Harrison Consoles: Pioneering Precision in Audio Mixing

Harrison Consoles, established in 1975 in Nashville, Tennessee, stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence in the world of audio technology. Renowned for crafting some of the most sophisticated mixing consoles used in film, television, and music production, Harrison’s legacy is built on precision engineering and groundbreaking advancements.

Founding and Early Innovations
Harrison Consoles was founded by Dave Harrison, a visionary engineer who saw the potential to innovate within the mixing console market. His goal was simple but ambitious: to create consoles that provided unparalleled sonic quality, operational flexibility, and technological sophistication. The result was the introduction of the Harrison 32 Series console in the late 1970s, which quickly set a new standard in the industry.

Breakthrough with the 32 Series
The Harrison 32 Series console became iconic for its comprehensive routing capabilities and its integration of computer control—novelties at the time. It was one of the first consoles to use an in-line monitoring system, allowing for more efficient workflow in both recording and mixing phases. This console marked Harrison as a leader in console design, influencing countless productions with its clarity and detail.

Dominance in Film and Television
Harrison’s reputation for excellence found a special niche in the film and television industry. The introduction of the MPC (Motion Picture Console) series tailored specifically for the unique demands of film audio mixing, cemented Harrison’s place in major film studio facilities around the world. The MPC series featured groundbreaking technologies such as automation and surround sound capabilities, which were essential as the industry transitioned into digital formats and more complex audio setups.

Innovation Continues: The Series Twelve and Beyond
In the 1990s, Harrison introduced the Series Twelve console, which continued the tradition of technological innovation. This console was designed with the digital age in mind, featuring full digital control surfaces and integration with emerging digital audio workstations. The Series Twelve allowed engineers to handle more tracks and complex mixing scenarios, reflecting Harrison’s commitment to evolving with the industry’s needs.

The Digital Transformation with Mixbus
Embracing the shift towards digital audio workstations, Harrison developed Mixbus—a fully featured digital audio workstation (DAW) software that integrates Harrison’s renowned console sound and features into a digital format. Mixbus offers audio engineers the distinctive Harrison mixing workflow and sound, but with the flexibility and accessibility of a DAW. This move demonstrated Harrison’s adaptability and foresight in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Today’s Harrison
Today, Harrison Consoles continues to innovate, not only in the realm of physical consoles but also in the digital and software domain. They remain a revered name in the industry, known for their meticulous attention to audio quality and innovative design. Whether in a major Hollywood film studio, a television broadcast facility, or a home studio setup, Harrison’s influence and presence are unmistakably profound.

Harrison Consoles exemplifies a commitment to audio excellence that transcends decades and technological shifts. Their journey from analog giants to digital pioneers continues to inspire and facilitate creatives in achieving pristine audio results in all forms of media production.