What Is the Difference Between Synergy Core Real-Time Effects and Native Plugins?
Antelope Audio software effects are available in two formats: Synergy Core Real-Time and Native. Most effects are available in both formats, although some products are available only as Native plugins.
When you purchase an individual, perpetual plugin (or a bundle of perpetual plugins), you receive licenses for both the Real-Time and Native versions when both are available.
Synergy Core Real-Time Effects
Synergy Core Real-Time effects are processed by the FPGA and DSP processors inside a supported Synergy Core device. Because the processing takes place entirely on the device, these effects provide near-zero added latency and do not use your computer’s CPU. They are also fully hosted on the device’s memory, so they don’t take any memory on your computer either.
Real-Time effects are accessed through the device’s Control Panel. They are especially useful for applying processing while recording, monitoring or performing live.
They can also be incorporated into a DAW session as hardware inserts, similarly to external outboard equipment. The audio is routed from the DAW through the Synergy Core device for processing and then returned to the DAW.
Real-Time effects:
- Require a supported Synergy Core device
- Are processed entirely on the device
- Are accessed through the device’s Control Panel
- Can be used in a DAW through hardware-insert routing
- Do not require iLok
- Do not require a separate plugin download
To use a Real-Time license, it must be assigned to your Synergy Core device through:
Antelope Launcher / “Devices” tab → Manage Device → Features & Ownership
The effects themselves are stored in the device’s memory.
Native Plugins
Native plugins run directly on your computer and can be loaded into compatible DAWs without an Antelope Audio device.
Native plugins are downloaded from the Plugins tab in the Antelope Launcher. They are available in VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
Native plugins:
- Do not require Antelope Audio hardware
- Run directly on your computer
- Can be loaded as standard plugins in a DAW
- Require an active iLok license
- Support activation through iLok Cloud or a physical iLok USB dongle
For instructions on connecting your iLok account and activating Native licenses, please refer to this guide.
Perpetual Licenses and Antelope Cosmos Memberships
Antelope Audio plugins can be accessed in two ways:
Individual perpetual licenses
When you purchase an individual plugin from the Antelope Audio Software Store or an authorized retailer, you receive both its Synergy Core Real-Time and Native licenses when both versions are available.
Some plugins are available only in Native format – [full list here].
A perpetual license does not expire.
Antelope Cosmos membership
A monthly or yearly Antelope Cosmos membership provides access to the Native versions of all plugins included in the membership, as well as all future releases and updates.
Antelope Cosmos does not provide access to Synergy Core Real-Time versions. Access to the Native plugins remains available while the membership is active.
At a Glance
Feature | Synergy Core Real-Time | Native |
Processing location | Synergy Core device | Computer |
Antelope hardware required | Yes | No |
Accessed from | Device Control Panel | DAW |
Standard DAW plugin formats | No | VST3, AU, and AAX |
Can be used in a DAW | Yes, through hardware-insert routing | Yes, as a standard plugin |
iLok required | No | Yes |
Separate computer download required | No | Yes |
Available through Antelope Cosmos | No | Yes |
Want to read more about the Antelope Audio software ecosystem? Click here.