4th Generation 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking
• FPGA FX models including BAE, Grove Hill, Gyraf Audio classics
• Coming soon: AFX2DAW Plugin to use all FPGA FX in any DAW
• 8 Analog ins on combo XLR (6 mic / line, 2 Hi-Z / mic / line)
• Dedicated knobs for each input
• 8 Analog line outs on DB25
• Thunderbolt & USB 2.0 connectivity
• Ultra low latency < 0.9 ms
• A pair of monitor outs on TRS
• 2 Stereo headphone outs
• 2 Reamps
• 1 Word Clock input
• 3 Word Clock outputs
• Stereo Footswitch
• Additional digital connectivity via S/PDIF and 2 ADATs
• Talkback mic & button on front panel
• Up to 3 individual monitoring mixes with FPGA FX
• Create & share custom presets
• Remote control via Mac/PC/iOS/Android apps

Bringing All-Star Technology & Performance to a New Audience
Antelope Audio's Discrete 8 Microphone Preamp Interface brings a new level of sound quality and power to home studios and mobile recordists. It comes with 8 console grade 6-transistor discrete preamps, 121 db dynamic range conversion and rock-solid clocking. Discrete 8 features all of the Antelope Audio premier real-time FPGA FX, including authentic models of iconic gear from BAE, Lang, Gyraf Audio and many more.

The Antelope AFX platform is based on a rapidly expanding hardware modeling engine. Discrete 8 includes Accusonic microphone and preamp models, guitar amps, transformer and tube FX, and a huge selection of classic vintage gear, which are now accessible in the DAW via the new AFX2DAW Plugin.
Discrete 8 is a 26in/32out interface featuring 8 analog ins, 8 analog outs on DB25, a pair of monitor outs, 2 Headphone outs and 2 ReAmps. Digital connectivity comes on S/PDIF and 2 ADATs.

An Entire Signal Path of Customizable Sonic Excellence
Discrete 8 was developed after an extensive research of legendary microphone preamp circuitry. Its console-grade and fully discrete preamps were hand designed to offer world-class sound. The powerful Antelope Audio FPGA engine can transform these already expensive sounding Accusonic preamps into several classic units via Tube, Transformer and FET based circuitry and it's all happening real-time.

Both the engineer and the performer can instantly hear the authentic blends of 10 different mic preamps without any latency or annoying comb filtering. The microphone source can be recorded with and without Accusonic modeling. This allows the engineer to choose between preamp models during mixing. The entire signal path was designed for optimal sound with any microphone and it really shines with Antelopes new Edge and Verge microphones. These new microphones were specially designed for the Discrete 8 preamps and feature matching discrete electronics.

The real-time FPGA platform offers a complete professional studio experience Microphones, Preamps, Conversion, Compressors, EQs, Reverb and latency free Monitoring. All this backed up by Antelope's signature Clocking combined into one unified system with instantly recallable Presets. You can even load AFX Presets from VIP Masters with their favorite combinations of FPGA FX that are used daily on their own award-winning mixes.

A Breakthrough Discrete Microphone Preamp Design
Traditionally, interface preamps are comprised of only 2 transistors, which makes them a hybrid between transistors and IC chips. Antelope Audio incorporates a fully discrete design consisting of 6 accurately matched transistors, yet maintaining the advantages of digital control and repeatability of gain levels. Field effect transistors add an expensive-sounding touch of warmth and naturalness to the sound. Bipolar transistors keep THD and noise extremely low, which is quite uncommon in a discrete design.

Antelope's console grade 6-transistor discrete preamp is exceptionally unique. The Discrete 8 mic preamps were the first step of the device design process. Unlike other units where mic preamps are added to the interface, the Discrete 8 preamps are actually what the device is centered around.

Clocking Is The Center Of The Antelope Universe
For 25 years, Igor Levin has led the world in pro audio clocking technologies. His proprietary clocking techniques and secret jitter management algorithms have been at the core of the Antelope sound in all of their products.

The Discrete 8 is no exception. In fact, this mic preamp interface is a professional clocking solution in its own right. It features Antelope's 4th Generation 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking (AFC) technology from the highly acclaimed Trinity, OCX HD, LiveClock, Pure2, Goliath, Orion, and Zen products. Discrete 8 comes with a Word Clock (WC) Input that can de-jitter and distribute an external clock signal. Three WC outputs allow you to distribute clock to your other digital gear and mic preamps in your setup connected via ADAT and S/PDIF. Discrete 8 will make sure all your gear is perfectly synced.

Expert Monitoring With Ease For Both Pros and Beginners
Discrete 8 has a comprehensive and easy to set up Monitoring and Talkback section. A band can have up to 4 individual monitoring mixes with FPGA FX included sent to Headphones or Monitor Outputs. The engineer can make custom headphone mixes for each performer. Effects can be included to allow artists to hear sound closer to what will be on the record.

Users can create custom presets to easily setup various tracking scenarios in a snap. The front panel features a monitor volume knob and dedicated HP knobs for each output. The Talkback mic is also built into the front panel right above the Talkback button. Additionally, Talkback can be engaged via the assignable footswitch on the back, in the EasyPanel software or via the IOS/Android App. Metering is viewable on the front panel display, inside the EasyPanel and also via the remote App.

A Rapidly Growing Audio Interface Platform
Discrete 8 can save and load AFX presets and exchange settings with the entire Antelope line of FPGA equipped pro audio interfaces. This means that you can share your own FX settings with other Antelope users and load professionally programmed stacks of FX from the Pros. This makes Discrete 8 a great option for both new users and existing Antelope owners, who use a second rig for touring or travel. This helps users leave their current studio untouched when on the road or doing session work outside their own facility.

Remote Control via IOS and Android Phones or Tablets
Use the Discrete 8 downloadable remote App to adjust all microphone input levels, Talkback levels, as well as Monitoring and Headphone volumes remotely. Musicians can control their own headphone volume with their phones and the engineer can check input levels from the tracking room.

System Requirements:
• Windows 10
• OS X: 10.11/10.12/10.13 (Sierra Recommended)

Specifications:
ANALOG
Analog Inputs
• 6 x Mic / Line Inputs
• 2 x Mic / Line / Hi-Z Inputs

Analog Outputs
• 1 x Monitor Out on TRS 1/4 Jacks, +20 dBu max
• 1 x ReAmp Out on TRS 1/4 Jacks
• 1 x Line Outs on DB25, +20 dBu max
• 2 x Stereo Headphone Outputs

Mic Preamp
• EIN: -128 dBu (A-weighted)
• Dynamic Range: -121 dB (A-weighted)
• THD: -106 dB
• Max input: +18 dBu
• Gain Range: 65 dB

D/A Monitor Converter
• Dynamic Range: 124 dB
• THD + N: -101 dB

A/D Converter
• Dynamic Range: 121 dB
• THD + N: -112 dB

D/A Converters (Line Out)
• Dynamic Range: 121 dB
• THD + N: -100 dB
• DC Coupled

DIGITAL
Digital Inputs
• 2 x ADAT (up to 16CH)
• 1 x S/PDIF

Digital Outputs
• 2 x ADAT (up to 16CH)
• 1 x S/PDIF

USB I/O
• USB 2.0 Type B connector

Thunderbolt I/O
• Thunderbolt connector

CLOCKING
Word Clock Input
• 1 x Input @ 75 Ohms 3Vpp on BNC 32 - 192kHz

Word Clock Outputs
• 3 x Outputs @ 75 Ohms 3Vpp on BNC 32 - 192kHz

Clocking System
• 4th Generation Acoustically Focused Clocking
• 64-bit DDS

Sample Rates (kHz)
• 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192

OTHER
Operating Temperature
• 0-50 C, 32-122 F

Weight (Approx)
• 3.0 kg / 6.61 lbs

Dimensions (Approx)
• Width: 483 mm / 19
• Height: 44 mm / 1.7
• Depth: 220 mm / 8.6

Power Consumption
• 20 Watts

Media


Introducing Discrete 8 | Antelope AudioWatch Video
Youtube video product demo

Q & A


There are currently no questions for this product.

Reviews


54.152.77.92
claudebot
Don?t waste your money 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
Features  
Quality  
Value  
Overall  
Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Vancouver, British Columbia
I purchased the Discrete 8 because it was the best in its class by far… when it works. I bought the unit brand new, it arrived with one of the adat doors at the bottom of the box but it still worked. Well, kinda. It worked, the. It didn’t, then it did, then it didn’t. The technicians are absolutely amazing and through any desk they come into your computer and trouble shoot the problems. Every single time!!! Where the product should have been recalled by Antelope it was not. They just continued to trouble shoot and do temp fixes which once you rebooted for you back to the start. Multiple computed, multiple calls and continual failures. Finally a technician looked at the record and said this should have been sent in. Just from looking at the history. But now it’s out of warranty. The solution, pay $900.00 US for a loaner. Pay $65.00 US TO SEND IT FOR REPAIR IN NEW JERSEY! If I could type in a bigger font I would! THEN PAY ANOTHER $65.00 US to get it back. The unit has never worked longer then a few days unless I leave everything on for days on end. The solutions and virtual fixes didn’t work and it feels as though Antelope knew the issues (based on technician conversations) but insisted on virtual fixes. Now that this unit, all the purchased plugins for it, surveys filled (the $75.00 credit promised and never delivered, to a point that I gave up), beyond expensive repairs needed, all the expenses and not a single Canadian repair facility have taken their toll. I own a bunch of their mic’s, an Orion Studio Synergy Core and again a bunch of additional expensive plugins. I know that should a problem occur with any of it Antelope Audio will not physically assess their products and will shift the responsibility to the buyer. When these things work they are amazing (the Orion has been rock solid but knock on wood), when they don’t it’s an absolute nightmare, service disaster and the time you will lose online in virtual fix sessions will take days not minutes. The repairs will never happen unless you want to dish out $900 US for a loaner and all the other costs associated with the repair. Ultimately… unless you have time you don’t need, money you don’t care to lose, projects with no deadlines, DO NOT BUY THEIR PRODUCTS!!! Amazing technicians, disastrous, expensive, constant unit failures, zero physical support, more problems and computer issues with every single software change, a constant requirement to log into the Antelope server just to use the unit. Antelope Audio is the Ford or Fiat of the interface market place (fun, inspiring rides when they work but often found on road dead), and due to their self inflicting wounds with aspects of their customer service and physical product warranty failures, pay for everything updates which should have been free, bate and switch offers, my Antelope Audio experience has had some joy but left me feeling like I’m in a one sided abusive relationship. Not how anyone should feel after spending large on a manufacturer who preaches it’s pros while painting over their cons.
Posted by Robbin MacDonald on Aug 24, 2022
Was this review helpful? Vote helpful Vote not helpful flag this review

Performance Warranty Banner

Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty

A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.

Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.

How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
  • Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
  • Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
  • No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
  • Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
  • Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
  • Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
  • Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
  • Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
  • Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
 

Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.

Purchasing additional years of coverage

Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.

If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:

  • NEW products: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
  • USED products: 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. 4% for each additional year.
  • GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
  • BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.

Great Additions