MP8d is an eight-channel class-A microphone preamplifier, which boasts Antelope Audio's integrated A/D converters, widely regarded for their naturally warm, yet sonically accurate sound signature. The “classically rich and modernly precise sound”, as the company describes it, is accomplished thanks to Antelope’s Acoustically Focused Clocking jitter management algorithm and Oven-Controlled crystal oscillator, along with advanced analog and digital circuit board design, powered by a proprietary power supply.
The technology developed for the Zen Studio and MP32 has been further evolved for the mic pres in MP8d for optimum precision, while at the same time remaining smooth and natural. The result is an eight-channel reference-quality mic preamp, providing pristine sound with no coloration, and enough power to drive even gain hungry ribbon microphones.
“MP8d is the latest addition to Antelope’s expanding eco-system concept, with the goal of maintaining a stable and coherent audio signal throughout the entire recording, mixing and mastering process,” says Igor levin, CEO and founder of Antelope Audio. “MP8d now adds a product to the Antelope lineup that provides clean and transparent microphone gain, with precise A/D conversion, along with an optimized analog drive stage to gently handle overloads, allowing the engineer to capture the purest sound quality, even when recording hot signal levels,” Levin adds.
The MP8d mic pres are combo XLR/TRS connectors, which accept both mic and line level signals. Hi-Z inputs are associated with channels 1 and 2, and are accessible via dedicated TRS connectors on the front panel. Inserts for connecting effects outboard gear are available on the rear panel. A high-end headphone amp is accessible from the front panel to provide the convenience of integrated monitoring. The analog connectivity is accomplished with a D-Sub 25 connector directly outputting the mic signals at line level, making MP8d a perfect companion device for Antelope’s Orion32 and Zen Studio audio interfaces.
MP8d utilizes Antelope’s battle-tested custom-built USB chip and PC/Mac drivers, allowing 24-bit/192 kHz streaming of 24 simultaneous I/O. In addition S/PDIF, AES/EBU, TOSLINK, ADAT and MADI connections expand the product compatibility and allow for both easy connection to other outboard gear or DAW, as well as cascading two or more MP8d units, expanding the channel count.
MP8d relies on the highly sophisticated yet easy to use software control concept developed for Orion32 and Zen Studio. The intuitive user interface with color-coded drag and drop signal routing, multiple mixers and powerful DSP engine with on-board effects, makes the device extremely flexible and suited to various recording applications. Programmable presets allow for easy and fast recall of preferred configurations, while ergonomic aluminum knobs on the front panel provide precise mic gain adjustment in real-time.
MP8d is scheduled to ship in Q3 of 2015 and will be priced at €1,995.
www.antelopeaudio.com
