In this guide, we'll show you how to connect and route a Zen Q Synergy Core interface with an external Stereo Bus Compressor. The same process applies for Discrete 4 and 8 Synergy Core. Follow these steps to integrate your analog gear seamlessly into your digital workflow.
Step 1: Connect Physical Inputs and Outputs
⦁ Connect Line Outputs:
⦁ Use TRS cables to connect the Line Outputs of your Antelope interface to the Line Inputs of your analog gear.
⦁ Connect Line Inputs:
⦁ Use TRS cables to connect the Line Outputs of your analog gear to the Preamps of your Antelope interface. In this example, the outputs of the outboard gear are connected to Zen Q's preamps 3 and 4.
Step 2: Configure Routing in the Control Panel
⦁ Open Control Panel:
⦁ Launch the Antelope Launcher and open the Control Panel for your Antelope Audio interface.
⦁ Set Up Line Outputs:
⦁ Navigate to the Line Out/Analog Out section.
⦁ Select the Output channels you want to send to your analog gear and route them to your Line Outs. The outputs of your DAW correspond to the Computer Play channels on your Antelope Audio interface, with 1-2 always being your Master Out.
⦁ In this example, we use Computer Play 3-4, corresponding to Output 3-4 in your DAW. Link the channels and turn the faders up to send the signal to the Line Outputs.
⦁ Configure Preamps:
⦁ Ensure that the Preamps on your Antelope Audio interface are set to Line mode.
⦁ Route the preamps to DAW inputs 3 and 4, as shown in the Control Panel.
Step 3: Set Up Hardware Insert in Your DAW
After configuring the physical connections and Control Panel routing, the final step is to set up the hardware insert in your DAW. Different DAWs have unique methods for this, so you'll need to refer to your DAW’s documentation. Here's how to get started:
⦁ Logic Pro: Use the I/O Plugin to create a hardware insert.
⦁ Studio One: Use the Pipeline XT Plugin.
⦁ Pro Tools: Set up Hardware Inserts directly within the software.
In this example, you will use Outputs 3 and 4 and Inputs 3 and 4 as configured in the Control Panel.
By following these steps, you can successfully integrate your analog gear with the Zen Q Synergy Core, enhancing your production workflow with high-quality outboard processing.