New Music Gear Monday: Harrison 32C Bus Processor Plugin
It’s hard to believe that there was a time when mixing engineers didn’t use any mix buss processing, but it’s true. That’s why music from the 70s and before has lots of dynamic range, but consumers have proven to like our mixes better when it’s more controlled. That’s why today mix buss processing is pretty much standard on every mix. There are plenty of options to choose from, but a new one that’s most interesting is then new 32C Bus processor from Harrision.
Of course, Harrison consoles have been around for what seems like forever, and they definitely have their own sound. What’s more, the company has been very successful in capturing that very same analog sound in their digital DAWs and plugins. That’s why the 32C Bus processor is so exciting. It has the 4 elements that are normally used during mixing – tape saturation, compressor, EQ and limiter.
The Modules
A large part of the the excellent sound of Harrison’s latest DAW’s success was due to great sounding Tape Saturation Drive processor provided on all of the dedicated mix buses in the DAW. Now you can get that same analog sound in your own DAW using that same Saturation Drive processor. As you might expect, you’re able to control the input level with the Input Trim control and add the desired amount of saturation from the Drive control.
The compression module is based on the one originally developed for the company’s SeriesTen digitally controlled analog music console, which featured an internal side chain High Pass Filter modeled after the renowned 32C analog console filter section. As with most compressors, you’ll find Threshold, Ratio, Release, Attack and Gain Makeup controls along with extra-large Input and Gain Reduction metering.
The 32C Bus EQ is a revised variation of the EQ provided on all dedicated bus channels in Mixbus and Mixbus32C DAW’s. It features low and high shelving EQ, plus a new variable high band frequency control. The EQ can be selected for either Pre- and Post-compressor insertion.
The Output Section of the 32C Bus includes a classic ‘Limiter’ along with a K12 output meter and an output level trim control. The idea here is to target the Yellow area of the K12 meter for the perfect mix level.
The 32C Bus processor plugin carries an introductory price of just $49, but it will increase to $89 at the end of the month. It’s available for Mac, Windows and Linux as well as all plugin formats.
Click here to find out more, or watch the video below.
