Antelope Audio has added the 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 proprietary Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology, and joins its growing range of signal processing gear with near-zero latency performance, while mimicking the original vintage gear.
The FET-A76, VEQ-HLF, Helios 69, NEU-PEV and Lang PEQ2 add more 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.
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 for controlling dynamics and sculpting tone and 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 can be used in a wide range of applications, from vocals to bass guitar to buss compression, and is a 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,” said Marcel James, director of US 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 has added to its range of EQ models with four new classic circuits.
Helios 69 is modelled 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 analog detail to audio. 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 eight frequencies available. The control panel is rounded out with a level knob, EQ bypass, and phase reverse button. The EQ is notable for its ability to preserve transparency while adding space and presence.
The NEU-PEV EQ is modelled on a rare German passive equaliser designed in the 60s. 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 seven 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.
Lastly, the Lang 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 frequency control allows 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.
