Antelope Audio breeds an Edge-y family of modeling condenser mics
Manufacturer Antelope Audio has expanded its Edge large-diaphragm condenser modeling microphone into a full-on mic line-up. The Edge family, as it’s called, encompasses the Edge Solo, Edge Duo, and Edge Quadro. The Solo has a fixed cardioid pattern, the Edge Duo supports multiple patterns, and the Quadro has all that plus a dual-capsule architecture for more faithful emulation of dual-capsule vintage mics.
Edge Solo
Edge Solo is the simplest of the three new mics. Connecting via a regular mono XLR cable, it houses a single large-diaphragm capsule with a fixed cardioid pickup pattern.
Edge Duo
Edge Duo upgrades the concept to a dual-membrane capsule with independent outputs, allowing the signal from each membrane to be individually processed and recombined. This means users can vary the polar pattern from within the plug-in, even after laying down a recording. It also allows the Edge Duo to accurately emulate the characteristic pickup pattern and on- and off-axis response of each mic for what Antelope calls “multi-dimensional mic modeling.”
Edge Quadro
Finally, Edge Quadro is a stereo/surround mic with two dual-membrane capsules and a rotating head. It delivers four channels for independent processing, allowing for stereo techniques like M/S, X/Y, Blumlein, and even 3D sound. Users can select a different emulation and polar pattern for each head. The upper head can be rotated noiselessly, Antelope claims, even while the microphone is actively recording. This sounds genuinely interesting and innovative. Let’s hope it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg!
Software emulations
The software emulations run both on FPGA-equipped Antelope interfaces and natively in your DAW, though the latter are protected with an iLok dongle, requiring further investment for some. Still, the Edge family looks like a versatile range of modeling condensers that are also well-designed and built. And, coming from personal experience, Antelope’s mic emulations are easy on the eyes and quite flexible in terms of tonal shaping options. The manufacturer hasn’t announced prices yet, though we suspect the dual-capsule Edge Duo mic will keep its current price of EUR 999. Shipping will commence in October.
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