Antelope Audio Introduces MP8d, New Eight-channel Microphone Preamplifier with A/D conversion
MP8d Follows Successes of Zen Studio and MP32 mic preamp, Firmly Establishing Exceptional Quality of Antelope Audio’s Mic Pre Design Capabilities
MP8d is an eight-channel class-A microphone preamplifier, which boasts Antelope Audio’s integrated world-class A/D conversion. Antelope’s converters are widely regarded for their naturally warm, yet sonically accurate sound signature. This both classically rich and modernly precise sound is accomplished thanks to Antelope’s Acoustically Focused Clocking jitter management algorithm and Oven-Controlled crystal oscillator, along with advanced analog and digital circuit board design, powered by a proprietary power supply.
Antelope has set new standards in high-quality mic preamps in the past year with the Zen Studio and MP32, and this technology has been further evolved for the mic pres in MP8d for optimum precision, while at the same time remaining smooth and natural. The result is an eight-channel reference-quality mic preamp, providing pristine sound with no coloration, and enough power to drive even gain hungry ribbon microphones.
“MP8d is the latest addition to Antelope’s expanding eco-system concept, with the goal of maintaining a stable and coherent audio signal throughout the entire recording, mixing and mastering process,” says Igor levin, CEO and founder of Antelope Audio. “MP8d now adds a product to the Antelope lineup that provides clean and transparent microphone gain, with precise A/D conversion, along with an optimized analog drive stage to gently handle overloads, allowing the engineer to capture the purest sound quality, even when recording hot signal levels,” Levin adds.
Analog Versatility
The MP8d mic pres are combo XLR/TRS connectors, which accept both mic and line level signals. Hi-Z inputs are associated with channels 1 and 2, and are accessible via dedicated TRS connectors on the front panel. Inserts for connecting your favorite effects outboard gear are available on the rear panel. A high-end headphone amp is accessible from the front panel to provide the convenience of integrated monitoring. The analog connectivity is accomplished with a D-Sub 25 connector directly outputting the mic signals at line level, making MP8d a perfect companion device for Antelope’s Orion32 and Zen Studio audio interfaces.
Digital Efficiency
A plethora of digital connectors offer a wide variety of options, providing extreme flexibility and enhanced productivity. MP8d utilizes Antelope’s battle-tested custom-built USB chip and PC/Mac drivers, allowing 24-bit/192 kHz streaming of 24 simultaneous I/O. In addition S/PDIF, AES/EBU, TOSLINK, ADAT and MADI connections expand the product compatibility and allow for both easy connection to other outboard gear or DAW, as well as cascading two or more MP8d units, expanding the channel count.
Flexible Management
MP8d relies on the highly sophisticated yet easy to use software control concept developed for Orion32 and Zen Studio. The intuitive user interface with color-coded drag and drop signal routing, multiple mixers and powerful DSP engine with on-board effects, makes the device extremely flexible and suited to various recording applications. Programmable presets allow for easy and fast recall of preferred configurations, while ergonomic aluminum knobs on the front panel provide precise mic gain adjustment in real-time.
MP8d is scheduled to ship in Q3 of 2015 and will be priced at €1,995.
About Antelope Audio
Antelope Audio is a leading manufacturer of high-end professional audio equipment and the pioneer in the adoption of Atomic clock generators.
The company utilizes Igor Levin’s more than 20 years’ experience in digital audio to develop professional and consumer high-end products with the signature Antelope Audio sound. The company employs proprietary clocking and jitter management technologies as well as custom-designed digital and analog circuits to provide both professional audio engineers and music aficionados with unprecedented musicality, sound stage and clarity.
Antelope is the first to design a 1U 32-channel audio interface and a multi-channel portable interface with 12 mic pres. Antelope’s breakthrough technologies are offering both studio and live audio engineers great productivity and flexibility.
The company’s customers include many Grammy award-winning sound engineers and some of the most renowned recording, mastering and post-production facilities around the globe.
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