New Music Gear Monday: Antelope Orion32 Interface

When it comes to digital audio interfaces, the vast majority of multiple output units max out at either 8 or 16 inputs and/or outputs. While 16 inputs is enough for many users, it's becoming more and more likely that at least 24 inputs may be needed during a normal rhythm section tracking session. That dilemma has now been solved with the new Antelope Audio Orion32 and its 32 inputs and outputs

The Antelope Orion32 is a truly unique box in that it features a more features than the norm for an I/O box. Of course the biggest one is 32 analog inputs and outputs with Antelope's great A/D and D/A conversion. But the I/O doesn't end there. It also has 16 channels of ADAT and up to 64 channels of MADI as well. All analog I/O is on DSub connectors, which enables to box to fit into just a 1U rack space.

The Orion32 connects to your computer via USB and works with any DAW app that you might use. It even works well with iOS devices, allowing full recording capabilities with only an iPad, although a common iOS app like Auria might only be able to access 24 inputs at a time. That said, the latency is extremely low when recording regardless of the DAW, ranging from 1 to 6.5ms depending upon the sample rate.

The unit is also capable of working at sample rates up to 192kHz, and features an onboard precision clock similar to Antelope's own highly regarded Atomic Clock. It features 4 word clock outputs (unusual for an interface) so it can act as the master clock for a system, and has a word clock input as well.

The box also comes with a simple routing software app which can store a 5 routing presets which also can be accessed from the unit's front panel preset buttons.

The Antelope Audio Orion32 is priced at a very reasonable $2,795, considering the box's features. There are a lot more details on Antelope's Orion website.