Finding The Right Interface For A Hybrid Workflow - Antelope Orion 32+ Gen4 vs Focusrite Red Line 16
Hey, folks. I'm going to share my audio interface journey, detailing why I chose a Focusrite Red Line16, and ditched the Antelope Orion 32+ Gen4 hard and fast. Keep reading for a quick summary of what I discovered, or watch the video above for a more detailed look into the features of both the Antelope and the Focusrite, and my honest opinion of the two. Keep in mind, I mention a few brands in this video and NONE of them paid me for my opinions, sent me any gear or in any way influenced me or my opinions expressed in this video - all of the statements made in the video and this post are my own.
I began this journey post-college with a used Universal Audio Apollo 8. I bought the first generation (released in 2012) in 2017, which suited my FireWire setup. I later upgraded it to Thunderbolt, and while it was fun and introduced me to UAD plugins, I found the sound conversion lacking—anemic highs and weak lows, especially when using outboard gear.
The conversion issues became super evident when comparing my outboard sound to a friend's with a newer interface. Thus, I sought an upgrade to improve conversion, compatibility, and handle a growing number of inputs/outputs.
I had specific goals: superior conversion quality (subjective and hard to test), more than eight analog I/O, preferably 16, and Thunderbolt connectivity for higher throughput. While I wasn't seeking many preamps—focused on mixing—I also wanted a reliable product without a sky-high price. I considered future-proofing for Atmos capabilities and, above all, reliability.
My first attempt was the Antelope Orion 32+ Gen4. It promised great conversion and had plenty of I/O on D-sub connectors. I liked its potential for clean cable management and compatibility with Atmos, all at a reasonable price.
However, my experience was marred by a convoluted setup that involved poor customer support, driver issues, and noise problems. Although the sound quality was initially impressive, software malfunctions rendered the hardware useless. I ended up relying on a backup interface, feeling disappointed.
Also frustrating was the absence of a headphone amp and an ineffective monitor setup without purchasing dedicated controllers. This pushed me back into the market, prioritizing a brand known for reliable software: Focusrite.
I knew Focusrite's reputation from live sound and was confident in their products, including high-end professional gear. After some research, I settled on the Focusrite Red Line16, which has 16 line I/O on D-subs, two TRS outputs for monitors, and great conversion quality. It works seamlessly with my setup and delivers clear sound from my outboard gear.
While the control software is straightforward and reliable, I did notice a few limitations, mostly related to limited monitoring flexibility. With no alternate monitor outputs and no way to leverage Dante or other digital outputs without buying their costly proprietary monitor controller. Another disappointing limitation of the hardware is a max Atmos configuration of 7.1.4.
Nonetheless, for my hybrid workflow, the Red Line16 meets my needs perfectly. I'm thrilled to finally have a dependable, great sounding interface, though it's disappointing how long it took to find suitable gear with good software.
I'm glad to be on board with Focusrite. If you have questions about my gear or want a demo of specific functions, feel free to reach out in the comments. Happy hunting!
