A few days ago we announced the launch of the four new vintage compressors from Antelope Audio: the (BA-6A, FET-A78, SMT-100A and Grove Hill LIVERPOOL), as well as the FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) library. Today we take a closer look at these four processors, which can take audio realism to another level. They sound like real hardware. Why? Because they are real hardware.
FPGA allows owners of the company's ThunderboltTM and HDX audio interfaces to access unique hardware models of some of the most desirable vintage effects, with real-time performance that does not depend on DSP (digital signal processing), along with the alternative Antelope Audio Routing Matrix,view, available since September 4.
Antelope Audio's acclaimed FPGA effects take audio realism to another level. So it's no wonder they sound, behave and feel just like real hardware. Why? Well, to put it simply... they are real hardware!
Antelope Audio's well-known ThunderboltTM and HDX audio interfaces, such as the Orion Studio HD, Goliath HD, Orion Studio Rev. 2017, Orion32 HD, Zen Studio +, Orion Studio, Goliath, Orion32 + and Zen Tour, are built around these powerful audio effects.
The four new vintage compressors capture the spirit of the company's commitment to revolutionizing the world of digital audio interfaces with its custom FPGA, including its extensive, contemporary collaborative guitar amp and cabinet simulations, along with its expanding range of Antelope Audio's legendary studio gear. This not only guarantees the lowest sound latency on the market when creating and streaming multiple mixes, but also gives these pioneering, attractive devices great hardware modeling capabilities.
The first new compression model is Antelope Audio's new BA-6A, which follows in the footsteps of a legendary vintage design from the 1950s, with a wonderful, effective amplifier and a very simple design. The hardware unit was originally created for television and broadcasting purposes, but it became a favorite of many recording engineers because it was very easy to use and sounded great. Today it is not only still in use but still sought after and used worldwide in some significant professional studio facilities. With 3 amplification stages, moderate drive, heavy compression, fast attack and medium release, the BA-6A brings a balanced vintage sound to today's production desk. It also tames the most aggressive instruments or the wildest mixes without losing sight of the sound of any musical hit.
Anyone looking for a more classic style of compression should consider the FET-A78 a perfect candidate. Historically, its superlative sound underpins countless pop and rock recordings. It excels at processing individual instruments and is incredibly flexible, working on drums, guitars or vocals. This versatility extends to tracking groups such as backing vocals, overheads and synths, and it is even used for sound design duties, and it doesn't disappoint! It can be used in stereo mode or only on the most dynamic bass lines.
Another great classic from the eighties is the SMT-100A, one of the easiest compressors to get used to working with. Fortunately for all users, its ease of use doesn't sacrifice sound quality or effectiveness. Thanks to its fast attack times, it is perfect for vocals, drums and strident basses. The original unit has been a preferred choice among audio professionals for more than 30 years. Antelope Audio has nevertheless worked hard to preserve the special sound of this simple design, bringing established control into the FPGA domain so that users can focus on getting the smooth sound this exceptional eighties legend is known for.
Rounding out this triumphant lineup of audio compressors, the Grove Hill LIVERPOOL is a contemporary fusion that combines the best American and British compression technology to create a sound that is both familiar and fresh. Its origins go back to the sixties, a memorable musical era when iconic artists emerged and the foundations were laid for unmistakable classic rock 'n' roll records.
Rotary knobs to control INPUT gain, THRESHOLD, ATTACK time, RECOVERY time and OUTPUT ATTENUATOR gain (dB) ensure superb tube compression sounds that are rich, wide and strong thanks to their highly interactive nature. Users of Antelope Audio's first-class interfaces can now clearly bring body and soul to acoustic guitars; smooth out the midrange of guitar, synth and vocal tracks; or deliver strong, warm bass sounds. Grove Hill LIVERPOOL offers a very pleasant, powerful sound without affecting clarity.
The BA-6A, FET-A78 and SMT-100A are now available for Antelope Audio's Orion 32HD, Goliath HD, Orion Studio Rev. 2017, Orion Studio and Orion Studio HD audio interfaces (with Goliath, Orion 32+, Zen Tour and Zen Studio + coming soon), while Grove Hill LIVERPOOL is already available for Antelope Audio's HDX audio interfaces, Orion Studio HD, Orion 32HD and Goliath HD, with the rest to follow very soon.
Adding these four new compressors to its ever-expanding library of FPGA vintage effects finally gives owners of Antelope Audio's well-known ThunderboltTM and HDX audio interfaces access to even more exclusive hardware models of some of the most desirable vintage effects, without relying on DSP or native processing, while working with Antelope Audio's alternative Routing Matrix view.
Visually, this graphical user interface (GUI) allows quick, intuitive linking between the audio interface's inputs and outputs, including multichannel routing. Users can now also save and load presets, even across different Antelope Audio devices. Alternatively, the original Antelope audio routing matrix view is designed to achieve the same input-to-output results; only the connections are displayed differently. Users can simply switch modes from the Control Panel desktop software, choosing whatever works best for their workflow.
Drive and compress freely with these four new vintage compressors on Antelope Audio's best audio interfaces, which include powerful processing that can now handle up to 32 instances of vintage compressors and 40 EQs. This further broadens the creative scope available to its ever-growing user base. Better still, as with all of Antelope Audio's FPGA models, the tonal characteristics of the circuits in the original units are authentically recreated. Mix and match independently and EQ better than ever!
