Antelope Audio has announced the arrival of its FET-A76 solid-state compressor to its latest hardware interfaces, as well as a further expansion of its EQ offerings with four new vintage hardware models.
Each hardware-based model leverages Antelope’s leading edge proprietary Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology, and joins a growing range of signal processing offered by Antelope Audio with near-zero latency performance and the exacting character of the original vintage gear. Antelope Audio is already well known in the market as an expert in clocking and conversion technologies.
The FET-A76, VEQ-HLF, Helios 69, NEU-PEV and Lang PEQ2 add more essential tools for tracking and mixing to the growing Antelope Audio digital platform, and are available immediately as an update for the Goliath, Zen Tour and Orion Studio hardware.
Antelope harnesses a classic
FET-based compression has been a staple in the studio since its invention in the late 60s. The Antelope FET-A76 captures all of the nuances of a vintage FET compressor, and like its analog progenitor, is useful not only for controlling dynamics and sculpting tone but also for its ability to add punch and presence to anything passing through its circuit. Mirroring the original hardware’s easy-to-use interface, the FET-A76 features Input and Output gain controls and a selectable 4-way ratio control with hidden “all-buttons” mode for a more aggressive compression character.The FET-A76 shines in a wide range of applications, from vocals to bass guitar to buss compression, and is a powerful companion to Antelope Audio’s already-available FPGA EQ models, including the recently released BAE Audio 1073.
“The FET compressor has been a studio workhorse for decades, and now thanks to our proprietary FPGA technology we can model the character of this classic outboard gear in-hardware on our interfaces with near-zero latency,” says Marcel James, director of U.S. sales, Antelope Audio. “Whether you apply the it to individual tracks or to the mix bus, the FET-A76 puts the musical analog character and all the incredible dynamics shaping potential of this classic circuit at the fingertips of Antelope Audio’s users to make their mixes shine.”
In addition to the FET-A76, Antelope Audio continues to grow its impressive range of EQ models with no less than four new classic circuits. These new models bring the power of timeless mixing consoles and outboard gear to your desktop with the speed and precision of Antelope’s FPGA technology for a seamless experience.
VEQ-HLF – Pultec’s simple and effective filter features two knobs: one each for passive low-cut and high-cut filters at carefully selected frequency intervals.
With 10 frequency selections available per band, it is the perfect tool for creating space in your mix by eliminating unneeded frequencies at the extremes of the audio spectrum — while ensuring a musical analog tone.
Helios 69 – Modeled on a classic British console EQ used in recordings by well-known artists of the 60s and 70s ranging from The Beatles to Led Zeppelin, the Helios 69 adds astonishing analog detail to your audio it allows Antelope Audio users to achieve depth and texture formerly the sole territory of standalone hardware.
The bass band is a stepped 50 Hz shelf filter or frequency selectable peak EQ, the treble band is a fixed 10 kHz shelf EQ, and the mid section sports a frequency-selectable peak or notch EQ with 8 frequencies available. The control panel is rounded out with a level knob, EQ bypass, and phase reverse button. This EQ is notable for its ability to preserve transparency while adding space and presence, and Antelope Audio’s model of this highly coveted circuit delivers unprecedented authenticity.
NEU-PEV – This EQ is modeled on a rare German passive equalizer designed in the 60s.
Its simple interface belies the complex tonal possibilities achievable with its four main knobs. A low shelving filter is fixed at 60Hz and can apply a boost or cut. The “Presence” section offers up to 8 dB of boost for one of 7 selectable frequencies between 700 Hz and 5.6 kHz, while a 10kHz high shelf allows boost or cut at the top end of the frequency spectrum. An on-off switch and output gain control provide users with even more utility. Notable for its warmth and spacious midrange, the NEU-PEV makes some of the most compelling sounds of both yesterday and today achievable without a massive rack of aging vintage gear.
Lang PEQ2 – The PEQ2 is a solid-state parametric EQ model based on a vintage EQ from the 1960s.
Featuring controls similar to the VEQ-1A tube EQ (already available in Vintage Pack 2.0), the PEQ2 really stands apart from the pack thanks to its frequency control, allowing users to set different and separate LF boost and LF cut frequencies. The PEQ2 provides plenty of width in the midrange while retaining tightness on the high end and low end and its high end bands excel at giving tracks that extra shine, making it an all-star on vocals and drum overheads.
The FET-A76, VEQ-HLF and Helios 69 will be available tomorrow and free of charge for owners of Antelope Audio’s Orion Studio and Zen Tour interfaces and for Goliath in the near future. The NEU-PEV and Lang PEQ2 are coming later this month.
More information: Antilope Audio
