Harrison Audio Launches New 500 Series Modules Based On 32C Console

Harrison Audio 500 Series Modules: MR3EQ, COMP, and 32Cpre+

After announcing its merger with Solid State Logic and releasing the 32Classic mixing console at last year's NAMM, Harrison Audio dropped three exciting new products at the 2024 NAMM Show. Based on designs from the brand's legendary consoles, the new 500 Series 32CPre+ preamp, COMP compressor, and MR3eq equalizer offer classic sound in a compact, modular package. Continue reading to get the scoop on Harrison's new 500 Series gear, but first, let's talk about the brand's impressive history.

Harrison Audio's Legacy

Founded by Dave Harrison in 1975, Harrison consoles set the standard for the "in-line" console design we still use today. Trusted by top engineers like Bruce Swedien, Roger Nichols, and Reinhold Mack, Harrison consoles are known for their thoughtful design and colorful sound.

Throughout the 70s and 80s, some of history's most highly regarded and influential music was recorded on Harrison consoles. From ABBA to Zeppelin, many of the biggest artists of the era cut records on Harrison consoles, including icons like Michael Jackson, Queen, and Donald Fagen of Steely Dan.

Inspired by the legendary 3232 and MR3 consoles, Harrison Audio's new line of 500 Series modules combines classic sound with versatile new features. Now that you know the history of Harrison Audio, let's take a closer look at the brand's new 500 Series modules.

Harrison Audio 32CPre+ 500 Series Preamp

Harrison Audio's 32CPre+ combines the transformer-coupled microphone preamp from the 32Classic console with the brand's renowned low-pass and high-pass filters. Both filters have a musical 12 dB/octave slope, and the high-pass filter features a characterful 3 dB resonant peak to accentuate the beginning of the slope.

Inspired by the Harrison 3232, the 32Classic console and preamp deliver the full low-end, open mid-range, and super smooth high-end the brand is known for. Equipped with ultra-low-noise Jensen transformers, the 32CPre+ features a gentle roll-off at each end of the frequency spectrum and a delicate phase shift that makes sources sound larger than life.

In terms of specs, the 32CPre+ delivers 20 to 70 db of smooth gain, making it a solid choice for a wide range of microphones, including ribbon mics. The high-pass filter range is 25 Hz - 31 kHz and the low-pass filter is 160 Hz - 20 Hz. In addition to standard 180 phase, 48v, -20 dB pad, and Hi-Z impedance switches the front panel also features a combo XLR and 1/4" jack connector for quickly connecting mics and instruments.

Harrison Audio COMP 500 Series Compressor

Dave Harrison's unique compressor design has been a secret weapon of top engineers for decades. Capable of achieving transparent leveling with just a few dBs of gain reduction, or powerful, punchy transients at higher levels of gain reduction, Harrison's Comp is a versatile studio tool that sounds great on vocals and guitars.

Based on Harrison's classic feed-forward design, the Comp utilizes a THAT 2180 VCA chip for ultra-fast attack and release times. Speaking of which, the Comp uses a program-dependant attack time that automatically adapts to the input signal. On the other hand, the release time is fully variable, allowing you to dial in a wide range of sounds from subtle to highly saturated and everything in between.

Harrison Audio MR3eq 500 Series EQ

Originally developed for the MR3 console, the MR3eq is one of Harrison's most popular EQ designs. Introduced in 1981, the Music Recording 3 (MR3) is known for its distinctive sound and powerful sound sculpting capabilities. Perfect for precise sonic surgery or broad, musical strokes, the MR3eq offers a rich and colorful character.

This versatile three-band parametric EQ features low- and high-frequency 6 dB/octave shelf bands, which can be switched to 2nd-order bell curves using the brand's innovative proportional Q technology. The mid-band offers a continuously variable Q, while a separate high-pass filter section includes a distinctive 3 dB resonant peak, just like the 32CPre+ and 32Classic preamps.

If you’re interested in purchasing the 32CPre+, COMP, or MR3EQ 500 Series modules, or have any questions about other Harrison Audio products, contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.644.0160.