Professional engineers tend to dismiss USB microphones as cheap, unimpressive products for beginners — and in many cases, they have a point. But Antelope thinks it is possible to have the full, non-compromised fidelity of the Edge Duo multi-pattern large-diaphragm condenser mic - which is powered by a console-grade mic preamp, high-end AD converter, and signature Antelope Audio FPGA FX processing - packed into a premium bus-powered mic leveraging the increased power of an USB-C interface.
Antelope Audio's Edge Family of modeling microphones's newest member, the Edge Go is a complete recording studio experience housed in a mic. Connected via USB-C and equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack for real-time monitoring, Edge Go achieves an entire processed vocal chain at the hardware level — and all in real-time. The solution offers access to a variety of accurate emulations of several high-end condenser mic models and a special selection of lifelike vintage compressor and EQ effects, plus built-in de-essing, gating/expansion, tape saturation, and reverb all controlled by an intuitive PC/Mac app.
As the company highlights, this collection of channel strip presets makes it even easier to quickly achieve a sound that’s ready for radio, podcast, Twitch stream, or an album. And it all comes straight off the Edge Go large-diaphragm condenser microphone, with practically imperceptible latency. The USB-C powered microphone also offers switchable polar patterns (cardioid, figure 8, omni, and everything in between), onboard effects processing and 24-bit/192kHz A/D conversion.
Updated Recording Interfaces
The company also recently made updates to its range of studio interface, introducing the Orion32+ Gen 3 with the same channel count and 64-bit clocking and jitter management than the original Orion32+, but now with elevated operating levels (+24dBu max), upgraded AD/DA conversion and a new updated Carbon Grey faceplate. The new Orion32+ Gen 3 also introduces an ultra-fast and stable custom Thunderbolt driver for Windows and is now available at an even more accessible starting price with a selection of real-time, FPGA-powered effects from the company's collection. The Thunderbolt interface allows for sub-millisecond latency at 24-bit and 96-192kHz and up to 64 channels at 192 kHz. The interface also support USB 2, in this case limited to 32 channels of 24-bit, 192 kHz audio. Extra connectivity includes MADI, ADAT, S/PDIF, and 8x DB25 analog inputs.
Another update was announced for the original Orion32 HD, which set a new price/performance standard for HDX-compatible I/O. Antelope now announced the Orion32 HD Gen 3 update interface also with improved AD/DA conversion, a refreshed design, more real-time, FPGA-powered effects, and a new black faceplate. The Orion32 HD Gen 3 is a USB 3.0 interface that's compatible with Pro Tools HD via HDX and offers 64x64 channels of AD/DA conversion with up to 136dB dynamic range. Like the updated Orion32+ Gen3, it features the same internal clock, connectivity on MADI, ADAT, S/PDIF, 8x DB25 and mastering-grade monitor outputs, all housed in a efficient ‘green design’ fan-less chassis with networking control from multiple computers.
Both updated interfaces offer routing, mixing, and effects chaining via macOS and Windows and support freely movable and resizable control panels for multi-screen workflows
The new Edge Go, Orion32+ Gen 3, and Orion32 HD Gen 3 are all scheduled to start shipping in Q1 2019 with estimated retail prices of $1,595.00 USD, $2,595.00 USD, and $3,995.00 USD, respectively. Note that the Edge Go package includes the modeling microphone itself, a rock-solid desktop mic stand, a pro-grade pop filter, a custom shock mount, a USB-C cable, and a hard shell carrying case — everything needed to begin recording anywhere, immediately.
www.antelopeaudio.com
