Harrison’s 32Classic offers a modern take on the company’s renowned Harrison 32 large-format console, combining its old-school preamp, EQ and filter circuitry with Dante connectivity and some handy DAW routing features — we were hugely impressed when we reviewed it in SOS December 2023, you can check out the article here. The company have now announced a new software release in the form of the 32Classic Channel Strip plug-in, which aims to bring the sought-after sound to studio users without the space or budget for the console itself!
Input and Drive controls occupy the top section of the GUI, with the latter emulating the effect of driving a signal into the Jensen JT-MB-CPCA transformers employed in the console. An Output control follows, and a pair of virtual VU meters offer a quick visual overview of levels throughout the plug-in.
Three sections follow, each loaded with parameters that replicate the functionality of the 32Classic’s channel strip. There’s a Gate/Expander module that can be put to work on tasks such as excluding bleed on recorded tracks or adding dynamics to flat-sounding loops, with a dedicated meter displaying the amount of gain reduction being applied. A Compressor section then offers three modes: Comp, Level and Limit, along with a side-chain filter and an Emphasis control that forces faster attack times in order to deliver smoother-sounding results.
Next up is a four-band EQ with a proportional Q design and a pair of buttons that allow the high and low bands to be switched between shelf or peak modes. Of course, the section is also equipped with the company’s famed high- and low-pass filters, which are continuously variable between 25Hz – 3.15kHz and 160Hz – 20kHz respectively.
Helpfully, a routing section along the bottom of the GUI allows users to place the Gate, Comp and EQ sections in any chosen order.
Compatibility
32Classic Channel Strip is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or above, and Macs running macOS 10.15 and higher. VST2, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
32Classic Channel Strip is available now, and is currently (30 May 2024) being offered at an introductory price of $49.99£47.98, reduced from its full cost of $299.99£316.78. Prices include VAT. It is also included in the SSL/Slate Digital Complete and Complete Access Pass subscription bundles.
store.harrisonaudio.com/all-products/harrison-32classic-channel-strip
