NAMM24: Harrison Audio Launches 500 Series Modules

US 32Cpre+ mic pre, MR3eq 3-band parametric equalizer and the Comp compressor 26/01/24

Harrison Audio has announced its foray into the 500 series format, which they say will take their production tools and console technology to a wider audience of artists, producers, and engineers. Here's the details in their own words...

For over half a century, Harrison Audio has been known for its distinctive circuit designs and exceptional audio quality. The new modules include the 32Cpre+ microphone preamplifier, the MR3eq 3-band parametric equalizer, and the Comp compressor. The new 500 series modules are shipping now and will be available for purchase at authorized retailers by the end of January.

Each of the new modules takes key elements from Harrison's high-performance studio consoles from the 70s', 80s' and 90s' and delivers them in 500 Series format. Harrison consoles have helped create some of the most iconic and influential music in history, by artists including Michael Jackson, ABBA, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Donald Fagan, and many more. The new range of 500 Series modules from Harrison harnesses the sound and features that engineers like Bruce Swedien, Roger Nichols, Reinhold Mack, and others have trusted to make music that stands the test of time.

32Cpre+
The new 32Cpre+ takes the high-performance, transformer-coupled microphone preamp from Harrison's new 32Classic studio console and combines it with the renowned Harrison LP/HP filters - all in a single 500 series unit. Inspired by the iconic Harrison 3232, the 32Classic mixing console and preamp is an American icon reimagined, delivering the same tone that helped create iconic albums like, 'Thriller', 'In Through the Out Door' and 'The Nightfly'.

Sonically, the 32Cpre+ captures the warm and rich tone that Harrison is renowned for. A full low-end, an open mid-range, and super-smooth, natural highs are what to expect from this Jensen JT-MB-CPCA transformer-coupled mic-pre. The 32Cpre+ delivers +20 to +70 dB of smooth gain and is capable of driving a wide range of mic types - including ribbon. Additionally, the front panel features 180 ° Phase, 48V, -20 pad, HiZ impedance switches, and a combo XLR input with a quarter-inch jack connector.

MR3eq
The MR3eq is an analog EQ crafted from decades of experience in equalizer and filter design. Originally developed for the Harrison MR3 studio console, the MR3eq stands out as one of Harrison's most popular EQ designs.

The MR3eq is a powerful three-band parametric equalizer featuring low and high-frequency 6 dB/octave Shelf bands, which can be switched to a second order Bell response with Harrison's renowned proportional Q. The mid-band offers a continuously variable Q, while a separate high pass filter section includes a distinctive 3 dB resonant peak. The MR3eq's flexible design and powerful sculpting capabilities make it a versatile tool that enhances a wide array of source materials, proving equally effective in both tracking and mixdown scenarios.

Comp
The Comp 500 Series module is based on a classic 'feed-forward' design, using a THAT 2180 VCA chip for outstanding analog performance. The compressor's attack is program-dependent, and continuously adapts to the input signal. Meantime, the Comp's release time is continuously variable. These parameters mean that the Comp module can function both as a transparent leveler, a highly saturated vibe compressor, or anything in between - adding character and excitement to a wide range of sources.

Pricing and Availability:

The 32Cpre+: $699.00/£599.00

MR3eq: $399.900/£319.00

Comp: $399.900/£319.00.

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