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 a rapidly expanding hardware modeling engine. Discrete 8 includes Accusonic 3D microphone and preamp models, guitar amps, transformer and tube FX, and a huge selection of classic vintage gear, which will soon be accessible in any DAW via the upcoming AFX2DAW plug-in (sold separately).
ALL-STAR TECHNOLOGY & PERFORMANCE
“ The Discrete 8 is a fantastic interface in its own right with a compliment of effects, wonderful sounding preamps, and precise clocking… but adding the Edge brings this package to the next level.”
Matt Vanacoro, one of New York’s premier musicians, he has collaborated as a keyboardist in studio and on stage with artists such as Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Mark Wood (Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Mark Rivera (Billy Joel Band), Aaron Carter and many more.
Discrete 8's features:
8 DISCRETE MIC PREAMPS
Console-grade Class A mic pres with discrete transistor design and precise digital gain controls.
MIC PREAMP MODELING
Turn the expensive sounding Discrete 8 mic pres into classic units via Tube, Transformer and FET based circuitry in real-time
REAL-TIME FPGA FX
Premier real-time FX including BAE, Grove Hill, Gyraf Audio and Lang classics to use in the Easy Panel or in a DAW
ROCK-SOLID CLOCKING
Discrete 8 features Antelope’s 4th Generation 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking (AFC) technology
EXPERT MONITORING
Create up to 4 custom monitoring mixes with FPGA FX included and send them to Headphone or Monitor outs; Talkback feature also included
REMOTE CONTROL
Control all Discrete 8 features via its intuitive Easy Panel or download the free iOS and Android mobile apps
CUSTOMIZABLE SONIC EXCELLENCE
Console-grade and fully Discrete Preamps
offer world-class sound.
Discrete 8 was developed after an extensive research of legendary microphone preamp circuitry. The Antelope Audio FPGA engine can transform these already expensive sounding Accusonic preamps into a plethora of classic units real-time. The microphone source can be recorded with and without Accusonic modeling. This allows the engineer to choose between preamp models during mixing.
ENJOY THE SOUND OF LEGENDARY FX GEAR IN YOUR DAW
Discrete 8 features all of Antelope Audio's premier real-time FPGA FX
Including authentic models of iconic gear from BAE, Lang, Gyraf Audio and many more.
The Antelope AFX platform is a rapidly expanding hardware modeling engine. Discrete 8 includes Accusonic 3D microphone and preamp models, guitar amps, transformer and tube FX, and a huge selection of classic vintage gear, which will soon be accessible in any DAW via the upcoming AFX2DAW plug-in (sold separately).
The Antelope Audio real-time FPGA platform is now extended to a complete professional studio experience – Microphones, Preamps, Conversion, Compressors, EQs, and Reverb. Use them within the Discrete 8 EasyPanel or in your preferred DAW via the upcoming AFX2DAW plug-in (sold separately). Perform and record either with FX or process in post-production. The Discrete 8 ReAmp outputs will allow you to use any outboard gear and route the resulting sound back in your DAW of choice.
Giving you complete control
Transform Edge & Verge
into vintage replicas
Inside the Discrete 8 FPGA Accusonic 3D modeling engine you can transform both Edge and Verge into vintage replicas giving you complete control over proximity effect and even allow you to change polar patterns during or after recording. Choose from a collection of classic and expensive microphones and track the results as you monitor live, bringing out a musician’s best possible performance.
ANTELOPE-STYLE CLOCKING
Proprietary clocking
& secret jitter management technologies
Discrete 8 is designed as a professional clocking solution in its own right. It features Antelope’s 4th Generation 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking (AFC) technology from highly acclaimed clock units like Trinity, OCX HD, LiveClock and Pure2. 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 LEVEL MONITORING
Maintain multiple mixes and exchange presets
Monitoring and Talkback sections in Discrete 8 are easy to set. Up to 4 individual monitoring mixes can be sent to Headphones or Monitor Outputs with or without FPGA FX. Custom headphone mixes might be tailored for each performer. Vintage EQ, Compression and guitar amps allow the artists to hear a sound as close to the final product as possible.
Discrete 8 can save and load AFX presets and exchange settings with the entire Antelope line of FPGA equipped pro audio interfaces. Share your own FX settings with other Antelope users or see how the pros are setting up their sessions.
ADVANCED REMOTE CONTROL
Control Discrete 8 with the EasyPanel
or free iOS and Android mobile apps
The Discrete 8 downloadable remote App allows you to adjust all microphone input levels, Talkback levels, as well as Monitoring and Headphone volumes. Musicians can now control their own headphone volume through their phones. The engineer can check input levels from the tracking room. The device can be accessed from different computers connected to the same network.
Discrete 8's specs:
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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
2 x ReAmp Out on TRS 1/4 Jacks
1 x Line Outs on DB25, +20 dBu max ( DC coupled )
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
Max Gain: 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: 121dB
THD + N: – 100dB
DC Coupled
Hi-Z Input
Discrete JFET design
Maximum input: 14dBu (At min. gain)
Gain Range: 0-40dB
Input Impedance: 1Mohm
Headphone Output
Output Level ( unloaded ) 20dBu max
Output impedance 120 ohms
Dynamic Range: 121dB
THD + N: – 100dB
Recommended HP Impedance 16Ω to 600Ω
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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 Hi-Speed;
Data stream up to 480 Mbits/192kHz, 24 channels I/O, Type B
Thunderbolt™ I/O
1 x Thunderbolt, 32 channels I/O
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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
In the Box
Discrete 8 Interface
Quick Start Guide
Wart External Power Supply Unit
USB Cable
Warranty Card
System requirements
WINDOWS
OS: Windows 10
Disk Space: Minimum 1 GB available disk space
USB: 1x USB 2.0 Port
Thunderbolt (Beta): 1x Thunderbolt port. See our Thunderbolt FAQ section.
CPU: Intel or AMD equivalent CPU with at least 2GHz operating frequency
Memory (RAM): 4GB Minimum (8GB or more Recommended)
MAC
OS X: 10.11/10.12/10.13 (Sierra Recommended)
Disk Space: Minimum 1 GB available disk space
USB: 1x USB 2.0 Port
Thunderbolt: 1x Thunderbolt
Memory(RAM): 4GB Minimum (8GB or more recommended)
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo (Minimum) Intel Core i3 ™ or higher (Recommended)
Additional Info: Internet connection required for product activation.
Downloads
User manual
Drivers
Windows 10
Discrete 8 USB Audio Driver Setup (Nov 10, 2017)
MAC OS X 10.9/10/11/12/13
Unified Driver Installer for Mac (3.23, May, 2018)
Thunderbolt for Windows
Remote Control Apps
Bundle up.
Discrete 8 Basic
$ 1595
Per Month- 1x Discrete 8
- 1x Basic FX pack, which allows you to use 2 channel strips with 4 FX instances each and all 50+ Antelope Audio real-time FPGA FX
Discrete 8 Premium
$ 1995
Per Month- 1x Discrete 8
- 1x Premium FX pack, which allows you to use 8 channel strips with 4 FX instances each and up to 16 channel strips using the upcoming AFX2DAW plug-in (sold separately) & all 50+ Antelope Audio real-time FPGA FX
Discrete 8 Premium + 1 Edge Mic + 6 Verge MicsMost Complex
$ 3295
Per Month- 1x Discrete 8
- 1x Premium FX pack, which allows you to use 8 channel strips with 4 FX instances each and up to 16 channel strips using the upcoming AFX2DAW plug-in (sold separately) & all 50+ Antelope Audio real-time FPGA FX
- 1x Edge
- 6x Verge
- Mic Emulation Bundle
The Discrete 8 Basic pack allows you to use 2 channel strips with 4 FX instances each. The Basic FX library features 50+ Antelope Audio real-time FPGA FX.
With Discrete 8 Basic you can use one guitar amp and cabinet instance.
The Discrete 8 Premium pack allows you to use 8 channel strips with 4 FX instances each and up to 16 channel strips using the upcoming AFX2DAW plug-in (sold separately). The Premium FX library features 50+ Antelope Audio real-time FPGA FX.
