The Harrison 32Classic Channel Strip is a plug-in emulating the classic Harrison 32 analog console, offering EQ, filters, saturation, compression, and gating for a trusted vintage sound in your DAW.
Purpose and Heritage
The 32Classic Channel Strip captures the sonic character of the Harrison 32Series mixing console, a staple in renowned studios where iconic albums by artists like Michael Jackson, Steely Dan, and ABBA were crafted. It brings that classic sound and workflow directly into modern DAWs, offering a single plug-in with all essential processing tools.
Designed for music production and mixing, the channel strip provides a complete signal chain: input trim, filters, EQ, saturation, compressor, and gate/expander. This all-in-one approach streamlines your mixing process, allowing you to shape individual tracks with a cohesive, musical character that has been trusted by legendary engineers for decades.
Key Capabilities
The plug-in features a four-band parametric EQ with proportional Q, high and low shelf/peak switches, and overlapping mid bands for precise tone shaping. The high-pass and low-pass filters offer ultra-wide frequency ranges, enabling subtle to extreme filtering. A Drive control introduces warm, harmonic saturation based on the console’s Jensen transformer-coupled mic preamp.
The compressor offers three modes: COMP for versatile traditional compression, LEVEL for smooth leveling, and LIMIT for aggressive peak catching. An Emphasis knob adds vintage character, and a sidechain filter with listen function enhances control. The gate/expander tames bleed or adds dynamic articulation, with clear gain-reduction metering.
Workflow and Routing
A standout feature is the ability to rearrange the routing order of the gate, compressor, and EQ via the GUI, offering flexibility to suit different sources. Each module includes a listen function for soloing its effect, and a polarity flip utility aids in phase alignment. The analog-style VU output meter displays output level.
The channel strip supports mono, stereo, and multi-channel configurations up to 16 channels wide, making it versatile for individual tracks, buses, or immersive mixes. The intuitive workflow mirrors the classic console’s layout, allowing engineers to dial in settings quickly and efficiently, whether working on a single vocal or a full drum kit.
Practical Applications
Use the 32Classic on lead vocals with the LEVEL compression mode for smooth, present tone, or apply the LIMIT mode on drums for aggressive peak control. The saturation Drive adds warmth to bass or synths, while the EQ’s proportional Q provides musical cuts and boosts on guitars or keys. The gate is ideal for cleaning up live drum tracks.
For mixing, route the gate before the compressor to tighten dynamics, then EQ to shape the tone. Or, place EQ before the compressor for a more colored response. The sidechain filter on the compressor allows for frequency-conscious gain reduction, useful for de-essing or creating pumping effects. Multi-channel support enables use across surround or immersive mixes.
Key features
- Four-band parametric EQ with proportional Q
- High-pass and low-pass filters with wide ranges
- Drive control for transformer-based saturation
- Three compressor modes: COMP, LEVEL, LIMIT
- Gate/expander with sidechain and listen
- Reorderable processing modules
- Mono, stereo, and multi-channel up to 16
Best for
Ideal for mixing engineers and producers seeking a classic console sound in a single plug-in, the 32Classic excels on vocals, drums, and individual tracks, offering EQ, saturation, compression, and gating with vintage character and flexible routing for streamlined workflows.