Antelope Audio Zen Go Synergy Core - Overview and Tutorial

In this video I cover the features of Antelope Audio's Zen Go and show a couple ways to route the audio and record. The Zen Go ➡️ amzn.to/2WNgH8O is an USB-C bus powered audio interface that comes with 37 effects that can be monitored real time and recorded into a digital audio workstation like Ableton Live 11.
📒 Show Notes 📒
Zen Go on Amazon:
amzn.to/2WNgH8O
Zen Go on zZounds:
www.zzounds.com/a--3970767/it...
🎶🎵 Sections Of This Video🎵🎶
00:00 Intro
00:15 Specs
00:49 See Description For Timestamps
01:27 What Comes In The Box
02:13 Connects On Back
04:27 Plugging Into Computer and Screen
05:12 Top Panel and Button and Encoder Functions
08:32 Save and Load Presets
09:17 How To Turn One Phantom Power From Hardware
09:40 Create Antelope Audio Account and Register Hardware
10:37 Comes With 37 Effects
10:55 You Can Buy More Effects and Plugins
11:06 afx2daw Is Now Available For Purchase
11:24 See All Available FX Included
12:06 Intro To Real Time Effects
12:36 Using Antelope Launcher
13:25 Zen Go Control Panel Overview
16:52 Example On How to Use The Zen Go
17:15 Plugin Guitar and Headphones
18:22 Clear Audio Effects
18:37 Channel Setup In Zen Go
19:00 DAW I/O In Zen Go Control Panel and DAW Setup
21:32 Add Effects to Zen Go Control Panel
23:33 Setting Up and Recording into DAW
25:33 Sending Signal from DAW to Zen Go Control Panel to Add Effects
27:12 Send From Zen Go Control Panel Back to DAW To Record Effects
28:27 Using afx2daw in DAW
Video Camera and Gear:
Sony A6400: amzn.to/2BHSxCK
Main Microphone Shure SM7B: amzn.to/3080yKv
//TOOLS & SERVICES I USE:
LoopCloud For Samples and Loops: loopcloud.com/?a_aid=5f1e6445...
VidIQ (insights for KZbin): vidiq.com?afmc=47o
DistroKid Use my VIP link for 7% off your first year’s membership:
distrokid.com/vip/mattstratt
DISCLAIMER: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Social Media
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Podcast: anchor.fm/matthewcreating

[@santiagovanegas3812]

Jeez. Antelope owes you some serious cash. You've explained this better than anyone, including them. I was about to give up on my ZenGo, but your video finally helped me understand how to route my clean signal from my DAW to apply the ZenGo effects. Thank you!!!

[@blindguymcsqueezy50]

yeah man its beyond me how companies spend so much time and effort making products then give ABSOLUTELY INADEQUATE tutorial videos

[@kevmekti]

So helpful. Just bought it yesterday and i found this video way easy to understand than videos from official antelope. They should have been hired you for this

[@MatthewStratton]

I hear you. I was having the same issue. It took a lot of trail and error to figure it out LOL. Thanks for the comment.

[@henrikdahlquist8765]

Awesome tutorial! Now I'm off to the store to pick one up! Thanx!

[@Turtlpwr]

Phenomenal video, Matthew. Recently purchased the Zen Go and that learning curve is real! Thank you very much, helped de-mystify the new hardware. Also, subscribed!

[@soundsofurbanlondonmediaci5696]

Me too, thank bro!

[@bawasingh9976]

Hi Mathew, big big thanks for this sharing this video for us . Thanks Again and looking forward for more video like this 😊🙏🙏

[@pawekowalski510]

Nice, practical explanation. Thank you!

[@Ueichi]

OMG I Love You! This made me actually understand what I've been trying to use properly for a month!

[@DimiDezOfficial]

About time some explained this damn audio interface. Great job!

[@kablah19]

Thank you so much for this! This is the only good tutorial for the antelope zen interfaces I’ve found!

[@MatthewStratton]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lawrencemclovin5325]

Thx a lot man !! This video really helped me out to understand my new Zen Go quite better !! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@vewilli]

This was now very good for me, although I have got the ZenQ since a short time. Thanx a lot! 👍🏻👏🏻🙏🏻💪🏻

[@joshcoxmusic]

Best zen q tutorial on KZbin 🔥

[@earthedice]

Outstanding video. Thanks much!

[@gbc6480]

Thanks Matthew for this! after a year I finally got hold of a Zen Go and your tutorial video just kills, I don't know why I clicked on official videos in the first place so much time wasted

[@RodriguitoSuperstar]

Acabo de pasar 30 minutos mirando este video y se me acaba de abrir un Mundo de usos y utilidades enormes que antes desconocía por completo. Gracias, Matthew!

[@Steizem]

Hola Rodrigo, Sabes como se pueden mutear las entradas XLR.. no encuentro la forma de ,mutear el microfono sin tener que bajarle la ganancia ya que desde la tarjeta no hay manera. Gracias!

[@RodriguitoSuperstar]

@@Steizem Hola! No estoy seguro si existe esa posibilidad. Yo suelo utilizarla en Hi Z y cuando termino de utilizarla la vuelvo a Mic o Line y la bajo todo lo que puedo.

[@monkmusic5994]

Nice review, mate!!!!

[@jensleuner527]

"it seems complicated, because I am trying to explain it"... well, self-awareness is the way to improve oneself, so kudos for that! :-))))

[@nucentury08]

Just Got my Zen Go yesterday to pair with my UA Apollo X6 Rack 😎❤️ I Feed the SPDIF out of my Apollo X6 in the Zen Go I send outs from my X6 to my Neve WA73Eq Rack to reprocess stems in my Daw essentially I use it as a summoning device also a re-processor this thing is Solid I didn’t need to get the Q or Tour against I own the Apollo X6 which is loaded!! I do think having a Adat in would be nice but the Zen Go was just right. UA Apollo X6 plus Zen Go = All you will ever Need.😎❤️

[@kxosdev]

thanks bro antelope should pay for this WoRK !!!!!!!!! u helped me alot what antelope channel didnt

[@AREKRELIGA]

Brilliant!👍👍👍

[@xeezyolatoundji8498]

Best tuto out here

[@PoliPopo]

This looks super awesome

[@MatthewStratton]

Cool stuff for sure. 👍

[@mikelo303]

By the way I watched all Antelope videos available online and YOU are the only person that actually explained it to me correctly. Antelope video sucks. Thank you. I finally go it thanks to you. Just because naming is weird and routing logic is backwards. Thank you!

[@MatthewStratton]

You're welcome. Thanks a lot for the comment!

[@mikelo303]

I use it for recording my synth plus I have my pre-master channel where I keep my final mix chain plugins. All free of CPU. Amazing stuff!

[@MatthewStratton]

Nice!

[@linusjohansson6108]

I have a question regarding this because i have heard this interface to be quite CPU heavy. My laptop is not a great one and i would basicly use it to enhance the sound of my monitors. Im using Ableton 10 for the moment. I dont record live instruments for the moment, at the most some external synths. Mastering and mixing i do in Ableton with the plugins i have since before. I have been researching for some days but still havnt come across info regarding the CPU usage and how it affects the computer CPU. So would you say it doesnt have to be CPU heavy? As you may have understood by now im not a person with pro-knowledge regarding theese stuff so thats why im asking you opinion. I hope my message isnt to messy and that you understand me. Thanks in advance.

[@boutstaxx]

@@linusjohansson6108 PLUGINS CAN BE CPU HEAVY EXAMPLE OMNISPHERE INTERFACES DO NOT AFFECT CPU AT ALL WHAT THIS INTERFACES DOES IS TAKE THE LOAD OFF YOUR CPU BYE USING THE CHIPS BUILT IN TO DEVICE SO WHAT THAT MEANS IS YOU CAN USE THE PLUGINS THAT COME WITH THE DEVICE WITHOUT AFFECTING YOUR COMPUTER CPU AND AT THE TIME OF WRITING THIS IT COMES WITH 50 HIGH QUALITY PLUGINS MEANING IF U DONT OWN ANY PLUGINS THE ONES PROVIDED CAN BE USED TO TRACK WITH OR YOU CAN ADD AS INSERT THROUGH THE AFX2DAW PLUGIN AND MIX WITH THEM

[@jamesconraadtucker]

Thanks Mathew. You have the best detail and take on the Zen Go I've seen. Unfortunately, no reflection on you, I have a headache. Holy Crap! Between the afx2daw acceptance, startup, what does and doesn't work via USB-C, etc. It's ridiculous to even care what about latency and monitor mix and stamp FX later. All learning this from the convoluted Antelope website. Thanks brother for a job well done on your end. I'm pretty sure most musicians are going to prefer a more straight forward approach to real time tracking. Possibly via AU Apollo, Apogee, RME, etc. Just my gut feeling. ; )

[@MarcusFHurt]

Matthew, Thank you for the video. I have had the ZenGo for a few months now but had NO idea how to use it, other than the basic DAW setup :( After watching your video, I now have a better general knowledge. Gonna continue to study and at least I'm not afraid of this thing any more lol I want to find someone who is using it for what I need to do. I wanna do Zoom online lessons but can't figure out how to get the ZenGo to be in Stereo to save my life.

[@MatthewStratton]

Nice, glad it helped. I haven’t tested it with zoom yet.

[@_20nine_]

can you elaborate more on what you're trying to do? Do you want your mic input on zoom to include both inputs on the Zen Go?

[@_20nine_]

Go into Setting on Zoom App, then to Audio, Scroll down to where you see Music And Professional Audio (CHECK BOX) and then rom the drop down Menu choose Stereo Audio (Check Box) Hope that solves your issues.

[@RickGuitarist94]

Very informative video. Thank you! From the look of the workflows you demonstrated my only question at this point is this: could using an interface like this to direct monitor effects (while sending the same effects chain out to your pc) also apply to either streaming services or even Discord?

[@earthedice]

Hey Matthew -- New subscriber (and Thanks donator) and wanted to thank you for your vids, specifically for this one. You have a real talent for presenting this sort of material for proper ingestion, so it's much appreciated. I made an impulse buy with this because I just bought a used AXE FX Mark II and was reading about using a S/PDIF cable in order to connect to my interface and still listen through my DAW (Reaper) and interface output audio etc. Anyway, I bought the Zen Go mainly because it had the S/PDIF connection, whereas my IK Multimedia--AXE IO or Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interfaces don't. Unfortunately, the complexities of this interface are already adding to my learning curve with setting up the AXE FX Mark II. I bought everything used off of Reverb, but my main question is do you think it is possible to play my AXE FX through the Zen Go into Reaper, all while setting my audio settings for the Zen Go for both input and output monitoring on my PC? For example, I currently use my Axe IO (IK Multimedia) interface for that purpose where I listen to KZbin vids or anything else through the same audio output. I also have RCA to XLR cables from the Zen Go to my monitoring speakers to consider. I know I just bombarded you with a lot, but any input would be greatly appreciated.

[@earthedice]

Thanks!

[@MatthewStratton]

I appreciate you.

[@roryt1983]

One of the best explanations I have seen on this device. When you used afx2daw at the end of the video are the effects still running on the CPU in the Zen or do they use the computer CPU ? Many thanks

[@posiden]

they use the interface cpu power not computers cpu

[@paulhulm]

Hi Matthew. Great video. I have a Scarlett 2i2 also. Recently I bought an antelope duo mic, I noticed that I can’t get both sides of the mic to work when using the 2i2. If I buy the zen go driver, will I get the 2 sides of my mic working?

[@theblackcountrybandit1430]

Hi Matthew , how do you do find the headphone out volume ?

[@artemgorval7103]

Спасибо большое за обзор, я наконец понял, как использовать все возможности карты! УСПЕХОВ!

[@garyspianocovers6684]

I have a FR Solo I have Windows the afx is making me think of pulling the trigger since Apollo is mainly for Thunderbolt. They have lots of effects but really INSTR but I guess you can use afx with your third party on my daw, looking for a dope piano sound. Thoughts? Oh I'm live streaming.

[@tonyp1945]

Great video Matthew. I have a Zen Go and there are two very annoying issues with it. I use an iMac and when it goes to sleep the Zen Go won't wake up. Antelope say it doesn't support 'Sleep Mode' and advised to remove the USB cable and connect it again or Restart the computer. I have other interfaces and even the cheaper one's don't have this issue. The second is that if you wish to sell it on, you have to transfer your account to your new buyer. Pathetic.

[@VictorscherrerBrasil]

Hi Matthew! Thanks for the review! I'm on the fence about buying this interface or something else. And I have 2 questions for you: - How is the latency (RTL) in case you want to do all the monitoring thru the DAW? - It has been almost 1.5 years since you made this video. How it has been your experience so far? Are you having problems with drivers? (BTW, I use Win10) And did you have any problem with the hardware? Thanks in advance, Victor

[@danielson1111]

Hey brother. Would you happen to know why, when I add an AMP into the AFX of my guitar, everything shuts off? and when I remove the amp, everything turns back on? It's very weird!

[@kbrat]

Would this be expandable with another usb audio interface by creating an aggregate device on a Mac?

[@sanguissaevus7225]

Does this play nicely with akai force? Also, can this work as a standalone, no computer?

[@aznpballa]

Are you able to somehow mute the mic from the top of the interface with one of the buttons or the knob?

[@franciscojaenvelazquez9582]

Thanks a lot Only one question, please. Why you record a channel receiving channel 2, at 27:38? It because your taking the Master to record it on a new track? Thanks

[@mehstudio]

What the buffersize limit?

[@rat640]

Hello thank you for video Just i have question please clear it 1. We can use all free plugin in antelope mixer during record! 2. If i open a synth plugin ( like FM8) and if i want to use antelope reverb on that so i need afx2daw ! ? Is this true ?

[@alijanahabdullah]

I tried to send a channel out from ableton to Ext Out Channel 6 lets say and on the routing matrix I put computer play 6 as an input and put some AFX plug-in and that channel gets muted. I can't hear the affected signal, if I bypass it, then I hear the original channel again. I don't understand this. It's very frustrating.

[@annekedebruyn7797]

I dont understand why afx2daw isnt included. The fact that it is an additional 200 usd means that UAD for Apple users is by default the better option if you are into the entire DSP effects thing.

[@faragashttravelagency]

hi. i bought zen go but in 34 pre amp i have very low voice record, and with about 50 to 55 it goes well (i am afraid of cliping in high preamp) is it normal that with 30 to 40 preamp i have low and weak voice? (mic tested: at2035 and rode nt2a. and with sure sm57 i have to set 60 to 63)

[@Wirus002]

Is antelope audio zen go synergy core really a MONO device? or did I misunderstand something.

[@fellpower]

As u connected your guitar, i realized for what that thing is for.....or can be used for.

[@MatthewStratton]

Nice. That is just the guitar. You can record other instruments and vocals or pretty much anything with it as well.

[@whiteclouds247darkclouds]

Hello there! I enjoyed your video. I have a small doubt. If I don't want the singer to hear his/her own vocals on the headphones but if the singer wants to hear the music to which she/he has to sing, then how do I do it? But I would like to hear the singer sing on my headphones. Could you please explain the process. Like I want the full audio and the singer wants everything minus her voice. Another doubt is, how do I create headphone mixes in the Zen Go Synergy core? Like suppose the singer wants to hear only the bass, drums and pads, and me the recording engineer wants to hear every track? There is one tutorial on KZbin but it is based on another audio interface. I want to learn it for Antelope Audio Zen Go Synergy Core. Could you please help me out? It's all very confusing. Thank you.

[@marketweis]

They've gone and confused me with the afx2daw. Do I need that if what I want to do is record w/the plugins enabled? For example, on the Presonus Revelator io24, it comes with DSP processing of Comp, EQ, Gating, etc, and all you do is pull up the software control panel, start recording in Audacity, and all the effects are recorded in real time. Opening up that same control panel on this is not enough, as in, you need to have that afx2daw installed? Thx for any clarification.

[@MatthewStratton]

AFX2DAW is just so you can make the Atelope FX act like a plug in within a DAW. You don't need them to record effects from the software control panel (the FX you can put directly on the inputs).

[@karomusic3039]

i own it long time but never could work with AFX2DAW one because it makes daw delays two it fails on export with cranch sounds but if u dont need afx2daw is a good audio interface

[@applecrazy1]

hello!! Can i connect using normal USB-3? LIke usb 3(desktop) to type c(zen go)?

[@boutstaxx]

either c or a it comes with adapter

[@dingbatjack1234]

Is there a way to use this editor on IOS?

[@PeteOnTheBeat]

I really need a recorder but by the looks of this,it's way out of my budget (checked it,yup). I'm gonna get a Zoom H1N or a similar spec'd Tascam so I can record the XYFX from my MPC. I tried to do it through my AI,but the sound was a bit wack.

[@bryantwalley]

you may want to see if you can just use the record automation or possibly the internal resampling for the MPC. Of course having an H1 is handy also.

[@christianmann2646]

Thanks so much for that. If Antelope did their videos just half your quality...

[@christianmann2646]

Anyone here happen to know why I can't pan my vocal mono tracks in my daw actually? From center to left its static, when I go from c to right it's muted 🤦‍♂️ also the master cannot be panned, never had thus issue before using Antelope.

[@lamdaiphong9436]

This interface will use Zen ASIO driver instead of ASIO4ALL driver?

[@MatthewStratton]

Yes, I recommend using the drivers designed for this device, not ASIO4ALL. Yes, there are ASIO drivers for this device.

[@AfshinAsadi-rt5iw]

👌

[@Abonefiftyone]

Thanks for the video. I understand it now. I watched Antelope videos and they were not helpful.

[@pedrobonillo5660]

Hi

[@musicinsession]

Man Antelope's tutorials are so shit. Just a dude running through the device and singing some crap.... You went into so much detail! thanks for this! Well done! :)

[@marin4311]

I find the interface a bit outdated. It reminds me of old recording hardware from 20 years ago. All these options would be more user friendly if made from a computer via a dedicated software. This is a very old school approach of hardware imho. I’m an old school guy, but for this matter, I’m not.

[@santiagovanegas3812]

Antelope should hire Matthew Stratton for tutorials. Their current guy is a terrible teacher. I’ve understood more about the Zen Go in this video than all of Antelope’s official tutorials combined.

[@davelynne9237]

37 effects if you got a really deep wallet hehehe

[@18CC]

Man you are cliping every 20 secs You are like 12 dB too hot on the preamp.

[@MatthewStratton]

You set the level to how you are going to play. You can see even the clean recorded signal isn’t clipping.

[@jeanyague2754]

DONT PURCHASE THEIR EQUIPMENT. This brand's hardware relies heavily on firmware updates, which can lead to potential compatibility issues down the line. Additionally, when they release newer interfaces, older models might not receive full support, potentially pushing you towards an upgrade. In my experience, resolving technical issues with their customer service took over two weeks, and the solutions offered weren't entirely satisfactory. This has led me to recommend exploring other brands to avoid similar frustrations.

[@TheFalkingFive]

afx2daw still doesnt work with usb devices - this is just horrible - dont buy this!!!

[@MatthewStratton]

Interesting. I was using it over a usb device on windows in this video.

[@TheFalkingFive]

@@MatthewStratton because i have zen tour

[@elizabethparrish421]

vaw.fyi super