Antelope Audio Zen Go Mini Review & Mini Comparison With My Old Interface, The Steinberg UR242

[@cameronhowe5122]

I bought it last week. Was really nervous given some negative comments out there about Antelope. NOT disappointed! It is replacing my UR44 which, on its best day could do no less than 128 samples (but usually run at 512 or higher to prevent the odd dropout). I have run the Zen Go at 8 samples with no dropouts!!! Project has 25 tracks, loaded with inserts and sends (OZONE, Omnisphere, Kontakt, Gullfoss, Melodyne, Toontrack.....etc) and it doesn't matter. Rock solid. BTW, I am on Windows 10 and using Studio One 5. Also has the onboard plugins too and unlike UA's interface, you can load this up and not tap out on processing. Very happy.

[@whoisjinx]

NICE! I am also very happy with my unit. What computer processor are you running and how much RAM do you have?

[@cameronhowe5122]

@@whoisjinx Ryzen 7 1700x, 8 core/16threads, 32GB ram. It's operates like a server, very nice.

[@pietropavan777]

@@cameronhowe5122 I have Intel i7 7th gen with 8GB ram, and on ableton i get cracks and pops with even 512 samples !!!! what should i do to improve situation other than upgrading ram to 32Gb which is on its way ??

[@ISaudio]

Nice. I literally just ordered one last night. Funny I keep reading all the negativity too but for its price point compared to something like UAD Apollo's I really think this thing can hold its own. Can't wait to try it out.

[@ErnestoPossiSpanishVoiceOver]

I have the first zentour and still have a great support with the software. Great video!

[@whoisjinx]

Thanks! I agree their tech support is awesome!

[@helgeheggset3335]

Thanks for the review. I have some issues with the Auraverb on the Zen Go. It sounds wobbly and strange. Haven't recieved a "diagnose" from Antelope support yet, and I don't know if many others experience the same..

[@whoisjinx]

Hi Helge! Sorry you're having that problem with Auraverb. I think I saw your comment on the group. Wish I could offer a solution, but I have not encountered that problem at all with mine. What OS are you running?

[@helgeheggset3335]

@@whoisjinx I have Windows 10. Been trying the interface on 3 different PCs with the same result.

[@whoisjinx]

@@helgeheggset3335 That's puzzling. Have you tried contacting their tech support? They're very helpful. They helped me a lot with my initial tech problems with it.

[@helgeheggset3335]

@@whoisjinx Yes, they are working on it. It takes some time though, so I guess there's no quick fix..

[@charlesoutlaw1009]

Great video on the Zen Go.

[@whoisjinx]

Thank you so much! You're very kind. I have been using this for a few months now and I'm very happy with it

[@icanhearu9301]

Very honest review! Nailed it… thx for sharing

[@whoisjinx]

Thank you for your kind words! Hope to do more

[@studioteng7723]

HI,I want to buy a sound card used in home,and want to know:Is there a big difference between Zen Go and Apogee Symphony Desktop sound quality ? zen go 499$,Symphony Desktop 1499$, Desktop=3*Zen Go? Which one should I choose ?Thanks for answer!

[@whoisjinx]

Hi Z YUN! I don't know anything about the sound quality of the Apogee Symphony Desktop because I have never tried the unit. I was actually thinking of either buying the Symphony Desktop or the Antelope Zen Tour (They are both similar in price) but Antelope came up with the Zen Go at a much lower price point, so I decided to try the Zen Go out. I am quite happy with it, especially with the sound quality. You should be aware that the Symphony Desktop's screen is touch-capable, while the Zen Go's screen is not touch-capable. Thanks for your question!

[@studioteng7723]

@@whoisjinx Thank you very much, it is very instructive.

[@ericsolomon3318]

I just got this. I came from the ur44c, before that the ur242. I would like to know if you have had any issues with auaraverb not being heard through HP2? I did open a support ticket and they did reach but I ended up just routing out of my Presonus hp4 headphone amp so I didn't press the issue but I am just curious. Thanx bro.

[@whoisjinx]

Hi Eric, I just checked it and yes, Auraverb doesn't seem to work on HP2. Thanks for reaching out!

[@ericsolomon3318]

@@whoisjinx No problem. i was wondering where you found the screen saver mode? Can't seem to locate it.

[@whoisjinx]

@@ericsolomon3318 Just long-press the HP/MON button. This will bring up the System Menu. Then scroll down to Scr Save Time to set when the screen saver comes on. Below that option is the screen save type. You can choose between a blank screensaver or a star screensaver.

[@whoisjinx]

Oh one more thing, I did also reach out to Antelope Audio's support on the HP 2 no outputting the reverb and they replied that they know about this issue and will be resolved in the next firmware update.

[@GilbertoMzD]

What interface are you using in the conclusion? Thanks!

[@whoisjinx]

Hi Gilberto, I am using the Zen Go right now and I am very happy with it. Thanks for watching!

[@GilbertoMzD]

@@whoisjinxThanks! I meant to say, what was the interface that you used to record the conclusion hahaha in this video

[@philliamproject8113]

Hi pal Thanks for this very good review. I use my old trusty Steinberg UR-22 though may be time to retire her, she's been good to me and like you said about your Steinberg simple to use. I think both units sounded good but of course warmer and clearer sound for the Zen Go. Like your zany humour too!

[@whoisjinx]

Thank you Philliam Project! Very kind of you to say! I have gotten more used to the slightly different workflow of the Zen Go and I am quite happy with it. The separation of the elements of the sound is much more apparent than in the UR I had before.

[@philliamproject8113]

@@whoisjinx You're most welcome the last point re sound separation is a selling point on its own!

[@Ygnr22]

I don't get what You refer with virtual mixer. If I connect the antelope with pre-sonus Will I need some extra program?

[@whoisjinx]

Hi AORAQP! The "virtual mixer" is Antelope's software mixer that controls the functions of the Zen Go. So if you connect your Presonus through the digital in/out, you would need to set the audio routing in this "virtual mixer" so that the Zen Go will accept signals from the Presonus interface.

[@Ygnr22]

@@whoisjinx thank u!

[@mrchedda]

Is this bus powered via usb-c, meaning one cable for operation?

[@whoisjinx]

Hi Ryan, this unit is bus powered via usb-c when you are connected to a computer. However, if you connect the unit to an ipad or android device, you should connect another power source (like a battery charger) into the other usb-c port. This is so the Zen Go can get its power from the battery, and not drain the power off your ipad or android device.

[@mrchedda]

The Other Side of Jinx Awesome! Thanks for the info!

[@GotBettaBeats]

This guy has a smooth voice over voice 💯💯💯

[@whoisjinx]

Haha you're too kind thanks!

[@moneybagbeatz]

honestly I am also in a pickle between the Steinberg UR RT4 that comes with Rupert Neve Designs and the antelope zen go synergy, I am running on a Mac computer my pickle is with the thunderbolt connectivity with the zen go compared to the usb 3 connectivity with the Steinberg "latency". also the ability of being able to control the gains and such on the interface as well, I like being able to dial them in on the interface. and one last thing is the zen go standalone?

[@whoisjinx]

Hi MoneyBag, the Zen Go is not a thunderbolt interface. It's USB only, but it is bus powered. I think it will work standalone as long as you set up the effects and settings on a computer before you unplug. It will retain whatever efx you set and work without being plugged into a computer as long as you send it power via usb. You can also control the gain using the physical dial on the Zen Go. The latency numbers are better than on my Steinberg UR242 but not sure about the UR RT.

[@moneybagbeatz]

@@whoisjinx thank you very much jinx

[@JGW-im3nf]

Can this be used without the computer ?

[@whoisjinx]

Hi J.G W. Yes it can. You are able to connect your condenser mic and you can turn on the 48V phantom power on the inputs by long-pressing the large dial. You are also able to control the monitor outs and headphone outs using the small buttons and the large dial/button. However, I don't think you are able to add the Antelope effects just by using the physical controls of the unit though. You need the software interface to do that.

[@joshuavelazquez8303]

RME is another DSP interface company, it has really good reviews.

[@Mr.Plutonium]

At those prices it better 😂

[@Diamond2009now]

I'm now in a pickle. LOL. Not new to the audio market but new to the new audio market. Have been shopping and seeing reviews and was really trying to decide what audio module I should get. I presently have an iTrack Dock from Focusrite but I'm limited to use it on my iPad. I want to use the power of my new iMac mini m1 and looking to Stream live. The ur242 seems cool but I'm really attracted to the Zengo. What should I do? Thanks for your video. Very informative.

[@whoisjinx]

Hi John! I think we've all been in that pickle, having so many choices in audio gear! Congrats on getting the iMac with the M1. I hear it's really a powerhouse. I have been experimenting with streaming live using OBS and both the UR242 and Zen Go work great with OBS on Windows 10 and a Ryzen PC, although the setup to get them to work with OBS is slightly different. On Macs with M1 hardware, Antelope have announced full compatibility with all their products. I am not sure whether the Steinberg UR242 is compatible (I haven't seen anything online that says that it works with M1 anyway). Here's a link to the Antelope notice of compatibility: en.antelopeaudio.com/2021/02/m1-antelope-compatibility Thanks for your comments and subscription, and happy buying, whichever interface you choose!

[@Methanol2000]

A bit worrying, that every other reviewer tells about contacting tech support. I never had to do that with my previous interfaces, but let's see, my Zen Go should be here in few days.

[@whoisjinx]

To be fair, I got the Zen Go almost immediately after it was first released, so I'm sure the drivers still had some kinks to be ironed out. But the support team was really helpful and got me sorted out fast.

[@Methanol2000]

@@whoisjinx So I took a risk and bought one with a good return policy. Didn't manage to set it up by following Antelope's instructions, but it's up and running now for second day. Other than losing USB-connection now and then it's a nice interface. Got all the afx-effects for free too 👍🏻

[@whoisjinx]

@@Methanol2000 Wow you got all the afx haha lucky you. I only got 37 of 'em and a few more on discount. You really hit the jackpot there! Enjoy!

[@Methanol2000]

@@whoisjinx IKR lol, will enjoy for sure 😁 Now I wish they'll have good discount on Afx2daw 👍🏻

[@LogicBomb34]

How can you hear difference on this "monitors"?

[@whoisjinx]

Hi Kuba, you mean my monitors?

[@StarWarsRumors]

Nice, I have been waiting for this video. You've pushed me a bit closer to buying one of these. Would you be concerned about using this in a live situation? Like is it durable? And would you be worried that it could be a bit flakey on stage? Also noticed you're a Star Wars fan ;)

[@whoisjinx]

Hi again Star Wars Rumors! I haven't tried it in a live situation. I may try it just to see if it works. The Zen Go feels pretty solid, although I since it has a screen on top, I'd be a little careful with it in the field. Yea, guilty of being a Star Wars dude haha! Thanks for checking the video out!

[@aleksandarstojceski3139]

Way better than Steinberg

[@unveiledsounds2030]

Antelope Audio Tech support is one of the best in the industry and they have never had any issues with the response time etc. The problem is that Support in general ( Drivers, new updates, bug fixes, etc, wasn't fast enough). It is good to not mismatch the Technical support with the product support. PPL complains about the support in some other forums.

[@whoisjinx]

My experience is just with the Zen Go, and yes, I found some issues with the driver, but thankfully they do not affect the general quality of the audio. So far since I got it, there have been 2 updates, with some improvements in the virtual mixer. So for me and the Zen Go, product support has been good. Thanks for your comment!

[@unveiledsounds2030]

@@whoisjinx Thanks for your comment as well. I am pointing that you are providing not cleared and not approved information, where you state that you have read that Technical Support is not responsive. The issues with the drivers are software support, not technical support.

[@whoisjinx]

@@unveiledsounds2030 I actually read a complaint about non responsiveness online. However, my personal experience with the tech support has been great.

[@savanaviolenta]

I read exactly the opposite of what you said. My source is from Gearslutz site, and many there swear by not good drivers and poor customer support.

[@whoisjinx]

​@@savanaviolenta Yea. As I said in the video, the drivers for my unit still have some minor issues, but my experience with their tech support has been great

[@johntnguyen1976]

Informative, honest and entertaining all at once...although you need to wear less clothing when you do reviews. 😜😍

[@whoisjinx]

Err....DONE! I'm selling off my entire wardrobe right now!