Antelope Orion 32 Multichannel Converter

[Clybourne]

jrhager84: The answer is those latency numbers were at 44.1k

In general, there seems to be a lot of questions about the sound of the Orion and also where it stands vs. the Eclipse. I don't envision anyone selling off their Eclipse, just because we now have a 32 ch unit. The Eclipse has a lot of features the Orion doesn't. With the Eclipse you can instantly check up to five different points in a mastering chain (source, analog input, post-A/D, digital insert, mastering plugs at end). Also, Eclipse has three sets of monitor outs, sub out, bass management, as well as three sets of routable analog inputs (all XLR). Not to mention, two different clock rates with vari-speed capability.

Sound-wise, the Eclipse has a more "open" airy sound. But, the Orion has a punchier lower mid-range. I think those mids are well-suited for a multi-channel unit and the openness of the Eclipse is suited well for full-on two channel masters. So, they're different animals that should match up to their intended applications. As Paris said, get "slutty" and have both! :-)

I have to say, I'm really not into some of the comments about comparing the Orion to other converters. It's really it's own animal. I know many of you mentioned other products that you were looking at. It can't do many things those units can, but it does very well at being a small, high track count, simple to use, great sounding tool. It won't replace every converter out there, but it can do things other ones can't. There's no "crushing" or "killing", it's just a fresh solution/option in my view. A lot of guys will get this for it's uses and keep things they already have for others. With ADAT, MADI, USB (via aggregate) and S/PDIF, Orion 32 will play nice with other gear in your studio. Just the fact that it's a CLOCK with (4) WC outs, plus several converter channels thrown in, really does make it a sweet value.

We didn't go for some kind of "kill". We built a box that stands on it's own merits and we believe is representative of the future of converters.

For those asking about the clock. It's our 64-bit AFC clock, which is newer than OCX. It's a completely other issue, but the OCX has it's own charms and certain sonic benefits, so even comparing our own products isn't really a fair thing to do. They're a bit different. In the words of another engineer "varying degrees of amazing"... :-)

As I always say. In the end, it's best that you "listen" for yourself and choose what's best for you.

We're incredibly pleased with all the interest and early orders!

So thank you kind Sluts!
Marcel

[nicklitwin]

....as Marcel said, it's the newer clocking tech, the 64-bit AFC that you would find in their acclaimed Trinity Clock.

If I can help anyone with this, I used to own and OCX (with 10M Atomic Clock) and sold it to replace it with the 64-bit Trinity (with the 10M of course). Even better clarity and soundstage =)

Best from Spain!

Nick
:::_Mastering Mansion_:::

Importer/Distributor for most Hi-End Audio brands (like Antelope Audio!) in Europe.

[JSt0rm]

I'm sure it's been said but protools connectivity would of cinched it for me.

[RoundBadge]

Originally Posted by JSt0rm

I'm sure it's been said but protools connectivity would of cinched it for me.

+100

[otobianki74]

Originally Posted by RoundBadge

+100

100%!!!

[dlmorley]

Isn't PT connectivity easy with say the SSL MADI HD interface?

[Melgueil]

Originally Posted by Clybourne

jrhager84: The answer is those latency numbers were at 44.1k

In general, there seems to be a lot of questions about the sound of the Orion and also where it stands vs. the Eclipse. I don't envision anyone selling off their Eclipse, just because we now have a 32 ch unit. The Eclipse has a lot of features the Orion doesn't. With the Eclipse you can instantly check up to five different points in a mastering chain (source, analog input, post-A/D, digital insert, mastering plugs at end). Also, Eclipse has three sets of monitor outs, sub out, bass management, as well as three sets of routable analog inputs (all XLR). Not to mention, two different clock rates with vari-speed capability.

Sound-wise, the Eclipse has a more "open" airy sound. But, the Orion has a punchier lower mid-range. I think those mids are well-suited for a multi-channel unit and the openness of the Eclipse is suited well for full-on two channel masters. So, they're different animals that should match up to their intended applications. As Paris said, get "slutty" and have both! :-)

I have to say, I'm really not into some of the comments about comparing the Orion to other converters. It's really it's own animal. I know many of you mentioned other products that you were looking at. It can't do many things those units can, but it does very well at being a small, high track count, simple to use, great sounding tool. It won't replace every converter out there, but it can do things other ones can't. There's no "crushing" or "killing", it's just a fresh solution/option in my view. A lot of guys will get this for it's uses and keep things they already have for others. With ADAT, MADI, USB (via aggregate) and S/PDIF, Orion 32 will play nice with other gear in your studio. Just the fact that it's a CLOCK with (4) WC outs, plus several converter channels thrown in, really does make it a sweet value.

We didn't go for some kind of "kill". We built a box that stands on it's own merits and we believe is representative of the future of converters.

For those asking about the clock. It's our 64-bit AFC clock, which is newer than OCX. It's a completely other issue, but the OCX has it's own charms and certain sonic benefits, so even comparing our own products isn't really a fair thing to do. They're a bit different. In the words of another engineer "varying degrees of amazing"... :-)

As I always say. In the end, it's best that you "listen" for yourself and choose what's best for you.

We're incredibly pleased with all the interest and early orders!

So thank you kind Sluts!
Marcel

Nice post and a welcome touch of humbleness and modesty from a gear manufacturer in this über-hyped world of pro audio. A welcome departure from what we often see from some of your competitors ("best in world, blah, blah").

The fact is, deny as you will - you have shaken up the market with this product and that`s always a good thing for all of us. Now... about a 16 I/O box ....because there, you will score big as well.

Cdlt

[RoundBadge]

Originally Posted by dlmorley

Isn't PT connectivity easy with say the SSL MADI HD interface?

I'm thinking it would.
don't know how this setup would handle PT delay compensation,etc.
but the SSL Madi for pro tools is another 4 grand.
so your in the 7k-sh region now.
I was initially excited about new a 3k-ish 32ch hi res interface ..but the Madi interconnect will actually run you more than the interface itself.

I'm currently running Apogee 16X's with the Trinity/Atomic clock so I'm wondering how big a leap in conversion quality I'd get with the Orion/SSL Madi combo.

[Rev. Eslam]

Originally Posted by Clybourne

jrhager84: The answer is those latency numbers were at 44.1k

Sound-wise, the Eclipse has a more "open" airy sound. But, the Orion has a punchier lower mid-range. I think those mids are well-suited for a multi-channel unit and the openness of the Eclipse is suited well for full-on two channel masters. So, they're different animals that should match up to their intended applications. As Paris said, get "slutty" and have both! :-)

I have to say, I'm really not into some of the comments about comparing the Orion to other converters. It's really it's own animal. I know many of you mentioned other products that you were looking at. It can't do many things those units can, but it does very well at being a small, high track count, simple to use, great sounding tool. It won't replace every converter out there, but it can do things other ones can't. There's no "crushing" or "killing", it's just a fresh solution/option in my view. A lot of guys will get this for it's uses and keep things they already have for others. With ADAT, MADI, USB (via aggregate) and S/PDIF, Orion 32 will play nice with other gear in your studio. Just the fact that it's a CLOCK with (4) WC outs, plus several converter channels thrown in, really does make it a sweet value.
Marcel

YOU, Mr. Marcel, may not be interested in comparing the Orion to other converters since you already work for arguably the finest converter company on earth but we as consumers may wish to do our own research and comparisons. I'm sure you can understand our position.

One thing which I forgot to mention in a previous post is that I have reservations about buying an interface which only has ASIO drivers since I have never had any success with that protocol on my old computers. Perhaps my two new laptops will end that run of back luck. Is there any hope of WDM drivers being programmed when the product is finally released early next year?

And as you can see, I am not the only person who is wishing for a lower in/out count version of the Orion. I'm about 95% certain I will never require more than about ten analogue inputs.

And furthermore, one would need to figure in the cost of several breakout cables in the total cost, which can get rather expensive if good quality cables are desired (and I cannot imagine anyone would use cheap and nasty cables with an Antelope product).

[Jeff D.]

Originally Posted by JSt0rm

I'm sure it's been said but protools connectivity would of cinched it for me.

Can't it be used w/PT via the built-in USB interface?

[lozion]

Originally Posted by RoundBadge

I'm thinking it would.
don't know how this setup would handle PT delay compensation,etc.
but the SSL Madi for pro tools is another 4 grand.
so your in the 7k-sh region now.
I was initially excited about new a 3k-ish 32ch hi res interface ..but the Madi interconnect will actually run you more than the interface itself.

I'm currently running Apogee 16X's with the Trinity/Atomic clock so I'm wondering how big a leap in conversion quality I'd get with the Orion/SSL Madi combo.

If 32 I/O is enough, I would simply get the SSL 64 Madixtreme card and run PTHD10 via coreaudio. No TDM but basically a low latency (via MADI) PTHD Native rig with Antelope conversion&clocking.

[nicklitwin]

If you need more I/O's:

SSL MadiXtreme 64 is about 550 euros (around 695 u$s)
SSL MadiXtreme 128 is about 890 euros (around 1125 u$s)
RME MADI BRIDGE is about 1550 euros (around 1950 u$s)
RME HDSPe MADI PCIe card is about 1100 euros (around 1390 u$s)
RME HDSP MADI PCI card is about 890 euros (around 1125 u$s)
RME HDSPe Madiface is about 1055 euros (around 1330 u$s)

This way you can all have a real idea of the "extra" needed if you want to run all the channels together with PT through MADI and possibly even more Orion32 units linked together =)
Cheers to all!

Nick
:::_Mastering Mansion_:::

Importer/Distributor for most Hi-End Audio brands (like Antelope Audio!) in Europe.

[dbjp]

Not if we're talking PTHD.

[nicklitwin]

I just talked to Antelope and they just confirmed December shipping, both in the US and Europe =)

dbjp.... why do you say that's not true with PT HD? If you add a Madi Bridge it should work fine, don't it?

Cheers,
Nick

[dbjp]

What's a Madi bridge? Maybe I'm just not aware of the product?
The delta link, which works between Madi interfaces and PTHD is $2500.

Edit
Whoops, I see it's a RME product. I'll check it out.

[dbjp]

How do you use the madi bridge to interface the Antelope to PTHD cards?

[RoundBadge]

Originally Posted by lozion

If 32 I/O is enough, I would simply get the SSL 64 Madixtreme card and run PTHD10 via coreaudio. No TDM but basically a low latency (via MADI) PTHD Native rig with Antelope conversion&clocking.

nope cant do it.
tons of sessions here are TDM.

[raffaelebonetti]

Hello,

I am really really thrilled with this interface. Just what I was looking for.
My only doubt is if it is possible to route inputs and outputs, like the RME Totalmix.

If anyone has the answer I would really appreciate it.

Best Regards,

Raffaele

[RoundBadge]

Originally Posted by dbjp

How do you use the madi bridge to interface the Antelope to PTHD cards?

I don't see any Madi capability with HD cards on the RME website.

[JSt0rm]

the only way to use this with protools hd/hdx is to purchase the avid madi box. That box is $5000 so the total cost for these converters is $8000 if you want to use them with protools. however for another 3k you can add 32 more for 64 i/o@11k. Someone will want that but the market would be bigger for this with hd/hdx connectivity from the get go.

[RoundBadge]

Originally Posted by JSt0rm

the only way to use this with protools hd/hdx is to purchase the avid madi box. That box is $5000 so the total cost for these converters is $8000 if you want to use them with protools. however for another 3k you can add 32 more for 64 i/o@11k. Someone will want that but the market would be bigger for this with hd/hdx connectivity from the get go.

8K for a convertor upgrade?
nah.. I think that would be a big pass for me.

[JSt0rm]

Originally Posted by RoundBadge

8K for a convertor upgrade?
nah.. I think that would be a big pass for me.

you could get 2 hd i/o 16 in outs for that. The economics won't make sense in this. Unless these converters are as good as or better then the stock hd i/o converters. I think the madi price is by design to make it more economical to buy avid. However if buying 64 i/o this is cheaper then 4 hd i/o so there is that.

[crypticglobe]

Forgive me if I missed it in this thread as I skimmed it... but the obvious (to me) question is, can we cascade two of these via MADI for 64 inputs/outputs. In other words, if I am using an RME MADI card, can I cascade inputs and have one of these boxes give me 1-32 and the 2nd 33-64? Same with outputs. So I can use two for 64 i/o with a standard MADI card? The RME converters do this, but are a good bit more money of course.

Thanks!

[dbjp]

Originally Posted by RoundBadge

I don't see any Madi capability with HD cards on the RME website.

Yeah, what I thought.

[Cody]

This is going to be my next AD/DA...

Given how good converters sound these days, I'm not worried if this box will slay some other box.

I'm planning on using this as my AD/DA for my Zed R16, then using the additional channels for hardware inserts, and maybe sending additional stems out the stereo inputs on the Zed.

The fact it's 32 i/o and 1RU is amazing...

[Rev. Eslam]

Originally Posted by Jeff D.

Can't it be used w/PT via the built-in USB interface?

I believe it can but only the "native" version of Pro Fools (I mean Pro Tools)

[Clybourne]

Originally Posted by crypticglobe

Forgive me if I missed it in this thread as I skimmed it... but the obvious (to me) question is, can we cascade two of these via MADI for 64 inputs/outputs. In other words, if I am using an RME MADI card, can I cascade inputs and have one of these boxes give me 1-32 and the 2nd 33-64? Same with outputs. So I can use two for 64 i/o with a standard MADI card? The RME converters do this, but are a good bit more money of course.

Thanks!

Yes, you will be able to do this.

Also, the cheapest way I can see to use with PTHD will be this SSL Delta Link MADI interface for $2500
Solid State Logic | Music

[Portubong]

Nicklitwin great great price...i was waiting 2995 euros but it`s 2495¡¡ i think that
another shops should be applying the same thing that in this case in Europe...

Sirs this is a dream come true for me and i guess that for so much people too
Of course i think first we have to take a listen but for the price and the specs
this is invatible right now¡¡

Cheers

[JSt0rm]

Originally Posted by Clybourne

Yes, you will be able to do this.

Also, the cheapest way I can see to use with PTHD will be this SSL Delta Link MADI interface for $2500
Solid State Logic | Music

Thats a good point. $5500 all in for 32 i/o

[Duardo]

Well, one thousand dollars lower is a much lower price in my opinion and makes it compete with the Lynx Hilo, which can be had for a little over USD$2,000 new on eBay.

The two units are different enough that I don't see how they're even comparable at all, in anything other than price...they're very different animals.

And I don't know much about what's going on inside the box, but considering (again) everything involved besides just the converters...I'm not even sure it's safe to assume that cutting the number of A/D and D/A converters in half would cut the price by a third.

We didn't go for some kind of "kill".

Well, I think that you failed there, because even though it's obviously not the right box for every situation...if it sounds as good as it's fairly safe to assume it does, I think it will be some kind of kill.