The new Zen Q Synergy Core incorporates the same core technologies that drive its bigger siblings, such as the rack-mountable Orion Studio Synergy Core and Galaxy 64 Synergy Core flagship or the most compact of the range, the Zen Go Synergy Core launched around this time in 2021. The new model is designed to facilitate home music creators with the means to raise their productions, combining improved converters in all inputs and outputs, a dynamic range of up to 127 dB (A-Weighted) and the proprietary 64-bit AFC technology and Jitter Management.
The Zen Q Synergy Core’s connectivity centers on two Combo XLR jacks with switchable modes to toggle between the discrete console-grade preamps, line level, or high impedance, while the front panel provides two switchable line/Hi-Z inputs — G1 and G2 — for added flexibility. The two discrete ultra-linear preamps offer up to 65dB of gain, both work as Mic/Line/HiZ inputs on Combo XLR jacks, with 48V of phantom power and with independent preamp gain for each input. For monitoring, there is a stereo MONITOR output and a separate LINE OUT pairing to connect another set of studio monitors or external outboard gear, both backed by a mastering-grade D/A converter. There is also a separate DAC for the two independent headphone outputs with separate volume control.
And a simple desktop setup can easily be transformed into a multichannel configuration thanks to the SPDIF IN/OUT and ADAT IN connections, offering two additional In/Out digital channels over SPDIF, and eight input channels available over ADAT (at 44.1/48kHz). The USB-C port carries up to 16 input and 16 output channels to any popular DAW with custom macOS and Windows drivers. This allows low-latency playback, streaming, and recording paired with onboard software. It also allows for seamless control over essential parameters such as signal routing, sub-mixes, and direct monitoring, while applying Synergy Core effects without overburdening the system.
Home creators will also value the new Zen Q Synergy Core essentially for the fact that it comes complete with 37 bundled analog-modeled effects, with great emulations of iconic equalizers, dynamic processors, guitar amps, reverb, and more, with over 50 optional expansions available through Antelope Audio’s Software Store. All these can be applied in real-time and monitored with minimal perceptible latency.
The Zen Q Synergy Core interface is available now for $899.00 USD / €899.00 EUR
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