Please note that the mandatory device activation procedure requires an active Internet connection on your computer. Activating an Antelope Audio device offline is not possible. Your Zen Quadro Synergy Core must be activated online to work. This article contains the necessary instructions:
1. Connect the Zen Quadro Synergy Core primary USB 1 port to a Windows or macOS computer using a USB type-C cable.
Important: Zen Quadro Synergy Core is a USB-C bus-powered interface and therefore it requires steady power from the computer ports. It is recommended to use ports such as USB 3, USB 3.1/USB-C that are located on the motherboard. Even though USB 2.0 ports may still be used, some may not deliver enough power. In such a case, the secondary USB-C port can be used.
2. Open your internet browser and navigate to https://en.antelopeaudio.com/login/
3. Login to the Antelope Audio user area with your e-mail and password. If you don't have an account, visit https://en.antelopeaudio.com/sign-up/ to create one.
4. Click on the 'Activate New Device' button.
5. Click on 'Zen Quadro Synergy Core' from the device list.
6. Download and install the Antelope Launcher application for Windows or macOS.
7. Open the Antelope Launcher application, enter the e-mail and password you used to login into the Antelope Audio user area and click 'Login'.
The device will be automatically recognized by the Antelope Launcher, and you can safely proceed to the next step.
8. Click on 'Activate.
Note: During the activation process, you can also pair any standard and promotional software bundles available in your account with your device. Antelope Audio Zen Quadro Synergy Core User Manual Page 9
9. Install Software bundle After successful activation of your device, click on “Software Installation” This step is necessary to install the latest firmware and control panel for your device.
* On Windows – this step will also install the latest driver for your device. The device will restart after a successful installation. Click 'Done' and the activation is finished.
Configuring for Windows 10
To optimize Zen Quadro Synergy Core for Windows 10/11 audio playback and recording:
1. Enter the ‘Sounds’ options window from the Control Panel; or right-click the speaker icon in the system tray and choose ‘Open Sound settings’.
2. Make sure the Zen Quadro Synergy Core is chosen under 'Output' and 'Input':
● Under 'Output', the interface should be listed as ' Zen Quadro SC USB Audio Driver Playback 1/2'. There will be 4 pairs of playback devices available.
● Under 'Input', the device should be listed as ' Zen Quadro SC USB Audio Driver Recording 1/2'. There will be 4 pairs of recording devices available.
3. Click 'Device Properties' under 'Output'. Then, click 'Additional Device Properties'.
4. Enter the ‘Supported Formats’ tab and place checkmarks next to all the available sample rates.
5. Enter the ‘Enhancements’ tab and disable all enhancements.
6. Enter the ‘Advanced’ tab and choose any of the available “2 channel, 24-bit” modes from the drop-down menu. Click ‘OK’ to close the window.
7. Back in Sound settings, click 'Device Properties' under 'Input'. Then, click 'Additional Device Properties'. Enter the 'Enhancements' tab and disable all enhancements. Click 'OK' to close the window.
Tips
● If you are experiencing interruptions or failure when using your DAW and trying to playback audio from your OS at the same time, make sure that the device sample rate matches the one of your DAW session.
● In some cases, disabling the ‘Exclusive mode’ functionality from the ‘Advanced’ tabs might help when running multiple playback applications at the same time.
● Disabling the 32kHz sample rate isn’t mandatory, but it might help in general.
Further Reading - Antelope Audio Knowledge Base Windows 10 Optimization
Configuring for macOS (10.14 and later)
The security settings in macOS (10.14 and later) may result in no input signal reaching your DAW, despite having everything set up correctly.
These steps apply when you are using the Zen Quadro Synergy Core in a DAW for the first time:
1. Launch your DAW and choose Zen Quadro Synergy Core as the input device. The following dialog box will appear (if using Ableton Live 10 Suite, for example):
2. Click 'OK' and your DAW should function normally.
However, if the events above did not occur for some reason, or you are using multiple DAWs, you must do a manual tweak for each in 'Security & Privacy' settings:
1. Click the 'Apple' symbol and choose 'System Preferences'. Head to the 'Security & Privacy' settings menu.
2. Click the 'Privacy' tab. In the column on the left, choose ‘Microphone’. Make sure there's a checkmark next to any DAW you want to use.
Note: You may have to click the padlock symbol in the bottom left corner and enter your password to make changes
Install the Unified Driver for macOS
Zen Quadro SC is a Class Compliant device and can run straight out of the box without a driver installation. However, we recommend installing the Antelope Unified Driver following the steps below to ensure optimal performance and stability. Navigate to the SYSTEM tab in the Antelope Launcher and click Install on the latest available Bundle version for the Antelope Unified Driver:
To allow the Unified Driver on macOS 10.15 Catalina, 11 Big Sur or 12 Monterey, visit this article.
To allow the Unified Driver on macOS Ventura and Sonoma, visit this article.
To allowing the Unified Driver on Apple Silicon computers, visit this article.
System Requirements:
Mac:
Windows:
Mobile Device compatibility:
iOS:
Android:
Zen Quadro SC secondary USB 2 port is UAC2 (USB Audio Class 2) and it is generally compatible with mobile devices supporting UAC2 audio devices with USB-C ports.
Still, different operating system versions and smartphone manufacturer variations can cause issues, therefore we cannot guarantee full compatibility.
Analog Inputs
2 × Mic / Line Inputs / Hi-Z Inputs
2 x Line inputs / Hi-Z Inputs
48V phantom power and independent preamp gain for each input
Analog Outputs
1 × Stereo Monitor Out on TRS 1/4 Jacks, +20 dBu max, signal balanced, DC-coupled
1 × Stereo Line Out on TRS 1/4 Jacks, +20 dBu max, signal balanced, DC-coupled
2 × Stereo Headphone Outputs
Mic Preamp
Dynamic Range: 122 dB (A-weighted)
THD: -116 dB
Max input level: +20 dBu
Max Gain: 75 dB
D/A Monitor Converter
Dynamic Range: 130 dB (A-Weighed)
THD + N: -115 dB
Max output level: +20 dBu
D/A Line Out Converter
Dynamic Range: 130 dB (A-Weighed)
THD + N: -115 dB
Max output level: +20 dBu
Headphone outputs
Dynamic Range: 118 dB (A-Weighed)
Output impedance: 10 Ω
A/D Converter
Dynamic Range: 122 dB
THD + N: -116 dB
Digital Inputs
1 × S/PDIF (2 channels up to 192kHz)
1 x ADAT IN (up to 8 channels @ 44.1/48.0 kHz, supports up to 192kHz)
Digital Outputs
1 × S/PDIF (2 channels up to 192kHz)
Interface I/O
1 x USB 2.0 Type-C connector
16 channels of playback and recording, 24-bit / 192kHz
Compatible with Windows and macOS
1 x USB 2.0 Type-C connector
2 channels of playback and recording, 24-bit / 192kHz
Supports reverse charging for mobile devices
Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android* and iOS* devices
*Compatibility depends on the mobile device’s power delivery and specifications
*Apple devices with Lightning ports require an Apple certified Camera kit adapter
Clocking System
4th Generation Acoustically Focused Clocking (AFC™)
64-bit DDS
Sample Rates (kHz)
44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192
OTHER
Operating Temperature
0-50°C, 32-122°F
Weight (Approx.)
0.9 kg / 1.98 lbs.
Dimensions - Device (Approx)
Width: 210mm / 8.2”
Height: 58mm / 2.3”
Depth: 136 mm / 5.3”
How to adjust the sample rate when using secondary USB 2 port?
Typically, you cannot change the sample rate of your mobile device, so you need to manually match the sample rate of the Zen Quadro SC. If you are using a mobile device (connected to USB 2 port) together with a computer (connected to a USB 1 port), you need to adjust the computer sample rate to match the mobile device sample rate (change your DAW Audio settings or OS Audio settings). The numbers of the two sample rates have to always match:
If you are using only the USB 2 port with a mobile device, you need to navigate to the CONTROL MENU by holding the GAIN button, then go to Sample Rate and choose the correct sample rate, shown in red. Unplug the USB cable and plug it back in to reboot and sync the communication in case there is distortion.
Can you connect the Zen Quadro SC to a Thunderbolt port?
Yes – you can connect it to a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port because they are USB-C compatible. The Quadro will still work as a USB device. Thunderbolt 2 ports are not compatible.
Is afx2daw available for Zen Quadro Synergy Core?
No - afx2daw is not available for Zen Quadro. To use your real-time FX in the DAW, please refer to this article, showing how to set them up as hardware inserts.
Can the dual USB be used for redundancy in live setups?
Yes - the playback and recording on the two USB ports are independent from one another, so if one computer stops recording, the other one will continue to record. It’s important that both systems use the sample sample rate.
Interrupting the power delivery to the primary USB 1 port may result in the Zen Quadro SC to reboot, which will interrupt the playback/recording process.
Can I connect and use the OTG functionality with an iPhone / iPad with Lightning port?
Yes - to connect to an iPhone with Lightning port, you need a Camera Kit adapter (not included), because the Lightning port does not support connections in which the Apple device acts as a host (OTG). Since most Apple products with Lightning ports cannot deliver enough power, the Primary USB 1 port must be connected to a USB port or an external power supply, providing at least 5V and at least 1.5A. while the Secondary USB 2 port is connected to the Apple device via the Camera kit adapter:
Can I connect and use the OTG functionality on an iPhone 15 / iPad with USB-C port?
Yes - with a USB-C to USB-C cable (included). iPhone 15 can provide enough power to run the Zen Quadro SC on itself, but in case of insufficient power delivery from the iPhone/iPad, you can connect the primary USB 1 port to to a USB port or an external power supply, providing at least 5V and at least 1.5A.
Can Synergy Core real-time FX be used in the DAW as plugins?
You can use Synergy Core real-time FX as hardware inserts in any DAW, in the same way you would route an external hardware outboard as an insert. Please check out this article for further instructions.
My Zen Quadro SC does not turn on, what should I do?
⦁ If you are using with a mobile device only
In case you are trying to use a mobile device only, first make sure you have connected it to the secondary USB 2 port.
If the Zen Quadro SC still does not boot up or keeps restarting, connect the primary USB 1 port to a separate power supply adapter or to a computer USB port, delivering 5V and at least 1.5A.
⦁ If you are using with a computer
Zen Quadro Synergy Core is a USB-C bus-powered interface and therefore it requires steady power from the computer ports. It is recommended to use cables no longer than 1.5m (shorter is better) and computer ports such as USB 3, USB 3.1/USB-C that are located on the motherboard, delivering 5V and at least 1.5A. Even though USB 2.0 ports may still be used, some may not deliver enough power. In such a case, the secondary USB 2 port can be used for additional power supply, connecting it to another USB port or a separate power supply adapter.
