In the field of audio engineering, Dave Harrison, founder of Harrison Audio, stands out as a pioneer in the development of music production technology. Ironically, Dave Harrison himself was initially skeptical of compressors, a sentiment shared by his friend and legendary record producer and engineer, Bruce Swedien. Both believed that music should be captured authentically, without interference. However, the need for a compressor arose from the demands of the broadcast market, which was looking for a tool to control dynamics and avoid clipping. To meet this demand, Harrison Audio ventured into the world of compressors, and the result proved to be extremely effective. Its transparent 'leveling' capabilities, achieved with just a few dBs of gain reduction, quickly made it indispensable in music production for delicately smoothing signals, especially on vocals, guitars and other instruments with a wide dynamic range.
Over time, this compressor's ability to dig deeper became apparent, turning it into a sought-after rumble compressor when higher levels of gain reduction were applied. Dave Harrison's initial skepticism gave rise to a tool that not only met the demands of the broadcast market, but also began to be used in the world of music production. Thanks to the Comp module, Harrison's distinctive sound is now accessible in the 500 Series format.
Harrison's secret sauce – put it on everything
The Comp module is a very flexible dynamics processor. From a transparent 'leveler' on guitars and vocals, using 1:2 ratio and quick release, applying 2-3 dB of gain reduction. For a sizzling vibe compressor on drums and bass, increasing the ratio in combination with a slow release. The Comp 500 Series module is a handy, well-crafted compressor that's your secret production “sauce” – you can put it on everything.
Characteristics:
- The Harrison sound.
- Extremely flexible compressor; from transparent 'leveler' to 'character' comp.
- Classic feed-forward design.
- THIS 2180 VAC chip for excellent analog performance.
- 'Attack' time dependent on program.
- Continuously variable release time from 'Fast' to 'Slow'.
- Input overload LED.
- Compatible with 500 Series format chassis.
Composite Design
The Comp 500 series module is based on a classic 'feed-forward' design, using a 2180 VAC chip for excellent analogue performance. The compressor's Attack is program dependent, adapting to the input signal and offering an ideal Attack time depending on the source material. The release time is continuously variable. These parameters can transform the Comp module from a transparent leveler to a highly saturated vibration compressor, adding personality and emotion to a wide range of sources.
