In this episode of “In the Studio”, UK-based producer and recording engineer Oliver Shillito offers an inside look into his hybrid recording and mixing studio setup, using two Orion32+ Gen 4 audio interfaces from Antelope Audio.
Daisy Chaining Multiple Orion 32+ Gen 4 Interfaces
By connecting both interfaces via MADI using a single optical cable, easily hidden, he achieves 64 channels of native I/O in Pro Tools, via Thunderbolt. This setup not only allows for convenience and flexibility but also minimizes the need for cluttered, multi-core cables, enabling a multirack setup with lots of outboard gear, while maintaining pristine sound quality for both recording and playback.
Hybrid Mixing has Never Been Easier
One of the key highlights of Oliver’s setup is the ability to integrate racks of analog gear—like EQs, compressors, and mic preamps—directly into his Pro Tools sessions as hardware inserts. This is made possible through the routing matrix of the Orion32+ Gen 4, which essentially turns the outboard gear into plug-ins, creating a fully hybrid workflow. Oliver no longer needs to rely on a traditional patch-bay, as Antelope’s control panel provides a digital routing system offering unmatched flexibility.
Flexibility and Scalability for Any Studio
By leveraging Antelope’s powerful routing features, Oliver’s studio is built to grow as his needs evolve. The MADI connection ensures that adding more channels or gear won’t require a major overhaul. With Thunderbolt, the Orion32+ Gen 4 offers 128 channels of I/O, which makes it possible to daisy-chain up to four units, providing massive I/O capacity for large recording sessions or even live setups. And with the optional MRC remote controller, all the necessary monitoring controls can be at your fingertips, even for immersive audio!
To see Oliver’s complete setup and learn more about how these interfaces can transform your studio experience, be sure to watch the full video below.
Hear more from Oliver Shillito at https://olivershillito.com/ and https://www.youtube.com/@OliverShillito. Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/olivershillito/
