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Converters in a different league — but the headphone output and software need attention
I bought the Zenith 2 during Thomann's promotion for €245, coming from an M-Audio 192/4 + KRK Rokit 5. I currently use a pair of Focal Alpha 50 Evo monitors and Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO headphones (250Ω) alongside AIAIAI TMA-2.
The jump in sound quality was immediate. Compared to my old interface and tested side by side with the SSL 2+ Mk2 (which I also brought home), the Zenith delivers a sense of "openness" and detail that made me want to listen to music again. The converters are excellent — Antelope isn't overselling when they talk about a "step up" from entry-level interfaces. In a blind test with matched SPL, I still preferred the Zenith's presentation, though I admit the difference is subtle and could involve some psychoacoustics.
I'm not a vocalist, but I record voice for videos using a lav mic and occasionally instruments. The discrete preamps deliver plenty of gain and no noticeable noise for my use case. The onboard DSP (compressor, EQ, de-esser) is an extra I don't use day to day, but I recognize its value for anyone recording more seriously who wants to monitor with effects at zero latency.
The weak point is the headphone output with low-impedance headphones. The Zenith has a 20Ω output impedance. With my AIAIAI TMA-2 (32Ω), the volume comes out low and lacking headroom — it's noticeable. Interestingly, I tested the same headphones on an SSL 2+ Mk2 and the volume was still somewhat weak, which makes me think the TMA-2 is just demanding by nature. But the fact remains: the Zenith doesn't publish headphone output power specs, which leaves some uncertainty. With my Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO (250Ω), it works well — the electrical pairing is appropriate. But if you rely on low-impedance headphones as your main tool, be aware.
The control panel still runs via Rosetta on Apple Silicon. The audio itself passes natively through Core Audio, but that extra layer of software concerns me long-term. On the other hand, I tested the Zenith connected to my Android phone playing Spotify and it worked plug-and-play with zero setup — something even SSL doesn't guarantee.
Build and design feel like serious equipment. Compact, well-built, useful LEDs. It doesn't feel like an entry-level interface — and it doesn't behave like one either.
At this price point, you'll struggle to find a better converter today. The Zenith 2 is technically more ambitious than most compact interfaces. But it requires you to accept a software layer and a headphone output that isn't universal. If you use monitors as your main reference and headphones with medium/high impedance, it's an excellent buy for the €245 I paid. If you depend on 30–32Ω headphones and want something that "just works" without a second thought, an SSL 2+ Mk2 or similar might be the safer choice.
Score: 8/10 — Excellent sound, but the headphone output and software dependency each cost it a point.
The jump in sound quality was immediate. Compared to my old interface and tested side by side with the SSL 2+ Mk2 (which I also brought home), the Zenith delivers a sense of "openness" and detail that made me want to listen to music again. The converters are excellent — Antelope isn't overselling when they talk about a "step up" from entry-level interfaces. In a blind test with matched SPL, I still preferred the Zenith's presentation, though I admit the difference is subtle and could involve some psychoacoustics.
I'm not a vocalist, but I record voice for videos using a lav mic and occasionally instruments. The discrete preamps deliver plenty of gain and no noticeable noise for my use case. The onboard DSP (compressor, EQ, de-esser) is an extra I don't use day to day, but I recognize its value for anyone recording more seriously who wants to monitor with effects at zero latency.
The weak point is the headphone output with low-impedance headphones. The Zenith has a 20Ω output impedance. With my AIAIAI TMA-2 (32Ω), the volume comes out low and lacking headroom — it's noticeable. Interestingly, I tested the same headphones on an SSL 2+ Mk2 and the volume was still somewhat weak, which makes me think the TMA-2 is just demanding by nature. But the fact remains: the Zenith doesn't publish headphone output power specs, which leaves some uncertainty. With my Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO (250Ω), it works well — the electrical pairing is appropriate. But if you rely on low-impedance headphones as your main tool, be aware.
The control panel still runs via Rosetta on Apple Silicon. The audio itself passes natively through Core Audio, but that extra layer of software concerns me long-term. On the other hand, I tested the Zenith connected to my Android phone playing Spotify and it worked plug-and-play with zero setup — something even SSL doesn't guarantee.
Build and design feel like serious equipment. Compact, well-built, useful LEDs. It doesn't feel like an entry-level interface — and it doesn't behave like one either.
At this price point, you'll struggle to find a better converter today. The Zenith 2 is technically more ambitious than most compact interfaces. But it requires you to accept a software layer and a headphone output that isn't universal. If you use monitors as your main reference and headphones with medium/high impedance, it's an excellent buy for the €245 I paid. If you depend on 30–32Ω headphones and want something that "just works" without a second thought, an SSL 2+ Mk2 or similar might be the safer choice.
Score: 8/10 — Excellent sound, but the headphone output and software dependency each cost it a point.
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