Note: The software requires iLok USB Copy Protection Connector (article no. 401447 - not included) when operating without the Antelope Audio Interface.
Included microphone emulations:
System requirements:
Modelling microphones have appealed to an ever-widening audience for a long time. Hardly surprising, since they allow a single modelling mic to sound and perform just about as well as a locker full of much more expensive models (at a fraction of the cost) and merge the qualities of different microphones into one. As expected from Antelope, the Edge family of modelling mics are at the upper end of their segment and hard to beat in terms of their sound, build quality, and choice of classic microphones. The Edge Duo is fitted with a dual-diaphragm single capsule which features two separate outputs for connection to the preamp(s). The Edge Duo ships with the Edge Real-Time Modelling software suite, which includes a whopping 18 expertly crafted and surprisingly realistic emulations of world-renowned, studio-classic microphones – as well as other notable functionalities, such as fine-tuning polar patterns in real time and hot-swapping microphones during the recording or mixing phase.
The Edge Duo is equipped with dual gold-sputtered membranes and can switch between omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-of-eight polar patterns – and that’s before any of the wonderfully crafted emulations are added to the mix. While most multi-polar microphones have a single output, the Edge Duo offers two, one for each opposing diaphragm. According to the manufacturer, this recreates the characteristics of the on/off axis response and proximity effect of each model of microphone, which can then be further fine-tuned via the software. This adds extra levels of control, both at the recording stage and at the mic selection stage, since the emulations and polarity settings can be modified either in real time or once the recording is finished. The 5-pin XLR cable provided breaks out into two 3-pin XLRs, so two standard preamps are required for optimum use.
The Antelope Edge Duo is a great choice for those wishing to record a great variety of sources using high-end microphones but without having to make a huge investment in each one. The Edge Duo will adapt to any situation, from recording vocals and acoustic instruments in halls or small spaces through to speech applications such as voiceovers or webcasting. Its multi-pattern capability means it can be combined with other microphones, e.g. during stereophonic recording sessions. The Edge Modeling Engine interface is extremely intuitive, which saves time and allows for a high degree of creativity. While recording, microphone emulations can be swapped out live at the click of a mouse. It is also possible to record the signal “clean” and select the best microphone emulation during the mixing phase. Interestingly, the Edge Duo can also simultaneously record two separate sources, one on each side of the microphone, to two separate tracks.
Antelope Audio is a manufacturer of professional audio equipment that was founded by developer Igor Levin, who invented the famous AardSync clock generator with which his then-company Aardvark made waves in the world of audio engineering at the end of the 20th century. In 2005, Igor Levin went – as he himself put it – back to his roots and continued to develop the AardSync concept. The result of this development work was the “Oven Clock”, a word clock generator that is kept at a constant temperature of 64.5°C to provide increased stability and improve jitter performance. The newly founded Antelope Audio caused a similar splash in 2005 with its OCX Clock Generator. Today, Antelope Audio, which is based in Sofia, Bulgaria, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality audio interfaces and AD/DA converters and includes big names such as Rihanna, Jay-Z, and the Wu-Tang Clan among its users.
The Edge Duo is designed to work with any regular 48V phantom-providing preamplifier, and the Edge Real-Time Modeling Software emulations can be executed by the studio computer. However, the Edge Real-Time Modeling Software works even more effectively when used in combination with one of Antelope Audio’s Synergy Core interfaces, which not only provide top-of-the-line preamps and AD/DA conversion, but onboard DSP acceleration as well. This dedicated FPGA Real-Time Modeling hardware processes the microphone emulations in real time, with imperceptible latency and zero CPU load, taking an already impressive setup to the next level.