Harrison Consoles MPC Channel Strip is a powerful all-in-one signal processing suite designed for mixing and editing audio in post-production film. It brings the processing power and routing flexibility of Harrison’s renowned Motion Picture Console (MPC) to digital audio workstations. The plugin features six essential mixing tools that utilize the same DSP found in high-end film studios worldwide. These tools include an 8-band parametric equalizer with additional filters, a denoiser optimized for speech, a de-esser for taming sibilance, a compressor, and routing/trim controls. The MPC Channel Strip’s interface allows users to monitor all processing sections simultaneously in a resizable window, providing at-a-glance visibility of all parameters. One of its standout features is the ability to rearrange the signal flow, giving users complete control over the processing order. The plugin is optimized for large format post-production sessions, allowing hundreds of instances to be deployed without significantly impacting CPU performance. With its fully automatable parameters and advanced RTA displays, the MPC Channel Strip is designed to streamline post-production workflows and elevate the quality of audio processing in film and television projects.
Pros:
• Comprehensive all-in-one channel strip with six essential mixing tools
• Flexible signal routing allows customization of processing order
• Optimized for large sessions with minimal CPU impact
• High-quality DSP derived from Harrison’s renowned MPC console
• Intuitive interface with resizable window and at-a-glance parameter visibility
• Advanced RTA displays for precise visual feedback
Cons:
• High price point may be prohibitive for some users
• Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with high-end post-production tools
• Limited to post-production workflows, may not be versatile for other audio applications
The Harrison MPC Channel Strip boasts a robust set of features tailored for post-production audio processing. At its heart is the Equalizer module, a parametric 8-band EQ with an additional pair of filters and an optional RTA display. This powerful EQ offers a wide range of shaping options, with each band capable of shelving, filter, bell, notch, or “search” responses. The separate filter section provides two additional bands with shelving, filter, or notch shapes, offering even more precise control over the frequency spectrum.
The Denoiser module is specifically optimized for processing speech, with preset cutoff frequencies that accommodate the human voice range. It functions as an expander for frequencies outside the vocal range, allowing users to reduce unwanted noise while preserving the integrity of dialogue. The HIGH and LOW sliders control the maximum gain reduction applied to signals within each band’s frequency range, providing nuanced control over noise reduction.
Harrison’s renowned De-Esser algorithm is included to attenuate harsh frequencies caused by sibilance in human speech. The module features two adjustable bands, “Ess” and “Hi,” which can be manipulated graphically to set bandwidth and depth. The Ess band covers a range from 200 Hz to 8 kHz, while the Hi band extends from 2 kHz to 12 kHz, allowing for precise targeting of problematic frequencies.
The Compressor module, while optimized for vocal compression, offers flexible controls suitable for various applications. It features a continuously variable ratio from 1:1 to 100:1, adjustable knee, and attack and release times ranging from 0.1 ms to 100 ms and 5 ms to 500 ms, respectively. A unique Depth control allows users to limit the maximum gain reduction applied, providing an additional layer of dynamic control.
One of the most powerful features of the MPC Channel Strip is its customizable signal flow. Users can rearrange the order of the six processing elements by dragging markers along the signal chain, which flows from top to bottom. This flexibility allows for creative processing chains tailored to specific audio challenges.
The plugin also includes a Trim fader for adjusting gain (-20 dB to +20 dB) and a Polarity switch for phase inversion. These tools can be positioned anywhere in the signal chain, further enhancing the plugin’s versatility.
The RTA (Real-Time Analyzer) feature, available in both the Equalizer and De-Esser modules, uses a Discrete Fourier Transform to provide high-resolution spectral analysis even in lower frequency ranges. This visual feedback is invaluable for precise frequency adjustments and identifying problematic areas in the audio spectrum.
When compared to other channel strip plugins, the Harrison MPC Channel Strip stands out for its focus on post-production workflows and its heritage in high-end film mixing consoles. While many channel strips aim for versatility across various music production scenarios, the MPC Channel Strip is specifically tailored for dialogue and film audio processing. In terms of EQ functionality, the MPC Channel Strip’s 8-band parametric EQ plus additional filters is more extensive than many competitors. For instance, the SSL Channel Strip plugin offers a 4-band EQ, while the Waves CLA MixHub provides a 4-band EQ with high and low-pass filters. The MPC’s ability to rearrange the signal flow is also a unique feature not commonly found in other channel strips.
The MPC’s Denoiser and De-Esser modules are particularly sophisticated compared to many all-in-one solutions, reflecting its focus on dialogue processing. While plugins like iZotope RX offer more advanced noise reduction capabilities, having these tools integrated into a channel strip is a significant advantage for efficiency in post-production workflows. In terms of CPU efficiency, the MPC Channel Strip’s optimization for large sessions sets it apart from many competitors. This makes it particularly suitable for complex film mixing projects where hundreds of instances might be required.
However, the MPC Channel Strip’s specialized nature and high price point position it differently from more affordable and versatile options like the Slate Digital Virtual Mix Rack or the Softube Console 1 system. These alternatives may offer more flexibility for music production but lack the specific post-production optimizations of the MPC.
This plugin is best for:
• Post-production professionals working on film and television projects
• Audio engineers specializing in dialogue editing and mixing
• High-end studios requiring efficient, high-quality processing for large-scale projects
• Users familiar with Harrison console workflows seeking a software equivalent
• Projects demanding precise control over dialogue clarity and noise reduction
Harrison MPC Channel Strip represents a significant leap in bringing high-end film console technology to the world of plugins. Its comprehensive feature set, tailored specifically for post-production workflows, makes it an invaluable tool for professionals in the film and television industry. The plugin’s ability to handle large sessions efficiently, combined with its flexible routing and advanced processing modules, addresses many of the unique challenges faced in dialogue editing and mixing. While its steep price and specialized nature may limit its appeal to a broader audience, for those working in high-end post-production, the MPC Channel Strip offers a level of quality and efficiency that justifies the investment. The integration of Harrison’s renowned DSP algorithms ensures that users can achieve console-quality results within their digital audio workstations. Despite its learning curve, the plugin’s intuitive interface and visual feedback systems make it accessible to those willing to invest time in mastering its capabilities. For post-production professionals seeking to elevate their workflow and audio quality, the Harrison MPC Channel Strip stands as a powerful and specialized solution that brings the essence of high-end film mixing consoles into the digital realm.