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Average Price: $2,200
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$150
$501+
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Budget
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High-end
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Description
Discover the future of audio interfaces with the Antelope OrionHD Gen 3, a powerhouse in studio recording gear that seamlessly integrates Antelope's 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking (AFC) technology. This high-performance interface is designed for professional musicians and producers who demand flawless, high-resolution sound. The OrionHD Gen 3 offers 64 channels of 192kHz audio through HDX and USB3 connections, ensuring you capture every nuance of your music with near-zero latency.
The OrionHD Gen 3 is more than just an audio interface; it’s a complete studio solution. With its hardware-based FPGA technology, you can enjoy near-zero latency performance and a suite of digital recreations of classic hardware processors. These FPGA effects provide the warmth and character of vintage sound processing, making your mixes truly stand out. Whether you're tracking a full band or mixing a complex project, the OrionHD Gen 3's extensive connectivity options—HDX, USB3, MADI, ADAT, and S/PDIF—make it the ideal hub for any studio setup.
What sets the OrionHD Gen 3 apart is its user-friendly software control. The intuitive desktop app, compatible with both Mac OS and Windows, allows you to manage routing, mixing, and real-time FX processing with ease. Its color-coded routing matrix and customizable interface ensure you have all the control you need at your fingertips, whether you're in a large studio or on a mobile rig.
Key Features:
- 64 channels of 24-bit, 192kHz audio via HDX and USB3
- Antelope's 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking (AFC) jitter management
- FPGA technology for real-time FX processing and multiple monitor mixers
- Extensive connectivity: HDX, USB3, MADI, ADAT, S/PDIF, and DB-25
- Near-zero latency (2 samples)
- Sleek 1RU fan-less chassis for silent operation
- Intuitive Mac OS- and Windows-compatible software control
Product specs
| Brand | Antelope Audio |
| Model | Orion 32 HD Gen 3 USB 3.0 / Pro Tools HDX Audio Interface |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2019 - 2020 |
| Categories | Audio Interfaces |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Bus-Powered | No |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS |
| Computer Connectivity | DigiLink, 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 | 34 |
| Number of Channels | 128 |
| Number of Digital Inputs | 64 |
| Number of Digital Outputs | 64 |
| Number of Headphone Outputs | 0 |
| Number of MIDI Inputs | 0 |
| Number of MIDI Outputs | 0 |
| Number of Mic Preamps | 0 |
| Sample Rate | 192 khz |
| Simultaneous I/O | 32 x 32 |
FAQs
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What are the main connectivity options for the Antelope OrionHD Gen 3?
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The Antelope OrionHD Gen 3 offers connectivity through DigiLink and USB, making it compatible with both Pro Tools HDX and USB 3.0 systems for versatile studio integration.
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Is the Antelope OrionHD Gen 3 compatible with both Windows and macOS?
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Yes, the Antelope OrionHD Gen 3 is compatible with both Windows and macOS, ensuring broad usability across different operating systems.
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What is the maximum sample rate supported by the Antelope OrionHD Gen 3?
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The Antelope OrionHD Gen 3 supports a maximum sample rate of 192 kHz, providing high-resolution audio recording and playback.
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How many analog inputs and outputs does the Antelope OrionHD Gen 3 have?
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The Antelope OrionHD Gen 3 features 32 analog inputs and 34 analog outputs, allowing extensive connectivity for large-scale recording setups.
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Can the Antelope OrionHD Gen 3 be bus-powered?
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No, the Antelope OrionHD Gen 3 is not bus-powered and requires an external power source to operate.
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Does the Antelope OrionHD Gen 3 include any mic preamps?
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The Antelope OrionHD Gen 3 does not include any mic preamps, as it is designed primarily for high-channel count digital and analog interfacing.
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Antelope OrionHD Gen 3.
Software and compatibility
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Owners note the Antelope OrionHD Gen 3 lacks native Thunderbolt drivers for Windows audio, necessitating workarounds like Voicemeeter for WDM compatibility.
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Thunderbolt 2 compatibility restricts the OrionHD Gen 3 to Thunderbolt 3 systems, with Thunderbolt 4 being incompatible, affecting future upgrade paths.
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Some users experience issues with headphone outs having high impedance (120 Ohms), causing low power for high impedance cans and excessive bass for low impedance IEMs.
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On Windows, some users face persistent clicks and pops during playback, with temporary fixes such as driver reinstallation and using dithering in DAWs.
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Features and functionality
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The OrionHD Gen 3's USB mode supports up to 32 ASIO channels, adjustable in the Antelope control panel, contrary to common reports of a 24-channel limit.
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The digital patchbay/interface is praised for its flexibility, allowing multiple users to have specific recording and monitoring setups without issues.
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User experience
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Users report that while Thunderbolt mode on Windows offers low latency, it limits ASIO channel access through Voicemeeter to 8 channels, despite full access in DAWs.
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User feedback indicates that Antelope's customer service is responsive, often providing quick follow-ups and solutions, including offering free plugins for troubleshooting issues.
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Comparisons
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Users frequently compare Antelope to RME, citing RME's superior driver stability and support, leading many to consider RME as a more reliable alternative.
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Build quality
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Concerns about the durability of headphone jacks have been noted, with some reporting slight connection issues over time.
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Use cases and applications
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Antelope interfaces work more reliably on Mac systems compared to Windows, where they often face compatibility issues.
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4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
417
It sounds nice but...
Personally I think the drivers and the supplied support tools are old skool bad. The sound is good, and it also draws a lot of heat (!) It seems durable as it has not failed yet for one year of usage. But honestly I had more fun with the MOTU 24AI 24AO combo or even the RME Multiface 2 ... The other thing is, I can not make my sound as loud as before just with the interface, as it does not really allow compression or gate on all channels, which sucks, specially for that price... Everyone that are buttering this unit are simply doing it to justify the cost. Not me. I think it is overpriced for the issues it provided, not to mention the support, which are sometimes clueless.
Genre Usage
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Added to Equipboard on by
m4ntr0n1cGear IQ 417
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