Antelope Audio has unleashed an update to its portable audio interface king Zen Tour at NAMM 2020, which the company calls Zen Tour Synergy Core. Although the predecessor featured an outstanding sound quality, the newer model boasts an even higher dynamic range and includes several Synergy Core effects. Zen Tour Synergy Core also comes with upgraded Thunderbolt 3 connectivity providing a massive bandwidth of 40GB/s.
What’s New?
Dedicated Audio Engine Chips
Supporting 4 ARM DSP and 2 FPGA Antelope Audio’s Synergy Core audio engine processors, the new Zen Tour 2020 is capable of processing multiple audio streams with classic FX plugins in real-time without any latency. Since all the effects are processed by dedicated chips withing the interface, the computer doesn’t have to bear any load.
Up to 36 Synergy Core FX come free with this interface comprising of:
- 2 Preamps
- 4 Equalizers
- 5 Compressors
- 22 Guitar Amps & Cabs
- 2 Utility FX
- 1 Reverb
Improved Dynamic Range
While Zen Tour supports up to 129dB dynamic range for monitor outputs, the new Zen Tour Synergy Core update offers a slight upgrade at 130dB DNR with a lower THD+N of -115dB instead of -108dB for better sonic production. Additionally, the D/A converters in the Synergy Core model also support 7dB higher DNR at 127dB. Whereas the A/D converters offer the same DNR of 124dB as the predecessor. However, these converters still offer 2dB lower THD+N at -110dB.
Connectivity
Now, with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, this interface can handle connection speeds up to 40GB/s. This makes latency issues a thing of past. Over Thunderbolt 3, you can work with up to 32 FX channels simultaneously. Whereas the USB 2.0 Type-B connection allows to work with 24 channels.
In terms of clocking, Zen Tour Synergy Core retains the Antelope Audio’s signature 4th generation AFC with 64-bit DDS technology allowing for incomparable artifact-free AD/DA conversion.
Pricing
The new Antelope Audio Zen Tour Synergy Core audio interface will ship at a price of $1,995USD.
Is it worth the price difference of $300? In terms of sound quality, the difference is extremely subtle. If you love to record with real-time FX and require the absolute best performance in a portable format, this audio interface is a perfect choice.
Check out the current price or price drop on the Zen tour here.
Antelope Audio Zen Tour vs Zen Tour Synergy Core Comparison
| Zen Tour | Zen Tour Synergy Core | |
|---|---|---|
| A/D Converter | 124dB DNR THD + N: -112 dB | 124dB DNR THD+N: -110 |
| D/A Converter | 120dB DNR THD + N: -107dB | 127dB DNR THD+N: -106 |
| D/A Monitor Converter | 129 dB DNR THD + N: -108 dB | 130dB DNR THD+N: -115 |
| Connectivity | Thunderbolt USB 2.0 Type-B | Thunderbolt 3 USB 2.0 Type-B |
| Mic/Line Inputs (Analog) | 4x XLR combo | 4x XLR combo |
| Hi-Z/Line Inputs (Analog) | 4x TRS | 4x TRS |
| DB25 | 8 Channels on 1x DB25 | 8 Channels on 1x DB25 |
| Monitor Outputs | 4x TRS (2 channels at a time) | 4x TRS (2 channels at a time) |
| ReAmp Outs | 2x TRS | 2x TRS |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 | 2 |
| Digital Inputs | 2 x ADAT (up to 16CH) 1 x S/PDIF | 2 x ADAT (up to 16CH) 1 x S/PDIF |
| Digital Outputs | 2 x ADAT (up to 16CH) 1 x S/PDIF | 2 x ADAT (up to 16CH) 1 x S/PDIF |
| Clocking System | 4th Gen AFC 64-bit DDS | 4th Gen AFC 64-bit DDS |
| Max Mic Gain | 65dB | 65dB |
| Max Sample Rate | 192kHz | 192kHz |
| Price | $1,695USD | $1,995USD |
Check out more posts on Winter NAMM 2020.
