ANTELOPE AUDIO A4-1B (01) PDF Document

To use the ANTELOPE AUDIO A4-1B with a macOS computer, you will need the following:

• Apple Mac 2016 or newer with USB or Thunderbolt 3/4 ports

• Minimum: macOS Mojave 10.14.6.

• Available storage space (Minimum 4 GB)

• Memory (RAM): 4 GB minimum (8 GB or more recommended)

• A stable Internet connection is required to download and update your Antelope Audio Software.

To use the ANTELOPE AUDIO A4-1B with a Windows computer, you will need the following:

• PC computer with USB 2.0/3.0/3.1 or Thunderbolt 3/4 ports

• Windows 10/11 (64-bit) with the latest Microsoft Updates

• Available storage space (Minimum 4 GB)

• Memory (RAM): 4 GB minimum (8 GB or more recommended)

• CPU: Intel Core i5™ or AMD Ryzen (Higher recommended)

• A stable Internet connection is required to download and update your Antelope Audio Software.

An active Internet connection is required for the mandatory device activation. The analog processing of the ANTELOPE AUDIO A4-1B is fully functional without activation, but activation is required to validate the warranty and access the A4-1B plugin.

Step 1. Log in to the Antelope Audio user area with your e-mail and password.

Step 2. Go to the Antelope Audio User Area and link your Antelope account with your iLok account. If you don’t have one, you can create one.

Step 3. Click on the ‘Activate New Device’ button.

Step 4. Click on ‘A4-1B’ from the device list.

Step 5. Download and install the Antelope Launcher application for Windows or macOS.

Step 6. Open the Antelope Launcher application, enter the e-mail and password you used to log in to the Antelope Audio user area, and click ‘Login’.

Step 7. The device will be automatically recognized by the Antelope Launcher.

Step 8. Click on ‘Activate’.

After successful activation of your ANTELOPE AUDIO A4-1B, click on “Software Installation” in the Antelope Launcher. This step is necessary to install the latest firmware and calibration panel for the A4-1B.

To install the A4-1B plugin, go to the ‘Plugins’ tab in the Antelope Launcher. You can install the A4 plugin individually or choose the SCN Complete Bundle, which includes the full plugin library. Also, make sure you have the latest iLok License Manager installed.

The Antelope Launcher is a hub for managing your Antelope Audio products. For the ANTELOPE AUDIO A4-1B, you can use it to install the A4-1B plugin (from the Plugins tab) and open the A4-1B calibration control panel (from the Devices tab).

The Gain control is used to compensate for gain loss introduced by compression. It comes after the compression stage, so it doesn’t impact how compression is triggered.

• Range: Off to +30 dB

• Tip: Use this to set your final output level.

The Ratio control determines how much compression is applied once the signal passes the threshold.

• Range: Continuously variable from 2:1 to 10:1

• Example: At a 2:1 ratio, a 10 dB increase in the input signal results in a 5 dB increase in the output signal.

The Threshold sets the input level where compression begins. When your signal exceeds this point, gain reduction is applied.

• Range: +20 dBu to -40 dBu

• Definition: The point where gain is reduced by 1 dB.

The Attack control determines how fast the compressor responds to peaks after the input signal crosses the threshold.

• Range: 0.5 ms to 300 ms (continuously variable)

• Use:

– Fast attack: Tames sharp transients (e.g., vocals, snares).

– Slow attack: Lets initial transients pass, which can add punch to instruments.

The Release control sets how long it takes for the gain to return to normal after compression.

• Range: 0.05 s to 10 s (continuously variable)

• Use:

– Fast release: Keeps energy and bounce.

– Slow release: Smooths out dynamics.

The Timing switch determines how the compressor behaves in response to signal changes. There are three selectable modes:

1. Fixed:

• Attack: 1 ms

• Release: 50 ms

• The Attack and Release knobs are not used.

• Provides a simple, fast, and consistent response.

2. Hybrid:

• Attack is fixed at 1 ms.

• Release starts with a fast decay (like Fixed mode), then transitions to the manual setting on the Release knob.

• Creates a dual-stage release, acting as an automatic release function with a fast attack/release for short peaks and a longer release for longer peaks. It is best for overall mix compression, maintaining clarity and smoothness.

3. Custom:

• Attack: 0.5 ms to 300 ms (controlled by the Attack knob)

• Release: 0.05 s to 10 s (controlled by the Release knob)

• Provides full control over the envelope timing.

These are starting points; you should adjust the Gain and Threshold according to your source’s level.

Final Mix (Overall Compression)

• Compression: 3-4 dB

• Mode: Hybrid

• Attack: 2 o’clock

• Release: 10 o’clock

• Ratio: 9 o’clock

Vocals, Bass, Piano, Keys, Guitar

• Compression: 4-5 dB

• Mode: Custom

• Attack: 2 o’clock

• Release: 10 o’clock

• Ratio: Between 10 and 2 o’clock

Heavy Compression (Line Guitar, Piano)

• Compression: 10 dB

• Mode: Custom

• Attack: 7 o’clock (fast)

• Release: 1 o’clock

• Ratio: 3 o’clock

Drums (Kick & Snare)

• Compression: 2-3 dB

• Mode: Fixed

• Ratio: 9-12 o’clock

• Use: Keeps transients tight while controlling dynamic range.

The analog VU Meter can display three different readings, selected by the METER switch:

• Input: Pre-compression signal level

• GR (Gain Reduction): The amount of gain reduction (deflects down from 0 VU)

• Output: Post-compression output level

The SC Link function supports sidechain linking for stereo setups. You can choose Bus 1 or Bus 2 to link units (the signal is not passed on both simultaneously).

How it works:

• The unit applying the most compression dictates the behavior for the other linked units.

• Set the threshold fully counterclockwise on the slave unit(s).

• Ensure the Gain and Ratio settings are the same across all linked units to maintain a consistent stereo image.

This switch removes the compressor from the signal path when toggled to BYPASS, providing a true signal bypass. This allows you to instantly A/B compare the compressed and unprocessed signal.

The blue Automation light indicates when the ANTELOPE AUDIO A4-1B hardware is synced and working with the software control plugin inside your DAW or the calibration panel. It indicates whether the hardware is connected to the plugin or not.

Setting the switch to OFF puts the ANTELOPE AUDIO A4-1B into Standby mode. This mode reduces power consumption to a minimum, but it does not fully turn off the power supply for the compressor.

The On/Off light indicates when the ANTELOPE AUDIO A4-1B hardware is turned on or off. The light also blinks while the compressor is booting up or during a firmware update.

• Power input: A standard IEC socket for the mains power cable.

• USB connector: A USB Type-C port for connecting to a computer for software control, automation, and preset management.

• Sidechain bus: Two TRS connectors (BUS 1, BUS 2) to allow an external audio signal to control the compressor’s behavior or to enable stereo linking with another unit.

• Analog inputs: Balanced female XLR and TRS connectors (mirrored) serve as the primary input for the audio signal to be processed.

• Analog outputs: Balanced male XLR and TRS connectors (mirrored) deliver the final compressed audio signal from the unit to other audio equipment.

The VU meter requires calibration if the needle does not point at “zero” when no audio is applied and the meter switch is set to GR. To calibrate:

Step 1. Open the Control Panel application for the A4-1B.

Step 2. In the “Calibrate VU Meter” section, click the “Calibrate” button to enter calibration mode.

Step 3. Rotate the Attack knob on the hardware to adjust the needle to a position where it points to “zero”.

Step 4. After you have finished repositioning, click “Done” in the application.

In the Control Panel application, navigate to the “VU Meter Reference Level” section. Here you can set the input signal level at which the needle will point at “zero” when the Meter switch is set to “input”. For example, if the gear sending a signal to the A4-1B input has a level of +4dBu, set the Reference level to 4 dBu.

Automatic opto-cell calibration ensures that the gain reduction will always be identical without fluctuations. During this process, the ANTELOPE AUDIO A4-1B performs an internal measurement of the gain reduction and compensates for any differences. The unit is inactive and does not pass audio during calibration.

Step 1. Open the Control Panel application and go to the “Calibrate Opto Cell” section.

Step 2. Click “Calibrate” to start the process.

Step 3. Wait a few seconds until the progress bar comes to an end.

The A4-1B plugin (VST3, AAX, AU) provides control over the following essential parameters on the hardware:

• Attack

• Release

• Gain

• Ratio

• Threshold

• Sidechain filtering control

• A/B comparison

The plugin also enables exclusive features like preset save and recall.

• Loading the plugin will override the hardware settings and load the last applied plugin settings or saved session.

• The Timing, Meter, SC Link, Bypass, and On/Off switches can only be adjusted via the hardware. All changes made on the hardware will take effect on the plugin.

• The blue Automation light indicates whether the hardware is connected to the plugin or not.

The plug-in control strip has Undo and Redo buttons.

• Press the “Undo” button to reverse the last action done in the plug-in. The “Undo” can go back to the first action made in the current session.

• Press the “Redo” button to reverse the effects of an earlier “Undo” action.

The Preset strip in the plugin allows for preset management and navigation.

• Click on the Preset strip to access the menu where you can save and load presets, or browse through preset files.

• The top of the menu lists previously saved presets for quick loading.

• Use the arrow buttons to navigate and quickly load the available presets.

• A star (*) symbol next to the preset name indicates that the current settings have been changed and are different from the saved preset.

The Settings tab (three-dot icon) in the plugin allows the following:

• Scaling of the plugin GUI to 100%, 125%, 150%, and 200%.

• Access to the Calibration menu, which mirrors the functionalities from the control panel app.

• An Interactive help button, which enables tooltips across the plugin GUI.

• A Help button, providing quick access to useful online articles on the Antelope Audio support page.

The A/B functionality allows you to make a comparison by saving the current state of the plug-in.

• Click on “A” or “B” to automatically save the current settings of the plug-in. For example, adjust settings and select “A”. Then, adjust the settings in a different configuration and select “B”. You can now toggle between “A” and “B” to compare the two settings.

• Use the arrow button to copy the saved settings from “A” to “B” or from “B” to “A”.

The SC FILTER knob determines how the sidechain signal is filtered before it triggers the dynamics processing. This allows for more precise control over what frequencies influence the processor. The available options are:

• OFF: No filtering is applied. The entire frequency spectrum is sent to the detector.

• D-S (De-Essing): Engages a narrow bandpass filter tuned to sibilant frequencies (typically 5–8 kHz). Ideal for de-essing vocals and reducing harsh “S” or “T” sounds.

• LP (Low-Pass): Only low frequencies are passed to the sidechain. Use this to make the compressor respond only to bass-heavy content like kick drums or bass guitar.

• BP (Band-Pass): Only a specific midrange frequency band is used for detection. Helpful when you want the processor to react only to certain instruments (e.g., vocals or snares).

• HP (High-Pass): Removes low frequencies from the sidechain. Commonly used to prevent the compressor from overreacting to bass, making it react more to mids/highs.

• Slope button: Depending on the type of chosen filter, the slope button allows you to switch between 2nd and 4th order filters.

• Frequency (FREQ) knob: Adjusts the sidechain filter frequency between 18Hz and 15kHz with 1Hz step accuracy.

If you can’t find a solution on your own, get in touch with the Technical support department to check if you are having a hardware-related issue. If that is the case, they will guide you through the repair process. If the product needs to be returned, an RMA number will be issued to begin the procedure.

To reduce the risk of electrical shocks, fire, and related hazards:

• Do not remove screws, cover, or cabinet. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

• Do not expose this device to rain, moisture, or spillover of liquid of any kind.

• Should any form of liquid or a foreign object enter the device, do not use it. Switch off the device and then unplug it from the power source. Do not operate the device again until the foreign object is removed, or the liquid has completely dried and its residues fully cleaned up.

• Do not handle the power cables with wet hands!

• Avoid placing things on the cabinet or using the device in a narrow and poorly ventilated place.

• If anything goes wrong, turn off the device first and then unplug the power. Do not attempt to repair the device yourself.

• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, stoves, or other apparatus that produce heat.

• Do not use harsh chemicals to clean your unit. Clean only with specialized cleaners for electronics equipment.

• Connect all your devices before powering your unit.

• Never operate the unit without this earth connection.

• The power supply cable should be routed so that it is not likely to be walked on or squeezed.

• The device is designed to operate in a temperate environment, with a correct Operating Temperature of 0-50° C, 32-122° F.

Analog Performance

• Maximum output level: +24 dBu

• Maximum input level: +24 dBu

• Noise level: < -80 dBu

• Input impedance: 10 kOhms differential

• Output impedance: <60 Ohm

• Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±1 dB

Power

• Power: 95 V/245 V, 50-60 Hz

Dimensions – device (approx.)

• Height: 88 mm (3.47 in)

• Width: 483 mm (18.98 in)

• Depth: 252 mm (9.92 in)

• Weight: 4.4 kg (9.70 lbs)

Dimensions – box (approx.)

• Height: 140 mm (5.51 in)

• Width: 640 mm (25.20 in)

• Depth: 350 mm (13.78 in)

• Weight: 6.5 kg (14.33 lbs)

Operating temperature

• 0-50°C, 32-122°F