Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,596
High-end/Boutique
$150
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Unleash the full potential of your studio with the Antelope Audio Zen Tour Thunderbolt/USB Audio Interface. Perfect for both stationary and mobile recording setups, this compact powerhouse is designed to cater to the needs of professional musicians and producers. The Zen Tour is not just an interface; it's a complete studio solution that fits on your desk.
Equipped with Antelope's pioneering FPGA technology, the Zen Tour delivers near-zero latency performance and offers a rich suite of hardware-based vintage effects. Whether you're sweetening tracks with EQs or adding life to your instruments with authentic amp models, the Zen Tour's effects suite provides unparalleled flexibility and authenticity.
Connectivity won't be an issue with this versatile interface. Offering a wide range of inputs and outputs, including four mic/line inputs and four hi-Z/line inputs, it accommodates everything from vocals to electric instruments. With two stereo monitor outputs, two headphone outs, and two transformer-based Reamp outputs, the Zen Tour is ready for any recording session. Its world-class clocking and conversion ensure impeccable audio precision and clarity, making it a staple in any recording environment.
Manage your sessions effortlessly with the intuitive touchscreen display and remote control apps available for both desktop and mobile platforms. Whether you're recording a full band or just laying down some solo tracks, the Zen Tour has you covered, delivering a seamless and inspiring recording experience every time.
Key Features:
- 32-channel Thunderbolt and 24-channel USB connectivity
- FPGA-powered latency-free engine with vintage effects suite
- Four mic/line inputs and four hi-Z/line inputs
- Two stereo monitor outputs with A/B switching
- Two headphone outputs and two Reamp outputs
- Advanced remote apps for Mac, PC, iOS, and Android
- World-class clocking and conversion with 129dB dynamic range
- Two ADAT I/O and one S/PDIF I/O
Product specs
| Brand | Antelope Audio |
| Model | Zen Tour Thunderbolt / USB Audio Interface |
| Year | 2010 - 2020 |
| Categories | Audio Interfaces |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Bus-Powered | No |
| Compatibility | Windows, 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 | Desktop Standalone |
| Number of Analog Inputs | 8 |
| Number of Analog Outputs | 12 |
| Number of Channels | 56 |
| 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 | 4 |
| Sample Rate | 192 khz |
| Simultaneous I/O | 18 x 26 |
FAQs
-
What are the main connectivity options for the Antelope Audio Zen Tour?
-
The Zen Tour offers Thunderbolt and USB connectivity, making it compatible with both Windows and macOS systems. This flexibility allows for seamless integration with various digital audio workstations and setups.
-
How many mic preamps does the Antelope Audio Zen Tour have?
-
The Antelope Audio Zen Tour features four high-quality mic preamps, allowing you to connect multiple microphones for recording sessions with pristine audio fidelity.
-
Is the Antelope Audio Zen Tour suitable for high-resolution audio recording?
-
Yes, the Zen Tour supports a sample rate of up to 192 kHz and 24-bit depth, ensuring high-resolution audio recording and playback for professional studio applications.
-
Does the Antelope Audio Zen Tour require an external power source?
-
Yes, the Zen Tour is not bus-powered and requires an external power source to operate, ensuring stable performance and reliability during recording sessions.
-
Can the Antelope Audio Zen Tour handle simultaneous I/O operations?
-
The Zen Tour can handle up to 18 simultaneous inputs and 26 outputs, making it ideal for complex recording and mixing setups that require multiple audio channels.
Reviews
PROS
-
Top-tier conversion and clocking for professional-grade sound quality
-
Intuitive software control panel with extensive routing options
-
Built-in FPGA effects rival UAD without extra costs
-
Compact design packed with versatile I/O options
-
High-quality preamps and excellent monitoring capabilities
-
Dual headphone outputs add flexibility for recording sessions
-
Eliminates latency issues with superior built-in monitoring
-
Touchscreen and talkback mic enhance user experience
-
Highly portable, suitable for live recording and performance
-
Excellent price-to-performance ratio
CONS
-
Windows driver issues require disabling signature enforcement
-
Hardware and software reliability concerns over time
-
Control panel access requires an Internet connection
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Antelope Audio Zen Tour Thunderbolt / USB Audio Interface.
Software and compatibility
-
AFX2DAW does not function over USB, requiring Thunderbolt for proper operation with the Zen Tour SC on Windows 11.
Source -
Users note Antelope's driver support is lacking, suggesting potential issues during setup or use.
Source -
Users recommend the freeware audio routing app Voicemeeter to compensate for incomplete Thunderbolt implementation on Windows.
Source -
VPNs, such as Nord VPN, may interfere with the Zen Q's connectivity; disabling them resolved recognition issues for some users.
Source -
Owners have reported needing to disable deep security settings on MacBook Pros, including booting in recovery mode, to install Antelope drivers.
Source -
Users have reported that Antelope's software requires frequent updates to adjust routing, which can be time-consuming and disrupt workflow.
Source
Features and functionality
Comparisons
-
Users suggest considering alternative plugins like UA or Waves due to compatibility limitations with AFX2DAW over USB.
Source -
In blind tests, Antelope interfaces were described as having a "super good and round" sound compared to RME UFX+ and UAD interfaces, with the latter noted for a "gimmicky fake tape 300hz bump."
Source
User experience
-
Some owners feel misled by advertising suggesting full USB functionality, emphasizing the importance of checking the manual for details.
Source -
The Antelope Zen Q is perceived as superior to the UAD Apollo Solo in terms of initial user experience and adaptability.
Source -
Several users have experienced software crashes on Windows with the error "Failed to execute script pyi_rth_tkinter," despite different versions and compatibility mode attempts.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
Some users had to adjust BIOS settings to enable smooth Thunderbolt functionality on Windows desktops.
Source
Build quality
-
Some users have noted power input issues with the barrel jack connection, which can loosen and lead to audio clicks and pops.
Source
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
More Antelope Audio Audio Interfaces
Accessories & Related Items
Artist usage
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Audio Interfaces
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
equipboardGear IQ 4934
-