The most powerful interface on the market? When we raise the bar in our search for high-end interfaces, Antelope Audio is a must-visit. When the studio needs to start getting serious, looking for extreme performance, quality and digital sound very close to analog, Antelope is a brand to check out.
Thunderbolt, MADI and USB connectivity. A total of 128 MADI channels (2 ports x 64 channels)
A tour of the interface
We had the chance to see this launch at Musikmesse 2016. It's Goliath, an interface with 36 analog inputs, 32 analog outputs and 16 Class A mic preamps. All built around Antelope Audio's renowned clocking technology.
It takes up 2 rack units and features Thunderbolt, MADI and USB connectivity. A total of 128 MADI channels (2 ports x 64 channels). It's important to highlight the effectiveness, or rather the quality, of its DSP technology, with high-end modern and classic EQ and compression.
According to its founder and CEO, Igor Levin, Goliath represents a turning point in modern interface technology. The culmination of years of research and engineering. In his eyes, a truly affordable price per channel, with unmatched quality and flexibility.
Goliath gives us 64 channels of Thunderbolt™ connectivity, a wide range of routing options and sophisticated (yet intuitive to use) software featuring powerful DSP tools
Extreme performance, quality and digital sound very close to analog: Antelope is a brand to check out.
It has 4 powerful instrument DIs and exquisite quality in its AD/DA converters. Thanks to its powerful connectivity, the interface is perfect for tasks that require a large number of inputs/outputs working simultaneously.
DSP quality: AuraVerb, EQ, classic and modern compression, or vintage modeling via its RealModel technology
Latency and processing
It uses a powerful Antelope FPGA-based DSP engine, which makes it possible to run four custom effects mixers with zero latency: RealModel, AuraVerb, EQ, vintage modeling, EQ, compressor, etc. The company's RealModel helps create richer, more accurate models, delivering experiences that come really close to analog gear.
Smart "hands-on" control
Its smart touch controls deserve a mention, along with a truly intuitive software user interface. However experienced we may be, easy access and intuitive handling of tools are essential in our gear. Time for working, not for constantly studying every complex tool.
In addition, the company has achieved good synergy between the hardware and software controls. It provides well-crafted knobs for the input gain and preamp controls, and large assignable pots for the stereo outputs, headphone monitoring, mute, talkback, etc. The aim has been to give the user maximum comfort and flexibility.
The software, for its part, lets you route any input thanks to its color-coded routing matrix. Up to five presets can be saved so that our most common settings are stored.
It now adds connection with iOS technology and Android-compatible apps, so we can also connect wirelessly to keep control of the Goliath at all times.
