Antelope Audio announces the launch of Eclipse 384 ($TBA), a two-rackspace multifunctional audio device that provides 384kHz A/D and D/A conversion clocked by Antelope’s renowned 64-bit technology and a powerful and flexible monitoring control. Eclipse 384 was unveiled during the Audio Engineering Society (AES) Convention in New York City last October.
The Eclipse comprises 384kHz A/D and D/A converters clocked by two independent 64-bit DSP Trinity-level clocks. The fully integrated monitor controller employs 0.05dB accurate gold-plated relay attenuators and provides speaker switching, bass management and cue mix functions with integrated talkback. The Eclipse also includes two dedicated headphone amplifiers and a custom USB interface, as well as two large peak meters on the front panel. The advanced software control panel is compatible with both Mac and PC, and allows five nameable presets for easy recall of favorite setups.
The dual-domain clocking system promises analog-based, more natural sounding sample rate conversion. The integrated patching/routing capabilities are designed to make monitoring of either analog or digital sources simple while avoiding jitter, distortion and cabling noise. By eliminating the many input and output stages and the various power supplies that would be present in separate devices, the noise floor can be substantially reduced and the audio quality significantly improved.
The Eclipse is also well suited to live environments. Master clocks are becoming increasingly popular for use with digital consoles and recording equipment at concerts and live events. By using the Eclipse 384, a live sound engineer is able to provide sync reference for up to four different devices, while using the main D/A for backing material, the A/D with multiple digital outs feeding redundant recording systems, and monitor DAC to check the recording after A/D conversion.
Currently Antelope Audio is accepting pre-orders for Eclipse 384, which the company expects to ship during the first quarter of 2012, although the first pre-ordered units are promised to studios before the end of 2011.
