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Average Price: $875

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$501+

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Description

The Antelope Audio Orion Studio is a powerhouse in studio recording gear, blending cutting-edge technology with robust connectivity to offer a seamless recording experience. Known for its FPGA latency-free modeling engine, this audio interface delivers a suite of vintage EQs, compressors, and amplifiers with astonishing accuracy. This capability ensures that you can craft the perfect sound for any recording situation, whether you're in a professional studio or a mobile setup.

Built into a sleek 1U chassis, the Orion Studio features 12 high-end microphone preamps and 16 analog outputs, providing ample connectivity for diverse recording needs. Its Thunderbolt circuit guarantees ultra-low latency, making it an ideal choice for both Mac and Windows users seeking flawless audio performance. The interface also includes advanced remote control apps compatible with iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows, allowing you to manage audio routing and effects processing from any device.

With Antelope's proprietary Acoustically Focused Clocking (AFC) technology, the Orion Studio offers superior jitter management, delivering pristine audio with incredible depth and clarity. Its integration of multiple digital formats like ADAT and S/PDIF ensures flexible connectivity options, while the rugged build quality promises durability for long-term use.

For musicians and producers aiming for unparalleled audio fidelity and versatile processing capabilities, the Orion Studio is a formidable addition to their audio arsenal.

Key Features:

  • 12 high-end mic preamps with phantom power; 16 analog outputs
  • FPGA latency-free modeling engine for vintage EQs, compressors, and more
  • 2 mastering-quality Monitor Outputs with A/B switching and DACs with 129dB dynamic range
  • Thunderbolt and USB connectivity
  • Advanced remote apps for various operating systems
  • Antelope's superior AFC jitter-management technology
  • Integrated talkback microphone and headphone routing
  • ADAT optical I/O (x 2), S/PDIF I/O, Word clock I/O

Product specs

Brand Antelope Audio
Model Orion Studio Rev 2017 Thunderbolt / USB Audio Interface
Finish Black
Year 2017 - 2018
Categories Audio Interfaces
Bit Depth 24-bit
Bus-Powered No
Compatibility Windows, iOS, macOS
Computer Connectivity Thunderbolt, USB
Digital Input Format ADAT/Optical, S/PIDF
Digital Output Format ADAT/Optical, S/PIDF
Electronics Analog, Digital, Solid State
Format 19-inch Rackmount
Number of Analog Inputs 12
Number of Analog Outputs 20
Number of Channels 32
Number of Digital Inputs 18
Number of Digital Outputs 18
Number of Headphone Outputs 2
Number of MIDI Inputs 0
Number of MIDI Outputs 0
Number of Mic Preamps 12
Sample Rate 192 khz
Simultaneous I/O 30 x 32

FAQs

What are the main connectivity options for the Antelope Audio Orion Studio?

The Antelope Audio Orion Studio offers Thunderbolt and USB connectivity, making it compatible with both Windows and macOS systems. This flexibility allows for seamless integration into various studio setups.

How many mic preamps does the Orion Studio have, and what is their gain range?

The Orion Studio features 12 mic preamps with up to 75 dB of pristine gain, based on Antelope's ultra-linear Discrete MP standalone preamplifier, ensuring high-quality sound capture.

Is the Antelope Audio Orion Studio suitable for high-resolution audio recording?

Yes, the Orion Studio supports a sample rate of up to 192 kHz and 24-bit depth, providing exceptional audio resolution for professional recording and mixing.

Does the Orion Studio require an external power source?

Yes, the Antelope Audio Orion Studio is not bus-powered and requires an external power source to operate.

How many simultaneous input and output channels does the Orion Studio support?

The Orion Studio supports 30 simultaneous input channels and 32 output channels, offering extensive routing capabilities for complex studio environments.

What digital input and output formats are supported by the Orion Studio?

The Orion Studio supports ADAT/Optical and S/PIDF digital input and output formats, providing versatile options for digital audio connectivity.

Antelope Audio

Antelope Audio

Antelope Audio presents the new Orion Studio Audio Interface

Video thumbnail for Antelope Audio presents the new Orion Studio Audio Interface by Antelope Audio

Antelope Audio presents the new Orion Studio Audio Interface

Antelope Audio

Antelope Audio

Video thumbnail for Introducing Orion Studio - Revision 2017 | Antelope Audio by Antelope Audio

Introducing Orion Studio - Revision 2017 | Antelope Audio

Antelope Audio

Antelope Audio

Video thumbnail for MESSE 2017: Antelope Audio Orion Studio Updated by sonicstate

MESSE 2017: Antelope Audio Orion Studio Updated

sonicstate

sonicstate

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

User experience

  • One user shared that reinstalling Antelope drivers and software resolved operational issues, despite tech support initially dismissing this solution as ineffective.

    Source
  • Antelope's digital patchbay/interface is praised for flexibility, allowing tailored recording/monitoring setups across different software like Pro Tools and Reaper.

    Source
  • Orion Studio Synergy Core's headphone jacks feel flimsy, with slight but manageable connection issues reported by some users.

    Source
  • Several owners describe the hardware as excellent but criticize the buggy software and unresponsive support, leading some to abandon the Antelope ecosystem.

    Source
  • An owner describes the software as clunky but manageable once configured, highlighting frustration with initial setup but satisfaction afterward.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Orion Studio Synergy Core functions well in studios with complex setups, thanks to 12 on-board preamps, despite initial Thunderbolt driver issues.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Disabling automatic updates is recommended by users due to frequent driver downgrades needed to maintain stability.

    Source
  • Orion Studio's Thunderbolt driver initially had issues, now resolved after updates; GUI launcher still crashes occasionally on startup, requiring multiple attempts.

    Source
  • Some users report needing to disable deep security settings on Mac to install drivers, requiring a recovery mode boot and console command adjustments.

    Source
  • The Orion Phone App, formerly used for input control, has been non-functional for over two years, yet some users recently relied on it, highlighting inconsistent support communication.

    Source
  • Users report inability to switch mic/line inputs on newer software versions, with support acknowledging the issue without providing updates for Orion Studio Rev 17.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Headphone outputs are noted as underpowered, with 120 Ohm impedance affecting performance with both high and low impedance headphones.

    Source
  • Despite software issues, the Orion Studio's clocking technology is praised for its precision, attributed to founder Igor Levin's innovations in the field.

    Source
  • The Orion Studio Synergy Core offers high gain preamps and reamp outputs, praised for their versatility in complex setups.

    Source

Other

  • The LED visibility issue on some Antelope units may relate to battery power, although it's unclear if this is due to hardware or installation problems.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users switching from Antelope to UAD Apollo praise Apollo’s ease of use and plug-and-play capabilities, contrasting with Antelope's complex software dependencies.

    Source
  • A blind test revealed Antelope's sound as superior and more rounded compared to RME and Universal Audio, with the latter described as having a "gimmicky fake tape 300Hz bump."

    Source

Build quality

  • A recessed Thunderbolt port on a Zen Tour required a replacement, indicating potential minor assembly issues.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A user experienced loose barrel jack power inputs causing clicks and pops, emphasizing the importance of securely fastening connections.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Antelope Audio Orion Studio Review - Gearspace

gearspace.com

The Antelope Audio Orion Studio promises much with its feature set and sound quality, but falls short on reliability and support. While the unit boasts impressive audio performance, users are frustrated by persistent software and setup issues, including faulty firmware updates and unresponsive control panels. Prolonged customer service interactions highlight a lack of swift resolutions, leaving the device feeling half-baked. Despite its potential, the Orion Studio's high latency and inconsistent performance make it more of a headache than a hero in the studio, making alternatives like RME or Apollo more appealing for those seeking stability and support.

negative

Review: Antelope Audio Orion Studio Rev. 2017 — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

Antelope Audio's Orion Studio Rev 2017 is a stellar-sounding interface marred by a painful installation process. While the setup is buggy and convoluted, the payoff is a rich feature set including free top-quality DSP effects, 12 mic preamps, and excellent conversion and clocking. Despite the rocky start, the unit performs reliably once running, offering a vast array of I/O options and onboard effects that make it a worthwhile investment. However, potential buyers should brace for a challenging setup experience that may test their patience.

Antelope Orion Studio review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Antelope Audio Orion Studio is lauded for its exceptional flexibility and wealth of features, positioning it as a top-tier interface. Praised for its superb amp emulations and Pultec EQs, it shines in both sound quality and usability. The inclusion of comprehensive connectivity options and high-quality mic pres and converters further enhances its appeal. Despite the complexity of its routing matrix, which may require a learning curve, the device's performance in a studio setting is unparalleled, offering a robust solution for musicians and producers alike. The review is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting few cons.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Zedd uses Antelope Audio Orion Studio

Zedd

Music Producer

ARE WE DREAMING

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Verified via YouTube

Zedd uses the Antelope Audio Orion Studio in his new studio. (Video is of his engineer, Ryan Shanahan, in Zedd's home studio.)

Genre Usage

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Used With

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

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