Antelope Audio is one of a growing number of pro audio manufacturers making investments into hardware-based mic, preamp, and equipment emulation. These high-quality, low-cost products approximate the recording world’s most lusted-for (and expensive) units, and often do it quite well. Antelope Audio has just announced the EDGE Strip bundle, a combo package of their highly-acclaimed EDGE modeling microphone, and the new Discrete MP preamp.
Antelope Audio has a reputation for clarity and a pristine audio path, and the EDGE Strip promises to continue that tradition. The all-analog boxes pack a lot in: two combo jack (XLR and 1/4 in.) inputs for mic/line use; two balanced TRS outputs; USB (for remote control of the unit’s FGPA FX; and a 48V phantom-powered mic preamp with 61dB of gain. The unit also comes equipped with a calibration oscillator for integrating the unit into your existing pro audio setup.
The FPGA FX modeling chips, similar to the chips in Universal Audio boxes, have received rave reviews for quality and authenticity. Models include emulations of classic units from Neumann, AKG, and more. The EDGE mic features dual edge-terminated capsules for a smooth/natural sound reproducing the expressiveness and character of expensive classic microphones.
Taken together, the EDGE Strip bundle represents a pretty unique value proposition. For $1,612 (€1295) you get a high-quality analog preamp, a workhorse large-diaphragm condenser mic, and two circuits of modeling firepower. It is true that these capabilities are all available elsewhere, but rarely (if ever) has a company created a voice-to-conversion package, designed to work seamlessly together like EDGE Strip. You need to bring your own analog-to-digital conversion, but given that most project studios already have this capability, we don’t suspect this will be a sticking point for many.
Antelope Audio have created an intriguing product package with EDGE Strip. The cost-to-performance ratio seems very high, and we look forward to reviewing the units in person soon.
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