Harrison Consoles MPC Compressor is a digital audio plugin that emulates the compression characteristics of Harrison’s renowned MPC digital film mixing consoles. This professional-grade compressor brings the sonic qualities and functionality of high-end post-production hardware to digital audio workstations. Designed to deliver precise dynamic control with a clean, transparent sound, the MPC Compressor offers a comprehensive set of parameters for shaping audio signals. Its interface combines traditional compressor controls with advanced features like a scrolling history display and innovative depth control, allowing for both subtle and aggressive compression techniques. The plugin’s versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of audio sources, from vocals and instruments to full mixes and sound design elements. With its heritage in film and television post-production, the MPC Compressor excels at maintaining clarity and punch in complex mixes while providing the flexibility to achieve creative compression effects when desired.
Pros:
• Intuitive interface with visual feedback through scrolling history display
• Depth control for limiting maximum gain reduction
• Flexible side-chain options including external input and 7-shape EQ
Cons:
• Higher price point compared to many competing compressor plugins
The Harrison MPC Compressor boasts a robust feature set that caters to the needs of professional audio engineers and producers. At its heart is a full-featured compressor with standard controls for threshold, ratio, attack, release, and makeup gain. The threshold control allows users to set the level at which compression begins, while the ratio determines the amount of gain reduction applied once the signal exceeds the threshold. Attack and release controls offer precise timing adjustments, enabling users to shape the compressor’s response to transients and sustained signals.
One of the standout features is the scrolling history display, which provides a visual representation of the compressor’s activity over time. This real-time graph allows users to monitor gain reduction and quickly identify any problematic peaks or inconsistencies in the audio signal. The innovative depth control is another unique aspect of the MPC Compressor. This parameter limits the maximum amount of gain reduction applied, preventing over-compression and allowing for more natural-sounding results even with aggressive settings.
The plugin includes a program-dependent mode, which automatically adjusts the compressor’s behavior based on the input signal. This feature can be particularly useful for achieving a more musical compression character that adapts to the source material. The MPC Compressor also offers a side-chain EQ with seven selectable shapes, allowing users to focus the compressor’s sensitivity to specific frequency ranges. This can be invaluable for de-essing, ducking, or other frequency-dependent compression techniques.
An external side-chain input expands the plugin’s versatility, enabling users to trigger compression based on a separate audio source. This feature is essential for advanced mixing techniques like ducking a bass guitar in response to a kick drum or creating pumping effects in electronic music. The MPC Compressor also includes a mix control for parallel compression, allowing users to blend the compressed signal with the dry input for more subtle dynamic control.
The user interface is designed for efficiency, with large, easy-to-read meters for both input and output levels, as well as gain reduction. The plugin’s controls are laid out logically, making it quick and intuitive to dial in desired settings. Additionally, the MPC Compressor includes a comprehensive preset library that covers a wide range of applications, from subtle vocal leveling to aggressive drum bus compression.
When compared to other high-end compressor plugins, the Harrison MPC Compressor holds its own in terms of sound quality and functionality. Its clean, transparent compression is reminiscent of other digital-modeled compressors like the SSL G-Bus Compressor or the Waves API 2500. However, the MPC Compressor’s depth control and scrolling history display set it apart from many competitors. In terms of versatility, the MPC Compressor is comparable to plugins like the FabFilter Pro-C 2 or the UAD SSL G-Bus Compressor, offering a wide range of compression styles and advanced features. However, it lacks some of the more esoteric compression modes found in plugins like the Eventide Omnipressor or the Softube Weiss MM-1. The MPC Compressor’s interface strikes a balance between the minimalism of plugins like the Waves CLA-2A and the complexity of tools like the DMG Audio Compassion. Its visual feedback is more comprehensive than many competitors, though not as extensive as the real-time displays found in iZotope’s Neutron or Ozone dynamics modules.
This plugin is best for:
• Post-production engineers working on film and television projects
• Mix engineers seeking a clean, transparent compressor for bus processing
• Producers looking for a versatile compressor capable of both subtle and aggressive compression
• Audio professionals familiar with Harrison console workflows
• Users who value visual feedback and intuitive controls in their plugins
Harrison MPC Compressor is a powerful and versatile dynamics processor that brings the sound and functionality of high-end post-production consoles to the digital domain. Its clean, transparent compression and advanced features make it a valuable tool for a wide range of audio applications. The scrolling history display and depth control offer unique advantages over many competing plugins, providing users with enhanced visual feedback and precise control over gain reduction. While the higher price point may be a barrier for some users, the MPC Compressor’s professional-grade sound quality and comprehensive feature set justify the investment for those working on high-end productions or seeking top-tier dynamic control. The plugin’s intuitive interface and efficient workflow make it accessible to both experienced engineers and those new to advanced compression techniques. Overall, the Harrison MPC Compressor stands out as a premium option in the crowded field of compressor plugins, offering a compelling combination of sonic excellence, visual feedback, and advanced functionality that caters to the demands of modern audio production and post-production workflows.