Harrison Comp 500 Series Audio Module User Guide
- July 20, 2024
- HARRISON
Table of Contents
Harrison Comp 500 Series Audio Module User Guide
Introduction
**** Welcome to the Harrison family of 500 series modules and thank you for
your purchase of the Comp (compressor) module. All Harrison 500 series modules
are compatible with the API 500 format rack systems.
The Comp will be a tremendous asset to your studio workflow and recording
process.
The Comp includes a classic circuit design that provides warm yet extremely
accurate results. This compressor design uses state of the art component
technologies while preserving the sound quality found on 100’s of hit records
produced over the decades.
With your new Comp module your recordings will instantly add that punch and
smoothness that only comes with high performance analog circuit design along
with decades of experience in professional audio product design and
development.
The Comp will allow you to artistically manipulate the dynamic content of a
signal. This type of control can make a vocal sound more consistent, or
increase the ‘room’ sound of a drum mix, or accentuate the attack of a snare
drum.
This module has been specifically designed to operate in a 500 format rack
such as the API lunch box or equivalent. In common with many such modules, the
nominal input / output operating level is +4 dBu.
Thank you!
The Harrison Team
Comp Controls
Makeup Knob: this knob increases the output level, post-compressor. Since
a compressor normally reduces the volume of a signal, it is desirable to raise
the overall level, post-compression. This extra gain is disabled when you
disable the compressor, which allows you to compare the compressed and
uncompressed (dry) signal at a comparable volume.
Gain Reduction Meter: this meter indicates the amount of gain-reduction
being applied indicated by 2dB of gain reduction per LED.
Release Knob: this knob adjusts the speed at which the compressor will
return to unity gain, if compression was occurring and now the input signal
sinks below the threshold.
Ratio Knob: increase this knob to increase the effect of the Compressor
processing.
Threshhold Knob: turn the threshold knob down to meet the average signal
level.
IN Switch: use the IN switch to toggle the compressor in and out of
circuit for a/b comparison.
Use
Try your new Comp compressor module on any kind of input source. Use it on vocals, drums, acoustic or electric guitars, keyboards etc. etc. Discover what a well-crafted no nonsense compressor design can add to your arsenal the same way 100’s of legendary engineers did using Harrison consoles through the decades.
Set the Comp ratio very low and the release very fast and use the Comp as a
‘leveler’ to transparently reduce the level of the loudest parts so the track
has a more consistent level, or to allow the initial sound to be passed
through at full volume while reducing the ‘body’ of the sound slightly.
By providing full control of Treshhold, Release, Ratio and the Makeup output
level the Comp is the perfect ‘no nonsense’ compression tool to bring loud
signals down while allowing the quieter signals to sound just as loud giving
that ‘nearby’ or ‘in-your-face’ effect. Enjoy!