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Average Price: $1,150

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$501+

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Description

Experience unparalleled sonic precision with the Antelope Audio Orion 32, a trailblazer in the world of studio recording gear. This cutting-edge audio interface combines seamless USB and MADI connectivity, allowing you to effortlessly manage 32 channels of high-fidelity audio directly from your Mac or Windows setup. The heart of the Orion 32 is its custom USB chip, which ensures pristine A/D-D/A conversion at a remarkable 192kHz sample rate over just a single USB connection.

Harness the power of the Orion 32's software mixer, designed to offer powerful routing and mixing capabilities with zero-latency feeds. This means whether you're monitoring or recording, you can expect crystal-clear sound without delay. The interface also allows for instant recall of up to five scenes, streamlining your workflow and ensuring you can quickly access your most frequent setups.

For studios bustling with digital gear, the Orion 32's Acoustically Focused Clocking technology and oven-controlled crystal oscillator provide unmatched clocking stability. This ensures all your equipment stays perfectly synchronized, enhancing the overall sonic quality of your productions.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring audio engineer, the Antelope Audio Orion 32 is engineered to elevate your studio's capabilities, delivering precision and clarity that meets the demands of modern music production.

Key Features:

  • 32 channels of A/D-D/A conversion
  • USB and MADI connectivity
  • Custom USB chip supporting 192kHz sample rate
  • Zero-latency feeds with advanced software mixer
  • Instant recall of up to five scenes
  • Acoustically Focused Clocking with oven-controlled crystal oscillator

Product specs

Brand Antelope Audio
Model Orion 32 USB Audio Interface
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Audio Interfaces
Bit Depth 24-bit
Bus-Powered No
Compatibility Windows, macOS
Computer Connectivity USB
Digital Input Format ADAT/Optical, MADI, S/PIDF
Digital Output Format ADAT/Optical, MADI, S/PIDF
Electronics Analog, Digital, Solid State
Format 19-inch Rackmount
Number of Analog Inputs 32
Number of Analog Outputs 32
Number of Channels 64
Number of Digital Inputs 82
Number of Digital Outputs 82
Number of Headphone Outputs 0
Number of MIDI Inputs 0
Number of MIDI Outputs 0
Number of Mic Preamps 0
Sample Rate 192 khz

FAQs

How many simultaneous input and output channels does the Antelope Audio Orion 32 support?

The Antelope Audio Orion 32 supports 32 analog inputs and 32 analog outputs, providing a total of 64 simultaneous input and output channels.

Is the Antelope Audio Orion 32 compatible with both Windows and macOS?

Yes, the Antelope Audio Orion 32 is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.

What digital input and output formats are available on the Antelope Audio Orion 32?

The Antelope Audio Orion 32 supports ADAT/Optical, MADI, and S/PIDF digital input and output formats.

Does the Antelope Audio Orion 32 have built-in mic preamps?

No, the Antelope Audio Orion 32 does not have any built-in mic preamps.

Can the Antelope Audio Orion 32 be bus-powered via USB?

No, the Antelope Audio Orion 32 is not bus-powered and requires an external power source.

What is the maximum sample rate supported by the Antelope Audio Orion 32?

The Antelope Audio Orion 32 supports a maximum sample rate of 192 kHz.

HarmonyCentral

HarmonyCentral

Antelope Audio Orion 32-channel audio interface

Video thumbnail for Antelope Audio Orion 32-channel audio interface by HarmonyCentral

Antelope Audio Orion 32-channel audio interface

HarmonyCentral

HarmonyCentral

Video thumbnail for Antelope Audio ORION 32 A/D D/A converter & Vintagetools analog summing amp Sonic Summarizer (PRO) by vintagetools

Antelope Audio ORION 32 A/D D/A converter & Vintagetools analog summing amp Sonic Summarizer (PRO)

vintagetools

vintagetools

Video thumbnail for Antelope Audio Orion 32 by Studio Creations

Antelope Audio Orion 32

Studio Creations

Studio Creations

Video thumbnail for ISE 2014: Antelope Audio Presents Its Orion 32 USB Interface and Audio Converter by rAVe [PUBS]

ISE 2014: Antelope Audio Presents Its Orion 32 USB Interface and Audio Converter

rAVe [PUBS]

rAVe [PUBS]

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Antelope Audio Orion 32.

Features and functionality

  • Owners frequently mention the Orion 32+ excels in sound quality, with some comparing its converters to significantly more expensive models.

    Source
  • In USB mode, the Orion 32+ gen3 supports up to 32 ASIO channels, adjustable via the Antelope control panel.

    Source
  • USB mode offers direct WDM driver support, providing 4 x 2-channel WDM playback and recording devices without additional software.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Numerous users highlight software issues, such as the Antelope Launcher requiring frequent restarts and updates that can disrupt functionality.

    Source
  • Owners have had to disable MacBook security settings in recovery mode to install drivers, indicating a complex setup process for newer Macs.

    Source
  • Thunderbolt 4 is incompatible with the Orion 32+ gen3, necessitating Thunderbolt 3 systems for optimal use.

    Source
  • Thunderbolt mode lacks native Windows audio support, requiring third-party software like Voicemeeter for routing ASIO to WDM devices.

    Source

User experience

  • Several owners express hesitation to rely solely on Antelope, often integrating their units with RME interfaces for stability.

    Source
  • Some have experienced a high-pitched saw wave tone affecting all channels, resolved by an internal power supply repair, suggesting a potential hardware vulnerability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A few users report purchasing Orion units at a deep discount, which influenced their decision despite known support issues.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users note the necessity of precise setup, such as downgrading firmware after problematic updates, to maintain functionality.

    Source

Build quality

  • Reports of a power supply issue were resolved by replacing it with an off-the-shelf component, costing around $20, highlighting a potential need for spare parts.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users primarily utilize the Orion 32 as a tape machine for analog I/O, noting its stability and sound quality when not relying on DSP or plugins.

    Source

Comparisons

  • In blind tests, Antelope's sound was preferred over RME UFX+ and UAD, described as "super good and round," while UAD had a "gimmicky fake tape" sound.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Antelope Audio: Orion32 AD/DA converter & USB interface | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Antelope Audio Orion32 is a groundbreaking piece of gear, setting new standards in sound quality and versatility for its price. With 32 channels of simultaneous A/D and D/A conversion, it dazzles with its clarity, particularly in the high frequencies, making cymbals and guitars shine. Users are impressed with its ease of use, abundant I/O options, and the ability to deliver open, detailed audio. However, minor grievances include the small front panel screen and latency in software metering. Despite these, the Orion32 is highly recommended for its superior performance and value, with reviewers even considering it over more expensive alternatives.

positive

Antelope Audio Orion 32

soundonsound.com

The Antelope Audio Orion 32 shines as a compact powerhouse, squeezing 32 channels of high-quality analogue I/O into a 1U rackspace. Its extensive connectivity options, including MADI, ADAT, and S/PDIF, make it highly versatile. The built-in low-latency mixer and robust software control add to its appeal. While Macs are limited to 24 channels over USB at higher sample rates, the Orion 32's overall performance is impressive, offering excellent sound quality and flexible routing at a competitive price. A top choice for those needing a high channel count without sacrificing space or budget.

positive

Review: Antelope Orion 32, A Mixer's Perspective — SonicScoop

sonicscoop.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 11 Ratings

5 star
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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Skrillex uses Antelope Audio Orion 32

Skrillex

Music Producer

From First to Last

...
Verified via Twitter

Towards the end of this Vine video clip posted by Skrillex of his studio setup, his studio desk can be seen. The Antelope Audio Orion 32 can be seen on the right side rack below the Barefoot monitor speaker.

See how Chris Liebing uses Antelope Audio Orion 32

Chris Liebing

Music Producer

Speedy J & Chris Liebing

...
Verified via Photo

Chris Liebing post this image on his official Instagram.

See how The Crystal Method uses Antelope Audio Orion 32

The Crystal Method

Music Producer

The Crystal Method & Bubba Sparxxx

...
Verified via YouTube

can be seen at 0:40 in this video

See how Daniel Lanois uses Antelope Audio Orion 32

Daniel Lanois

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this "Rig Rundown" interview with Premier Guitar magazine, it's explained that Lanois runs his pre-recorded loops/tracks rig through an Orion converter.

See how Celldweller uses Antelope Audio Orion 32

Celldweller

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen 23:25 into this video

See how Matador uses Antelope Audio Orion 32

Matador

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Matador uses the Antelope Audio Orion 32 audio interface, as seen in his Instagram post from his performance in Medellín.

See how Eelke Kleijn uses Antelope Audio Orion 32

Eelke Kleijn

Music Producer

Nick Hogendoorn & Eelke Kleijn

...
Verified via Photo

Eelke Kleijn shares a photo of the software for his Antelope Audio Orion 32 Multi-Channel AD/DA Converter. He says, "Finally hooked up the Orion32 today!" (posted to Instagram Oct 2014).

See how Luciano uses Antelope Audio Orion 32

Luciano

Music Producer

Monne Automne

...
Verified via Facebook

Luciano Masterclass at DjSchool CHILE 1 day before his show .

April 27 , 2018

See how Audion uses Antelope Audio Orion 32

Audion

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

Audion uses the Antelope Audio Orion 32 in their studio setup, as shown in a post on Instagram.

See how Jaycen Joshua uses Antelope Audio Orion 32

Jaycen Joshua

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

...
Verified via Jaycenjoshua

Mixing engineer Jaycen Joshua uses the Antelope Audio Orion 32 as an AD/DA converter and master clock, as detailed on his official website.

See how Primitive World uses Antelope Audio Orion 32

Primitive World

Music Producer

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

"Their Orion is model is a revolutionary AD/DA unit that works via USB and allows up to 32 channels in and out of high quality conversion..."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Antelope Audio Orion 32, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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1

Community setups

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