The Antelope Audio Zenith 2 is a simple yet feature-rich audio interface. It is considered the entry point into the company's product line.
This compact interface is designed for home studios, musicians, and content creators, as well as for recording rehearsals and small performances. It is equipped with two universal inputs for connecting microphones or instruments, "studio-grade converters," and a set of DSP effects. These effects work directly on the card and do not require computer resources.
The Zenith 2 has two combo inputs with XLR/TRS connectors, allowing you to work with microphones, the line outputs of equipment, or musical instruments (Hi-Z). Both inputs have phantom power, which allows you to connect any condenser microphones or other sound sources that require power.
According to the manufacturer, the preamps provide up to 75 dB of gain, enough to power even demanding microphones, such as the Shure SM7B. The converters provide a dynamic range of 123 dB, ensuring you can record a signal without muddiness at the top end and with decent headroom.
The manufacturer does not disclose the device's recording capabilities. It most likely supports recording with a sampling rate of up to 192 kHz and a bit depth of up to 24 bits. Considering the capabilities of other models in the Antelope Audio catalog and the cost and positioning of the Zenith 2, even these capabilities seem excessive; 96 kHz at 24 bits would suffice for a compact model.
The output section consists of a pair of traditional TRS stereo outputs for monitors and a pair of headphone outputs with independent volume control. The included software mixer can create two separate mixes: one for you and one for the vocalist. According to the manufacturer, the Zenith 2 can easily handle high-impedance headphones.
Additionally, there is a combined MIDI I/O (MIDI DIN 5-pin) port for working with third-party devices. It connects to a computer via the standard USB-C port (USB 2.0 compliant).
Like other Antelope Audio devices, the Zenith 2 is equipped with a DSP chip and a set of effects. While the exact list of processing options has not been disclosed, it is noted that users will have access to a Tube-Opto Comp compressor, a Sky EQ equalizer, and a de-esser. This allows users to tidy up vocals and instruments before they even reach the DAW. As always, Zenith 2 promises zero latency and a large set of presets for monitoring, streaming, and recording.
Additional features include a full-fledged loopback with control via a software mixer. The interface is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android without requiring drivers.
Although the Zenith 2 is considered the junior model in the series, it adequately covers most common work scenarios without compromise. The device features excellent sound preamps, honest conversion, and a set of essential effects. This model is aimed at novice musicians and slightly more experienced home producers. The idea behind the interface is to provide users with maximum utility and a minimum of knobs.
The only disappointing aspect of all this splendor is Antelope Audio's signature software, including the card's firmware and onboard effects. Despite its market position and decent sound quality, the company's software remains its weakest link. Processing either drops out at the most inopportune moment or simply stops working.
Updates sometimes solve the problem and sometimes make it worse. The only solutions are to be patient and hope for a stable release. It is possible to live with such software, but it is not always comfortable.
The recommended price for the audio interface is €249. If the goal is to buy a reasonably priced, decent working tool, the Zenith 2 looks like an interesting model.
The manufacturer has not yet specified the exact date of the card's release. Most likely, shipments will start before the end of 2025. You can find more details about the audio interface on the official Antelope Audio website. Stay tuned for our full review of the Antelope Audio Zenith 2, in which we'll cover all of this audio interface's features in great detail. In the meantime, check out our reviews of the Antelope Zen Quadro and Discrete 4 Pro.
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