HARRISON 32Cpre+

Product overview

The HARRISON 32Cpre+ is a 500 Series mic preamp module with the classic transformer-coupled preamp of the 32Classic console and the legendary HARRISON high-pass and low-pass filters, with a front-panel combo input for microphone or instrument.

Inspired by the iconic HARRISON 3232, the 32Classic mixing console and preamp is an American icon reimagined, delivering the tone that helped create some of the most iconic albums of the 70s and 80s. The 32Cpre+ brings that HARRISON sound to 500 Series format: +20 to +70 dB of smooth gain capable of driving a wide range of mic types, including ribbon, plus polarity, 48 V, -20 dB pad and HiZ switches, and a front combo XLR with 1/4" jack so you can plug in a microphone or instrument without reaching the rear of the rack.

Key features

• The sound of HARRISON: classic transformer-coupled mic preamp
• +20 to +70 dB of gain, for a wide range of mic types including ribbon
• HP and LP filters with a characterful 3 dB resonant peak, 12 dB/octave
• Front-mounted combo XLR with 1/4" jack connector
• 48 V phantom power switch
• Polarity reverse switch and -20 dB pad
• HiZ impedance switch
• Input overload LED
• Compatible with 500 Series format chassis

The HARRISON tone

The 32Cpre+ delivers the warm, rich tone that HARRISON is renowned for. The gentle roll-off at each end of the frequency spectrum and the delicate phase shift created by the 1:1 ratio transformer produce a mic pre that sounds so sweet you will use it on any source material: vocals, drums, acoustic or electric guitars, keyboards and more.

Legendary HARRISON filters

A HARRISON mic pre would not be complete without the legendary filters. As found in the original 3232 and the latest 32Classic console, they have a musical 12 dB/octave slope, with the high-pass filter featuring a characterful 3 dB resonant peak. The high-pass range is 25 Hz - 3.1 kHz and the low-pass range 160 Hz - 20 kHz; both are switched into the signal path with the IN button. The ranges overlap considerably, as on the original 32C console.

Tools for tracking

The front-panel combo connector lets your main source stay connected at the rear XLR of the 500 Series rack while an alternate microphone (xlr switch) or an instrument (HiZ switch, unbalanced 1/4" input) is connected at the front. The INPUT LED shows signal present and clipping, and the module runs at the +4 dBu nominal operating level common to 500 Series modules.

In the box

• 32Cpre+ 500 Series module

HARRISON 32Cpre+: frequently asked questions

What do I need to use the 32Cpre+?

A 500 Series format rack (chassis). Fit the module with the rack's power off, using the panel fixing screws supplied with the rack.

Can I record an instrument directly?

Yes. Plug a guitar, bass or keyboard into the 1/4" jack of the front combo connector and press HiZ.

Does it work with ribbon microphones?

Yes. HARRISON states that the +20 to +70 dB of smooth gain can drive a wide range of mic types, including ribbon.

What do the filters do?

The 12 dB/octave high-pass (25 Hz - 3.1 kHz) and low-pass (160 Hz - 20 kHz) filters shape the low and high end; the high-pass adds a characterful 3 dB resonant peak.

Where can I buy the HARRISON 32Cpre+ in India?

The HARRISON 32Cpre+ is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Vocal tracking

Recording a vocal with the HARRISON preamp and filters.

Connections

Setup

1. Switch 48v on for a condenser microphone.
2. Set MICPRE GAIN while watching the INPUT LED.
3. Press IN and raise HP to remove rumble.
4. Record.

Tip: The filter ranges overlap: keep LP above HP so the signal passes.

Workflow 2: Instrument DI

Guitar, bass or keyboard straight into the module.

Connections

Setup

1. Press HiZ.
2. Set the gain.
3. Tighten the low end with the high-pass filter.
4. Record.

Tip: The main source can stay connected at the rear XLR.

Workflow 3: Ribbon microphone

Recording with a passive ribbon microphone.

Connections

Setup

1. Leave 48v off.
2. Use the upper range of the +20 to +70 dB gain.
3. Use LP to tame the top end if needed.
4. Record.

Tip: Switch 48v only when the microphone needs it.

Workflow 4: Quick microphone change

Sessions trying alternate microphones.

Connections

Setup

1. Keep the main source on the rear XLR.
2. Plug the alternate microphone in at the front.
3. Press xlr to select it.
4. Compare and record.

Tip: No need to reach the rear of the rack.

Workflow 5: Drum room and overheads

Tracking drums with several 32Cpre+ modules.

Connections

Setup

1. Match gains on each module.
2. Use the high-pass filter to control low end.
3. Use Ø to check polarity between microphones.
4. Record.

Tip: Use the -20 pad for loud close sources.

Workflow 6: Re-amping and line sources

Shaping keyboards and line sources with the filters.

Connections

Setup

1. Press HiZ.
2. Set a low gain.
3. Shape the band with HP and LP.
4. Record.

Tip: Engage -20 for hot sources.