Orion Studio Synergy Core
Thunderbolt 3 & USB Audio Interface with 12 Discrete Preamps, Dual Host Streaming, Room Correction, and Onboard Real-time Effects
Orion Studio Synergy Core brings 12 Discrete preamps, mastering-grade AD/DA conversion, extensive I/O, onboard Synergy Core processing, and integrated Room Correction into one professional audio interface. Simultaneous USB and Thunderbolt connectivity enables flexible Dual Host workflows, while optional immersive monitoring support extends the system up to Dolby Atmos 9.1.6.
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Class-leading conversion with up to 130dB dynamic range on both pairs of monitor outputs, paired with Antelope Audio’s 64-bit AFC™ clocking technology for detailed recording and accurate playback;
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12 Discrete microphone preamps with up to 75dB of gain for pristine recordings, with Direct In mode for bypassing the preamps and recording line-level sources straight into the converters;
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Thunderbolt™ 3 and USB connectivity with Dual Host Streaming, allowing playback and recording on two computers simultaneously;
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30 in / 44 out total I/O, including analog, ADAT, S/PDIF, monitor, headphone, ReAmp, and DB25 line outputs;
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Synergy Core real-time effects processing, allowing up to 144 mono effects to be loaded simultaneously with near-zero latency;
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51 included real-time effects modeled after vintage analog compressors, EQs, mic preamps, guitar amps, cabinets, and studio processors;
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Integrated room analysis and calibration for applying corrective EQ curves directly from the Orion Studio control panel with near-zero latency and no additional CPU load;
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Atmos-ready monitoring and calibration support for up to 9.1.6 format (additional purchase).
Unparalleled Conversion and Clocking
With up to 130 dB dynamic range on both monitor output pairs, Orion Studio Synergy Core delivers precise AD/DA conversion for critical recording and monitoring. Antelope Audio's 4th Generation AFC™ clocking with 64-bit DDS delivers wider stereo imaging, clearer instrument separation, and greater depth and detail, complemented by Word Clock I/O and support for sample rates up to 192 kHz, making it a reliable central clocking and conversion hub for professional studios.
12 Discrete Preamps for Professional Recording
Twelve Discrete microphone preamps with up to 75 dB of gain capture every detail with exceptional clarity. Direct-In mode bypasses the preamp circuitry for a transparent signal path from external line-level sources to the converters.
Synergy Core: The Power of DSP and FPGA Processing
Powered by 6 DSP and 2 FPGA chips, Synergy Core runs up to 144 mono effects simultaneously with near-zero latency and no additional CPU load. Track, monitor, and process audio in real time using 51 included effects, from vintage compressors and EQs to reverbs, guitar amps, and cabinets. Expand your collection with additional purchases from a library of over 90 effects.
Revolutionary Dual Host Streaming
Orion Studio Synergy Core connects to two Mac or Windows computers simultaneously via Thunderbolt™ 3 and USB, functioning as two independent, fully bidirectional audio interfaces. Route audio freely between both computers and connected I/O, with automatic sample-rate synchronization for seamless operation. Going far beyond simple failover, this unlocks flexible multi-computer workflows, collaboration, redundant recording, and advanced studio or live production setups.
Immersive Monitoring, Atmos Ready
Expand beyond stereo with optional surround and immersive monitoring across more than 23 formats, from stereo to Dolby Atmos 9.1.6. Precise speaker calibration with per-channel 16-band EQ and delay compensation, intuitive monitoring controls, and fast preset recall make complex multichannel setups easier to manage.
Stereo and 2.1 speaker calibration with bass management are included, while the optional SRC remote adds hands-on monitoring control. Advanced immersive monitoring up to 9.1.6 is available separately or with the MRC controller.
Hear Your Mix, Not Your Room
With Room Correction integrated directly into the Orion Studio Control Panel, you can measure your speakers and room acoustics, generate corrective EQ curves tailored to your listening environment, and apply them directly to the interface. The system operates with near-zero latency and no additional CPU load, eliminating the need for third-party correction software. Room Correction also supports individual Edge 360 calibration files for more accurate measurements with the Edge 360 measurement microphone.
Digital Patch Bay for Pro Studios
The digital patch bay and four low-latency mixers provide flexible routing, custom monitor mixes, and seamless outboard integration. Built-in talkback simplifies communication with performers, while standalone operation keeps routing, monitoring, and onboard effects available without a computer.
Features
Conversion & Clocking
● Class-leading AD/DA conversion with up to 130dB dynamic range on both pairs of monitor outputs.
● Recording, mixing, and playback at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
● Proprietary 64-bit AFC™ Acoustically Focused Clocking technology for increased detail, width, and separation.
● Word Clock I/O for integrating the Orion Studio Synergy Core with other digital studio equipment.
Connectivity
● Rackmount Thunderbolt™ 3 and USB audio interface with 30 in / 44 out
● 12 Discrete microphone preamps with up to 75dB of gain.
● 8 x Mic / Line Inputs / Direct In.
● 4 x Mic / Line / Hi-Z Inputs / Direct In.
● 2 x Hardware Inserts on TRS for inputs 1 and 2.
● 2 x stereo monitor outputs on 1/4" TRS jacks, supporting simultaneous operation and A/B mode.
● 2 x ReAmp outputs on TS 1/4” jacks.
● 16 x line output channels over 2 x DB25 connectors.
● 2 x stereo headphone outputs.
● 2 x ADAT inputs and 2 x ADAT outputs, with up to 16 channels available.
● S/PDIF input and output on RCA.
● DC-coupled I/O for CV control of analog modular synths.
Workflow-enhancing features
● Dual Host streaming allows playback and recording via USB and Thunderbolt on two computers simultaneously.
● Built-in room analysis and calibration tool for improved monitoring and mixing accuracy.
● Digital patch bay for flexible routing across analog, digital, computer, and mixer channels.
● 4 x Latency-free mixers for custom monitoring workflows.
● Direct monitoring with Synergy Core effects processed in real time with near-zero latency.
● Direct-In mode for bypassing the microphone preamps when recording line-level sources.
● Multichannel monitoring tools with support for advanced speaker setups (additional purchase)
● Atmos-ready monitoring and calibration with up to 9.1.6 format (additional purchase)
Real-time effects processing
● Synergy Core proprietary onboard platform powered by 2 FPGA and 6 DSP chips.
● Up to 144 mono real-time effect instances loaded simultaneously.
● 51 included real-time effects modeled after classic and rare analog outboard gear.
● Real-time tracking, monitoring, and mixing with near-zero latency.
● Effects processed inside the interface, placing no additional load on the host computer CPU.
In-the-Box Content
• Orion Studio Synergy Core
• Quick Start Guide
• 1 In-Line DC Power Supply
• 1 USB Cable
Included Real-Time Effects
Orion Studio Synergy Core comes with 51 real-time effects included:
● Gyraf Gyratec IX - Tube Mic Preamp
● VCA160 - Compressor / Limiter
● Stay-Levin - Tube Compression Amplifier
● FET-A76 - FET Compressor
● X903 - Compressor / Limiter
● PowerFFC - Compressor
● VEQ-HLF - Passive High/Low Filter
● BA-31 - Vintage Mic Preamp
● ALT-436C - Tube Compressor Amplifier
● FET-A78 - FET Compressor Limiter
● SMT-100A - Tube Leveling Amplifier
● VEQ-1A - Tube Equalizer
● VMEQ-5 - Tube Mid-Range Equalizer
● BAE-1023 - 3-band Vintage EQ
● NEU-PEV - Passive Vintage EQ
● NEU-W492 - 5-band Vintage EQ
● NEU-W495 - 3-band Vintage Mastering EQ
● VEQ-4K BROWN - Legendary Vintage EQ
● VEQ-4K ORANGE - Legendary Vintage EQ
● VEQ-4K PINK - Legendary Vintage EQ
● VEQ-STU 089 - Vintage EQ
● VEQ-STU 169 - Vintage EQ
● VEQ-STU 900 - Vintage EQ
● Clear Q - Parametric EQ
● Auraverb - Reverb
● Power EX - Expander
● Power Gate - Gate
● Master De-Esser - De-Esser
● Plexi 59 (UK) - Tube Guitar Amp
● Bass SuperTube VR - Tube Guitar Amp
● Darkface 65 (US) - Tube Guitar Amp
● Top30 (UK) Bright - Tube Guitar Amp
● Tweed Deluxe (US) - Tube Guitar Amp
● Overange 120 (UK) - Tube Guitar Amp
● BurnSphere (DE) Lead - Tube Guitar Amp
● Marcus II (US) Lead - Tube Guitar Amp
● Modern (US) CH3 - Tube Guitar Amp
● Rock 75 (UK) - Tube Guitar Amp
● Rock 22.10 (UK) - Tube Guitar Amp
● Darkface 65 2x12 - Guitar Cabinet
● Top30 2x12 - Guitar Cabinet
● Modern 4x12 - Guitar Cabinet
● Green 2x12 - Guitar Cabinet
● Vintage 4x12 - Guitar Cabinet
● Green 4x12 - Guitar Cabinet
● Caliper 50 1x10 - Guitar Cabinet
● Bluelux 1x12 - Guitar Cabinet
● Clst 1x12 - Guitar Cabinet
● England 4x12 - Guitar Cabinet
● Bass Tube 1x15 - Guitar Cabinet
● A-Tuner - Guitar Tuner
Technical Specifications
ANALOG
Analog Inputs
8 x Mic / Line Inputs / Direct In
4 x Mic / Line / Hi-Z Inputs / Direct In
Analog Inserts
2 x Inserts on TRS for inputs 1 and 2
Analog Outputs
2 x Stereo Monitor Outs on 1/4" TRS jacks, supporting simultaneous operation and A/B mode
2 x ReAmp Outs on TS 1/4” Jacks
2 x Line Out, 16 channels, on DB25, +20 dBu max, impedance balanced
2 x Stereo Headphone Outputs
D/A Monitor Converter
Dynamic Range: 130 dB
THD + N: -115 dB
A/D Converter
Dynamic Range: 124 dB
THD + N: -112 dB
D/A Converter
Dynamic Range: 128 dB
THD + N: -115 dB
Discrete Mic Preamps
EIN: -128 dBu
Dynamic Range: 121 dB
THD: -106 dB
Max input: +20 dBu
Max Gain: 75 dB
DIGITAL
Digital Inputs
2 x ADAT, up to 16 channels
1 x S/PDIF on RCA
Digital Outputs
2 x ADAT, up to 16 channels
1 x S/PDIF on RCA
USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
USB 2.0 Type B connector
Up to 24 channels
Thunderbolt™ 3 I/O
Thunderbolt™ 3 connector
Up to 32 channels
CLOCKING
Word Clock Input
1 x Input @ 75 Ohms 3Vpp on BNC 32 – 192kHz
Word Clock Outputs
1 x Output @ 75 Ohms 3Vpp on BNC 32 – 192kHz
Clocking System
4th Generation Acoustically Focused Clocking
64-bit DDS
Sample Rates
32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
OTHER
Operating Temperature
0-50°C, 32-122°F
Weight
3.1 kg / 6.83 lbs approx.
Dimensions
Width: 483 mm / 19”
Height: 44 mm / 1.7”
Depth: 279 mm / 10.9”
Electrical Specs
DC Universal input: 18V
Power Consumption
25 Watts Max